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The Purple Pitch

ORL-NYRB Review: A Missed Opportunity

Jack Bell

Orlando City SC’s hopes of reaching their first-ever MLS Cup Final were dashed on Sunday, as they lost 1-0 to the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference Final. Despite their impressive run this season, the Lions were unable to capitalise on the opportunity to make history, falling short in a game that lacked the flair and intensity they had shown in previous matches.


Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this one due to having plans with the in-laws. The days leading up to the game I was experiencing an insane amount of what they call ‘FOMO’. This feeling was enhanced during the hours before kick-off, seeing social media posts of the purple smoke-fuelled marches outside of the stadium. I could feel the atmosphere through my phone. Regardless of the result, I am still gutted that I was unable to attend.


However, I was able to watch the game via Apple TV MLS Season Pass, whilst couped up in the back of a car on a journey from New Smyrna to Fort Pierce. Despite the internet connection weakening a couple of times and a brief interlude where I desperately scrummaged around to find my power bank after realizing I was on 3%, I did in fact get to consume the vast majority of the 90 minutes and devise a few pointers to understand where the game was won and lost.


Lack of Creativity and Energy


From the opening whistle, Orlando appeared a shadow of the team that had lit up the playoffs so far. They struggled to break down a disciplined Red Bulls defence and, for much of the game, failed to generate the creative chances that had been their hallmark earlier in the season. Maybe it was the enormity of the occasion, but, to me, the players looked rigid – almost a bit precautious. Without this sort of weight on their shoulders, they would have likely played with more freedom and created more opportunities in the final third.


Facundo Torres Silent When Needed Most


Arguably Orlando’s standout player this season, Facundo Torres was largely ineffective on Sunday. The Uruguayan winger, who has been a consistent source of danger for Orlando all year, had a chance to open the scoring in the first half when he found himself one-on-one with Red Bulls’ keeper Carlos Coronel. With time and space, Torres couldn’t make the most of the opportunity, missing a golden chance to put Orlando in front. A big ‘what if?’ moment that went begging.


Red Bulls’ Decisive Set-Piece Breaks Orlando's Defence


I called it in my preview post for this fixture – Red Bulls are ruthless in the air and Orlando needed to find a way to deal with it. The match’s decisive moment came early in the second half when John Tolkin’s exquisite delivery from the edge of the box found a towering Andres Reyes at the back post, who rose above the Orlando defence to head the ball past a helpless Pedro Gallese.


From a Red Bulls perspective, this was a simple yet very well-worked goal. From the Orlando viewpoint, however, it exposed their defence. With no one tracking Reyes’ run and the back line static, Orlando allowed their opposition to take the lead almost just minutes after the break. Bulls’ ability to get to the ball first, especially in aerial duels, was always going to be a key factor, as I previously predicted  — I’m a football wizard, believe me! — and it proved decisive in the game and in the season as a whole.


Substitutions Fail to Spark a Revival


In an attempt to turn the tide, Pareja made his usual substitutions in the second half, adding McGuire, Muriel and co, yet they had little impact. The problem with this, however, is that these changes do not tend to bring an exceptional amount of energy when introduced to the pitch.


All of Orlando’s pace and enthusiasm is on the field at the start of the game. Opting to introduce injury-prone or veteran players towards the end of the game will not cause many issues for a fatigued defence. I witnessed it in the Atlanta game. When Orlando needed pace and stamina to chase the ball and run the clock to hold on to a slender lead, they brought on Muriel who looked like he had just enjoyed a three-course meal. He barely broke a sweat and lost the ball in crucial situations that, if Atlanta were more clinical, could have cost Orlando’s place in the Conference Final. Muriel is a proven goalscorer with a decorated career, we know that. In the future I would rather see him start the game, at least play the first-half, then opt for some energy later on with Enrique. This would also likely benefit McGuire to partner with a younger, faster forward.


Too Little, Too Late


Orlando City attempted to respond, pushing for an equalizer late in the game. However, despite finding themselves in dangerous positions, the Lions were unable to create clear-cut chances. Their attacking play seemed disjointed, with too many passes and not enough urgency, allowing Red Bulls to regain their defensive shape. As time ticked away, it became clear that Orlando had left their comeback too late.


An Unfortunate End to a Strong Season


For Orlando City SC, this result marks a painful end to what has otherwise been a successful season. The Lions showed their potential in the playoffs. However, they couldn’t quite match the level of performance needed to take them to the next step. Perhaps, in retrospect, the excitement and electric atmosphere from their previous home game had made them a little overconfident.


Looking ahead, Orlando will need to regroup and focus on their player recruitment for the off-season. There’s also the looming concern of keeping their star players, as other clubs in Europe will surely be circling. With the competitive landscape in the Eastern Conference likely to get even tougher, Orlando must continue to build on the foundations they’ve laid this season. But regardless, this loss stings.


A Bright Future Despite the Heartbreak


While it’s natural to feel frustrated by how the season ended, Orlando City SC should still hold their heads high. They’ve pushed themselves into the upper echelons of MLS, and for the first time in years, fans have a team that genuinely competes at the highest level. Inter Miami, with their high-profile signings and improving squad, will be a force to reckon with next year, but Orlando has the tools to continue challenging.

The City Beautiful may not have a championship to celebrate this season, but the belief they’ve instilled in their fans will carry over into the future. Orlando City is just getting started, and as they regroup and look toward next season, they will be all the more determined to make that MLS Cup Final dream a reality.

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