This year it’s different.
The start of the season couldn’t have gone much better for the Lions, who have won five of their first six matches for a total of fifteen points. They’ve proven that they can win games on the road and at home. They can score goals early and maintain leads. They can come back when facing adversity.
Compare that to the last two seasons. In 2015 and 2016, it took Orlando City twelve matches to get to fifteen points. This year they’ve done that in half that time.
What does that mean? It’s hard to say. As Will Johnson said, there aren’t trophies given out for winning in April or May. But it gives the team a solid foundation to build on-- a path forward that is unprecedented in their MLS history.
The Lions aren’t slowing down. They have found this success without their leader at the helm, and a new dynamic will be added to the team when Kaká returns to the roster. Every week brings the team closer together. Players who weren’t here last season are settling into their new home. Young players are connecting with experienced veterans. Training sparks new energy and new passions. The team is creating an identity that is entirely their own.
Where will that identity lead the Lions? Again, it’s hard to say. What we can say is that this time it’s different-- this time Orlando City is coming at the league stronger, faster, and more confident. And that is dangerous.
