KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- In the early moments of the second half of Orlando City's home opener back in February, Facundo Torres scored the eventual game-winning penalty against the New York Red Bulls.
Since that night, the Lions have been unable to secure three points at home. It's been a frustrating last few games at Exploria Stadium for the Lions, but the team's leading goalscorer from last year knows how important a good performance on the weekend can be for the club.
"It's been difficult losses. Not just this week, but so far the ones that we've had on the season," he said at Orlando Health Training Ground at Osceola Heritage Park. "We know that we have to be a little bit more. It's not what we'd hoped for at this point in the season, but we continue working with the whole team to continue finding those details that we've been missing recently.
In the final third, we've gotten good plays where we've been in and around the ball, but we haven't been able to finish those chances yet. And on the defensive side, we've given up some easy ones that have cost us as a team. So we work together to try and solidify those areas."
For Torres, the chemistry between him and his new teammates has been the biggest struggle to the season thus far. Especially on the offensive end, where knowing the tendencies and personalities of your attacking cohorts can make or break an attacking opportunity. It's coming along at a slower pace than he would prefer, but Torres is confident that the team will start seeing those connections come together soon.
"We all know what [head coach] Oscar [Pareja] has been asking of us in the plan that he's laid out for us, whether it's guys that have been here or guys that just got here this year," he said. "The plan that Oscar has laid out has been very clear, and we're all integrated into that. I think what we're missing right now is the chemistry in between the new players and the old players and executing that idea. Like I said, the plan is very clear so now we just need to work together to bring that idea to the field in reality."
In the way of those ideas coming to fruition are the LA Galaxy, who are coming off their first win of the season last weekend. It's another team that's also trying to find their early season form, a note that Pareja made before training on Wednesday.
"[The] Galaxy are a team who plays very good soccer. They have players that are talented and certainly players who have a short passing model," he said, "They're trying to find a way too, find their rhythm and consistency in spite of the results. What we see is that it's very competitive team. We are preparing and trying to use our ways our spaces and validate that we are a team who can compete in the top of the table. But we we have we have to make it valid on the pitch and get those points, especially again in front of our fans."
That importance of getting results, not just at home, but in front of the Orlando City faithful has been a sticking point over the past week, especially for the players. They know how much the support from everyone in attendance can help them over the course of the season, especially in moments like these, when the results haven't been going their way.
"Their support to us is fundamental, so please keep coming to the stadium," Torres said. "Last year, there were some good moments and some bad moments, but we were able to bring a title into our stadium, and to be able to celebrate with them and see them in the stadium happy was fantastic for us.
"Now, the team isn't in our best moment right now, but to still see them in the stadium supporting us is crucial for us."
Orlando City (3-3-2, 11 points) vs. LA Galaxy (1-4-3, 6 points)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required)
Radio: 96.9 The Game (English), Acción 97.9 FM (Spanish)
