The Lions Are One Win Away
If you guys are reading this and are new to reading or listening to MLSAces, then I will tell you that I (Tom) am a NYCFC fan. Though it stings a bit to see our fellow 2015 incoming class member Orlando City on the verge of a trophy before us… I have to stand up and be proud of them too! I know and am close with a few fans of the team and people who have developed a love for MLS since we have both began our journey’s in 2015. Now after a painful five years, here we are! The MLS Is Back Tournament trophy is in arms reach for the Lions.
From the messy head coaching of Adrian Heath to Jason Kreis to James O’Connor it all seems redeemed now that Papa Pareja is leading this group of Lions. This team has had the likes of Kaka, Brek Shea, Kevin Molino, Cyle Larin, Antonio Nocerino, Jonathan Spector, Giles Barnes, Yoshi Yotun, Justin Meram, Sacha Kljestan, and more all play in the purple tops and all leaving in challenging ways (some messier than others). But now it looks like this group being lead on the field by former Manchester United winger Nani has finally found some footing.
A revitalized attack with the legendary Nani, a fiery “Cash” Mueller, Benji Michel, and former Rookie of the Year Tesho Akindele all have these lions on the prowl. The attack is being supported by Krasnodar LEGEND (yes.. that Krasnodar, Jimmy Conrad) Maurcio Pereyra, 2019 bright spot Sebastian Mendez, newcomer Junior Urso, and Uri Rosell. Finally, one of the biggest changes in 2020 is the majorly improved defense of STUD left-back Joao Moutinho, Ruan on the right side, Robin Jansson being way more consistent, new center-back addition Antonio Carlos, and greatest OCSC goalkeeper in their history Pedro Gallese (?)!
The extreme changes we’ve seen from the purple lions from 2019 to 2020 are almost mind blowing! What we’ve seen from Orlando City in this tournament has to go down as one of the most impressive runs in American soccer history… and yeah I mean that! What was the last major underdog run in U.S. soccer club history that you can remember? I’m thinking 2017 FC Cincinnati but please comment on this if I’m clearly missing one.
Orlando City has been able to come out hot beating in-state rival Inter Miami, then NYCFC handedly (internal screaming), and drawing Philly to win their group! Then a close win over the Impact in the Round of 16 lead them to their toughest game so far in LAFC. The major comeback, 90th minute goal, and PK celebrations from Nani are easily some of the best moments from this entire tournament. The win over LAFC brought them to Minnesota where they won the 2020 battle of the Adrian Heath derby behind another class performance from Nani.
Here we are, present day! Orlando City is only a few days away from taking on the Portland Timbers who are another tough opponent! Can Papa Pareja draw up another plan to get around a stellar team? Do the lions have a last 90 minutes in them? Can Nani pull out some more magic? We will find out on August 11th if Disney really has some magic left!
