Orlando City Scoring Through Three Games

One win, two draws, three games, and four goals. While we know that Cyle Larin is on a goal per game pace, how has Orlando City gone about that scoring so far, and how does that stack up in the MLS.

Game 1: Orlando City vs. Real Salt Lake

We all remember the last-minute goals in stoppage time to salvage the day, but how were those goals scored? The first one was brought down the left side of the field by Brek Shea, who then crossed the ball very nicely to Cyle Larin, who put it home. The second goal was a long ball played from the top of Orlando City’s 18-yard box by Servando Carrasco to a streaking Cyle Larin, who had it bounce off his thigh to the feet of Adrian Winter, who put it in the back of the net to complete the improbable comeback.

Game 2: Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire

Just the week before, the draw felt like a win. The next week, the draw felt like a loss. Larin scored again — this time it was Kevin Molino coming up the left side of the field. Just outside the 18-yard box, he completed a nice pass to Larin to put the Lions ahead in the fourth minute. The joy was short-lived however, since David Accam tied the game a mere 10 minutes later.

Game 3: Orlando City at New York City FC

Despite a relentless attack from NYCFC, Orlando City held on to the lead provided by Larin in the seventh minute. Winter came up the middle and passed the ball to the right side of the box. The speedy Rafael Ramos got to the ball just before the end line and crossed the ball into the middle, where Larin couldn’t help but head the ball into the net. It was the right place at the right time, though that is what goal scorers do. Right place, right time.

League Comparison

Orlando City has scored four goals, putting the Lions at ninth in MLS. Those goals came on 37 shots, which is good enough for eighth in the league, and their 17 shots on goal puts them in a tie for fourth. Orlando City is scoring on 10.81% of all shots taken, placing ninth in MLS. The Lions are scoring on 46% of their shots on goal, which puts them at fourth in MLS.

While these numbers seem to be pretty good on the surface, many feel that there should have been more scoring opportunities, and that there should have been more goals from the opportunities created. So, what should Orlando City be doing better?

The Mane Land’s own Daniel McGann proposes that Orlando City is passing too much. Perhaps the team needs to make better crosses, or do better on set pieces. Regardless, there are plenty of areas for the team to improve on before the next match against the defending MLS Champs, Portland Timbers.