Orlando City Stock Watch: Defensive Struggles Haunt Lions Against Philadelphia Union

Orlando City heard the final whistle sound with no points in hand for the first time in 2016 when the Philadelphia Union outlasted the Lions for a 2-1 win Friday night. It was an ugly night full of ugly play, and the Stock Watch sorts through the mess for you below.

Rising

Adrian Winter – One of last season’s summer acquisitions, Winter has really come into his own as a spark plug this season. Against the Union he was his active, attacking self, putting three shots on target and completing just over 75% of his 30 passes.

His score was a thing of beauty, using his first touch creatively to beat the angle of the oncoming defender and earn a well-taken shot at goal.

The 29-year-old continues to demonstrate his worth in what is proving to be a very talented, deep midfield.

Luke Boden – While not a gem for the cult star, the game lacked bright spots for much of the roster. The back line in general didn’t look particularly strong, but Boden worked hard to do his part, registering three clearances and saving a chance at net with a clean tackle on the always dangerous C.J. Sapong.

Granted, he had just been beaten off the dribble by Sapong, but at least he plugged the crack he caused in the dam.

Not quite the pinpoint passer we’ve grown to love over the years on this night, Bodz managed to connect on just two of his 11 attempts from long range. Hitting two key passes on crosses certainly helped his cause, as he filled in for Brek Shea enough to not lose too much on the left.

Falling

Aurélien Collin – What an odd case the Pitbull is turning out to be. The stat sheet tells one story — a story of five interceptions and seven clearances — but the eye test was not kind to the Frenchman. Consistently looking out of touch with his line mates in the back, it appears to have been a far fall from grace for the former MLS All-Star.

Here's to hoping we can chalk it up to rust, and Collin can get back to form and playing within Inchy's system as quickly as possible.

Rafael Ramos – It’s not often you’ll find a player in the Falling section who assists on a goal. Of course, when you assist the opposing team, it makes that scenario far more likely.

It has certainly been a rough start to the campaign for Ramos, who has been unable to use his tremendous speed and motor to cause more trouble in the attack or do much good in defense. The young defender has the ability to be a difference maker, it's a matter of time until he puts the pieces back together.