Orlando City Stock Watch: Playoff Hopes Extinguished as Lions Fail to Roar

Orlando City's failure to once again pick up any points in a soccer game means that it is now officially out of the 2016 MLS Playoffs and will therefore have to watch them on TV just like the rest of us. With another losing performance from the purple-clad lads, let's see who rises and falls in this week's stock watch.

Rising

Antonio Nocerino -€” The not as full-bearded as he once was Italian sees his stock rise this week after a performance in which he completed 71 of his 73 passes for a 97% clip. He also led the team in tackles, passing percentage, and number of passes and looked like the engine that could potentially power this team moving forward if he can keep himself on the field.

Júlio Baptista -€” The Beast entered the contest at the half for the ineffective Kevin Molino and once again showed his stuff. The Brazilian being on the field meant that Kaká had more space to move and this helped move Orlando forward in the final third, something which had been missing in the first half. Baptista had opportunities to break the deadlock, or even the contest, up but unfortunately for him he came up against Evan Bush, who had certainly eaten his Wheaties before the game.

Falling

Kevin Molino -€” The Trinidad and Tobago international already appeared to be on his own personal off-season in this game. He had zero shots, zero crosses, and barely made it into the 18-yard box of the Montreal defensive third in a must-win game. Head Coach Jason Kreis had seen enough by halftime and withdrew him from the contest.

Luke Boden -€” This game wasn’t really great for anyone on defense, however the Englishman sees his stock fall. He was caught ball watching and out of position on the Dominic Oduro game-winner, which sealed the Lions’ fate. The left back was also incapable of completing any crosses, had more red than green on his passing chart, and managed to pick up a booking even though everyone thought the referee had lost his cards. Overall, a game to forget for the fan favorite.

Those are our risers and fallers from a squad of meh this week. Let us know which stars you thought burned the brightest and the dullest in the comments section below.

Polling Closed