Orlando City Closes In On Two MLS Records

The 2018 MLS season has been a very difficult one for Orlando City. After winning an MLS club record six straight games early in the season, the team immediately set a new club record in futility by losing the next nine. Worse than that, the Lions have only won once and drawn three times in their last 21 games. But for all the club records that have been set in 2018, the most depressing might be the ones to come.

The 2017 season was the first for Minnesota United since making the move up from the NASL. While the team finished ninth of the Western Conference’s 11 teams that season, they conceded a new MLS record 70 goals. It was a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on the final day of the season that broke the previous record of 68 goals conceded, set by the Colorado Rapids all the way back in 1998.

Following the team’s 2-0 loss to FC Dallas last Saturday night, Orlando City has now conceded 68 goals this season. Since the team’s six-game winning streak ended back in May, the club has conceded multiple goals in 18 of the last 21 games and has averaged 2.2 goals against this season. Given that the Lions are visiting a New England Revolution team that is fighting for a playoff spot, they could easily break that 70 goal mark tonight.

Currently saving Orlando City from setting the new league record is the San Jose Earthquakes, who have conceded 69 goals this season. However, while Orlando City still has four games this season, the Earthquakes only have two remaining, making it far more likely that the Lions will hold the new record.

Another league record that Orlando City could end up breaking before the 2018 season is over is worst goal differential. Currently the worst goal differential in league history is shared between Chivas USA and D.C. United — both set during the 2013 season. The Lions have scored 40 goals this season and conceded 68, resulting in a -28 goal differential. They would have to make up nine goals to match the current record but are playing three current playoff teams and one fighting for a playoff spot. To make matters worse, the final game is against the New York Red Bulls, who have scored 60 goals while conceding just 33, resulting in an impressive +27 goal differential.

Again, Orlando City sits second in this statistic this season with the Colorado Rapids currently holding a -30 goal differential. However, the Rapids only have three games remaining and a far easier road as two of those are against Minnesota United and the San Jose Earthquakes, both of which have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Orlando City has already set multiple club records, both positive and negative. With four more games remaining in the 2018 season, it looks as though the Lions could end up setting two league records, though not the ones they want.