Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City did exactly what it needed to in Game 1 against Charlotte FC, as the Lions controlled the game, created good chances, and put those opportunities away to secure a solid win and take control of the three-game series. Attention turns to the Tarheel State this evening, when the two teams will square off in Game 2, with Orlando trying to close things out and advance to the conference semifinals. Let’s take a look at what the Lions need to do tonight in order to finish this series off and advance to the next round.

Keep it Tight Defensively

With Charlotte staring down the barrel of elimination from the postseason, the hosts are going to have to come out and attack OCSC. It’s possible that if the game remains tied as time winds down that Charlotte could decide to sit back and take its chances in the crapshoot that is penalty kicks, but expect the home side to attack more than in Game 1 in an attempt to settle the game in regulation. That means that Orlando must be alert and precise on defense. The Lions can’t afford to make the sort of mental errors that plagued the back line so often during the first few months of the season. Even if Charlotte chooses to play on the counter and OCSC has a ton of the ball, the Lions will need to avoid falling asleep and giving up a goal against the run of play. Either way, the men in purple were nearly flawless during Sunday’s Game 1 performance, and a repeat of that effort will go a long way towards getting Orlando the result it needs.

Be Clinical in Front of Goal

Regardless of how much Charlotte decides to attack, Orlando is going to have chances. The attack is working well at the moment, and whether shots are coming on the counterattack or in the “half-court,” the Lions are going to get looks at goal. Convert those chances, and the series tilts farther in Orlando City’s favor, especially if the visitors can grab the first goal. That would force Charlotte to pour numbers forward, open up spaces in behind, and present even more opportunities for OCSC to kill off the game, pull some starters, and get some rest for legs that have seen long seasons.

Keep the Heads Cool

It doesn’t happen all the time, but the Lions have had a nasty habit of losing their cool in big games. Red cards in playoff games and rivalry matches have changed the complexion of things and made tough tasks even tougher. That sort of thing absolutely cannot happen in tonight’s game. For starters, it would make it that much more difficult to get past Charlotte. Being a man down in a hostile, packed house is a recipe for disaster, especially when Orlando has so much going in its favor heading into this game. Getting sucked into scuffles or making rash challenges could also have huge ramifications on the next round, should Orlando City take care of business and advance. OCSC needs to play with grit and intensity, but not let the size of the moment become overwhelming, and make sure it keeps all 11 men on the field.

It’s never that easy, and nothing guarantees a win, but if the Lions can play another great defensive game, take the chances they get in front of goal, and stay levelheaded and avoid getting sucked into any extracurriculars, it should go a long way towards securing a win and booking passage to the conference semifinals. Vamos Orlando!