Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City is on the road again, this time against the Columbus Crew in a big Eastern Conference match. The last time Orlando City had two road matches in a row, the Lions brought home all six points, and the club has an opportunity to do that again Friday night. We’re in the last third of the regular season and Orlando City needs to start putting together the typical late playoff run. What must Orlando City do to earn all three points on the road?

The Return of Ramiro

Martin Ojeda has been on a tear. Marco Pasalic will score soon. I’m much more worried about Luis Muriel. He hasn’t scored a goal since May. He hasn’t even had an assist in the last two matches. He’s been a step behind when chasing the ball, and I think he might need a break. Ivan Angulo rode the bench for a couple of matches, and it has renewed him. Perhaps the same will happen for Muriel.

If he doesn’t get the start, that means a hopefully healthy Ramiro Enrique will be up top. Enrique isn’t a starting forward in this league, but he does bring better speed to the attack and he at least has a goal in the month of July. Sometimes switching things up can help both players and the attack in general.

Prove Them Wrong

Martin Ojeda was snubbed when it came to the MLS All-Star Game. His numbers deserved an invite, but that didn’t happen. What makes it even more annoying is that I think he was probably left out because of Lionel Messi getting a spot. A spot that will now go empty because Messi is skipping the All-Star Game. That seems on brand.

This will be Ojeda’s first opportunity since Wednesday’s All-Star Game to show what a mistake the league made in snubbing him — if they don’t already realize it. I’m certain that Ojeda is more concerned with helping the Lions get regular-season victories than he is any essentially meaningless appearance at the MLS cash grab, but I still want him to score another hat trick to really rub it in their faces. All he has to do is get past the Crew’s back line and keeper, Patrick Schulte.

Contain Rossi

In the match against the New England Revolution, Orlando City’s defense was able to keep Carles Gil off the scoresheet. If the Lions are able to do the same against the Crew’s Diego Rossi, then there’s a good chance at getting a result. Rossi leads the Crew with 11 goals, and he has four assists this season.

Containing Rossi will fall to Cesar Araujo, Alex Freeman, and the center backs. If Pareja sticks with the same back line as last match, Rodrigo Schlegel will need to be at the top of his game. If Pareja starts Rafael Santos, then David Brekalo will move back inside. The greatest part of the responsibility will fall on Araujo and whoever is at center back with Robin Jansson. While they’re doing that, stopping Daniel Gazdag would also be helpful.

That is what I will be looking for Friday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!