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Orlando player Darwin Ceren (top) celebrates with teammates including Kaka (10) after Ceren scored a goal during the LA Galaxy at Orlando City Soccer MLS game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday, May 17, 2015. Orlando won the game 4-0. (Mandatory Credit: Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
The two new teams in the MLS this year so far are sharing different stories. New York City FC is struggling, while Orlando City SC is thriving.
At the beginning of the year, the team that grabbed all the headlines was NYC FC. All of the glitz and glamor that comes with being in a big city like New York gave the team a lot of attention. New York is a team that partnered up with the two of the wealthiest sports franchises on earth. The team is partially owned by the New York Yankees and Manchester City, teams that view money as no object. Their strong financial backing has led to three key signings in Mix Diskerud, David Villa, and Frank Lampard. Rumor also has it that NYC FC is going to sign Italian legend Andrea Pirlo this upcoming summer.
For all the spending NYC FC has done, it has not paid off. New York is currently in last place in the Eastern Conference. Part of the reason for the team’s struggles is because Frank Lampard has yet to play a single game for the team. Currently, the Midfielders for New York City are not able to create enough opportunities for former Barcelona striker David Villa to score.
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The addition of Lampard will help the team create more chances to score. However, the arrival of Lampard is still far a few weeks away. “He’s going to have a two-week break and then he’s going to come here and train, so we’ll have him for three, three-and-a-half, maybe four weeks before he’ll be available to join us after our summer transfer window opens [on July 8],” Manager Jason Kreis said.
As for Orlando City SC, the tale has been quite different. The team is currently fourth place in the Eastern Conference, and are in prime position to challenge for a playoff spot in their inaugural year in the MLS.
The city of Orlando is welcoming the team with open arms as well. Currently Orlando City is second in attendance, averaging 36,587 people per game. There is an obvious excitement about the team’s performance and fans want to see former FIFA player of the year, Ricardo Kaka in action. So far this season, Kaka has scored six goals and has created 26 chances and two assists. Additionally the passing of the Brazilian has been outstanding. Kaká has completed 529 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 84%.
Orlando City SC will need to continue to play well if they are to make the playoffs in their first year. Manager Adrian Heath stressed the importance of continuing to pick up points. “Teams around us have picked some results up, and that middle area around that last [playoff] spot is tightening up. We can’t look too far ahead but we do need some more wins in the bank” said Heath
So far New York City’s season has not been great, and the team will need to go on a long win streak if they are to assure a playoff spot. On the contrary, Orlando City has been in great form picking up eight points in their last four matches.Click & Close Ads
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Thursday, June 11, 2015
