Orlando City SC: 2017 Season Review, Highlights, And Analysis

The 2017 season for Orlando City SC was a rollercoaster, guys. Filled with moments of brilliance, frustrating defeats, and ultimately, a failure to reach the playoffs, it was a year that left fans with mixed emotions. Let's dive deep into what made this season so memorable – for better or worse.

High Hopes and Early Promise

At the start of the 2017 season, optimism was high in Orlando. The Lions had brought in some exciting new players, including Dom Dwyer, who was expected to provide a significant boost to the team's attack. With a strong core of players like Kaká, Cyle Larin, and goalkeeper Joe Bendik, there was a genuine belief that Orlando City could finally make a serious push for the playoffs. The season began in electrifying fashion, with the Lions winning six of their first seven games. The team's attack was firing on all cylinders, and the defense looked surprisingly solid. Kaká, despite his advancing years, was still pulling the strings in midfield, creating chances and dictating the tempo of games. Larin was proving to be a consistent goal-scoring threat, and Dwyer's arrival added another dimension to the attack. During this initial run, the atmosphere at Orlando City Stadium was electric. The fans were fully behind the team, and the players seemed to feed off the energy of the crowd. Signature wins against tough opponents like the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew SC fueled the belief that this could be Orlando City's year. However, as the season wore on, things began to unravel.

The Mid-Season Slump

After their blistering start, Orlando City experienced a dramatic dip in form. Injuries to key players, including Kaká, disrupted the team's rhythm and forced coach Jason Kreis to shuffle his lineup. The team's defense, which had been relatively solid in the early part of the season, began to leak goals. The midfield struggled to control games, and the attack became increasingly reliant on individual moments of brilliance rather than cohesive team play. The slump started with a series of disappointing draws and narrow defeats. The team's confidence visibly waned, and the atmosphere around the club became increasingly tense. Coach Kreis tried various tactical adjustments, but nothing seemed to work. The team's struggles were compounded by a difficult run of fixtures, which saw them face some of the top teams in the league. The pressure began to mount on the players and the coaching staff, and the team's early-season momentum was completely lost. This period was marked by frustrating performances, with the team often failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities and conceding sloppy goals. The fans began to voice their frustration, and the team's playoff hopes started to fade.

Kaká's Farewell Tour

The 2017 season was also significant as it marked Kaká's final year as a player. The Brazilian legend had been a transformative figure for Orlando City since joining the club in 2015, bringing star power and credibility to the team. While his performances on the field had declined somewhat due to age and injuries, his influence off the field remained immense. Kaká was a mentor to the younger players, a role model for the fans, and an ambassador for the club. Throughout the season, there were numerous tributes to Kaká, both at home and on the road. Opposing teams and fans paid their respects to the Brazilian star, recognizing his contributions to the game. Kaká's final game for Orlando City was an emotional affair, with fans packing the stadium to bid farewell to their beloved captain. While the team was unable to secure a playoff spot in his final season, Kaká's legacy in Orlando will endure for years to come. His presence helped to put Orlando City on the map, and he played a key role in the growth of soccer in the region. Kaká's departure left a void in the team, both on and off the field, and the club has struggled to replace his leadership and creativity.

Key Players and Performances

Despite the team's struggles, there were some individual performances that stood out during the 2017 season. Joe Bendik had another solid year in goal, making numerous important saves and keeping the team in games. Cyle Larin continued to be a consistent goal-scoring threat, finishing as the team's leading scorer. Dom Dwyer, despite not reaching the heights that were expected of him, still contributed some important goals. However, the team's overall performance was too inconsistent, and too many players failed to live up to their potential. The midfield, in particular, struggled to control games and provide adequate support to the attack. The defense was prone to errors, and the team often conceded goals at crucial moments. One of the biggest disappointments of the season was the performance of some of the team's Designated Players. Apart from Kaká, who was nearing the end of his career, the team's other high-priced signings failed to make a significant impact. This raised questions about the club's recruitment strategy and its ability to attract top-quality players. Moving forward, it was clear that Orlando City needed to improve its scouting and recruitment processes in order to build a more competitive team.

Final Standings and Disappointment

Ultimately, Orlando City finished the 2017 season in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, well short of the playoff places. It was another disappointing year for the club and its fans, who had been hoping to see the team finally make a breakthrough. The team's failure to reach the playoffs led to questions about the future of coach Jason Kreis, who had been brought in to turn the team's fortunes around. While Kreis had shown some promise in his first season, he was unable to deliver the results that were expected of him in 2017. The team's inconsistent performances and lack of tactical flexibility were major concerns. Following the conclusion of the season, Orlando City made the decision to part ways with Kreis, signaling a new direction for the club. The search for a new coach began immediately, with the club looking for someone who could bring a fresh perspective and a winning mentality to the team. The 2017 season served as a harsh reminder of the challenges of building a successful team in MLS. It highlighted the importance of having a strong squad, a clear tactical identity, and a winning culture. For Orlando City, the focus now shifts to the future, with the goal of building a team that can finally compete for championships.

What Went Wrong?

Several factors contributed to Orlando City's disappointing 2017 season. First and foremost, injuries to key players, particularly Kaká, disrupted the team's rhythm and forced coach Kreis to make constant changes to his lineup. This lack of consistency made it difficult for the team to develop a cohesive style of play. Secondly, the team's defense was simply not good enough. They conceded too many goals, often due to individual errors or lapses in concentration. This put too much pressure on the attack to score goals, and the team often struggled to close out games. Thirdly, the team's midfield lacked creativity and control. They struggled to dictate the tempo of games and provide adequate service to the forwards. This made it difficult for the team to create scoring opportunities. Finally, the team's overall mentality was not strong enough. They often seemed to lack the resilience and determination needed to overcome adversity. This was evident in their tendency to concede late goals and drop points in winnable games. Addressing these issues will be crucial if Orlando City is to improve its performance in future seasons.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

The 2017 season was undoubtedly a setback for Orlando City, but it also provided some valuable lessons. The club learned that it needs to build a deeper and more resilient squad, capable of coping with injuries and other challenges. It also learned that it needs to improve its defense and midfield, and to develop a more consistent and effective style of play. Furthermore, the club learned the importance of having a strong team culture and a winning mentality. Moving forward, Orlando City needs to focus on building a team that is not only talented but also mentally tough and resilient. This will require a concerted effort from the players, the coaching staff, and the front office. The club also needs to continue to invest in its youth academy, in order to develop a pipeline of talented young players who can contribute to the first team. By learning from the mistakes of the past and focusing on building a brighter future, Orlando City can eventually achieve its goal of becoming a championship-caliber team.

In conclusion, guys, the 2017 season was a tough one for Orlando City SC. But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? The lessons learned and the changes made afterward hopefully paved the way for a brighter future. Let's keep cheering for the Lions!