After a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew on Saturday, Orlando City faces a quick turnaround on the road in a winnable game against Chicago.
Orlando City (4-6-4, 16 points) takes on the Chicago Fire (2-8-5, 11 points) at Soldier Field on Wednesday (MLS Season Pass, 8:30).
“We concede a lot of goals, and I feel like we are always saying ‘next game, next game,’ but I think we also need to take a little bit of responsibility,” midfielder Dagur Dan Thórhallsson said about the team’s struggles. “It’s on us to turn things around, us the team, and I feel like we need to step up a lot if we want to do something this year.”
The good news for the Lions is that they have done very well against Chicago in recent years. Orlando City has four wins and one draw in its last five games against Chicago. The Lions are also unbeaten in their last four road games, putting in several great performances away from home.
They face an evolving team in Chicago that can still present a challenge despite its lackluster form. Their more direct style of play can be difficult to overcome, and Orlando City has struggled at times this season to break down opponents.
“I see a team as well that is changing things. Their structure in the last game has been modified. We are adapting to those things. Pretty much thinking, if we have that optimism and think about our team, we can get our result,” Lions coach Oscar Pareja said. “They are probably more direct than Columbus, and they have good players. We have to be very crafty to penetrate and not let up. That’s what we asked of our players.”
Surging Lions host MLS defending champ Columbus
Orlando will hope to have captain Robin Jansson back in the starting lineup after returning from his ankle injury. His presence was sorely missed against Columbus, and his on-field leadership has been key to keeping the Lions’ defense together in tough situations this season.
Mikey Halliday (right knee), Duncan McGuire (right shoulder), and Tahir Reid-Brown (left thigh) all are unavailable for the Lions.
Next match
- Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Soldier Field (MLS Season Pass)
