All good things come to those who wait. That should be the motto for Orlando City Soccer fans after going through early-season frustrations only to see their side prevail on Saturday in a 4-3 win against the New York Red Bulls.
Some supporters were hitting the panic button on the season after Orlando City failed to grab a lead in any of their first four matches. Those naysayers were silenced after the team turned in one of their best matches from a playmaking standpoint since they joined MLS four years ago.
In fact, Orlando City only scored over two goals in a match once last season. It was a big sign of encouragement for the improvement on offense in 2018 that they were able to score four goals against a Red Bulls' squad that had only allowed one goal all season leading into the match.
Orlando City Soccer Makes Strides To Better Season
After watching the 90 minutes unfold Saturday, there is no question that the alarm was sounded too early. Orlando City was without several stars through their first set of matches due to injuries and suspensions.
All three Orlando City designated players Dom Dwyer, Sasha Kljestan and Josue Colman got their opportunity to play together for the first time this weekend. Kljestan started to show some of his unique playmaking ability and Dwyer notched two goals.
That was the kind of showing that many experts expected from Orlando City at the beginning of the season. Some of those MLS gurus even talked about how the club's offseason was the best in the league.
It will certainly take some time to get Klejstan, Colman and the other newcomers up to speed. Like integrating new stores on your basketball team together, these new Orlando City standouts also need time to gell with each other.
There is bound to be some setbacks throughout the 2018 season, but Saturday should speak to what is possible for the club.
Carson Ingle has been a sportscaster and sports talk radio host in Orlando for the past ten years. He can currently be seen several times a week on Spectrum Sports 360's Face-Off segment at 10:30 p.m. on Central Florida News 13, channel 1013. Follow him on Twitter.
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