Ahead of Saturday's match at Orlando City SC, SportingKC.com caught up with The Orlando Sentinel'sAlicia DelGallo to preview #ORLvSKC. Live coverage of Saturday's match is available on FOX Sports KC+, FOX Sports GO, 99.3FM, and La Grande 1340 AM. Check out MatchDay Central for complete online coverage.
What were the expectations for the club this season?
Expectations were clear: playoffs. Some guys even talked championship during preseason. CEO Alex Leitão had a talk with the team before the season started and told them how much he loathes losing. That being said, there was an understanding that it may take some time for coach Jason Kreis' new team to jell. So, I think the team exceeded expectations opening the year 6-1 before the recent two-game road skid.
Orlando City SC is 5-0-0 at home but four of those wins were by one goal. Is their home record a good indication of how they’ve been playing at Orlando City stadium?
Yes. Games are frequently won by a goal and that offers no insight into how the game was played. I've seen matches where Orlando City was not playing its best and pulled out a victory, and also games where the Lions dominated the entire time, scoring an early goal and executing defensively against extremely potent attacks. At home the Lions are more often than not dictating the pace and flow of the games. I think what you're seeing when they're at home that may be lacking a bit on the road (aside from the NYCFC match and second half of the Toronto game) is the drive, mentality and grit to hold through those downswings and moments during the game where the opponent is in control.
What impact has offseason acquisition Jonathan Spector had on the team?
Spector is the anchor, organizer and communicator on the back line. He is what holds it all together and makes it run smoothly. Nationwide he's received praise from media and coaches, even causing many to speculate whether he still has a future with the national team. He brings stability with consistency and experience that just wasn't there last year. And both young centerbacks, Tommy Redding and José Aja, have excelled playing next to him.
Cyle Larin (6 goals) and Carlos Rivas (4 assists) lead Orlando offensively. What can we expect to see from both players on Saturday?
From Rivas, speed. From Larin, goals. Both strikers bring different qualities that compliment each other. Rivas' quick feet, ball-handling and vision have provided some impressive highlights. He's able to easily navigate through defenders to set up teammates. He has a powerful strike that can be lethal -- if he's on target. Larin is big and powerful but also more fit this year. He can make runs he couldn't previously and has been much better about hustling back on defense. He knows where to position himself to rack up all those goals.
What are the injury concerns ahead of Saturday?
Spector rested a bothersome ankle last week in Houston. I expect him back in the lineup, but it'll be a matter of whether he is 100 percent.
What will be the keys for Orlando City in Saturday’s match?
A healthy Spector, staying compact and in position defensively and Cyle Larin finishing his chances, which he struggled to do last week.
