New York City FC hits the road to face Orlando City SC on Saturday night, the next-to-last away match of the season. New York Soccer Journal spoke with Ben Miller of The Mane Land to learn more about the Lions, now led by French superstar Antoine Griezmann. Here is your NYCFC vs Orlando City preview.
• League Form: W-D-W-L-L
• Record: 12W, 5D, 13L | 41 points, 7th place
• Scoring Leader: Martín Ojeda, 15 goals
• Assist Leader: Justin Ellis, 10 assists
1. Beating up on weaker sides
New York Soccer Journal: Orlando started the season with a 4W-2D-9L, but are 8W-3D-4L since returning from the World Cup break. Of course, Antoine Griezmann's addition has helped massively, but what else has led to Orlando’s resurgence?
Ben Miller: It's mostly been Griezmann, frankly, but a slightly softer slate of games has helped too. Since the break, the Lions are 2W-4L-1D against teams currently above the line, and 6W-0L-2D against teams below the line. They've been able to make hay against the softer parts of the schedule, but still have a tendency to look outmatched when coming up against the class of the league.
2. Griezmann, Martín Ojeda clicking
NYSJ: To no one’s surprise, Antoine Griezmann has made a huge impact, registering a goal contribution in his last 10 league games. Martín Ojeda’s been great too, scoring 15 goals. Can Orlando’s offense make up for its weak defense?
BM: When push comes to shove, no, I don't believe so. For the most part, it's been enough to get them by the weaker teams on the slate, but even if this team consistently scores three goals a game, I don't think giving up four is out of the question when the going gets tough in the playoffs. Typically you see lower-scoring affairs in the postseason, but even in games where the opposition is held scoreless or to just one goal, they're still able to generate good looks at goal. That feels like a bad omen to me.
3. Orlando's dysfunctional defense
NYSJ: Despite Orlando’s red-hot offense, the Lions have conceded the joint-second-most goals in the league this season (70). What’s caused Orlando’s dysfunctional backline?
