Charlotte FC will be looking to build off their first away points by adding more against Orlando City.
Here are the three ingredients of the match to keep an eye on against Orlando.
Healthy Competition
Head coach Miguel Ramírez has said consistently that the way that each player pushes each other in training has been a vital element of the team’s rapid growth. This is now truer than ever.
Whether because of fitness or adaptation reasons, some players weren’t at the level they had shown they could be at. The team as a whole is now fitter, understands Ramírez’s game model, and has had time to adapt to the league.
We saw this depth the previous week when CLTFC had to play three matches in seven days. Players who struggled for minutes stepped up and the Club was able to get results in two out of those three matches. And the availability of winger Kamil Jóźwiak has only bolstered the squad even more.
It’s no longer easy to make the bench anymore, and this healthy competition should lead to better performances from players.
Picking Up Where You Left Off
The second half of Charlotte FC’s match against the Colorado Rapids was the most commanding performance we have seen away from home this season. They kept the Rapids pinned in their own half and were able to operate at will on their field.
CLTFC goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina said the match against the Rapids “was important to get some points to increase our confidence.” With earning their first away points against the Rapids, Charlotte has a confidence boost heading into their away trip to Orlando.
They proved to themselves that they can not only get points away but also achieve it in a convincing manner while staying true to their playing style. Picking up where they left off in the previous match will be key to taking advantage of an opponent that has shown weaknesses playing at home.
Homefield Struggles
So far this season, Orlando City has won two matches at home but lost three. They were most recently routed 0 – 3 by the New York Red Bulls in a match they will try to bounce back from against Charlotte.
Orlando will be at their best to try and avoid two straight losses at home, but the team has been inconsistent in Exploria Stadium, something that CLTFC can exploit to finish their four away match streak strong.
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