Football Season Review

Orlando City went through a solid campaign this season as they achieved their minimum aim of making it to the playoffs but had to bow out following a disappointing performance in the Conference semifinals. The Lions came within 90 minutes of securing their first trophy as they made it all the way to the final of the MLS is Back tournament, picking up seven points in the group stage, and they quickly hit form when the regular season resumed, going on a 12 match unbeaten run before a couple of dips in form meant they had to settle for a fourth placed finish in the Eastern Conference. Orlando played the season out without their first choice striker as Dom Dwyer's injuries meant he was limited to just two appearances, but found an able replacement in Dike who finished the season with eight goals. It was the support staff that sparkled for Orlando with Mueller topping both the goals and assists charts while Nani also ended the season with nine goals and five assists. Orlando did lack consistency over the course of the campaign and, while they did manage to see off New York City FC in the first round of the playoffs, a poor performance against New England Revolution meant they had to bow out in the Conference semifinals though coach Oscar Pareja will be happy with how his first season at the club went. With Dwyer leaving the club at the end of the campaign, Orlando will need to bring in a reliable goalscorer for the next season but they do have enough quality in their squad to once again make a push for the top spots in the Eastern Conference next season.

Player of the Season: Chris Mueller