SANFORD, Fla. – Amid a seven-game losing streak, a coaching change and another arduous road trip ahead, Orlando City look at Saturday's trip to Atlanta United (7 pm ET | ESPN — Full TV & Streaming Info) as an opportunity to turn things around and perhaps surprise some people along the way.
“It is what it is. I see it as a huge challenge and a great opportunity to go up there in front of a hostile crowd,” Orlando City interim coach Bobby Murphy said on Tuesday. “Hopefully, the players will take it as a great opportunity and play with a bit of freedom, knowing nothing is really expected of them to go in there and get a result… sometimes you can surprise people when that happens.”
Atlanta (10-3-4) currently sit atop the Supporters' Shield standings with 34 points and the highest-scoring team in the league, coincidentally, with 34 goals.
Dom Dwyer, who has seven goals in ten games for the Lions this season, says a collective effort will be needed from Orlando, who have scored just five goals on their losing streak.
“It’s always exciting to play any team like that, especially in front of a big crowd and a big stadium, so we love a challenge and look forward to it,” said Dwyer. “Every week for us is an opportunity, so we’re just trying to work hard and get better as a squad. Stay together and stay as a collective.”
Ironically, it was Orlando’s first game against the Five Stripes on May 13 – a 2-1 loss at Orlando City Stadium – that snapped a six-game winning streak for Orlando and kicked off their current seven-game losing streak, which led to the departure of head coach Jason Kreis earlier this month.
A win on Saturday for the Lions will turn the bad run around for the better, says goalkeeper Joe Bendik.
“Definitely getting three points can spin things,” said Bendik. “We need to be focused one game right now, go away to Atlanta and keep them in front of us and capitalize on our chances. They’re a team that’s extremely dangerous once you turn and face your own goal. The more we can keep them in front of us, the better off we’ll be.”
