Orlando City’s ninth season in Major League Soccer kicks off this Saturday at Exploria Stadium when the Lions host the New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. Coming off of last season, our knowledgeable staff here at the Orlando Soccer Journal, as well as the co-hosts of the Orlando Soccer Show podcast, have come together to offer some predictions for the 2023 season.
Let’s dive right in:
Mike Gramajo
Over/Under 50 points: Over
Conference Finish: 4th
Top Goal Scorer: Facundo Torres
Breakout Player: Ivan Angulo / Michael Halliday
Mike’s expectations: Considering this is arguably going to be the most complex season Orlando City has ever had, I wouldn’t be surprised if the team eventually starts prioritizing its competitions. I’ll be surprised if the Lions advance past Tigres in the Champions League but don’t pin them as favorites. The Open Cup will call for good showing in the light of last year’s success. Leagues Cup is anyone’s game, but Orlando does have a favorable group with Houston Dynamo and Santos and those games will be played at home. The MLS regular season is top priority and if Orlando can surpass the early competition, a deep push into the playoffs is merited.
Austin David
Over/Under 50 points: Over
Conference Finish: 5th
Top Goal Scorer: Ercan Kara
Breakout Player: Gaston Gonzalez
Austin’s expectations: Making the Eastern Conference Finals will feel like the goal at the very least. A good showing in the US Open Cup should also be expected based on the depth this team has brought in and winning the trophy last year.
Gavin Ewbank
Over/Under 50 points: Over (54)
Conference Finish: 3rd
Top Goal Scorer: Facundo Torres
Breakout Player: Michael Halliday
Gavin’s expectations: Can this cast of dynamic playmakers overcome the stigma of Pareja Ball and score more than just a goal or two per game this season? If so, I can’t stop myself from believing this group has the potential to be a top-three team in the East with the potential to add a second major trophy in consecutive seasons, realistically through the Leagues Cup or another Open Cup run. If they can stay healthy enough and click as a group sooner rather than later… watch out.
Kyle Foley
Over/Under 50 points: Over
Conference Finish: 3rd
Top Goal Scorer: Facundo Torres
Breakout Player: Duncan McGuire
Kyle’s expectations: Eastern Conference semis
Brad Newton
Over/Under 50 points: Over
Conference Finish:4th
Top Goal Scorer: Facundo Torres
Breakout Player: Martin Ojeda
Brad’s expectations: Making it past the first round and not stumbling into the playoffs. A GD that’s at least +10 would be nice.
Brent Petkus
Over/Under 50 points: Over
Conference Finish: 2nd
Top Goal Scorer: Facundo Torres
Breakout Player: Michael Halliday
Brent’s expectations: Eastern Conference Finals; in the Supporter’s Shield Race down the stretch.
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