Kreis’ players still working to improve
There’s no more saying, “It’s early,” or “There’s plenty of time.”
The 2017 Major League Soccer season is half over, and players brought in under coach Jason Kreis’ regime have had enough time to adjust.
A lot of the moves made after Kreis’ hire were defensive, and in that area overall the team improved. The Lions conceded 25 goals in its 15 matches (1.67 goals per game) ahead of a July 4th game last year, which was coach Adrian Heath’s final match in Orlando.
This year, they conceded 26 goals in 18 games (1.44 goals per game) leading to Orlando City’s Real Salt Lake match at 9:30 p.m. Friday.
The summer transfer window is 11 days away, and the club will be able to correct mistakes, strengthen a struggling team with one win in the past 11 games and grab some talent for the future.
“We had a great start but lately things have not been good,” Lions midfielder Will Johnson said. “A lot of those breakdowns have been individual mistakes that have cost us points.
“I still think it’s very much a work in progress.”
Here’s a look at Orlando City’s acquisitions under Kreis, and how they’ve performed so far.
The Uruguayan centerback wasn’t selected by Kreis, but Aja did sign a six-month loan just after his hire. The club then signed him to a four-year contract in the offseason. Aja began the year as an every-game starter with good chemistry alongside veteran Jonathan Spector. A hamstring injury derailed his progress, however, and after missing five games he hasn’t quite been the same. The coaching staff continues to believe he will develop into a high-quality defender.
Acquired in the trade that sent Brek Shea to Vancouver, Barnes’ versatility and goal-scoring ability was the draw. He’s provided that so far, though inconsistently. He’s started 10 matches and filled in at various positions in place of Kaká, Cyle Larin and Carlos Rivas. As a designated player with one of the highest salaries on the team, he’ll strive to produce on a more regular basis.
Considered an up-andcoming talent with high COMMENTARY potential. Orlando City made sure to lock up Da Silva’s MLS contract in January after he played with OCB in 2016. He continues to develop mostly with OCB.
The hope was that Gil would supplement the Lions’ attack this season like he did under Kreis at Real Salt Lake in 2013. That hasn’t happened, yet. He’s had occasional flashes of excellence in 14 appearances but also, in Kreis’ words, some “very bad” moments.
PC signed from the North American Soccer League and typically serves as a substitute, although he’s started over fellow left back Donny Toia in four of the last eight games.
He is everything Kreis said he would be. Johnson’s work rate and intensity immediately upped Orlando City's competitive edge. He’s the team captain when Kaká is out, and he even filled in at right back when injuries took out all other options.
On loan from Orlando City B, Pereira brought immediate depth to a back line depleted by injuries a couple weeks into the season. He’s tall, strong and young and can play centerback and left back. He’s started three matches for Orlando City, so a larger data set is needed to assess his value.
The first player selected and signed by Kreis last summer is now gone. Pérez García announced Wednesday that his contract, which was set to expire Friday, will not be renewed. A regular starter and creative force, his departure leaves a hole in the attacking midfield that needs to be filled as soon as possible.
Rocha played 19 games for OCB before signing a MLS contract under Kreis last summer. Rocha has limited appearances with the first team but typically gives sound performances.
On loan from Senegal’s AS Dakar Sacré Coeur, Sane is rarely seen as he develops with OCB. He has three appearances with the United Soccer League side.
His only match for the Lions was a 3-1 U.S. Open Cup loss against second-tier Miami FC. But, he’s fulfilled his purpose as backup to Joe Bendik, allowing Earl Edwards Jr. to get playing time with OCB.
Spector may be the best example of an offseason signing success. He instantly solidified the back line and has performed well enough to earn the attention of U.S. men’s national team coach Bruce Arena, who named him to the preliminary Gold Cup roster.
Sutter was brought in after both right backs Rafael Ramos and Kevin Alston suffered long-term injuries. He integrated seamlessly and continues to start even though all are now healthy.
After starting the first 10 games of the season at left back, Toia recently has competed for time with PC. He’s a reliable performer but sometimes struggles to keep up in transition against speedy opponents.