Eight road games this season and Orlando City has only one win. Let’s just say, no one is about to call the Lions road warriors.
The Lions fell to Chicago on the road 4-0 last weekend, with that game following a mid-week draw in Seattle where travel delays and cancellations were a serious issue. The back to back schedule and cross country flights added up to an obvious lack of energy on the pitch.
“We did a lot of traveling and stuff like that,” said midfielder Luis Giles. “I thought we could have had the energy for the Chicago game but for some reason it was just that lack of commitment and energy.”
“It all starts from our energy,” agreed forward Giles Barnes. “I hate to say it, it’s not through a lack of trying, that’s not what this group is about, but I think it has a lot to do with the travel and playing of the games.”
The MLS is one of the few pro leagues that rely on commercial air travel - and while charter flights would be the easy answer for the future – it’s not going to help the situation in the here and now.
The Lions have got to get past their circumstances.
“We’ve got to find that balance though on the road,” said Gil. “Sometimes we’ve had the tough times on the road when we’ve had those back to backs but we’ve got to find that balance mentally and physically and also tactically.”
They better find that balance and fast as City once again gets back in the plane to head to Salt Lake for their third away game in a two week span.