Football Season Guide

Orlando City will be hoping to take a step up to the next level under coach Jason Kreis' first full season in charge of the club as they aim to put up a stronger fight for a place in the playoffs. Orlando endured a disappointing second season as an MLS franchise, finishing three points behind and one place lower compared to their inaugural campaign. The season saw long serving coach Adrian Heath sacked midway through the campaign, with Kreis brought in as replacement but results did not improve for Orlando who finished one point short of the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, though their playoffs hope had been over some time before their final match. Orlando looked to have struggled initially under Kreis' heavy training methods, with the Orlando coach reiterating time and again that his players will require some time to get to the fitness levels required to cope with his demands but Kreis will be looking forward to the current season with renewed optimism after stating that the roster will be heading into the new campaign the fittest it has ever been. Kreis has also been busy recalibrating the roster, with the club announcing two major departures over the off-season. Luke Boden had emerged as reliable deputy to Brek Shea at left back but Orlando decided not to renew his contract option while Kevin Molino, who was second both in goals scored and assists made last season, has been traded to Minnesota United. Josh Saunders has been brought in to provide backup for Joe Bendik but it is the arrivals of Jonathan Spector and Will Johnson that could hold the key for Orlando's prospects this season with the duo expected to slot straight into the starting lineup. Donny Toia has also arrived from Atlanta United and is expected to be the first choice left back after Orlando completed a trade with Vancouver Whitecaps that sees Brek Shea move up north in exchange of Giles Barnes. With regards to the offense, there is not much change for Orlando with Kaka and Cyle Larin expected to lead the attack once again though with Molino gone, Kaka now has more responsibility in the final third though question marks remain on whether the Brazilian midfielder will be able to stay fit for whole of the season.