Orlando City is undefeated

If you had told Orlando City fans that Kaka would be out for the first three games of the season, many would have thought the season would have gotten off to a rough start. After all Kaka, besides being a legend, is the most creative midfielder on Orlando's roster. He is the key cog to the link up play with striker Cyle Larin. Sure there were players like Ceren and newcomer Nocerino that could fill the role. But they are not Kaka. So it would be resonable for a Orlando city fan to figure that the team would have lost one game with  Real Salt Lake, Chicago, or an improved NYCFC on that slate. It was ok to be skeptical. However that skepticism appears to have been wrong as Orlando City now sits at 5 points with 2 draws and 1 win. Though if not for some questionable calls that went against the lions, Orlando City have have been 3-0. So how have they done it without Kaka?

Orlando has played an aggressive style against Real Salt Lake and Chicago. Against Real Salt Lake this was on full display as Orlando City had 12 corners and 14 shots. Sure the team needed a late, miraculous comeback to draw, but the Lions had put pressure on Real Salt Lake all match. Against Chicago, the pressure continued as they managed to have 12 shots at goal and 9 corners. I don't know if the club viewed these two teams as lesser opponents thus susceptible to the high intense pressure or what. Whatever the case Orlando's pressure worked as they were able to get a point from each of these matches. Against an improved NYCFC club the lions were content on being less aggressive and cone ten with playing defensive after taking the lead. Basically running a counter to NYCFC's aggressive style. It worked as Orlando would squeak out a win despite losing the shots, corners, and possession battles. Every match without Kaka, Orlando had been able to adapt strategies and get points in each match. Credit goes to Adrian Heath here who learned to adapt to each game without the star.

The other thing to notice is the rise of the young players on the absence of Kaka. You would have expected these young players to have some bumps along the way. Yet for the most part these players have responded to the absence of the Brazilian. Of course the one all will point to is Cyle Larin. The Canadian striker has scored 3 goals in all 3 games. Yes, as the old chant goes he scores when he wants. He has picked up the slack the Injured player has left behind. There is no question that this is Larin's team now. But there is another young player that has stepped up. That is Orlando's own defender Tommy Redding. Tommy Redding is 18 years old, yet has become the defensive rock of this team. Many were skeptical with Redding replacing Collin to start the season, yet he has truly been special. Go watch the game against NYCFC. Redding was a defensive rock often getting in the way of David Villa. Redding blocked shots and cleared balls. Offsetting the pressure applied by NYCFC. 

So here we sit with Orlando City undefeated 3 games into the season. Sure there could have been more points, but I will take 5 for now. Especially since Kaka being injured. This team has played better than expected and the 5 points is truly satisfying. It is a exciting time to be a Orlando City fan. Why is that? Well because the Lions sit in the perfect position even without Kaka. If Orlando City maintains this pace and Kaka gets back, Orlando could challenge for a top seed in the East.