Written by Will Ogburn
Top-seeded Orlando City (19-4-5, 66 pts) fell to eighth seed Harrisburg City (10-11-7, 38 pts) Saturday. Harrisburg, the only USL PRO team to make the playoffs with a negative goal differential (-1), scored late in the first half to give Orlando City their first loss at home since August 3, 2013.
The lone goal, scored by Harrisburg forward Antoine Hoppenot, came in the 39th minute of play.
"One guy just ran straight down the middle and he crossed in front of me and behind Rob.” said Orlando City defender Tommy Redding, "It was a great ball, but we just turned off for a couple of seconds. That’s the thing I’ve learned this season: in professional soccer you can’t turn off or else the game’s over.”
Orlando City has experienced true boom-or-bust playoff runs in its first four years as a club, winning champions in 2011 and 2013, but exiting in the first round this season and in 2012.
Kevin Molino, star midfielder for Orlando City, was held not only scoreless but also without a shot on the night. This would be a rare night for Molino, who led the USL Pro in both goals (20) and shots (81) on the season.
The team must now face the uncertain future of their first MLS offseason, with many of the players suiting up next to each other for the last time.
“That’s the tough part,” said coach Adrian Heath, “the ones that have been with us for a few years have been unbelievable servants to this football club. (…) It’s disappointing that the last time we were all together is like that.”
Tommy Redding also spoke on the closeness of this group. “It was a tough way to go out, winning the regular season and losing your first game in the playoffs. We were all looking forward to two weeks from now – holding off the playoff trophy and being champions, then going into MLS, so it’s rough for all of us.”
The first half was described as “One of the worst of the season” by coach Heath, who added “we really chased the game all evening which is not the way we play.” Orlando was tied with Harrisburg in shooting during the first half, both taking six. One of those shots payed off in the form of Hoppenot’s breakaway goal.
In the second half, Orlando City regained their composure. The Lions led shots 5-3, but the offense without Darwin Ceren struggled to score.
Among players getting their first playoff start were Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski, who has started the last three games, defender Tommy Redding, Estrela, and Harrison Heath.
Though the present may be somber for the Lions, the future seems bright. Orlando City’s cuts for the MLS roster will be made by Monday. Until then, expect signing and cutting news to be coming out of Orlando City’s camp rapidly.