Last year, Orlando City put the poster up inside the Orlando Citrus Bowl saying “Defy Expectations.”
It was a franchise-wide moniker for the expansion season in MLS. They were going to make people believe in the power of their marketing and show Orlando — and to some extent Florida — could be a viable professional soccer market. They were going to make waves in the community with their impact, their new stadium plan and the energy that comes with the new franchise.
There was also one more thing they wanted to defy: the notion an expansion franchise could not make the Playoffs.
Orlando City did not go all in on veteran players. The team still had an eye on its future and signed promising young players that could still develop but also grow and contribute immediately. Injuries, suspensions and international player call ups prevented Orlando from reaching the Playoffs.
One expectation for that fantastic expansion season was not reached.
This year, Orlando City plans for things to be different. This year, there is a determination not to defy expectations but meet it. And that was set very early on during media day last Friday.
The Lions expect to make the MLS Playoffs for the first time in franchise history this year.
“This year is so important for me,” Kaká said. “I think this year is going to be much better than last season. This year, our goal is to make the playoffs and when we get there, for sure, we’re going to think about winning the MLS Cup.”
Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel in describing the quote above nearly went so far as to call it something of a guarantee for the Playoffs. The language probably does not venture that far. Of course players on the team will say they believe they will make the postseason. It would be silly for them not to or hedge their bets.
Orlando City though has made it clear the team is expected to make the postseason. They dropped some fan favorite players to increase depth and competition throughout the roster. They learned a lot from their first year in MLS.
Whether that is enough to get them to the finish line and into the Playoffs for good. The whole season is in front of them to do that. In that time questions about the defense, center backs, goalkeeper, attack will all be answered.
It all starts with that one man though. Kaka will be the engine driving Orlando City throughout the year. The playoff hopes rest at his feet largely.
The 2016 season for Orlando City will not be about defying expectations anymore, but meeting them.
