ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC might be missing a slew of players heading into opening weekend against D.C. United on Saturday, but, according to head coach Jason Kreis, a rotating lineup may be a viable option for the Lions as the season progresses.
“I think it’s somewhat likely unless we do really well because I have no hesitation sticking with the guys that perform,” Kreis told reporters after training on Feb. 28. “There is still a little mystery involved because we have quite a few players actually that we’ve signed and are here that aren’t available yet.
“I think there’s every possibility that we’ll look like one team on opening day and another team a month and a half in.”
The Lions will be without young designated player Josué Colmán because of a quad contusion; Dom Dwyer will also miss Saturday’s action due to a quad strain he suffered in preseason.
Spanish midfielder Oriol “Uri” Rosell is not match fit while defender Lamine Sané could be featured in the game-day roster. Defender Amro Tarek trained inside on the 28th, but it was later revealed he suffered a knock earlier in the week and could miss City’s season-opener.
Donny Toia, who started primarily at left back for 29 of his 30 appearances for the Lions last season, saw time at center back, Tarek and Sané’s position, in the waning minutes of the Lions’ final training scrimmage against Chicago Fire SC.
Now, with several players due to miss the weekend’s action, including Sacha Kljestan, who is serving a two-game suspension, the pressure to start the season on a good note is there.
“I think pressure is good. It builds character; it pushes the guys to raise their level, and I love the pressure,” first-year Lion Justin Meram said after training on Feb. 28. “So I know myself and the other guys will be ready.
“Right now, we have to focus on the first game and take it step by step. We’re still trying to make some tweaks and understand how we can be even better, and that takes more practice throughout the year.”
Kickoff between Orlando City and D.C. is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Orlando City Stadium on Saturday. The game will stream live on MLS Live.
For more on the Lions, as they prepare for their season-opener, follow Mike Gramajo on Twitter at @byMikeGramajo.
