Orlando City captain Kaká likes to look at the glass half full.
He opted for the optimistic approach Wednesday when asked about the team’s record at home, which has seen the Lions pick up points in every match but come out victorious just once.
“I prefer the good way,” Kaká said with a smile. “We are undefeated at home.”
City is one of just three Eastern Conference teams unbeaten on home turf, so their spot on the table comes as a bit of a surprise – especially considering the Lions have the highest goals per game average in the conference.
“This is why it hurts more,” said the captain, “because we know that we could be better on the table.
“This is a tough period for us.”
And it’s about to get tougher. The Eastern Conference-leading Montreal Impact come to Camping World Stadium Saturday, but they too are in a bit of a lull. The Impact haven’t won in over a month and have drawn their last four – but that goes to show the importance of taking something from games, especially this early in the season.
So that’s kept the Lions upbeat. And there’s another reason to remain positive: City plays five of their next seven matches at home, where they haven’t lost since last August – a stretch of 11 games.
“This moment will determine the rest of the season,” Kaká said. “If we can come out of this situation stronger, we will make the playoffs.
“I don’t think we are in a panic moment. We need to take a look at the games, look at the mistakes,” Kaká said, “because this team is very good. Our group is better than last season. We know each other. We know where we can [go].”
Since its inception, Orlando City has always had a close relationship with its fans. They took the Club from USL to MLS in just four years and have made Orlando one of the toughest cities to play at in the country.
“Every time we play at home, there is a big motivation,” Kaká said. “Our supporters, they are the 12th player on the field. It’s good that we have two games at home [this week] and we can come out from this situation.
Kaká emphasized the Club’s goal of reaching the playoffs, and he knows they can do it.
“I believe in this team. I believe in these guys.”
