After failing to make the playoffs in each of the club's first three seasons, 2018 was supposed to be different for Orlando City. The Lions had made a bunch of big moves, bringing in successful MLS veterans like Sacha Kljestan, Justin Meram and Uri Rosell. Dom Dwyer was entering his first full season with the team and youngster Josue Colman was brought in to break out. Defender Lamine Sane was signed to help stablize the defense.
All of these moves were supposed to finally guide the team to postseason soccer, yet, 2018 turned out to be the worst season in the club's short MLS history.