After Orlando City flashed its attack in the opening minutes, the Lions struggled to keep pace with New York City FC during a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.
The Lions (8-2-7, 31 points) were missing seven players due to injuries and national team call-ups on Wednesday, including midfielder Mauricio Pereyra and starting goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. With a young attacking core featuring Andrés Perea and Joey DeZart, the team lacked its typical cohesion through the midfield.
Despite the inexperience, the Lions seemed poised to run away with the match in the opening minutes, using a high press to force New York (8-7-3, 27 points) to cough up the ball on possession after possession.