Orlando City’s Saturday match against Sporting KC is a homecoming of sorts for two Lions.
Star striker Dom Dwyer and holding midfielder Uri Rosell both started their MLS careers with Sporting KC and both were with the team when it won the MLS title in 2013.
Dwyer was traded to Orlando City midway through the 2017 season for up to $1.6 million in allocation money ($400,000 in general allocation money, $500,000 in targeted money and up to $700,000 more based on performance). Rosell was acquired via the allocation order as part of a massive roster rebuild before the start of the 2018 season.
Dwyer – who scored 57 regular-season goals with Sporting KC – said he and Rosell have already discussed the emotions of returning to Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas.
“It’s important for us to get some points right now,” Dwyer said. “Of course, I’m excited to go back to Kansas, it will be a very fun atmosphere and, obviously, it’s a place I’m very familiar with. Yeah, I’m just very excited. I’m looking for to it.
“I think, for us, it’s more of an exciting time. You see a few familiar faces, kind of enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy the moment. Then, obviously, we have to play a game, so it’ll fun.”
Orlando City (7-16-3, 24 points) sits 12 points outside of sixth place and a potential playoff spot with eight matches left to go. Rosell and Dwyer agreed the desire to reach the playoffs is what’s fueling their desire to win. It’s not about the chance to take down their former team.
Dwyer’s presence has given teeth to Orlando City’s attack this season. He has a team-high 12 goals and when he scores, Orlando City’s chances of winning skyrocket. The Lions are 6-3-2 (20 points) in games during which Dwyer scores a goal.
He’s missed seven matches so far in 2018 with injuries and the Lions are 1-13-1 (4 points) in matches where Dwyer doesn’t play or doesn’t score a goal.
“It’s not over until the fat lady sings,” Dwyer said. “We’re still involved. We’re still in the playoff fight and we’ll keep pushing for it.”
Rosell said he and Dom have fond memories of their time with Sporting.
“It’s fun,” Rosell said. “We won the MLS [Cup] in 2013 and in 2012 we won the U.S [Open] Cup. Always, the good memories are the ones that you remember the most. Going back there, I think it’s going to be very special for me.
“To be honest with you, I always think about the opposite team the same. I think we’re going to go there and I’m going to do my job if I play. Hopefully, the feelings are apart.”
Sporting KC is in third place in the Western Conference and is fighting for one of the top two spots. Coach James O’Connor said his two players are more concerned with getting points for Orlando City, but said some extra fire comes with playing against a former team.
“I think any time you play your former team, you’re desperate to get a strong performance and you’re desperate to try and win,” he said. “I think that’ll be the biggest thing for the two lads. I’m sure they’ll enjoy going back, but equally, there will be a desperation for them to want to go and perform and do well. Hopefully, that’ll be the case for them.”
Orlando City is also trying to turn around a poor run of form on the road. The Lions have lost nine consecutive road matches and are 2-10-0 on the road this season.
“I’m excited to go there and show how well we can play there,” Rosell said.