SANFORD, Fla. — If there was a moment to embody Orlando City’s slew of slow starts, Sam Johnson’s goal last Saturday would be a good place.
The Real Salt Lake forward actually took a tumble while sprinting into the box, got up and still found enough space to get to the ball and squeeze a shot between Lions goalkeeper Brian Rowe and the near post.
Boom. Lions trail 1-0 in less than 20 minutes. Again.
“You think we’re in a good spot,” Orlando City coach James O’Connor said, “and then their first attack — goal. That needs to stop.