Orlando City's 2023 MLS Cup playoffs run ended Saturday night with a defeat to Columbus Crew, as head coach Oscar Pareja praised his team for their fight during the game.
Orlando finished as the number two seed in the Eastern Conference, with high expectations ahead of them to go far in the postseason. Unfortunately for Pareja and co, the team were unable to progress to the Conference finals despite sweeping Nashville SC in the first round.
The Lions conceded the two decisive goals in extra time after neither side could find a breakthrough in 90 minutes played. Crew talisman Cucho Hernandez and substitute Christian Ramirez sealed the triumph for Wilfried Nancy's team, but Pareja remained proud of how his team fought in the 120 minute clash.
"Obviously, not feeling good. I thought we could have done more than tonight, but we have to accept that this is the result of the game that was competitive against a rival that made their case as well to advance to this series," said Pareja after the defeat.
"I thought the image that the boys left after a tremendous effort was great, I thought they were great. Their heart probably needed a better reward because they had a few chances where it could have impacted the game. Seems like our heart was bigger in those difficult moments, but it was not enough."
Orlando set several club records during the 2023 season, including wins (18) and points (63), and Pareja made sure to let his players know that they still had improved so much over the course of the season.
"We have respect for our pain, their pain and also our frustration because we cannot hide it," he said. "We'll have better moments to see what we have achieved, but this moment is what it is. It's futbol and the message is respect, letting them know how proud of them we are and to keep pushing."
Although many were disappointed with how Orlando's season came to an abrupt end, they have plenty to build on for 2024 and beyond, especially if the likes of Facundo Torres, Martin Ojeda, Mauricio Pererya and Ivan Angulo stick around for a little longer. However, Pareja's future at Exploria Stadium remains up in the air as his deal with the club expires at the end of the year.
Above all, Pareja made sure to thank the Orlando fans for their incredible support all season.
"Thank you to the fans and thank you to the people that came to the stadium and filled the stadium. We felt very proud of this community, the club, and we are proud. It is difficult right now to see the great things the boys have achieved this year, but we will see it soon," he said.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Oscar Pareja hails Orlando City's effort in MLS Cup playoffs loss to Columbus Crew.