There are nine games left in Orlando City’s 2017 regular season. With 27 possible points to be earned, the team knows playoff qualification is still within reach.

“I still believe that this group is good enough and everybody else out there can think that we’re dead and we’re not,” insisted Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis. “We don’t believe that we’re dead. We still have every chance to push forward and reach our objective.”

The season is far from finished. A win this Saturday against Vancouver Whitecaps FC would put Orlando City right back in the mix in the East. Also, Orlando City’s favorable schedule down the stretch means the Lions could leap right back into the playoff picture.

Positive team performances have not warranted winning results these past few matches, but the team remains focused and feels primed for a win streak. For Kreis, the team is close to recapturing the form that saw Orlando City sprint out to a 6-1-0 start:

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“We still have that ability to win games. I believe in the players we have, I believe in them for a reason because I’ve seen them perform.”

Kreis referenced the team’s flying start to the season. Winning results at the beginning of the season proved Orlando City’s ability to beat any team MLS -- this is still that same Club. With a few dynamic additions, of course.

Orlando City’s lineup is bolstered with attacking reinforcements against Vancouver. Kaká returns from his one-game suspension and Dom Dwyer, Yoshi Yotún and Dillon Powers all have a full week of training to become more acclimated to the team.

Kaká has a message for his teammates ahead of the most crucial stretch of the season.

“Now it’s time to have personal motivation, to look forward and win games. What I’ve been trying to say to them is to find your motivation and come here every day in training and give something you haven’t given yet,” he said. “This is the moment to give a little bit more.”

The Lions take on Vancouver this Saturday, 7:30pm at Orlando City Stadium.