Orlando City played at home in front of a high energy, friendly crowd with most of its squad healthy — and again could not find the back of the net.

The Lions’ goal-scoring ability has been an issue for months and that was not resolved during the two-week international break when they returned from Friday to host Atlanta United FC.

Orlando City lost 1-0 off a late goal from a distance that surprised everyone.

That defensive lapse in the game wasn’t especially concerning to fans, media, coach and players. Another shutout was concerning. The Lions now have three goals in the last five games while getting scored on nine times.

“We need to score goals,” Orlando City coach Jason Kreis said after the game. “We need to score goals and we need to score more than our opponent. It’s pretty simple. I honestly think we’re performing well. I really do think that a lot of the play that we have right now is good.”

The Atlanta United FC at Orlando City Soccer MLS game at Orlando City Stadium on Friday, July 21, 2017. Atlanta won the game 1-0. (Stephen M. Dowell) (Stephen M. Dowell)

Overall, Orlando City has a -8 goal differential — 22 goals scored and 30 conceded — second worst in the Eastern Conference, behind only D.C. United’s staggering -18.

Some may look at the numbers and think defense is the issue. There have been poor defensive moments this year, but on the whole Orlando City has performed admirably in that area, which is reflected in the numbers as well.

Orlando City is in seventh in the East, falling below the playoff cutline for the first time this season after Columbus defeated Philadelphia Saturday night.

The Lions’ goals against were slightly more than the teams ranked above them, which all fall in the 21-27 range. However, the top four teams — Toronto, Chicago, NYCFC and Atlanta — each have scored between 36 and 40 goals this season.

“Of course it is something we have to be concerned,” team captain Kaká said. “I don’t know what is exactly the problem because we are creating the chances. The last game against Toronto we had a lot of crosses and tonight I think we created the chances as well, but the ball doesn’t go in. This is something that sometimes happens also in soccer, sometimes the ball hits the post and goes outside. I don’t like to talk about luck in these kind of things but sometimes that’s what happens.”

The absence of leading scorer Cyle Larin, who has eight goals, is one of the contributing factors. Larin missed matches due to suspension and on Friday subbed on in the second half because he returned from a Gold Cup match with Canada in Phoenix hours before kickoff.

“I have to review the video actually to see how effective I thought Cyle was,” Kreis said. “I don’t remember any real bright spots. I don’t remember him having any chances, but I’m very thankful for his efforts. I spoke to him last night after the match and was appreciative that he was desperate to try to come in and give us what he could. I appreciate his efforts for sure.”

But, Larin was on a bit of a scoring drought before missing game as well. He’s often in the right spot and the final pass is off or he can’t find enough space to get off a quality shot. The struggle is even greater for other attacking players. Carlos Rivas is second on the team with four goals, and two of the Lions’ best chances Friday night were headers from centerback Jonathan Spector off set pieces.

“It’s frustrating to not score goals,” midfielder Will Johnson said. “That’s what the funnest part of this game is. So, you let down a lot of people when we’re not able to do that. I think where we are in the evolution of this team that Jason is trying to put together, that’s the last piece that will come.

“We’re solid, competitive, we’re not giving up very many goals, very many chances, we’ve got a great goalkeeper, but, ultimately, we’ve got to find ways to score goals. Otherwise that frustration is going to lead to dropped points. So, it’s all a vicious cycle we have to snap out of and find more ways to be dangerous.”

ardelgallo@orlandosentinel.com