Pressure is mounting on Orlando City to achieve success in its third year of existence. After two disappointing seasons, the Lions open 2017 a step behind fellow 2015 expansion team New York City FC.

If that wasn’t enough, the Lions open 2017 in their new soccer-specific stadium after two seasons at Camping World Stadium. Earning results, especially at home, in Jason Kreis’ first full year in charge is imperative.

The Lions have a few pieces in place with Cyle Larin, Kaka and Kevin Molino fronting the attack, but plenty of improvements have to be made to the back line to achieve the club’s lofty goals in 2017.

The third-year squad has started to build its roster for 2017, but there is still plenty of work that needs to be done.

Who’s In

Will Johnson, Donny Toia, Patrick McLain

Who’s Out

Kevin Alston, Luke Boden, Seb Hines, Tyler Turner, Pedro Ribeiro, Harrison Heath, Julio Baptista, Mikey Ambrose

Draft Picks

64th overall (20th in third round)

Remaining Needs

The Lions improved their defense with the acquisitions of Donny Toia from Atlanta United and the free-agent signing of Will Johnson, who played the 2016 season with Toronto FC. However, another addition to the back line would be welcomed. French center back Gregory Sertic is reported to be close to a deal with the Lions, but the deal hasn’t been made official yet.

Central midfield is probably the deepest position on the roster after Johnson’s signing. The addition of another winger would be fantastic in case Carlos Rivas and Kevin Molino get injured, but picking up a cheap option in the draft is out of the picture unless the Lions, who have one pick in the third round, trade into the first or second round.

Larin is one of the most reliable scorers in MLS, but there has to be insurance on the roster in case something happens to the Canadian, or if he is sold, which is still a possibility. A striker with experience that provide cover for Larin would be a massive get for the third-year club.

Outlook

It’s hard to look at the Orlando City roster right now and definitively say it will be a playoff team. That’s the reality of the all-around talent in the squad, and the growing strength of the Eastern Conference with Atlanta United entering the fray.

If Sertic is locked down, the Lions would take a big step forward to solidifying their starting back four. Jose Aja, David Mateos, Brek Shea, Rafael Ramos and Toia will all be in the mix, but Kreis has to find a viable centerback tandem if Orlando City is going to truly improve.

Between Molino, Kaka, Rivas and Larin, Orlando shouldn’t have too many issues finding the back of the net, but depth is still needed to provide support off the bench. The answer to that problem could already be on the roster in the form of Matias Perez Garcia, bur the 32-year-old has been inconsistent since joining MLS in 2014.