Even during the heart of the 2024 MLS season, Orlando City SC experimented with new formations, playing with and playing against. But through seven games this season, they’re winning with the basics.
Last season, Orlando City SC had to find a way to start winning. Too frequently, the team got routed by back-five formations and second-half speed surges. It took intense drills and dedication from the players.
However, Orlando City improved enough to make the post-season and challenge for the MLS championship. It was all a result of their sophisticated formation development.
So, it’s surprising this season that they’ve focused on two formations through seven matches. Most of their success in this brief sampling has come from variations of the basic 4-4-2.
Overall, the team went 3-2-2, good enough early on for sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Two of those three wins came when starting with the 4-4-2. That includes their big 4-1 win against D.C. United. It also includes their 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls and another with the Philadelphia Union. It also includes their 2-1 away win against the LA Galaxy. That one was decided by a Luis Muriel score in the 90th minute.
Starting with the 4-2-3-1, they’ve gone 1-1-0. The win came against Toronto FC, 4-2.
The formations employed against Orlando City haven’t been difficult for the squads to figure out. They’ve also faced teams starting with the 4-4-2, where opponents have gone 1-1-1. With the 4-3-3, the challengers have also finished 1-1-0. Finally, with the 4-2-3-1, the other teams are 0-1-1.
The 4-4-2 and its variations might threaten a yawn from supporters. But as long as building on the basics works, the Lions are right to use it.
These days, squads around the world aren’t shy about using that formation to soak up pressure and launch their counterattacks.
Orlando City SC will continue to evolve their formations based on whomever they face. They’ve started consistently winning early this year.