Formation variations no problem for Orlando City SC in playoffs

Since late this season, Orlando City SC has favored a 4-2-3-1 formation that looks to some scouts more like a 4-3-3.

MLS posts the recent go-to formations of Orlando City SC as the 4-2-3-1. But some scouting organizations believe it looks and works more like a 4-3-3 on the pitch.

As it turns out, successful MLS teams have evolved during matches between those two formations to work their attacks. In the case of Orlando City SC, that means employing whatever formations help the team play with width, open lanes and keep possession.

U.S. Soccer is the body governing soccer across the nation. The organization sometimes studies and reports on MLS formations. Last year, they found the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 to be the dominant formations of successful clubs.

They explained that each club’s go-to formations come from a coach’s experience and philosophy, influenced by the players.

Those squads favoring a back four with compact midfield also favor the 4-3-3, according to the report. Just because a team with a full midfield leads possession and passing accuracy during a match doesn’t automatically mean a win.

The compact midfield of the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 still focuses on defending. When the squad knows how to play these formations, that leaves their opponents little space to work.

The main example of the report was the 2023 season’s St. Louis CITY. Early in the season, that squad used those formations and had scored more than any other team in the league.

Nov 24, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique (7) and Atlanta United defender Derrick Williams (3) battle for control of the ball during the first half in a 2024 MLS Cup conference semifinal match at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Have a full four backline in these formations doesn’t mean defenders aren’t also responsible for offense. Ideally, the center-forward watches for the attack to gather, then moves ahead to pin the opposition’s back.

Together with the forwards, the opposition’s defenders get pushed deeper. This allows other midfielders and strikers to create the space they need to finish.

So what if an opponent counters the attack with another back three formation?

Orlando City SC got plenty of good experience with that formation as they turned this season around. In the 2024 MLS playoffs, they can use it to protect a lead, too.

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