Focus and concentration drive the mental training as Orlando City SC marches through this MLS season.
One year ago, Orlando City SC players still struggled through each match. Yet, they rose in execution and strength, still making the MLS postseason. Much of the training that drove their success was of the mental type, especially focus and concentration.
They would play competently in the first half, then lose some degree of focus in the second half. After chasing opponents as they created chances, and the Lions made some mistakes, the match was often lost.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja has spoken about how the players have developed stronger trust for each other and their coaches this season. Physical training is still paramount, and it has endowed the players with increased tactical discipline, in the coach’s words.
While they could still increase focus and concentration in the second half, the tactical ability enabled them to manage the Portland Timbers effectively in the second half of Orlando’s 1-0 victory.
Orlando still keeps pushing and improving. Pareja recognizes that their focus continues to develop this season. That and the tactics become wins.
Pareja has also described their mental preparation as discipline. It’s a halftime topic. He reminds the players of their mental drills that lead to points. This is how they see opportunities, create chances, and decrease their opponents’ chances – by controlling space.
In the second half of the Timbers match, Orlando started losing territory in the second half. They increased their time of possession. But the Lions’ defense stood tall. Portland got two shots on target in the second half. But that’s all they achieved.
Forward Duncan McGuire got the one, winning goal, combining with defender Alex Freeman. He acknowledged how Portland tested the Lions in the second half. And he emphasized that they responded by denying them an equalizer.
The result isn’t just three points for Orlando City SC. Their mental and tactical achievements have extended the team’s MLS-leading unbeaten streak to 12 matches. They’ll keep extending that record.