Defense advances for Orlando City SC
• Defense protecting a lead part of it
• Tackles and interceptions add to style
Focusing on offense in soccer and any other field sport is more fun. But much of the success of Orlando City SC in recent matches comes from defense.
The defensive season averages are rising for Orlando City SC. Offensive numbers are easier to follow and more fun to run. But much of the team’s increasing success is due to keeping players’ focus on defensive opportunities.
After preventing scores and dispossessing opponents, creating offensive chances becomes all the more possible.
And defense becomes necessary as Orlando prepares for formidable opponents such as New York City FC.
In their meeting in June New York City held off Orlando’s comeback efforts for a 4-2 victory. Since then, the Lions have put together a four-match win streak against teams not as talented collectively as NYCFC.
The momentum for that streak comes from creative play, consistent focus, and stamina. When Orlando last faced teams with NYC’s talent, they didn’t possess the momentum and didn’t have as much confidence from their drills.
It shows in the record that has them seventh in the MLS East Conference, two notches above the playoff line. With a little more digging, it's easy to see how this shows in their defense, as well.
In 24 matches on defense, they now average 15.2 tackles per game, 7.2 interceptions, and on the physical side – 9.2 fouls.
These are the markers that contribute to their physical playing style, defending against set pieces resulting from fouls and, overall, protecting a lead.
After their 3-0 shutout of Nashville SC, Head Coach Oscar Pareja emphasized that reaching this level of confidence results in their playing a serious game. Through the players’ high level of focus, they knew their positions and could execute their drills during evolving conditions throughout the match.
And they can play an intimidating, physical style. Midfielder Cesar Araujo has seven yellow cards this season as the squad’s most aggressive player. Yet, while maintaining that physical play, he scored his first goal of the season against Nashville.
His defensive efforts turned into productive offense once the team took possession.
He also won an aerial duel and executed two tackles.
An old sports coach once said the best offense is a good defense.
And that same slogan will work as Orlando City SC defends deep into the MLS post-season this year.