Yes, it was a draw instead of a win. But the recent match where Orlando City SC faced New York City FC demonstrated how far the squad’s defense progressed.
Orlando City SC isn’t an exception. Few MLS teams get praised for defense. It’s more fun to talk about through balls, free kicks, and shots on goal.
But when Orlando drew New York City FC and fought off a scoring chance late, It was showtime for defense.
It was in the 75th minute. New York City forward Talles Magno almost casually dribbled through Orlando City squad members toward the net. He then shot a pass to midfielder Santiago Rodriguez.
It was obvious they’d practiced this many times. But they hadn’t considered another party to their play. That was Orlando defender Rafael Santos.
He had gotten himself into position for the Magno-Rodriguez play as if he’d practiced it many times with the two opponents. When Rodriguez took the ball and got in range for a shot, Santos executed a perfect tackle, firing the ball well away from the Orlando net and across the end line.
By the time everyone got back into the match, this all but ensured Orlando would leave the pitch with no worse than a draw.
This wasn’t the only blocked shot credited to Santos in the game. But it was the flashiest by far, getting caught in photographer lenses including USA Today and Getty.
As Santos shows, Orlando's defense makes just as strong a case as the scoring for City’s place in the MLS Eastern Conference. Nothing took away the New York City FC's stamina late in the game. However, such an efficient defense mounted by Orlando City SC drew off the opponents’ will to win the match.
Orlando City SC still stands seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference. This makes a solid case the team should be closer to fifth, where New York City FC now stands.
Getting there will be fun.