How Orlando City SC can start another undefeated streak

Orlando City SC started this MLS season in confusion and frustration.

Through persistent drills and study of what was wrong, Orlando City SC overcame its shortcomings at the beginning of this MLS season. The team has earned a record of 9-10-7 and 34 points. At this time of the season, the Lions stand just above Toronto FC and just over the playoff of the Eastern Conference.

Re-emerging into MLS play after a break for Leagues Cup competition, Orlando City ran into a brick wall facing Sporting Kansas City, a squad just three notches above last place in the Western Conference.

No one saw the 3-0 shutout of Orlando coming. Leading to this match, the Lions were on their second-longest streak – eight games -- without defeat in regulation in club history. Winger Facundo Torres took the pitch looking for his 40th goal for the club.

Torres also looked for his 24th and 25th assists so he could tie Nani for second all-time on the squad. And midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro sought his 12th assist for the season, which would be a league record.

Jul 20, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; New York City FC defender Birk Risa (5) controls the ball from Orlando City midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (14) in the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

As no one on the squad scored, none of these milestones have been reached yet. But with games left, there is a chance for the Lions to clinch a spot in the MLS post-season. Isn’t there anything they can do to reach these milestones and the playoffs?

It turns out, there is and they know what to do. The supporters witnessed a turnaround in the season when they did it. They just need to do it again.

In addition to the physical drills and match situations they play through for their next match, Orlando City must drill on focus.

After the loss, Head Coach Oscar Pareja said he observed a lack of heart, an absence of eagerness, and low energy by Orlando players in the match. In matches the Lions have won, especially when they won big, Pareja noted confidence, precision, and speed.

This points to a need for focus training. This is the quality gained by Orlando players that triggered their season turnaround.

This type of training simply supplements the physical drills the team already does for stamina, toughness, and precision. In addition to these physical drills, they visualize where teammates will be in match situations. They prepare to be mindful of how their teammates get to those positions.

They set realistic statistical goals for themselves for the match and communicate them to teammates.

They will also work to generate positive self-talk, knowing they are good enough to win against most opponents remaining on their schedule.

That was how they started the undefeated streak that just ended. And that’s how Orlando City SC can start the next streak.