How Orlando City SC feeds the need for speed

Earlier this season opponents frustrated Orlando City SC with three-defender formations. Lately, they’ve attacked in the second half by turning on the speed.

Orlando City SC had to figure out how to fight teams using the back three – or three-defender formations. They plotted, charted and drilled. Then coaches and players decided, if it’s that good, let’s start playing it.

So until some key players for the Orlando formation got called out on international duty, they went to various forms of the back three. And they enjoyed some success.

More recently this season, opponents found a new way to react when Orlando City got an equalizer score. They waited until late in the game – say the 70th minute on – and pushed the accelerator. They would turn on the speed.

This appeared to knock the players off the beam. They got frustrated and confused. But only a game later, when Charlotte FC used the same tactic, City matched their speed and played to a 2-2 draw.

It takes more than determination to play with speed. Squad members have to have a high aptitude for focus and concentration. And they have to call upon and use these qualities.

After that, it’s necessary to have players with the talent and endurance to outrun opponents and attack.

Midfielder-defender Dagur Dan Thorhallsson says this squad's most talented speed player is midfielder Ivan Angulo, who he thinks is the fastest in the world.

He described a startling experience in April when the club beat D.C. United. Thorhallsson ran to get in position near the United net as Angulo raced past defenders with the ball. It was a drill situation, and just as they practiced, Angulo lobbed the ball in perfectly for Thorhallsson’s head and his first score of the season.

Orlando City SC acquired Angulo from his Brazilian team last January with options through 2026. If the need continues for speed, the options will keep the pedal to the floor for seasons to come.