Orlando City SC defense aims at managing risk
• Orlando City keeps the aggression on
• Players on defense face risk
The last several times Orlando City SC discussed defense publically, they focused on containing offensive threats.
If a team contains the opponent’s scoring threat, that’s all about MLS defense a lot of supporters want to know. So the last few times Orlando City SC published statements about their defense, that’s what was said.
That’s the format after the July 6 win over D.C. United, their first shutout win since May 18. The defense was highlighted for containing D.C. striker Christian Benteke. This season he’s scored 16 goals, plus four assists, for United through late July.
Yes, it’s important to contain the other team’s big scoring threat. But putting players on the pitch – both offense and defense – there are more goals to consider. Defense involves much more than plugging up the net for opponents.
After signing forward Duncan McGuire to a new contract, he hinted at those other goals. The team praised his ability to score goals and create chances. Those are the offensive skills he’s known for. Yet McGuire said on a squad he’s expected not only to score but to work hard.
The Hard Work Elements of Defense
Head Coach Oscar Pareja often speaks of pushing and looking for space. Then the job is to control that space, opening lanes for passing and creating chances.
Helping protect that space is a job of defense. Earlier this season, Orlando City players became frustrated and confused when they couldn’t control space.
Other defensive elements include tackles – Orlando is averaging 15.4 per match through late July – and interceptions. Of the latter, the Lons have averaged 7.3.
Pareja and other MLS head coaches have emphasized the importance of aggression on the pitch. Pareja describes this element as a way for the team to prove initiative.
As Pareja explains it, aggression and initiative are not the same as recklessness. Instead, these elements are ways to approach the risk the match presents.
The risk can lead to fouls. And in fact, that is how one scouting organization measures aggression. As a team, Orlando City averages 9.3 fouls per match. And by this measure, City midfielder Cesar Araujo shows the most aggression on the squad with eight fouls through late July.
As Orlando City SC resumes MLS competition, they will need all these elements. By effectively managing the risk of these upcoming matches, the post-season is Orlando’s.