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Orlando City SC goalkeeper getting mojo working during international break

• Increasing width and physical presence

• Honing ball-handling skills

• Getting teammates together

By Chuck Wharton

Jun 8, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Peru goalkeeper Pedro Galleses (1) reacts during the second half against Ecuador during the group play stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario. at University of Phoenix Stadium. The match ended in a tie 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Peru goalkeeper Pedro Galleses (1) reacts during the second half against Ecuador during the group play stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario. at University of Phoenix Stadium. The match ended in a tie 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports / Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
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Orlando City SC starters and bench riders are out getting internatinonal seasoning for the rest of the MLS season.

A disappointing run for Orlando City SC preceded the international break. So goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is among the first to voice his intent to get the Lion mojo working.

Gallese has long been touted by FIFA sources as one of the best goalkeepers ever to come from Peru. So he and teammate midfielder Wilder Cartagena joined the Peru national team as starters during the break.

In their match with Paraguay, El Pulpo Gallese had the play of the game  when he dribbled past attackers and kicked a long ball downfield to create the chance for a counterattack.

Gallese is at his best when he plays well ahead of the penalty area. That means he’s most confident of his teammates. It’s here he demonstrates outstanding skill with the ball.

As he has explained it, that confidence comes a squad whose members know and understand who they are and what they’ll do on the pitch.

He added that what makes the squad united that way is that they are no longer searching for their style of play.

In past seasons, Orlando City has frequently attacked on the left. They often shot from distance and played with width. But they weren't aggressive.

This season, the team has struggled as they developed an effective system using three defenders. They continued fighting to play with width. But they’ve become a more physical team.

Entering the international break, midfielder Cesar Araujo accumulated six yellow cards and Robin Jansson held five. Araujo also has a red card. Jansson got suspended for his accumulation.

While costly, these cards are evidence of the physical style the team is developing.

The break gives Gallese and Cartagena needed opportunities to continue developing team cohesiveness in a different setting. Then, they’ll need to bring it back to the Orlando City SC pitch.

And continue using it.