When Orlando City SC resumes MLS competition, their go-to formation will be the defensive scheme of the 4-3-3.
Whether winning matches in MLS or the Leagues Cup, one scouting source reports. In their past eight games, they used the 4-3-3 defensive formation. During this span including MLS and three Leagues Cup matches, Orlando City SC went 6-1-1. The loss and one of the wins came from Leagues Cup shootouts.
With their current personnel, Head Coach Oscar Pareja has made only a few changes in his lineups using this formation. The only other formation in that eight-match span was the double-six. That game finished with a 5-0 shutout of D.C. United.
The 4-3-3 is easy to understand. Adapting the formation to emphasize defense is also easy.
The formation adapts easily for defense, allowing a press across the pitch and promoting covering space. Earlier this season, the most frustrating matches for Orlando players were when they couldn’t control space.
In a loss to Columbus Crew earlier this season, Pareja noted that the opponents pushed City out of space. Frustration mounted as Orlando continued to concede space. They grew confused, forgot their drills, and plunged into bad habits.
As the defenders keep the defensive third plugged, the midfielders offer passing lanes up front.
The center forward for many of these 4-3-3 matches has been Ramiro Enrique. He has made the opportunity pay off with goals in two of the three Leagues Cup matches during regulation play.
Pareja has emphasized how important to the players creating space is. And this formation has proved effective in controlling the ball and the space.
It will allow them to fight fire with fire in their next MLS match against Sporting Kansas City. That squad usually employs variations of the same 4-3-3.
Their experience with that formation is much spottier than that of Orlando City SC. Control and creating space will rule the day.