The consecutive 0-0 draws by Orlando City SC have frustrated many. They’re not the only team with this struggle, either.
The Arsenal Gunners are fighting their way through the Premier League. How they work to avoid draws and increase wins is worthy of study by Orlando City SC.
Arsenal waded through consecutive draws back in February. More recently, Pain in the Arsenal, a popular fellow Fansided site, described them as limping through a 1-1 draw at home to Brentford FC.
The recent draw disappointed supporters and players wanting Arsenal to make more progress in the Premier League. The MLS season is still young enough that, after the 0-0 draw with CF Montreal, the Lions may still enjoy six straight regular-season games unbeaten.
Also, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese earned his third clean sheet of the season and extended his club record to 51 shutouts across all competitions.
Yet Orlando wants to achieve a winning balance between the strong defense and good offense they know they have.
That mirrors the Arsenal experience after draws. As the account by James Dudko explains, the team identified big guns and called them in from the bench. Some were hitting form while others faltered in key moments.
The good news in both experiences is that Pain in the Arsenal pointed to a problem in the team’s coaches, not getting the balance right. Balance is just what Orlando City appears to work toward. Head Coach Oscar Pareja mentioned this during an interview before the Montreal match.
The Arsenal balance has to do with squad rotation and managing injuries. The Lions have a different job in balancing offense and defense. This sort of balance for either team bears the same high level of difficulty.
Midfielder/defender Dagur Dan Thorhallsson spoke to balance as well. He found hope in how the Lions maintained focus even after a record card reduced their numbers. But he emphasized that their goal in drills and during matches is to start winning games.
With offense and defense on the pitch, Orlando City SC will get the goals that have been eluding them.