Formations that use a back three require resolute communication and a strong knowledge of each individual role on the pitch. An increased emphasis is placed on the wing-backs’ abilities to explode forward in attack to create threatening opportunities in the final third, while also assisting to form a resilient defense.
Orlando City SC utilized the back-three formation to full effect in their first win of the season against the New York Red Bulls this weekend. The triumph also ended the club’s poor away record in which they were winless in over 20 MLS matches dating back to last season.