Orlando City depends on its outside backs as much as any other position on the field. Ruan and Joao Moutinho fly up the wings, slinging balls into the box for Ercan Kara and Alexandre Pato. The importance of these two players was evident Saturday night in the team’s 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati.
Ruan and Moutinho have critical roles for the Lions on both the offensive and defensive end. Offensively, Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja wants his outside backs to push forward into the attack. The team’s midfielders routinely send the speedy Brazilian through on the right side, allowing him to beat his defender and send balls into the box.