During the final matches of the Lions’ run to the MLS is Back tournament final, Orlando City defender Kyle Smith became a consistent factor in the final minutes as a late-game substitution.
Bringing in Smith bulked up the defense, helping the Lions hold onto late leads. But it was also a tactical decision to put Smith in the right position to help the team with one of his best skills — taking penalty kicks.
Like many young players, Smith would dream up scenarios to practice as a kid, imagining himself as the critical player taking the final penalty to win a championship game.