Orlando City’s defense has defined the team in the early part of the season. Through seven games, the Lions have conceded just four goals, the second-fewest in the league. While the back line has seen plenty of rotation due to injuries, center back Antonio Carlos emerged as an early candidate for MLS Defensive Player of the Year. Things are more secure than ever for the Lions, but can they keep it up? Well, it’s complicated.
Orlando undeniably has an elite core of defensive players. Its center back triumvirate of Carlos, Robin Jansson, and Rodrigo Schlegel might be the best in the league.