Orlando City faced a hurdle three weeks ago when defensive midfielders Sebas Méndez, Uri Rosell and Andrés Perea suffered injuries within a handful of days.
Coach Oscar Pareja expects the most from his midfield. The coach played midfield for 18 years in Colombia and MLS, earning the nickname El Generalito — “the little general” — for his demanding presence.
Now, Orlando City players describe their coach as a “perfectionist” when critiquing his former position. The defensive midfield duo — known as a double pivot — is the crux of the coach’s system.
With three of his top options sidelined, Pareja turned to second-year midfielder Joey DeZart to fill in next to Júnior Urso.