Against the odds, Orlando City has advanced to the semifinals of the MLS is Back Tournament. Perhaps the biggest reason has been a staunch defense. I’m not only referring to Pedro Gallese in goal and the back line of Ruan, Antônio Carlos, Robin Jansson, and João Moutinho, but the efforts of the entire squad.
The Lions have been very effective at team defending. Every player from Tesho Akindele back to Gallese has contributed. Perhaps the best example of this team defending was in the match against Los Angeles FC. Orlando City needed to press and defend the entirety of the pitch to neutralize a potent LAFC attack.