How Orlando City SC prepares to win it all | OneFootball

A recent report by MLSSoccer.com marveled at how far Orlando City SC has traveled in the MLS post-season. How far is that?

They’ve arrived at the annual penultimate Eastern Conference match. All players and coaches have to do now is solve the New York Red Bulls attack. Then they have to get behind their opponents’ defense. They’ve achieved these two goals consistently in recent matches.

Soccer media and Orlando City supporters must not be faulted for unrestrained marveling at how effective the Lions are performing. Early in the season, supporters wondered whether they should keep attending games. They asked where the previous team had gone that scored 55 goals the previous season.

The 2024 edition of Orlando City started the season with a shocking record of 2-5-3 through 10 matches. Rather than spin in frustration, players and coaches grouped to begin the necessary improvement program.

This program included intense scouting of opponents and drills – including simulated games based on scouting reports.

Nov 24, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City midfielder Dagur Thorhallsson (17) rides on the shoulders of defender Robin Jansson (6) following a win over Atlanta United in a 2024 MLS Cup conference semifinal match at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Then the Lions embarked on the best run of any MLS squad this season. They finished the regular session with 59 goals – more than last year’s. Only the first two teams in the conference netted more goals. Inter Miami finished with 79 and second-place Columbus Crew got 72.

Both those teams are out of the playoffs.

After this incredible surge, Orlando City has qualified for the MLS post-season five straight times, all under Head Coach Oscar Pareja – one of only three active MLS teams with this achievement.

The balance of attack and defense Orlando has shown opponents in the playoffs comes out of their momentum. But where does the momentum come from, other than winning?

That has resulted from the team’s dedication to finding new areas for improvement. Once identified, they improve those areas in their execution.

They communicate these areas. Then they drill. Then they win.