Sharp strategy leads Orlando City past a prepared Colorado Rapids | OneFootball

Each opponent studies Orlando City SC intently before a match. Regardless of their place in the MLS standings, the Colorado Rapids are prepared to put up a fight.

Orlando City SC walked onto a pitch their head coach knew well. They faced the Colorado Rapids, where Oscar Pareja coached for two seasons. He took them to the playoffs in the second edition in 2013. And he left a strong impression.

The Rapids looked for qualities of the Oscar Pareja they knew 12 years earlier as the match unfolded. To the Lions’ disappointment, the Colorado home team executed its plan well. But they didn’t drill for every aspect of that night’s game plan.

Some key players returned from their FIFA international duty in time for only two days of practice. But for this intense defensive exercise, it was enough.

Pareja began by declaring that this match was a must-win. The players and coaches agreed.

The players focused throughout the match on slowing down the Rapids and preventing them from controlling the territory. The strategy started working early.

In the 24th minute, the Lions mounted a counterattack. Forward Marco Pasalic squared the ball across the goal to midfielder Martin Ojeda. He scored his ninth goal of the season and 22nd across all competitions. It was Pasalic’s fifth assist across all competitions.

But Colorado still had some moves to show Orlando City. The Lions had to maintain the focus they’d prepared all week.

May 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo (5) scores a goal against Atlanta United during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Both defenses stayed strong, even after the first-half score. The strategy required that Orlando keep finding ways to slow the Rapids and disrupt their passing. Part of that strategy includes midfielder Cesar Araujo. The problem here was that the key player’s preparation was limited by back spasms.

City stayed sharp with their slim lead until the 58th minute, when a check determined Araujo was ready to take the pitch and help the team finish the job. By that time, the Rapids had brought in fresh players. Orlando was struggling to control areas. The opponents were picking up speed.

Araujo brought in his legs and experience. As a result, the team looked better. The Rapids started missing passes. His contribution was enough.

At the end of the 1-0 win for Orlando City SC, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese won his eighth clean sheet of the season. This ties his 2024 total. It also ties him for the most in MLS.

Orlando City SC has now risen to fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference with 30 points. That’s a distance for the conference leader, the Philadelphia Union, with 37 points. But the Lions are moving in the right direction.