The good, the bad, and the Orlando City SC high press that missed three minutes | OneFootball

The high press played by Orlando City SC works for 87 minutes. Now they must make it work for the remaining three minutes plus stoppage time.

For so long in their match with New York City FC, everything they tried against Orlando City SC failed. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese enjoyed a lead that extended beyond the first half well into the second. The advantage was anchored in a finely executed game strategy that employed the backline in a specialized way.

New York identified the Lions’ strategy but couldn’t find a way to foil it other than to bide their time. Orlando’s high press worked perfectly with their personnel.

In the high press – or high block – defenders will hold a high line. The team keeps a solid shape as all the players work to control space in the opposition’s half of the pitch, working a counter-press to win back the ball when they don’t possess it.

With skilled players, this strategy overwhelms opponents. They win the ball with an organized, collective effort to cut off passing lanes. So with the Lions in position, Defender Robin Jansson got the first score in the 36th minute. Another defender, David Brekalo, got the first assist, with the second going to Martin Ojeda.

Jul 16, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City SC defender Robin Jansson (6) walks out prior to the game as he escorts a kid for the national anthem against the New York City FC at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The best execution of this strategy prompts the opponents to build up frustration rather than an attack. That leads to errors.

But if something goes wrong with the team playing a high press, they will make an error. And the hole in the dam created by the press can’t be repaired easily, especially if problems occur late. That’s what happened to Orlando City in their match against New York City.

In the 87th minute, after a goalmouth scramble, the ball caromed off Orlando defender Kyle Smith for an Own Goal. With the score changed to a 1-1 draw, Orlando City didn’t sound the alarm.

New York winger Alonso Martinez got the ball past Gallese for a 2-1 lead in stoppage time that held for the Lions’ loss.

Orlando City SC has proved they can execute a fine high press. But it has to be a 90-minute high press to gain the Lions some points.