Orlando City SC calculates winning balance with a double six | OneFootball

Orlando City SC has gone to a variation of the 4-4-2 formation in consecutive matches recently. It’s worked for the Lions to expand their streak of not conceding a goal.

The 4-4-2 double-six formation was tagged by MLSSoccer.com in consecutive Orlando City SC matches recently. Those included the red-card 0-0 draw against CF Montreal and the 3-0 blowout of Atlanta United FC.

The crucial final minutes against Montreal decided whether the Lions, playing a man down, would leave the field with a point and a clean sheet. Using the double-six variation, the coaches knew they could benefit by calling Zakaria Taifi from the bench and moving the defender up front in this situation.

Some only remembered Taifi during his Academy days when he captained the U17 squad that won the MLS NEXT Cup in 2021. Now in the 86th minute, could he help the undermanned Lions finish with one point?

Scouting reports and observation during drills with the first team showed that in this double-six formation, the defender could disrupt and block opponents in this strange but effective use of a fifth defender.

The strategy worked.

Orlando City v Atlanta United | Dustin Markland/GettyImages

Football Critic reports that Orlando used the 4-4-2 and variants eight times in MLS competition last year, beginning in March. It was a troubled start in MLS. But as the team developed their effectiveness, their use of the formation served them increasingly well. They finished the MLS season 4-2-2 while using it.

The double-six variation can be built in the 4-4-2 or other formations. It emphasizes two central midfielders before the two central backs. With personnel fitting well in this formation, a stable center results. Helping the effort are two wide fullbacks and wingers working the sidelines.

The center has become remarkably stable for Orlando, and the adjustable balance that the Lions have desparately sought has arrived.

Orlando City SC doesn’t just play soccer, they evolve themselves and the game. The result is they’ve started scoring again.