Orlando City Soccer Formation

Starting Lineup

Luis Muriel (McGuire/Enrique) · Ivan Angulo · Nicholas Rodriguez · Martin Ojeda (Nico Lodeiro) · Dagur Dan (Wilder Cartegena- INJ) · Cesar Araujo (Colin Guske) · Rafael Santos (Smith/Reid-Brown) · Kyle Smith (Michael Halladay) · Pedro Gallese (Javier Otero) · Robin Jansson (Thomas Williams) · David Brekalo (Rodrigo Schlegel)

Orlando City focuses on an aggressive high press in a 4-3-3 formation. The team looks to win the ball back high up the pitch to launch immediate attacks. This formation relies on verticality and quick movement to catch the opposition before they can get organized.

Pedro Gallese starts the play from the back and organizes the defensive unit. The back line operates as a flat back four that stays relatively high to squeeze the space. Kyle Smith plays as the right back while Rafael Santos occupies the left. David Brekalo and Robin Jansson form the central pairing, where Jansson uses his aerial strength to win the header and Brekalo provides cover to sweep behind the line when the full backs push up.

The midfield functions as a three-man unit with an attacking ten behind the striker. Cesar Araujo acts as the pivot to shield the defence and pick up runners. Dagur Dan plays as an inverted eight to drive forward and carry the ball into the half spaces. Martin Ojeda operates in the hole to connect the midfield and the attack while looking to arrive late into the box.

The attack features three players who work to stretch the defence. Luis Muriel serves as the lone striker, using his skill to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Ivan Angulo and Nicholas Rodriguez play as wide wingers who cut inside to create overloads in central areas. They press the opposition back line to force a long ball and look to play one-two combinations to break the line.

A major advantage of this Orlando City lineup is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The front three and Martin Ojeda can trigger a press that forces errors in the opponent's defensive third. Additionally, the team possesses great speed of transition, allowing them to break quickly and hit in behind on the transition when they win the ball. The players aim to win the second ball to keep the pressure constant.

This formation is a heavy pressing system designed to dominate through intensity and vertical play. It is best suited for matches against teams that prefer to play short from the back and can be caught out of position.