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The Purple Pitch

ORL-ATL Review: Tactical breakdown

Jack Bell

A first-half Enrique goal saw The Lions progress to the Eastern Conference Final, ending Atlanta’s fairytale story. City fought off late pressure to conclude an effective team performance in a historic evening at the Inter&Co Stadium.


It was Orlando who started off strongest in the first-half with most of the action occurring within Atlanta’s final third. Overlapping runs from the pacey wingers, Angulo and Torres, gave the central playmakers, Araujo and Cartagena, consistent options going forward.


Despite the teamsheet portraying a 4-2-3-1 formation, Orlando adopted a traditional 4-4-2 for the majority of the game, allowing wingbacks, Thorhallsson and Santos to provide width and get forward, and attacking midfielder, Ojeda, to play on the shoulder of his strike partner, Enrique.


Orlando were quick and efficient with their short passing and link-up play. The front line offered regular availability through their energetic off-the-ball movement, catching out Atlanta defenders on many occasions.


On the rare occurrences where City lost possession and were forced back into their own half, the defensive line kept their robust shape, with Schlegel and Jansson clearing or reclaiming the ball several times.


Fatigue looked to have set in towards the end of the night, with many counter-attacking opportunities going to waste. However, with the help of the roars coming from the sell-out crowd, The Lions held on for a momentous victory, taking them to the final four of the MLS Play-Offs.


Stand out players:


Jansson: Capped off his 200th Orlando appearance with a solid display. Had several clearances and tackles to make towards the end of the game. Eased City fans nerves with confident defending and leadership.


Thorhallsson: Constant running up and down the line, linking up well with Torres. Almost opened the scoring within the first five minutes with a hard-driven shot deflecting off Guzan and hitting the post.


Torres: Orlando’s main star proving again why he is one of the hottest talents in the MLS right now. His stylish skills and direct forward play made it difficult for the Atlanta defense to maintain their shape.


Angulo: This man did not stop running. A constant threat down the left side for Orlando, dribbling with pace and creating numerous chances. His talent has been a significant factor in Orlando’s success this campaign.


Enrique: His twelfth goal in all competitions – and definitely the most important – proved decisive in this tight fixture. Took his chance well and pounced onto the stray ball within the six-yard box before the Atlanta defense had time to react. Could have even added a few more to his record.





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