Orlando City SC works the high- and low-defensive lines for pitch domination | OneFootball

High and low defensive lines now rank high in Orlando City SC match preparation each week.

After the 4-1 win over D.C. United, winger Marco Pasalic spoke of how Orlando City SC exploited the opponent’s backline. He described the drills that helped him and his teammates aim their focus as high and low defensive lines.

First, the players and coaches depend on reports from their scouts to know who will be manning these lines and how skillful each player will be in their upcoming match.

Had D.C. United's strategy of using a high defensive line worked, it would have stifled and frustrated the Lions’ efforts. But it didn’t because they had prepared when D.C. tried this. As Orlando advanced with the ball, United defenders would move up, intending to reduce the offensive time with the ball by making the pitch smaller for them.

The risk in this tactic is that it left space for Orlando City players to use, which they did. They got seven shots on goal and cashed in on four of them. That was more than enough to leave the pitch that evening with three points.

Nov 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte FC midfielder Andrew Privett (34) battles for the ball against Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire (13) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The low defensive line, or low block, occurred when D.C. abandoned the high line and kept their defenders close to their net. This was to prevent the Lions from getting behind the line. This prevented further damage to United in the second half. However, Orlando got all four goals in the first half.

Except for Orlando’s bid for a clean sheet, their work was done. D.C. United made one final offensive surge in the second-half stoppage time, erasing the shutout, but conceding the match.

Besides these focused drills on defense, Orlando will find improvement during the steady recovery of striker Duncan McGuire. He’s getting increasing minutes during matches. During these sessions, he’s showing the efficiency the team needs in aerial duels and key passes.