It has been two years since Orlando’s inaugural MLS season back in 2015. Though there have been some incredibly memorable moments, defensively the Lions have struggled more than many expected. In the past two seasons combined, they gave up 116 goals against, making a goal differential of -15 and a 1.7 goals per game average. The goals were there but the defensive work wasn’t. But this season, things have turned around, largely due to the addition of centerback Jonathan Spector.
Since Spector’s addition this offseason, signing from Birmingham City back in January, Orlando’s defense looks completely new. In their first five games, the Lions have only given up two goals, both of those goals coming from home wins against LA and Philly.