Orlando City’s defense is in need of some reform this year. There was already some planned changes with Seb Hines and Tommy Redding emerging as the top center backs. It pushed Aurelien Collin to the bench and added depth defensively.
Despite Orlando City’s struggles with possessing the ball and even having some defensive issues, Orlando City feels pretty set. The center backs have been relatively strong throughout the season with Joe Bendik in net.
It does not seem though this is a time to adjust the defense dramatically. Not with the Lions struggling on that end.
Orlando City though made a move that could have some people scratching their heads some. The Lions have reportedly traded veteran defender Aurelian Collin to the New York Red Bulls for a fourth round pick and Orlando City will pay half his salary for the remainder of the season.
OK here's what I am hearing: Collin deal is for a straight 4th-rounder and Orlando City taking on more than 50% of the salary charge.
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) April 29, 2016
It is a somewhat surprising move.
Collin was a fixture for the Lions last year and one of the best players on the team. He made some incredible plays at center back and provided some stability. Collin was really good.
But he was ultimately displaced in the lineup. Orlando City has used him in only two games as Hines and Redding supplanted him in the lineup. David Mateos and even Kevin Alston are in the wings pushing for playing time. Collin was no longer fitting into Orlando City’s future.
Their return seems to suggest the Lions were really looking to move Collin for whatever reason. Likely because of that roster pinch. There are a lot of players vying for playing time.
And effectiveness remains an issue.
Orlando City’s play has been uneven the last few weeks — it is not just officiating — and the defense and midfield play is a big reason why.
As Logan F. Oliver notes for The Mane Land:
On paper, the defense should have devolved. Seb Hines struggled to keep his starting job with Sean St. Ledgerand David Mateos competing with him for most of last season, and Tommy Redding only made brief cameos when City center backs were dropping with injuries weekly. Redding’s improvement and talent has been noted, but he still makes youthful mistakes. The pair has managed to post one clean sheet this season, thanks in large part to Bendik’s six saves at Yankee Stadium.
While the offense has managed to grind out results, they aren’t going to outscore opponents every week. Asking for a minimum of two goals, and more often three, per match is not something the Lions can keep up for months on end. Stopping the silly fouls in and around the box can help stem the free kick goals, but the goals from open play are the far more worrying issue.
He goes on to suggest a formation change or even going to the bench. But with Mateos and Collin both on the bench with high salaries, the team had to move on from one to make the books work. The Collin trade seems more about finances and less about soccer.
Collin’s departure certainly does not improve an already struggling defense — and the Red Bulls come to Camping World Stadium (nee Orlando Citrus Bowl) next week — and that should be somewhat concerning. Even if the Lions were not using Collin.
Orlando City should feel fairly invested in its central defense as it is. Redding has been one of the best young surprises in the league so far this year. Mateos is working his way back to fitness after an early season injury and he could provide a nice boost.
This is a big question left for Orlando City to answer. It is still painful to see one of the original MLS players who performed at such a high level that first year depart so quietly. That is the reality of the business though and the reality of the league.
