Physicality of MLS creating an adjustment for newcomers

By Philip Rossman-Reich -
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Orlando City’s two biggest newcomers faced a similar challenge as they came to the MLS.

There was the new country, a busy schedule, a new league and the heat of summer games. The travel itself can be jarring in a country as large as the United States. MLS is a different animal than anything else.

Then there is the actual style of play.

In addition to many of the physical challenges that comes with MLS, there is also the physicality of the league. It is a different league than many other leagues in the world. Each league takes on a certain character — some are more physical than others.

The MLS falls in the physical category for sure. There are a lot of fouls and tough play with so many players scratching to advance their careers. It is a reputation that has taken many international players by surprise.

The difference in adjusting to this physicality can be seen with Antonio Nocerino and Julio Baptista’s adjustments to the MLS.

Baptista checked into his first game and immediately seemed at home. The striker nicknamed “The Beast” had been out of action for some time but the big-bodied, physical player immediately began bulldozing his way through defenders, forcing action and creating opportunities for his teammates. His veteran savvy holding the ball has made an impact in his limited minutes.

Baptista is playing behind Cyle Larin and has not played a full 90 minutes yet. He is still getting himself into better form and fitness, but he has fit well within the MLS.

Nocerino though has not.

The high-priced signing from AC Milan came over to much fanfare but has struggled mightily. Nocerino is a skilled player for sure and has shown off some strong moves, but he often cuts to the inside too much and is not great at moving forward. That lack of cohesion with left back Brek Shea has left Orlando City exposed on that side and prevented the team from attacking.

Kaka has said about his former teammate there is definitely an adjustment to the MLS and its brand of play, as he told Alicia Del Gallo of the Orlando Sentinel:

“When I came…my thoughts were, ‘I’m coming for a league that is growing. I know that it’s growing. I know that it’s still a young league, but there are good players, good teams, they are running a lot,'” Kaká said. “So, I put that I had to work very hard in my mind to stay ready for the games. Now I know where I can go, how I can play, but when I started playing here, we have to understand that this league is not easy.

“I’m not saying this for Nocerino, but for the players who come here and think they can just come here and play comfortable, that’s not how it is. You have to work a lot, you have to run, you have to work on the field. Probably a few players who will join us, or this league, will need to have this consciousness to play well here.”

Nocerino is still getting his feet wet. His next opportunity in the lineup will be a big one as he has to continue showing a better understanding of what the challenges in the league are and what the team wants from him.

His playing time has begun to shrink. He has gone unused in the last three games as supporter frustration has grown and it is clear things are just not working out for now.

Kaka is right though there is an adjustment to this league and the style it requires to succeed. It could take more than a quarter of the season for Nocerino to find his comfort and fit with this group — especially considering he jumped into the league without a training camp and time to get a connection with his teammates.

Even in flashes, Nocerino has shown his skill. Orlando City will find a use for him. Whether fans and the team can get over the price tag or Nocerino can show his worth before the end of the season, will be another discussion.

Support for Orlando continues to pour in

Remembrances and support for the victims of the tragic shooting at Pulse Night Club this weekend continue to pour in from across the sports world.

The NBA held a moment of silence ahead of Game Five of the NBA Finals with former Orlando Magic forward and Orlando resident Grant Hill leading the remembrance.

The WWE too shared its thoughts and mourning for Orlando at the top of Raw from New Orleans on Monday.

The WWE is a member of the Orlando community with the Performance and Training Center located in Winter Park and regular tapings of WWE’s NXT brand at Full Sail.

The WWE had tragedy strike it when a police shot a man trespassing at the performance center.

The Arena Football League also released a statement of support for Orlando and the Orlando Predators.

“Together we mourn the loss of lives and injuries suffered in this horrific tragedy in the early hours of June 12,” AFL Commissioner Scott C. Butera said. “We commend the heroic actions and courage of Orlando’s first responders, emergency teams, and government officials working diligently to overcome the horrible aftermath of this tragic event. Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims, their families and friends and the entire Orlando community.”

Every team in the league will wear a black “ORL” sticker on their helmets. The Predators will wear their home black uniforms for their game at the Jacksonville Sharks this weekend.

UCF-Michigan kickoff time set

UCF’s Sept. 10 game against Michigan will kick off at noon and get a national broadcast on ESPN or ABC, the Big Ten announced Monday.

This is one of two non-conference games against Big Ten teams. The Knights will play Maryland at home a week later.

UCF kicks off its season Sept. 3 against South Carolina State. But this will be the team’s first showcase of the #UCFast offense in front of a national audience — and a Big Ten favorite to boot.

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