The FIFA Data paused the MLS and it returns this Friday. One of the teams that reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals in 2023, Orlando City is looking to bounce back in the championship and make the most of this period, according to Brazilian player Rafael Santos.
For the defender, it is a positive period for the clubs because it helps in preparing for the upcoming games, resting the players, and teams that are looking to turn things around in the competition can take advantage of this time to improve when they return to playing.
“I believe that the FIFA Data always helps, especially for teams that are looking to bounce back in the championship, like us. It’s a period that breaks the rhythm of games, but we also have more time to prepare, improve our performance collectively, and the rest also helps, without a doubt,” he said.
In the return of the MLS, the Lions will face LAFC, the second-placed team in the Western Conference, this Saturday (15), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time). Rafael Santos believes that Orlando City needs to take advantage of the strength they have at the INTER&CO Stadium to secure the three points and turn things around in the championship.
“Now we have a tough sequence, but we always think about the next game. We are aware of the quality of LAFC, which has one of the best records in the competition, but we have to prepare well and make use of our strength at home, the support of our fans, to achieve a victory and turn things around to stay among the teams fighting for qualification,” he projected.
In addition to the upcoming match against LAFC, Orlando City will also be focusing on key aspects such as team tactics, player fitness, and morale during this break to ensure they come back stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead in the MLS. The team will be working on improving their gameplay, analyzing their opponents, and fine-tuning their strategies to increase their chances of success in the upcoming matches.
The break provided by the FIFA Data period will give the players a chance to rest, recover, and regroup, which will be crucial as they enter a demanding phase of the competition. It will also allow the coaching staff to address any weaknesses, make necessary adjustments, and motivate the team to perform at their best when they return to the field.
Overall, the Orlando City team is optimistic about the opportunities that the FIFA Data break presents and are determined to make the most of it to improve their performance, achieve positive results, and continue their quest for success in the MLS.