Charlotte FC vs Orlando City: Smith hoping for Orso insight against struggling former club

Dean Smith will hope to utilise the experience of former Orlando City midfielder Junior Orso when his new team Charlotte FC host them in MLS on Thursday.

Charlotte head coach Smith says the influence of Orso, who spent four seasons with Orlando, could benefit the home side at Bank of America Stadium.

“It helps,” Smith said of Orso’s knowledge. “Little insights of information that can help.

“The fact that Junior will know a lot about them will certainly help us as well.”

The Crown are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, too, owing to their remarkable defence that has helped them to ninth in the Supporter’s Shield rankings.

“Defense wins championships,” said Brandt Bronico, reflecting on the team’s success this season. “If you can get the defense right, you can [then] start creating and having fun on the offensive end.

“The collective defense-first mindset is probably the most important thing in the locker room.”

Orlando are struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table, sitting just one point ahead of New England Revolution, who still have a game in hand.

Oscar Pareja’s side were beaten 3-1 by Los Angeles FC last time out, extending their winless streak to four games.

The Orlando head coach acknowledged improvements are needed.

“We need to have a deeper analysis about what’s happening on the pitch,” Pareja said.

“But once again, it’s not enough at this point. We need to win games and that’s not happening.”

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