There’s only one thing that can make up for being under-manned on the soccer field: hard work. Tactical adjustments, substitutions, and disrupting the opponent are all a part of coping with being outnumbered on the field. But there’s no substitute for hard work; and it took every bit of energy from the players plus some more to earn a draw last night against the Fire.
Midfielder Will Johnson epitomized Orlando City’s team-first mentality during Sunday night’s match. After a Rafael Ramos’ red card in the 26th minute, Johnson stepped in to fill the void at right back. “He [Johnson] hasn’t played right back for a very long time now,” Head Coach Jason Kreis said during his post-match press conference. “He just went in there and did anything and everything that it took tonight to lead this team to a result. He wasn’t the only one. I think everybody that played in this match tonight showed what they’re willing to give to this team and to this community and this Club.”
Johnson began the match in an attacking midfield role for the Lions. After a lively start to the first half playing a bit higher up the pitch than he has in recent matches, Johnson was asked to use his tremendous versatility and take up a position he has not played for quite some time.
“Fortunately, Will [Johnson] played for us as right back early in the season,” Orlando City goalkeeper and Star of the Match Joe Bendik told reporters in his post-game interview. “And he did really well for those 25 minutes.” Johnson does have a bit of experience playing right back in MLS, but has spent the vast majority of his decorated career as a central midfielder. At right back, Johnson made multiple ball-winning tackles, won headers, kept possession, and made several clearances to relieve Chicago pressure.
Having someone like Will Johnson who is capable of playing many different positions – and playing them well – is a luxury not many teams in MLS have. After his gritty spell at right back, Johnson slid back into midfield for the second half to help fortify the defense in a more central position.
In his post-match interview, Johnson was asked about the team’s second clean sheet in a row: "I think anytime you get a shutout at this level, it is satisfying. The most satisfying part is that it is against an Eastern Conference team, a team that is right next to us in the standings. Instead of the points gap going to four, it stays at one. That part, for me, is the most satisfying part."
