Oscar Pareja admits Orlando City are struggling with long break in play

Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja has admitted his side have struggled with the long break between Decision Day and the start of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The Lions beat CF Montreal 2-0 on the final day of the season before heading into a 16-day break between that match and their Round One clash away at Nashville.

Though the time on the sidelines will undoubtedly be valuable in resting tired legs and allowing Orlando to tactically prepare for Nashville, most players will tell you they'd rather keep going once they get on a roll.

"It has been a challenge," Pareja said of the break (via MLSsoccer.com). "Since we have two months prior with a busy schedule, and not just a busy schedule, it was a very stressful one because every game was a must-win game so we can achieve this. The first thing I thought was just resting their mind a little, not just the body, to see if we can refresh the group.

"I have noticed this last week the break is too long because I can sense the players still with that desire to keep going and competing. I'm trying to measure it too. We still have five to six days before competition and it seems like our players didn't want to stop. As I said, I'm trying to measure the loads and get the right information."

So, what exactly have Orlando been working on? A good start would be how to break down that Nashville defense, which allowed just 33 goals during the regular season - no MLS side had a better record. There's also the considerable threat of Hany Mukhtar, a leading MVP candidate with 16 goals and 10 primary assists.

There's lots to consider for an Orlando side that struggled for consistency during the second half of the campaign. But Pareja has faith in his players.

"I think breaking their defense has been a challenge, we're looking for work, ideas, training on how we can do it," he said. "At the same time, just try to control them. They have ability in transition and it's like any other team: How can you take advantage of their weaknesses, but at the same time, don't forget that there's a team that's prepared as well to hurt you and balance that all the team?

"So, be us, keep our faith in the things that we do, keep going with our solidness defensively is what gives you big things in big games. And then see if we can improve our production offensively, especially our forwards. That is an obvious answer but it's what the game is against Nashville or any team in the league."

Orlando's trip to Nissan Stadium is on Tuesday at 8pm (ET).

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