Young Subs Make Big Difference In Orlando City’s Season Opener

Orlando City had a difficult start to the 2026 MLS season, falling 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls. The team was completely outplayed in the first 45 minutes and could’ve been down by four or five goals at the break. But substitutions and a shift in formation changed the game if not the result.

The Lions began the night with Oscar Pareja’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation. However, the Colombian made a wise decision to switch to a 4-4-2 (or 4-1-2-1-2) lineup for the second half with a diamond midfield. It was an inspired change that got the team back into the game, but it wasn’t the only thing.

The season opener saw the return of defensive midfielder Wilder Cartagena, who missed all of the 2025 campaign after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in the first preseason game against Atletico Mineiro. His return to the field was a welcome sight, but it didn’t last long.

In the 14th minute, as the Red Bulls created an attack in the Orlando City box, the Peruvian began to hobble, holding his hamstring. After briefly examining the midfielder, the medical staff helped him off the field and into the locker room. With Eduard Atuesta a late scratch with a hamstring issue and Joran Gerbet out with a knee injury, the only replacement remaining was 19-year-old academy product Colin Guske.

In addition to changing the formation, Pareja made two halftime substitutions. Marco Pasalic left the game for Ivan Angulo — who usually starts on the left side of the attacking midfield — and center back Iago departed for rookie Nolan Miller.

While the team remained with a traditional back four, Guske’s role changed slightly for the second half. Braian Ojeda played in the middle of the field with Angulo, while Martin Ojeda pushed forward. Meanwhile, Guske dropped into the six role, providing support for the back line.

It was a natural position for the midfielder. Playing primarily for OCB the last two seasons, the Homegrown product has partnered Dylan Judelson. Of the two, Guske is the much more defensive-minded player, much in the shape of former Orlando City star Cesar Araujo.

Guske only played 13 MLS minutes coming into this game and 73 minutes for the first team in all competitions. With Cartagena departing injured and the other defensive midielders out, the teenager played 76 minutes in this game alone.

It was a challenging role, as the center back pairing of Iago and David Brekalo was beaten several times in the first half by New York’s most dangerous attackers. But Guske did well to break down the attacking unit of Cade Cowell, Julian Hall, and Jorge Ruvalcaba, making the second half easier for the back line.

The other change had just as big of an impact. With club captain Robin Jansson out after foot surgery, 20-year-old Iago took over the starting spot. The young Brazilian struggled in the final preseason game against the Colorado Rapids and again Saturday night against New York.

Pareja said after the game that it wasn’t that Iago is a bad player, but that he was pushed into action too soon.

“Iago has been acclimating himself to the system. It could probably be my fault for pushing him into the squad in a league that is way different and a league that brings a lot of dynamics and speed and all those things,” Pareja said after the game. “He has it, of course. But it’s all mine. Maybe it’s me rushing him.”

After 135 minutes of struggling — for whatever reason — a change was needed. That change was to introduce Miller at halftime.

It was a professional debut for the rookie and he looked like he belonged. Immediately, the back line was more secure, with seemingly better communication between Miller and Brekalo eliminating the open space that the Red Bulls took advantage of in the first half.

“Nolan was great in the second half,” Pareja said after the game. “It’s great to see him with that personality. I think he took the position like he has played many games there. So, it was good to see him.”

As for Miller himself, he focused on what he could control. And it was a successful mindset for the mature 21-year-old center back.

“I was just focused on owning my role,” Miller said about his mindset. “My role was coming in the second half and making a difference.”

He certainly did that. The stability on the back line allowed the Lions to push forward, with much more possession and more chances in the second 45 minutes.

There were several questions for Orlando City heading into this season, both in the defense and the attack. One of those was the team’s depth with the departures of Araujo and starting center back Rodrigo Schlegel. While they’re unlikely to start much, Guske and Miller showed they’re both ready to make an impact when called upon.

The first game of the season was a tough one for the Lions. It appeared the game was over at halftime and provided little confidence for upcoming contests. But fans and staff can take away that the team has two young players that can make a positive impact this season.