Sometimes in this column, reviewing D.C. United's upcoming opponent's last game, we will focus on tactics, formations, on-the-field aspects that played a factor in the outcome of the previous game. Other times, though, as in this case with Orlando City following a shocking 1-0 win on the road against the New York Red Bulls, we will discuss more of the intangibles. The game last Saturday was a typical grinding MLS game. Not pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but Orlando did just what they needed to do to get their first win of the season.

That was a far cry from the week before, when the Lions imploded at home, losing 3-1 to the Montreal Impact. If you haven't seen what happened in that game, go find the highlights and watch it. Individual mistakes ruined Orlando's chances at home. 

Now, instead of United having to be weary of the wounded animal, trying to claw out of the corner they are backed into, the Black-and-Red will be facing a team more confident in their ability to win, especially in Orlando, where United have never won at the new stadium.

Orlando's Mentality Against Red Bulls

As stated before, this conversation would have been completely different a week ago. Orlando gave up one goal to Montreal, and then, 14 seconds after the kickoff from that goal, conceded another, as the team collectively switched off. In the blink of an eye, the hosts were down two, something that should never happen at home. And then in the second half, the Lions gifted the visitors a third goal, giving the ball away right in front of their own box, putting the result out of question.

What then transpired on Saturday was a complete 180. As Ben Olsen said on Tuesday, the win for Orlando "seemed like a group effort." Teammates were covering for each other, every player seemed switched on to their role in helping the Lions pick up their first win of the season. It's been a tough go for manager James O'Connor since he took over last summer after Jason Kreis was let go. The win was just the third under O'Connor's reign.

But if Orlando can start getting the little things right, then they have the difference makers that can help them make a playoff run. With Nani captaining the side now, there's more help for Sacha Kljestan and Dom Dwyer to be at their best. And a win on the road against the Red Bulls might just provide OC with the mental bump they so desperately needed.

The Nani Effect

Orlando began life in MLS with one of the more recognizable names in world soccer with Kaka. There was mixed results with the Brazilian superstar, who clearly still had the ability that made him the Ballon d'Or winner in 2007. But there were also plenty of injuries that Kaka had to deal with, which robbed him of more meaningful contributions during his stint in Florida.

Orlando didn't bring in a big name player last year, but this offseason, grabbed Nani on a three-year deal. Nani lacks some of the name recognition of some international signings, but has had a long and successful career in Europe with Manchester United and winning Euro 2016 with Portugal.

Nani has appeared in all four games for the Lions this year, coming off the bench in the opening day draw against New York City FC, then starting the next three games. Nani has had some impact on the field, assisting on a goal in his first two games. However, as Orlando has struggled, Nani hasn't quite been the game-breaker on the field that the Lions probably need him to be.

Instead, Nani's apparent leadership has made a difference for Orlando. Before the game against the Red Bulls, Nani, who has been captaining the side, called a players-only meeting. After the loss to Montreal, that was probably necessary, given how poorly the side had played. Nani has never been the main guy with any of his teams professionally before, but apparently stepped up when Orlando needed him and took charge of a situation, despite having been with the club for less than two months.

One talk from Nani, and the Lions went out and had their best game in some time in the 1-0 win over RBNY. Orlando will still need Nani to produce on the field as well, but that veteran leadership that he has provided is invaluable. 

Orlando Plays A 5-2-2-1

If you've been looking into various sites about Orlando's formation—even from the team graphics before the games, it appears that O'Connor is using a 5-3-2 or 3-5-2 formation. There's definitely five defenders on the field, in an attempt to help limit damage in front of goal. However, in those formations posted on Twitter or the MLS site, it appears that Nani is playing up top, alongside Santiago Patiño, for example, against the Red Bulls.

That's not actually the case, as Nani has been behind the striker, playing alongside Kljestan. Nani has generally played on the left side, but not out wide. With five defenders, and two deeper midfielders, the outside backs, which on the left is João Moutinho, are asked to provide the width in the formation. Nani and Kljestan play a bit narrower, tasked with providing the service for the striker, which on Sunday may be Patiño or Dwyer.

Overall, this look from Orlando has had a mixed bag of results. Orlando conceded six goals in the first three games, before the shutout against the Red Bulls. Orlando have scored in every game, but only more than once in the opener against NYCFC, coming back from down two goals. And that came when Dwyer and Tesho Akindele were on the field, a look that Orlando probably won't trot out from the start on Sunday.

More and more teams in MLS are playing with a three- or five-man backline. What United will encounter on Sunday won't be completely new to them, but the formation will present a few different looks than what they have seen before.