David Brekalo
ORL
Center Back
Back Line Anchor
Dec 3, 1998 (27)
Right
6'2"
172 lb
Set to resume starting duties
Brekalo has returned to Orlando City SC following international duty with Slovenia and is available for Saturday's MLS clash against Columbus Crew after being omitted from the league's latest injury report.
Analysis: Brekalo missed the matchup against Philadelphia Union while representing Slovenia during the international break but is now back in contention to reclaim his regular starting role. The defender has been an undisputed starter in central defense throughout the campaign, recording 24 tackles, six interceptions and 106 clearances across 22 MLS appearances. Iago Teodoro was expected to take on additional responsibilities during his absence, but Brekalo should slot straight back into the starting XI against Columbus given his importance to Orlando's defensive unit.
Called up by Slovenia
Brekalo has been called up by Slovenia for four international matches between Sept. 26 and Oct. 6 and will miss the Sept. 26 MLS match against Philadelphia Union.
Analysis: Brekalo will be unavailable against Philadelphia due to international duty after establishing himself as an undisputed starter in central defense this season. The defender has recorded 24 tackles, six interceptions and 106 clearances across 22 MLS appearances, highlighting his significant defensive workload. Iago Teodoro is expected to take on a larger role during his absence, while Brekalo should return for the Oct. 10 match against Columbus Crew.
Opens scoring with own goal
Brekalo generated an own goal and five clearances in Wednesday's 3-2 victory versus Atlanta United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 42nd minute.
Analysis: Brekalo would get the match started in an unfortunate way for Orlando, as just seven minutes into the game, the defender recorded an own goal. Luckily for the defender, his team would still win the match. He would do little to recover, only recording five clearances in the defense.
Four clearances in clean sheet
Brekalo had one tackle (one won) and four clearances in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus San Diego FC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 98th minute.
Analysis: Brekalo delivered a strong showing in the win over San Diego, registering season highs in chances created and accurate passes with two chances, including one big chance, and 73 accurate passes, combining that with four clearances and one tackle to end a five game clean sheet drought. Brekalo has now racked up 29 clearances across his last five games, reaching at least five in three of those outings.
Scores off header
Brekalo scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat versus Chicago Fire.
Analysis: Brekalo's header leveled the score for Orlando but the defender wasn't providing much outside of his goal on a set piece. He's likely going to be more occupied on the defensive end against Real Salt Lake, a team which has tallied 33 goals through 19 MLS games.
Scores opener in win
Brekalo scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Wednesday's 4-0 victory against San Jose Earthquakes.
Analysis: Brekalo scored the opener in the seventh minute with his first goal in the campaign to pave the way for Orlando's road win. The centerback also matched his second-most clearances (seven) to help on defense. That was his fourth start in a row and 10th in 12 overall appearances.
Bench option in derby
Brekalo (lower leg) is among the substitutes for Saturday's game versus Inter Miami.
Analysis: Brekalo could play again in the rivalry match following a three-game absence due to his leg injury. The defender is a reliable contributor of passes and clearances when on the field, but his upside might be limited until he regains a starting spot. He'll contend with Iago Teodoro and Adrian Marin for a place in Orlando's back line in upcoming fixtures.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare