Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 18-34: Feeling the pressure

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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Camila, Orlando Pride
ORLANDO, FL – JULY 01: Orlando Pride midfielder Camila Pereira (9) shoots on goal during the NWSL soccer match between the Orlando Pride and the Chicago Red Stars on July 01, 2017 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

34. Steph Catley, Orlando Pride
33. Camila, Orlando Pride

Defenders do not ever get the respect they really deserve. It is sometimes hard to quantify what they can do. That goes as much in basketball as it does in soccer, where stats are even more sparse.

The Orlando Pride have currently won four straight games, putting them in position to make the Playoffs. It is probably the one team in the area right now that has generated some actual buzz. And who could blame them with the star power up front in Alex Morgan and Marta.

The Pride have not had a lot of consistency this year. Ashlyn Harris and Aubrey Bledsoe have split time as the goalkeeper this year. And the team struggled defensively for much of the year. That has not been the case lately. Orlando has given up just two goals in the last four games and three in the last five.

That is plenty to give the potent offense the chance to dominate and the Pride are taking advantage.

So it should go without saying that defenders Steph Catley and Camila have played a big role.

Catley came fresh off her stellar season in Australia and has helped anchor the Pride’s defense. Camila is one of the up-and-coming defenders for the Brazilian national team. She had a strong season in Brazil before coming to the United States where she has helped support the Pride’s defense.

Orlando is the team everyone in the NWSL fears right now with Alex Morgan and Marta running circles around defenses. The Pride are finally rounding into form.

Catley and Camila’s efforts on the back line should not be overlooked.

32. Jamiyus Pittman, UCF Football

Scott Frost came to UCF talking all about his speed-it-up offense. The idea was to get the team moving fast and take advantage of all the advantages Florida talent is supposed to give a team. The UCFast motto became the marketing slogan.

But the Knights struggled grasping the offense. It was a year of transition for sure, but the Knights were not ready to go full no-huddle offense.

Instead, the Knights reached the AutoNation Cure Bowl and a 6-6 record behind a strong defense. UCF’s defense under defensive coordinator Eric Chinander really took control for the team and made UCF a tough out.

There were a lot of heroes on the defensive end of the field. And there will be a few more here. But one of the leaders on the defensive front was Jamiyus Pittman.

Pittman recorded 28 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss last year. He entered this season Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List. So there are big expectations for the 6-foot, 300-pound senior defensive tackle.

The Knights in their opener against the FIU Golden Panthers looked pretty fluid offensively. But as American Conference play kicks in, the Knights will again rely on their defense. And the man in the middle of their defensive line will figure into the big puzzle for UCF.