Mar 5, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC defender Jonathan Spector (2) and New York City FC forward Sean Okoli (9) fight for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match at Orlando Stadium. Orlando won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Compared to the last two seasons, Orlando City looks to be a new team and a good part of that is due to Jonathan Spector.

It has been two years since Orlando’s inaugural MLS season back in 2015. Though there have been some incredibly memorable moments, defensively the Lions have struggled more than many expected. In the past two seasons combined, they gave up 116 goals against, making a goal differential of -15 and a 1.7 goals per game average. The goals were there but the defensive work wasn’t. But this season, things have turned around, largely due to the addition of centerback Jonathan Spector.

Since Spector’s addition this offseason, signing from Birmingham City back in January, Orlando’s defense looks completely new. In their first five games, the Lions have only given up four goals. Their goals per game average is now at 0.8.

Spector’s impact with the side is summed up well in Jason Kreis’ post-match interview following their 1-0 beating of the New York Red Bulls at home:

Jonathan is absolutely critical. He has had four matches and he has been outstanding in all four. He is a very consistent performer who is leading the back line. He is just what we went into the offseason looking for, and I think we can say we got that one right.

The rest of the MLS has also taken notice of Spector’s impact in the early part of the season. He has already been given MLS Team of the Week honors three times this season, after wins over the Philadelphia Union, the LA Galaxy and New York City FC.

It is amazing to see such a defensive turnaround in one season. Now the question is can Orlando keep up their form and push for their first-ever MLS Cup Playoff spot.