So far this season Orlando City Soccer Club has only conceded one goal in four matches. How? Besides having two of the league’s best keepers in Miguel Gallardo and Sean Kelley, Orlando City has another dynamic defensive duo at the back in the form of Rob Valentino and Kyle Davies.

“You know it’s is a terrific feeling knowing that it will take some world-class players to get past them.” said Gallardo.

Orlando City Soccer Club’s manager Adrian Heath also gave his compliments to the pair. “I think the fact that we have conceded one goal in four games is a testament to the pair of them. I always think we are always in control with Valentino and Davies at the back.”

How are they so good together after only barely a month playing with each other? When I got the two of them together, I was immediately met with an impression of the center backs’ friendship. Davies looked at me before I could even ask a question. “I hate Rob.”  I knew from that moment that the two were close.

So, how are they already so close after only a month? Valentino then began to explain. “A couple years ago we played on the U-23 national team (USMNT) together in France. We were at a camp for like two weeks and we roomed together so we had a good little bond there. We played against the Ivory Coast and we did well together but we never played on a club team together.  After that we went our separate ways.”

Looking down from the press box, I could never hear them communicate to each other, so I asked them if it was just some chemistry that they still have from when you two took on the Ivory Coast? The pair laughed and smiled. “Well you must be sitting pretty high up because we are screaming at each other.” Valentino said laughing. “Yeah, or I just got a tiny mouth” Davies said smiling. Valentino then said, “but you know it’s a good thing because I can yell at him, he can yell at me, we accept it and move on.”

Despite all the compliments their manager and teammates paid them, the two still remain humble. “You know defensive work is from the top to the bottom so we can’t take credit for it.”

To see the Dynamic Duo in action, come to this Saturday’s match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For tickets and other information call Orlando City Soccer Club at (855) ORL-CITY or email us at [email protected].