Schuler makes his debut with Lions

With center back battling a lower-body injury, got his first Orlando City minutes Sunday in the club’s 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.

Schuler spent eight seasons with Real Salt Lake before being signed as a free agent in the offseason by Orlando City. He was signed the day before Orlando City opened its season against D.C. United.

“Really strong,” coach said of Schuler. “Of course, it wasn’t perfect. There were a few moments where he maybe put a foot or two wrong, but he’s popped up in a lot of really important moments late in the game. Cutting out crosses, making really good 1-v-1 defensive plays, so I think that says a lot.

“It is his first game in a lot of time. He’s had his injuries even through our preseason and the beginning part of the season so I would say he’s not match-fit. So that says a lot that he can perform like that not being 100-percent match fit.”

Schuler and center back formed Orlando City’s fourth center back pairing this season — fifth if you count when had to sub in at center back against the New York Red Bulls. “I think [Schuler] did really well,” goalkeeper

said. “I’ve said this before: I think it’s a really positive thing for this team to have so many different pairings. It’s very unlikely that you can go through a whole year and see the same two center backs.”