"To exploit the space" means to take advantage of an opportunity or use available resources effectively in a particular area or situation. Full definition
They do this by exploiting the space in front of them, making forward runs from a deeper position on the pitch, thus making it difficult for opposition defenders to mark them. (squawka.com)
The offensive aim was to go through the center and then exploit the spaces out wide. (manchesterlalala.com)
Do they play counter attacking football where lacazette likes to exploit the space behind with his pace or do they tend to dominate games and have to beat teams parking the bus? (justarsenal.com)