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Intelligence Report: Orlando City at Columbus Crew SC

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Although Orlando City has not yet won a match since Adrian Heath was fired (or since Kaká met Justin Bieber), the Lions played an attractive, attacking, fearless brand of soccer Saturday night in their 2-2 draw at Vancouver. It’s something they may be able to build on, as the club got a few shots in the arm this week.

The captain returned to full training, center back Jose Aja was officially signed, and…oh yes, there’s that whole Jason Kreis hiring. Knowing that a coach who has won MLS Cup is ready to take over and steer the ship has to be an exciting prospect for a club that’s been a bit adrift this year.

Here to help us learn more about the team from my old stomping grounds in Columbus, OH, is Pat Murphy from SB Nation’s Crew blog, Massive Report. Pat was kind enough to answer my questions about his team and I did the same for him. You can find my answers over at their place.

It’s been a while since Orlando City and Columbus tangled. Who are the Crew’s key additions and subtractions since we last met that we should know about and how have they affected the team and approach so far in 2016?

Pat Murphy: The biggest addition for the club is Ola Kamara. The striker has made the loss of Kei (no relation) much easier with his nine goals in nine starts. He is different than Kei in that he doesn’t possess the same athletic ability, so the offense has had to shift its focus. Ola makes good runs and likes to receive the ball to his feet. This means the attacking passes have to be more accurate, whereas Kei could go up and get long balls and crosses. It’s been a different form of offense, but Ola is contributing a similar scoring output.

Other than that, most of Crew SC is the same. Corey Ashe, who Orlando fans know from last year, has started eight matches this season in place of Waylon Francis, but the Costa Rican has recently reclaimed his place at left back. Columbus just signed Norwegian defender Nicolai Næss, who they hope will help alleviate some of the defensive issues, but he will not be available in time for this match.

The Crew have struggled after their MLS Cup final run last year. What has caused such a drop in form this season? Injuries? Bad luck? Poor performances? Complacency? All/none of these?

PM: I think all of the above have contributed in some way. Injuries have certainly been a factor, as both Federico Higuain (sports hernia) and Gaston Sauro (PCL tear) have been out the last several matches. While Higuain is back in training, Sauro won’t be back until likely September. Both of these players are hard to replace in the Columbus lineup.

I don't know if I'd call it back luck, but Columbus doesn't seem to have things going its way this year. The players keep talking about needing to get one win to start moving things back in the right direction. Captain Michael Parkhurst has mentioned how last year little bounces or things would go the team's way, whereas this year, balls are hitting the post or whatever the case may be. Basically, when it rains, it pours and the Black & Gold are feeling that right now.

To go along with that, players that have been key contributors the last few years aren’t having the same types of seasons they have become accustomed to. Ethan Finlay’s numbers are down and his performances have found him on the bench. Justin Meram is playing well, but isn’t scoring or generating many assists either. Despite being named an All-Star, Wil Trapp has had several key passes fall short of the target or go directly to the opposition. Those players need to turn things around if Crew SC is going to.

What kind of formation and tactics can we expect from Columbus and what do you view as the game's key match-up?

PM: The system and style of play will be similar to what fans saw last year from the Black & Gold. Crew SC lines up in a 4-4-1-1 with the fullbacks pushing forward to provide the width. Meram likes to tuck inside and sometimes operates in the No. 10 role, and Finlay or Cedrick Mabwati play off Harrison Afful’s runs down the flanks. Columbus misses Higuain’s movements around the field, as both Mohammed Saeid and Dilly Duka have not provided the same offensive spark as Higuain typically does.

As for the match-up, I think it’s the same for both teams. How do the center backs stop a forward who is on form? Both Ola and Cyle Larin have nine goals and are dangerous in the 18-yard box. Neither of these defenses has proven to be foolproof, so who can do the better job on the other’s primary attacker? That will be key in this contest.

Can you please give us your key injuries/suspensions, projected starting XI and score prediction?

PM: As mentioned above, Higuain and Sauro are the two biggest injuries. Conor Casey, who would provide forward depth, also continues to work his way back from a knee injury. He’s getting closer but likely won’t be available for this one. Higuain is a possibility, as he has been back in training for over a week now, but Berhalter was very noncommittal on if he would play or not.

Projected lineup:

Steve Clark

Harrison Afful-Michael Parkhurst-Tyson Wahl-Waylon Francis

Cedrick Mabwati-Tony Tchani-Wil Trapp-Justin Meram

Mohammed Saeid

Ola Kamara

1-1 has been the recent score line of choice for Crew SC, but I see this one having more goals. Let's go 2-2.

* * *

Big thanks to Pat from Massive Report for giving us some insight on tonight's opponents from the Buckeye State.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/14/24

MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions

Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.

Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.

Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50

ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.

Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year

The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.

USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/13/24

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions on International Duty

Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.

The NWSL Playoffs Continue

The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.

NWSL Award Voting Open

The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.

Pepi is Ready

The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.

Free Kicks

  • In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
  • England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
  • The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
  • Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
  • We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
  • We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
  • Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/12/24

Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City’s Playoff Path

It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.

What to Watch For With the USMNT

It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.

Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States

The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.

Free Kicks

  • NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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