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Intelligence Report: Orlando City at Toronto FC

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7 years ago

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It will be a quick turnaround for Orlando City this week as the Lions arrived in Toronto just four days after their intense match with Atlanta United. To make things more interesting, City will look to bounce back to its winning ways against reigning champion and Concacaf Champions League runner-up Toronto FC tonight at BMO Field.

It’s a daunting task on paper, but with the champs in a poor run of form, and missing a slew of key pieces, there’s hope that Orlando can do something the club has accomplished just once in three years: beat TFC.

To give us an update on the Reds, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke, Managing Editor of SB Nation’s Waking the Red, has stopped by to answer some questions:

Toronto spent most of the first months of the season focusing on the Concacaf Champions League, which set the team back a bit in the league. Although the continental campaign is over, things haven’t improved much. What’s been the reason for the setbacks?

Charlie O’Connor-Clarke: Everybody is broken. Through a mix of travel, heightened game intensity, schedule congestion, and poor playing conditions, it feels like almost every first-team player has dealt with an injury. A few players are starting to work their way back into training, but for the past three weeks or so TFC have had their best midfielder and their right back playing center back, because they literally had no healthy center backs. They need to get Michael Bradley back into midfield ASAP, because his presence in the transition game has been sorely missed while he’s been playing at the back. It sucks to have to throw out excuses like that, but I feel like it’d be very wrong to think the way the team has been playing is in any way indicative of its ability. They’ve looked great at times, especially in attack, but for a team that often plays with three central defenders and wide wingbacks, it’s very hard to get much done while your top four center backs, and your MLS Best XI left back (Justin Morrow) are out injured.

TFC’s star forwards will both be sidelined on Friday. It’s hard to replace what Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore bring to the table but how do you expect Greg Vanney to cope with their absence?

CO-C: It could be ugly up front. TFC’s attack wasn’t very good on the weekend against New England before Giovinco and Victor Vazquez came onto the pitch. They’ve tried various combinations with Tosaint Ricketts and/or Jordan Hamilton up front, but neither of them has been impressive so far this year, and both have seemed plagued by terrible finishing. Thankfully, Jonathan Osorio is still in tremendous goal scoring form. He’s nominally a midfielder, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pushed a little further forward in the absence of Seba and Altidore. He and Vazquez will be tremendously important on Friday; there’s no way they’ll be able to score without both of those two at the top of their games. That, or Ager Aketxe will finally score that 20-yard screamer he’s come close with like five times. 

Gregory van der Wiel and Ager Aketxe were two major signings brought in during the winter that looked like they would make a record-setting side even better. How have they settled in so far?

CO-C: Both had slowish starts, being thrown off the deep end into very competitive Champions League games in bitterly cold weather. Van der Wiel has clicked into the team very quickly, though. He’s probably played more at center back than in his traditional spot on the right, which is all right because he’s been a very stable, safe presence back there in the midst of a whole lot of defensive chaos. Van der Wiel has been pretty much as advertised, and hasn’t really set a foot wrong defensively. His experience and pedigree are pretty clear to see; things just seem to be calmer with him on the pitch. Aketxe is a bit of a more polarizing figure, especially since we found out he makes $1.25 million. He’s had some very strong performances, especially when he sits a little deeper and goes searching for the ball in midfield, but fans seem to be frustrated with his zero in the goal scoring column so far. He’s an immensely talented player, and every time he and Vazquez link up in midfield something special is going to happen. He’s also the only player on the team who can have a legitimate crack from well outside the box — we’ve seen him hit the post like three times with those shots, one has to go in eventually. His defensive play has been pretty suspect, but that’s not really his role. I think the longer he has to settle into the team, the more fans will start to come around on him. 

What injuries/suspensions will keep players out this weekend and what is your projected lineup and predicted final score?

CO-C: Giovinco is, of course, suspended for his dumb red card on the weekend. In the injury department, TFC will probably be missing (deep breath) Jozy Altidore, Nick Hagglund, Justin Morrow, Drew Moor, Eriq Zavaleta, and Nicolas Hasler. A couple of those defenders, Zavaleta especially, have been training recently, but may only be used as substitutes on Friday. Chris Mavinga only just returned on Saturday, but hopefully he’s able to start. 

I think Greg Vanney might go with the 4-1-4-1 formation he’s used a few times during this injury crisis. 

Starting XI: Alex Bono; Ashtone Morgan, Chris Mavinga, Gregory van der Wiel, Auro; Michael Bradley; Jay Chapman, Ager Aketxe, Victor Vazquez, Marky Delgado; Jonathan Osorio

Thanks again to Charlie for taking the time to answer our questions.

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Orlando City

Orlando City Signs Defender Thomas Williams Through 2026

Orlando City signs Homegrown center back Thomas Williams to a new contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027.

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6 minutes ago

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January 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Orlando City announced this morning that the club has signed defender Thomas Williams through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027. The Homegrown Player has been with the first team since 2021 and will continue for at least two more years.

“Thomas is someone whose future we’re still very excited about and we’re happy to get him locked in with us for a couple more years,” Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He’s shown a lot of growth these last few seasons, continuing to get game action with Orlando City B and proving the importance of our development pathway, and we’re looking forward to having him with us for the foreseeable future.”

The Titusville native joined the Orlando City Academy in 2015 and made his professional debut for the club on Aug. 7, 2020 against New England Revolution II. He played in 13 games that year with 10 starts and recorded 844 minutes. His play on the Young Lions’ back line earned him a first-team contract on June 15, 2021, at just 16 years old, making him the youngest player in club history to sign a Homegrown contract.

The 20-year-old center back made his MLS debut on April 16, 2022 in a 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew in Ohio. He made five appearances with three starts in all competitions that season, recording 271 minutes. To date, those are the only appearances he’s made with the first team.

Since joining OCB in 2021, Williams has made 69 appearances with 61 starts and recorded 5,132 minutes. He’s been booked 19 times and sent off twice, both times after receiving second yellow cards.

What It Means for Orlando City

Williams is the fourth natural center back for Orlando City on the current squad behind Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, and Rodrigo Schlegel. He played well early in his OCB and MLS career, but has struggled recently. Last year, he played exclusively with the second team, partnering with Nabi Kibunguchy.

While Williams hasn’t made much of an impact on the first team so far, he’s only 20 years old and still has plenty of time to develop. Extending his contact shows that the club still has faith that he can turn into a key player for the MLS side.

It’s unlikely that Williams will see any time with the first team in 2025 (barring injuries and/or suspensions), considering that he’s also been behind versatile defender Kyle Smith at the center back position. He’ll likely spend the upcoming season with OCB, continuing to develop and earn his spot with the first team. As a Homegrown Player, there isn’t much risk in signing Williams to a new contract, especially if the club’s technical staff thinks he can develop into a quality defender.

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Lion Links: 1/22/25

Orlando City transfer rumors, Orlando Pride preseason begins, USMNT at Inter&Co, and more.

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4 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

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Dan MacDonald, The ManeLand

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Up here in Tallahassee, I’m waking up to snow/sleet, closed schools, closed government offices, and potentially icy roads. Many people will get an extra day off of work, however, I still get to go to work. I’m sure you can imagine how happy I am about that. Enough of my winter grumbling. Let’s get to the links but not until after we wish Orlando City fullback Michael Halliday a happy 22nd birthday.

Orlando City Reportedly Targeting Croatian International

While I can no longer say that Orlando City hasn’t signed any new players, the club is still moving at its traditionally slow speed as compared to other MLS clubs. We had the signing of Nicolas Rodriguez last week. Now, we have Tom Bogert report of yet another winger prospect for the club in Croatian Marco Pasalic from HNK Rijeka, though it is not a done deal. Hopefully the other targets Bogert mentions are of the striker variety.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881755961125449765?s=46&t=pMoq7Wulqfb35D7C8ydroA

Pride Preseason Begins

The 2024 NWSL champions are back to defend their title. The Orlando Pride returned to training on Tuesday. The club hasn’t needed to add many pieces, though some of the players already here, like Simone Charley and Grace Chanda, haven’t actually played any minutes for the Pride yet. Most of the chemistry is in place for Seb Hines, but reinforcing those bonds will be the challenge as the Pride look to repeat.

USMNT at Inter&Co Tonight

Hopefully you have tickets to the USMNT friendly match versus Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The match starts at 7 p.m. and there are television and streaming options if you’re not going in person. Despite the squad having 14 players with three or fewer caps, Mauricio Pochettino does not consider this an “alternative” squad, nor does he want the players to think of themselves like that.

Girma Reportedly Nearing Completion of Chelsea Move

USWNT defender Naomi Girma is reportedly headed to Chelsea FC Women for a record $1.1 million transfer fee. That is a very big chunk of change for San Diego FC to use to try to replace one of the best defenders in the world. The deal is not complete as of Tuesday evening, but according to the original report from The Athletic, it is close to being done. Girma would be the first women’s soccer player to earn a transfer fee of over $1 million.

MLS Transfer Updates

Other MLS clubs keep on putting pen to paper when it comes to new players. The Chicago Fire are bringing in Jonathan Bamba on a Designated Player deal from La Liga side Celta de Vigo. The Luca de la Torre loan from Spain’s RC Celta de Vigo to San Diego FC is also official.

https://twitter.com/sandiegofc/status/1881741042904350864

Cucho Hernandez evidently wants to stay with the Columbus Crew, though he is still waiting on a new offer.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881786193693823104

Free Kicks

https://twitter.com/weareangelcity/status/1881749040863588770?s=12&t=_WZBNG4ILAyRLdwBeB4mpQ
  • Keep your eyes peeled later today for the NWSL schedule drop.
https://twitter.com/nwsl/status/1881749035218042954?s=46&t=pN-YJp3s7ZQlCXqnTAgSfw

That will do it for today. Stay warm out there, my friends. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/21/25

Orlando Pride release preseason camp roster, scouting Costa Rica, women’s soccer transfer grades, and more.

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1 day ago

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January 21, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone! If you had yesterday off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then I hope you enjoyed some restful time off. If not, then I hope you got your week started off on a good and productive note. There’s a lot going on around here this week as the United States Men’s National Team is in town, and Orlando City will play its first preseason match on Saturday. That means we have plenty to discuss, so let’s dig into today’s links.

Orlando Pride Drop Preseason Roster

Monday might have been a holiday but the Orlando Pride were busy, as they announced the roster for their upcoming preseason camp. Almost all of the usual suspects from the 2024 season are back, as the Pride return 98% of the player-minutes from last season and every single scorer. Mariana Larroquette is on the list although she’s currently on loan in Argentina, and Amanda Allen is likewise included after her loan at Lexington Sporting Club was terminated due to a torn labrum. The biggest intrigue comes from the trio of non-roster invitees: goalkeeper DeAira Jackson, midfielder Aryssa Mahrt, and forward Simone Jackson.

Scouting Costa Rica

The USMNT takes on Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium to wrap up the team’s annual January camp. Like the U.S., Costa Rica is bringing a roster devoid of the majority of its important players. Costa Rica also has a new manager at the helm in Miguel Herrera, who will take charge of the team for the very first time on Wednesday. Herrera typically lines his teams up in a 5-3-2 where the wingbacks take on a very important role and the team looks to hit on the counter while staying compact at the back. This will be the last time we see the USMNT in action until the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in early March.

Women’s Soccer January Transfer Grades

January has been a busy time for transfers in the women’s soccer world, so which teams have done the best business? Well, the Orlando Pride received an A grade for signing Marta to a new two-year deal, retaining a player who helped the team win its first ever trophies. Liverpool got an A for signing Julia Bartel on loan from Chelsea. Leicester City made an interesting call by transferring goalkeeper Lize Kop to Tottenham despite just being a point above the relegation zone. The Foxes get a C for the move, while Spurs get a B+ for adding a capable netminder.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans taking part in some very important games over the course of this week. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus face Club Brugge today in the UEFA Champions League, while Ricardo Pepi, Richy Ledezma, Esmir Bajraktarević, Malik Tillman and PSV Eindhoven take on Crvena Zvezda in the same competition. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will play Girona in the UCL on Wednesday, while Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic take on Young Boys. On Friday, John Tolkin could make his Bundesliga debut when his new team, Holstein Kiel, travels to face Wolfsburg.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players reported for their preseason physicals on Monday.
  • Meanwhile, Orlando City took on the dreaded beep test during Monday’s training session.

That’s all I have for you today. Vamos Orlando!

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