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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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/3/25

Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

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1 hour ago

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April 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!

Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials

Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.

Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty

Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.

Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.

USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season

American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

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  • Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
  • San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
  • New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
  • El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
  • Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

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That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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