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Orlando City vs. Los Angeles FC: Final Score 2-2 as Lions Earn Point Against League Leaders

Diego Rossi spoiled a potential Orlando win as the Lions scored more than one goal in a game for the first time in a month.

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5 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City led much of the game but couldn’t hold off LAFC’s dynamic attack toward the end as the teams played to a 2-2 draw in front of a crowd of 22,371 at Exploria Stadium. The visitors grabbed the lead early, but Nani responded immediately afterwards and Benji Michel gave City (9-13-8, 35 points) a lead that lasted until the 78th minute in a game that had its share of controversy. Diego Rossi nabbed the late equalizer for LAFC (19-4-6, 63 points).

It was Orlando’s first point in the series, albeit only in two meetings.

The Lions felt hard done by a disallowed goal by Uri Rosell due to a foul given after contact between Michel and goalkeeper Tyler Miller for a 50/50 aerial ball and it appeared the LAFC stopper initiated the contact. There was also a potential handling call not given when Miller came out of his area, but referee Alan Kelly and the assistant referee both felt that the entire ball did not leave the box. Regardless, the Lions had a chance to put the game away late but hit the post just one minute before the tying goal was scored.

“I’m very proud of the players. I thought the effort they gave tonight was excellent,” Head Coach James O’Connor said after the match. “I thought the commitment was fantastic. When you look at how good LAFC are, you look at how we managed the game, and you look at all the problems we caused them, on another night we would have won the game.”

With several players out with injury or international duty, Orlando City was happy to welcome right back Ruan back to the starting lineup, with Kyle Smith moving to the left side of the central defense pairing of Robin Jansson and Lamine Sané. The midfield consisted of Rosell, Cristian Higuita, and Dillon Powers. Nani, Dom Dwyer, and Michel made up the forward line. Brian Rowe took his customary position in goal.

Orlando got the game’s first scoring opportunity as Michel won a corner kick in the second minute. Nani’s cross on the ground found Sané, who shot wide. Adama Diomande fired wide from the right two minutes later as the game went back and forth.

In the 10th minute a momentary lapse by the Lions led to essentially a 3-on-the-keeper break for LAFC. Adrien Perez rounded Rowe but the ball ended up out wide on the left. When Perez tried to drop a pass back to Diomande, Rowe was still there and pounced on it.

But the visitors took the lead in the 12th minute anyway. Off a short corner, a ball was played into the box. Sané stuck out a foot to deflect the pass but it unfortunately ended up with Perez, who shot the ball off Dwyer, off Rowe, and into the net to make it 1-0.

The lead didn’t last long. Off the ensuing kickoff, Higuita sent a pass through the back line off the heel of a defender that fell perfectly for Nani, who chipped Miller to make it 1-1 in the 13th minute.

“I think when you look at the reaction to the goal, an early goal like that, it’s a testament to the players,” O’Connor said. “I think there was no period where you felt as if we were intimidated. I felt as if we had a right good go at them tonight. I think the reaction was excellent.”

LAFC tried to regain the lead through Diomande in the 18th minute, as he fired a shot in from outside the area but it was a comfortable save for Rowe. Two minutes later, the Lions struck again.

On the best buildup of the first half, Nani fed Higuita a pass and the Colombian slipped a ball through for Ruan running down the right channel. The fullback sent in a low cross and Michel pounced on it and slammed it into the back of the net, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead in the 20th minute.

Most of the rest of the first half was uneventful. LAFC controlled most of the possession but Orlando didn’t allow many chances. Diomande and Perez each fired wide but the chances were few and far between after the Michel goal.

The Lions took their 2-1 advantage into the locker room. LAFC led in shots, 7-3 (2-2 on target), possession (70%-30%), and passing accuracy (91%-73%) but Orlando held the advantage.

LAFC pushed for the equalizer after the break and nearly had it in the 51st minute. Perez put the ball in the net after slipping in behind but he was just a fraction offside. The play was reviewed by the VAR but no clear error was made and the call stood.

Five minutes later it was Rosell’s turn to see a goal disallowed. Michel went up for an aerial 50/50 ball moving parallel to the end line around the top of the six. Miller came off his line and made contact, then went to ground as Rosell fired the ball into the net for what would have been his first goal with Orlando.

Kelly blew the play dead for a foul and O’Connor was visibly upset on the sideline after the call.

“It looked like a goal to me,” O’Connor said. “I think probably the safest thing for me to do would point you toward the league and the referees and ask them. From my standpoint it looked a goal.”

The Lions who hadn’t played much in recent weeks — mainly Higuita and Powers — started to visibly tire near the 70-minute mark and Higuita said he needed to be subbed off after experiencing cramping in his legs. Higuita came out for Chris Mueller in the 73rd and LAFC began to find more space in the attacking third.

The Lions had a chance to put the game away in the 77th minute. Nani sent a gorgeous cross into the area and substitute striker Santiago Patino knocked it off the right post.

Seconds later, Mueller fizzed a cross through the six but nobody was making a back-post run and it turned into a goal kick. LAFC scored on its next foray down the field. Rossi, who had largely been held in check all night, slipped behind Jansson just as Diomande fed a ball through. It was perfectly weighted and Rossi found the net to level things up in the 78th minute.

The Lions had some half chances to grab a late winner. Jansson and Mueller both had shots blocked after a corner kick in the 86th minute. Moments later, Miller appeared to take the ball out of the box, which could have given Orlando a dangerous free kick, but it wasn’t called. Screencaps can be deceiving but this is the best look of it:

A few minutes later, Lee Nguyen baited Kelly into giving LAFC a free kick by making contact with Mueller just as Orlando was breaking in on goal.

“I think when the officials maybe go back and have a look at it, I think they’ll perhaps be a little bit disappointed with their performance,” O’Connor said.”

After five minutes of stoppage the match was over and Orlando had either gained a point in the playoff race or dropped two against the league leaders, depending on how you look at it.

LAFC had more shots (13-7), shots on target (4-2), and possession (63%-37%), and was the better passing side (88%-74%). Orlando did what it needed to do, getting into open areas and creating in transition on offense and keeping the middle locked down defensively until a momentary lapse let Rossi get in.

“Obviously we’re sad with the result but we’re also very happy because of the way we played against one of the best teams in the league,” Higuita said.

The Lions are four points in back of New England for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot and just two behind the Montreal Impact. Orlando will finish with New England at home, Houston and Cincinnati on the road, and Chicago at home.

The Lions are back in action next Saturday at home against the New England Revolution in a critical match-up.

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Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

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14 hours ago

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May 1, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

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  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions perform in Orlando City’s home loss to Toronto FC?

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1 day ago

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April 30, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City was on its way to three points Saturday night before a late collapse saw the Lions lose 2-1 to Toronto FC at home. It’s a tough loss in a season that has seen an unexpected start with the Lions sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Here’s how I saw the individual performances for the Lions in this difficult loss.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 5.5 — Gallese’s form has definitely dropped this year, though he was one of the best goalkeepers in the league over the past four seasons. He was solid for the first 87 minutes, saving the two shots he faced, but then the wheels came off for the Lions. Toronto scored two goals when defenders left players wide open in the box. Gallese probably could’ve done better with Prince Owusu’s winner, but there was a difficult change of direction on the bounce, and the forward should’ve had somebody on him. Apart from his goalkeeping, Gallese completed 61.9% of his 21 passes, including seven of his 15 long balls, and recorded a clearance.

D, Rafael Santos, 6 — Santos had a solid game against Toronto. His 62 touches were the fourth-most on the team and he completed 90.7% of his 43 passes. The starting left back didn’t complete his lone cross but connected on two of his four long balls. He had a shot of his own, putting it on target. Defensively, Santos recorded a tackle, interception, and clearance before being replaced by Kyle Smith in the 71st minute.

D, David Brekalo, N/A — Brekalo had a short night as he was injured early in the game. In the fourth minute, he collided with Owusu and required treatment for his knee. The center back attempted to continue, but eventually had to come off in the 16th minute, replaced by Rodrigo Schlegel. He only had 12 touches in the game and completed 90.9% of his 11 passes. The only defensive stat he recorded was winning an aerial duel. He wasn’t on the field long enough to fairly give him a grade.

D, Robin Jansson, 6 — Jansson was terrific for most of this game. He recorded a team-high 88 touches and completed 84% of his team-high 75 passes, which included six of 13 long balls. His excellent ball forward for Facundo Torres in the 37th minute led to the Lions’ goal. Defensively, he led the team with three tackles, three clearances, two blocked shots, and two aerial duels won.

D, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, 5.5 — Thorhallsson took his regular spot at right back and recorded 53 touches on the night. He completed 88.6% of his 35 passes, but didn’t connect on either of his two crosses or three long balls. He took a shot in the game, but it was off target. Defensively, he added a tackle, a blocked shot, and a successful aerial duel. Unfortunately, his most impactful part of the game was failing to cover Owusu at the back post, leaving the forward wide open to head in the game-winning goal.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6 — Araujo had a solid performance against Toronto, recording 61 touches. He completed 83.7% of his 49 passes, including three of his six long balls and his lone through ball. Defensively, he added a team-high three tackles, an interception, a blocked shot, and an aerial duel won.

MF, Wilder Cartagena, 6.5 — Cartagena had one of his better games in this one, recording the second-most touches on the team with 71. He completed 88.7% of his 62 passes, including two of his three long balls. Defensively, he added a team-high three tackles, a clearance, and won an aerial duel, while taking one off-target shot.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 6 — Angulo had 51 touches against Toronto and completed 91.7% of his 36 passes. He completed one of his two long balls, but didn’t connect on his only cross attempt. His lone shot was off target, and he helped defensively by intercepting a team-high two opposition passes.

MF, Facundo Torres, 6.5 (MotM) — Torres had an excellent performance in this game, recording 51 touches. While he only completed 75% of his 32 passes, he connected on two of his three crosses and played a perfect ball for Duncan McGuire in the 37th minute, enabling him to tap home the opening goal. The attacking midfielder nearly got one for himself in the 73rd minute from distance, forcing Sean Johnson into a good save. Similar to Angulo, Torres helped out defensively with two tackles and an interception.

MF, Martin Ojeda, 6 — Ojeda had 36 touches in 60 minutes and completed 92.3% of his 26 passes. He connected on one of his two long balls, but neither of his two crosses. He took one shot in the game, but failed to hit the target before being replaced by Nico Lodeiro.

F, Duncan McGuire, 6 — McGuire scored the Lions’ lone goal in this game and was nearly the outright hero. He touched the ball 22 times and completed 63.4% of his 14 passes. However, strikers are judged on goals and McGuire scored the opener when he got on the end of Torres’ cross in the 37th minute. He nearly had a second in first-half stoppage time when he brought down an Ojeda cross well and slammed it into the far side netting. Unfortunately, he was just offside. He was replaced by Luis Muriel in the 71st minute.

Substitutes

D, Rodrigo Schlegel (16’), 6.5 — Schlegel came on in the 16th minute when Brekalo went off injured and, despite not expecting to play that many minutes, was very good. His 71 touches were tied for the second most on the team and he completed 88.1% of his 59 passes, including two of his four long balls. Defensively, he had a team-high three tackles, an interception, and a team-high six clearances.

MF, Nico Lodeiro (60’), 6 — Lodeiro came on for Ojeda in the 60th minute and recorded 31 touches in a half hour of action. He completed 76.5% of his 17 passes, including a key pass and both long balls, but none of his three crosses. He also had a tackle defensively and didn’t take any shots.

D, Kyle Smith (71’), 5.5 — Smith came on in the 71st minute to help see out the game, replacing Santos. He touched the ball 19 times and completed 88.9% of his nine passes, including a key pass, his only cross, and his only long ball. The purpose of his inclusion was to help defensively and he recorded three tackles, an interception, and a clearance. However, he allowed clean crosses on both late Toronto goals and struggled to track Kobe Franklin and Federico Bernardeschi on Orlando’s left flank.

F, Luis Muriel (71’), 6 — Muriel came on for McGuire in the 71st minute, playing a deeper role. He recorded 21 touches and completed 64.3% of his 14 passes, including a key pass. He had two tackles defensively, but didn’t take any shots in 19 minutes of action.

That’s how I saw the performances for Orlando City in its 2-1 loss to Toronto FC Saturday night. Let us know how you saw the game and vote on your Man of the Match below.

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Lion Links: 4/30/24

Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 30, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.

San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano

The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.

U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.

English Premier League Approves Spending Cap

Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.

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That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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