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Orlando City vs. KR Reykjavik: Final Score 3-1 as Nani’s Brace Leads Lions to Victory

Benji Michel also scored as a mixed Orlando City side beat the Icelandic champions.

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4 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City got back to scoring goals — and winning — in a 3-1 preseason friendly victory over Icelandic champions KR Reykjavik at Exploria Stadium. Nani scored a first-half brace and Benji Michel also scored in the opening period to lead the Lions.

The Lions improved to 5-1-0 on the preseason, outscoring their opponents, 11-3. Orlando has just one preseason match left before the season opener on Feb. 29 against Real Salt Lake.

Oscar Pareja described the match as “a lot of opportunities to keep growing under competition.”

“Every single (game) just exposes something different manners and we’re happy with what we have achieved so far,” he said. “The purpose is to keep growing and jelling together the group, trying to get the most out of the friendly games, the minutes; exposing the whole roster; giving minutes to everyone; recognizing what we’re doing good and also what are the things we need to get better; get some material on video, so we can work during the week to prepare for the next rivals — so a lot of things to work. We’re going in a good direction.”

Pareja went with a mixed lineup, playing Brian Rowe in goal behind a back line of João Moutinho, Rodrigo Schlegel, Alex De John, and Kyle Smith. The midfield was Nani flanked by rookie Joey Dezart and Uri Rosell. Chris Mueller and Michel flanked rookie Daryl Dike on the forward line.

It didn’t take long for Orlando City to grab the lead. Barely more than a minute had elapsed when Moutinho sent in an inch-perfect cross right onto Nani’s foot and the captain just redirected it into the net to make it 1-0.

Moutinho nearly got a second assist two minutes later. Schlegel sent him up the left flank and he unleashed another good cross that nearly got Dike a goal. The Reykjavik defense did just enough to deflect it away at the last second.

The Lions doubled the lead in the eighth minute when Michel timed his run perfectly and was sent in alone on goal by (I think) Rosell. Benji made no mistake and beat starting goalkeeper Sindri Jensson to make it 2-0.

A Mueller cross was inches from being knocked in for an own goal in the 15th minute as Orlando continued to slice through the KR Reykjavik defense. Two minutes later, Michel got in alone again and beat Jensson to the ball, touching it past the keeper before being taken down just outside the area. Jensson was sent off for denial of a goal scoring opportunity but in the spirit of the friendly, KR Reykjavik was able to proceed with 11 players, sending on Omar Einarsson to mind the net.

In the 20th minute, Schlegel sent a header just wide off a Nani corner kick cross, but then the visitors got on the board. Good pressure on Orlando’s left led to a turnover and a cross into the box that Vladimir Sævarsson headed past Rowe — who could do nothing about it — in the 22nd minute. The lead was cut to 2-1 but the Icelandic side nearly equalized moments later through a shot just wide of the right post by Ægir Jonarsson.

“We spoke about (Reykjavik’s high pressure) in the half with the players,” Pareja said. “It hurts when the other team has one or two chances and they score. Today those couple of moments…it’s something that will come with repetition. The players know. They were mad at themselves and recognize that they needed to do better. But that also just tells us that for the opponents it was a serious game and we’ll take that as a growing pain.”

“Obviously we leaked in a goal today and maybe against D.C.,” De John said. “But you know it’s a very new team with a lot of different backgrounds. We have Spanish, we have Swedish, we have American, so it’s very tough but you have to make do no matter what.”

Orlando settled back into the game and started generating more chances after the near miss. Nani sent a rocket just over the bar in the 31st minute. A minute later, Mueller chipped a defender to himself and then sent a left-footed shot off a defender and out for a corner. Michel set up Rosell for a shot but the Spaniard hit it wide in the 33rd.

Moutinho sent in another great cross for Dike shortly thereafter but the defense again arrived just in time to deny the rookie. Nani scored his second in the 42nd minute to cap a great passing play. Nani slipped behind the defense, took a good diagonal ball from Mueller, and poked it past Einarsson and it trickled into the net to make it 3-1. That’s how the first half ended.

“It’s great to have Luis Nani on the scoreboard,” Pareja said. “He knows how important it is for our team that his presence and his talent is kept in those moments when we need him the most.”

Robin Jansson and Robinho came on at the half for Schlegel and Mueller, respectively, and 15 minutes later, Dike departed for Santiago Patino, but only a few half-chances were generated. One sequence nearly saw both teams score early in the half though. Rowe went down to get a piece of a good cross by Finnur Palmason, which ignited Orlando’s transition. At the other end, Robinho fed Nani, who smashed it on target, but Einarsson made a good save to deny the captain his hat trick. KR Reykjavik then tried to break the other way, but De John did well to get back to prevent a breakaway.

Robinho later had a shot blocked out for a corner kick, but, aside from that, much of the second half was sloppy after both teams had made some substitutions, including Jordan Bender coming on for Michel in the 67th minute and David Loera for Rosell in the 79th.

The Lions saw out the remaining time and held on for the win.

“We have some things that we still need to work on but I think everything’s coming together pretty well so far,” De John said after the match.

“Obviously the competition next week against Salt Lake is the one that’s going to count on points, but for now it just inspires us to keep getting good performances in,” Pareja said.

After the match Pareja spoke positively about his two young starters — Dike and Dezart.

“It’s a positive. Daryl — especially in the first half — showed us what he’s good at. That presence in the box and he got some positive touches too with the players and had connections there. His presence is important. Today I was very happy to see him want so bad to score and get that taste of a first division match.

“Joey looked mature too. He just got a lot of minutes today with Oriol that will help him to grow, and for me it’s great to have players available. They did good.”

Orlando City will close out the preseason schedule Friday night against San Antonio FC in a closed-door friendly at Exploria Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

Get the inside scoop on Toronto FC ahead of Saturday’s match.

Published

9 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Another Orlando City matchday is almost upon us, and the Lions will try to extend a four-game unbeaten streak Saturday night and finish off an undefeated month of April. OCSC will do so back in the comfortable confines of home, as Toronto FC travels south for the first of two games between the teams this season.

A visit from Toronto means I caught up with Tomas Karageorgos of Waking the Red. As usual, he was very helpful in bringing us up to speed on TFC ahead of the upcoming match.

This is John Herdman’s first year in charge of Toronto. What sort of style does the team play under him?

Tomas Karageorgos: John Herdman plays a variation of a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation that prefers to build plays out of the back. Herdman also relies on his center midfielders to win possession back and push the ball to either flank. German striker Prince Owusu’s constant pressure on opposing defenses has caused some turnovers in TFC’s favor. Owusu’s style of play has not only helped his teammates but himself as well — he has scored five goals in the club’s last six matches.

Run me through some of the additions and departures that took place during the off-season. Who are some new faces to keep an eye on?

TK: The four major additions that the club made was signing defensive midfielders Deiby Flores and Matty Longstaff; Canadian fullback Richie Laryea is back for a third time; and Irish center back Kevin Long. Flores has been described as a dog in the sense of not being afraid to get stuck into tough challenges. Longstaff was signed from Newcastle United and is beginning to play consistent minutes — he still has room to grow as he’s a young player. Long was signed from Birmingham City and has been a rock in the center of the back three. A strong aerial presence and calmness has helped to contribute to Toronto’s six clean sheets across all competitions this season. There’s not much to say about Laryea that hasn’t been said, he’s arguably the best defender in MLS when healthy. Another underrated signing was French defender Nicksoen Gomis from Sheffield United, he has had quiet-yet-consistent performances. Notable departures include Salvadoran goalkeeper Tomás Romero, Norwegian striker Adama Diomande, and club legend Michael Bradley, who retired at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

TFC has quite the list of injured players at the moment. Who has been filling in for the missing faces, and how have they looked?

TK: Lorenzo Insigne, Richie Laryea, and Shane O’Neill continue to miss action due to thigh injuries. Midfielder Brandon Servania is slated to return during the middle of the season as he is recovering from knee surgery. First overall draft pick Tyrese Spicer has filled in for Insigne and has two goals in his account for the club — he has a high work rate on both sides of the ball. Canadian youngster Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is gaining more experience on the right side while Laryea is sidelined. Gomis and Sigurd Rosted have been taking turns covering O’Neill, and Alonso Coello is continuing to build on an impressive first season with the club in the absence of Servania.

Which players will be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

TK: The names I noted above who are injured will be unavailable. Also, attacker Deandre Kerr is listed as questionable.

Predicted starting XI: Sean Johnson; Nickeson Gomis, Kevin Long, Sigurd Rosted; Tyrese Spicer, Alonso Coello, Deybi Flores, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty; Jonathan Osorio, Federico Bernardeschi, Prince Owusu.

Score prediction: 1-1. 

Thank you to Tomas for his insight into Toronto FC. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/26/24

Orlando City gets ready for Toronto FC, Thiago Silva linked with Orlando, Marta announces international retirement, and more.

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13 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad it’s Friday. It’s been a bit of a brutal week for me, but the weekend is nearly upon us, and I plan on spending it with my family for my dad’s birthday. I’m also hoping to find some time to read the new book that came out this week from my favorite author, Emily Henry. For now though, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Prepares for Toronto FC

After a shaky start to the season, the Lions are unbeaten in their past four games and can make it five when they host Toronto FC Saturday night. Toronto has lost three of its past four games, but is coming off of a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. In the time since Oscar Pareja took over as head coach, Orlando City has won six of its seven games against Toronto. It will be the first meeting between the two with John Herdman at the helm of Toronto, so we will see if the trend of recent Orlando dominance continues. It should be a great game and is another opportunity for the Lions to climb up the table.

Thiago Silva Linked With Orlando City

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva’s contract with Chelsea ends this summer and Orlando City was mentioned as one of many reported clubs interested in signing him. Beyond the surface-level facts that Silva is an incredibly talented defender and Orlando City is a popular landing spot for South Americans who want to play in MLS, the move would not make much sense. The club signed David Brekalo this off-season and Rodrigo Schlegel is a solid option off the bench as well. Even if Orlando does want Silva, there will be plenty of competition. Returning to Fluminense is the expected choice, but Silva could stay in Europe or make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Marta Will Retire From National Team After 2024

Orlando Pride star Marta announced that 2024 will be her last year playing for Brazil. You will need a translating tool for more of the details from her interview with CNN, but she spoke on how she’s at peace with her decision to stop playing at the international level once the year is over. She made her international debut in 2002 and has since played in five Olympics for Brazil. Marta may play in her sixth this summer, and there would be global attention to see one of the greatest players ever to lead Brazil one last time. Her contract with the Pride also ends after this season, but only time will tell if this is her final season in Orlando.

Orlando’s Academy Teams Get Results Against New England

With the Generations Adidas Cup behind them, Orlando City’s U-17 and U-15 teams earned some important points against the New England Revolution’s youth squads. The U-15 team dominated New England in a 4-1 result that included a hat trick from Jakob Garcia. The match between the U-17 sides was a closer affair, as they split the points in a 1-1 draw. Orlando’s teams will play again tomorrow, with a pair of home games against Nashville SC.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over Toronto FC Saturday at home?

Published

1 day ago

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April 25, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

After a successful, four-point road trip, Orlando City returns from Montreal to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium to face one of the other Canadian clubs, Toronto FC. The Lions are hoping to add to a four-match unbeaten streak. A win offers the opportunity to take another step up the standings.

What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against Toronto FC?

No Early Mistakes

In the last three matches, Orlando City has conceded the first goal of the match. Worse than that, each of those goals happened within the first 21 minutes. Yes, coming from behind for two draws and one win is good, but not giving up those early goals may have meant three wins instead.

Last season, Orlando City’s defense was good. We didn’t see nearly so many mental mistakes by the defense, especially so early in the match. What is frustrating is that these mistakes were seemingly preventable. The back line, the defensive midfielders, and Pedro Gallese need to tighten up in the early going so that the Lions are not chasing the match so early on.

Take Advantage of Tired Legs

Toronto FC played a match against Simcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship tournament on Wednesday. I’m in no way saying that Toronto trotted out their first choice lineup for the match, but even if only some of the players got a run out, that could create some tired legs for the match against Orlando. Add in the travel from Canada to Florida on short rest and it could be good news for the Lions.

If the Lions can possess the ball and make Toronto FC chase them, or if Orlando can get the first goal (see above) so that Toronto is chasing the match as well, it might pay dividends in the second half. Orlando City is good enough in the passing game to do so, though it will be interesting to see whether Martin Ojeda rejoins the starting lineup or if Nico Lodeiro gets the nod again.

One Down, Two to Go

Facundo Torres was the first of Orlando City’s three Designated Players to score a goal in the regular season. While it didn’t come in the run of play, it might still spark him to add some more since he usually starts slow and then catches fire at about this point in the season. Of course, both Luis Muriel and Ojeda contributed to the scoring against Montreal. Muriel drew the penalty that Torres took, and Ojeda provided the assist to Ivan Angulo.

Now it is time for either Muriel or Ojeda — or both — to join Torres on the scoreboard. Standing in their way will be a good keeper in Sean Johnson. So far this season, he has allowed seven goals and has 22 saves, with three clean sheets. Muriel seems to be getting closer to scoring with each shot taken, and Ojeda has missed some close ones. If all three of Orlando City’s Designated Players can start scoring regularly, this team will become dangerous quickly.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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