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Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire: Final Score 4-1 as Lions Win a Wild, Rain-Soaked Match

Nani and Chris Mueller starred again as the Lions finally got a home win over the Chicago Fire, running their unbeaten streak to six games.

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6 years ago

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Orlando City withstood two Chicago Fire penalties and two goals by the visitors that were overturned by video review to win a crazy, rain-soaked match, 4-1 at Exploria Stadium. Orlando (6-2-4, 22 points) got goals from Chris Mueller, Nani, Junior Urso, and Benji Michel to extend its unbeaten run to six games (4-0-2) and finally beat the Fire (2-7-3, 9 points) at home.

In fact, Orlando is still unbeaten at home in 2020 (3-0-2). The Lions will take it, as they will have to go on the road for the next two matches to close out September.

“I think it was a roller coaster game today with a rival that came here with initiatives and an idea of the game that was very clear,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “From the first minute it was difficult to control, especially with such great players in the middle of the field. But I think we had our own identity and we had courage all the time to overcome the difficult moments.”

Pareja’s lineup in front of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese included the return of Robin Jansson and Kamal Miller to the left side of the starting lineup, alongside Antonio Carlos and Ruan. Urso and Sebas Mendez handled the central midfield with Uri Rosell still unavailable. The attacking midfield was the usual lineup of Nani, Mauricio Pereyra, and Mueller behind striker Daryl Dike.

The first half was insanely wide open with neither team doing well in defending on the rain-soaked field. The rain poured down throughout the first half, soaking the players and the ball and making conditions tough for both teams, which may have contributed to the wide-open nature of the match.

Dike had a couple of early chances but couldn’t quite get onto a Mueller cross in the second minute, with goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth coming out just enough to distract him. Dike then flicked a header to the back post but Chicago was able to clear.

The Fire came down to the other end for the first time and nearly opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Robert Beric took a shot that deflected off Miller and then hit the crossbar.

Orlando took the lead in the 11th minute. Mueller cut in from the left side and hit a shot that deflected off Alvaro Medran and crossed up Shuttleworth, who could do nothing but watch it trickle over the line for the opening score — Mueller’s seventh of the year.

The Lions continued to buzz around the Chicago penalty area, with both Nani and Dike getting shots blocked in front in the 14th minute. Then Beric nearly equalized in the 18th minute when he got in behind, but he fired off target against an empty net and the offside flag was up anyway.

Chicago came close again in the 20th when a cross in from the right deflected off of Gallese and fell for Ignacio Aliseda, who hit the right post with the bouncing ball.

Four minutes later, Mueller took the ball down the right flank and crossed in perfectly for Nani to finish with a header to make it 2-0 in the 24th.

The Fire appeared to pull a goal back on a free kick in the 27th minute but after video review, referee Nima Saghafi ruled that Elliot Collier obstructed from an offside position and the two-goal lead stood.

The Fire again had a golden opportunity to score in the 34th minute when a ball in the box hit Ruan’s hand and a penalty was awarded. Beric and Medran argued for a couple of minutes over who would take it and eventually Medran did. It didn’t matter though, as Gallese dove to his right and made a spectacular save to keep it a 2-0 game.

“On the penalty I just saw one guy fighting with a bunch of his teammates,” Gallese said through an interpreter. “I was just ready and when he took it I went to the right.”

Mueller should have made it 3-0 in the 38th minute as he sliced through the Chicago defense and freed himself up for an easy finish, but he lost his balance and couldn’t set himself to take the shot. Nani made a slick move in the 42nd minute to get in behind the defense but then hit his shot wide from in close. Dike fired from the top of the box a minute later but didn’t get all of the shot and Shuttleworth made a diving save.

Chicago got the last good chance of the half when a cross found Djordje Mihailovic around the penalty spot but he fired his shot wide. That was it for a wild first half.

Chicago actually attempted more shots (10-7), with Orlando getting more on target (3-1). Orlando was slightly more accurate in passing (87%-86%), while Chicago saw slightly more time on the ball (51.6%-48.4%).

The Fire got one back right after the half on a penalty call on Chris Mueller. He trailed Miguel Navarro into the area and put his hands on the Chicago fullback, who went down immediately on what appeared to be very little contact. Beric hit the ensuing penalty to pull Chicago back into the game in the 48th minute.

“I was a little late to track the guy inside but I don’t feel like I really touched him in the sense of grabbing him,” Mueller said. “I think that when you’re that close to somebody it’s natural — especially when you’re directly behind them — to clip them on the heels and if they feel something and they go down in the box then it’s a penalty. That’s on me for not following my guy right there in the beginning of the second half. I’ve got to be a little bit sharper mentally, a little bit better concentration. And, you know I’m going to learn from it and move forward and focus on the next match.”

The Fire kept coming, with Gaston Gimenez forcing a huge save by Gallese in the 54th to preserve Orlando’s lead.

“I’m always proud of the goalkeepers who keep the team in the game or keep the lead when it’s needed,” Pareja said. “And Pedro’s experience and leadership today will show. I’m proud of Pedro just giving us that energy in the moment when we needed it. He came big and tonight was a great game for him again.”

Boris Sekulic then appeared to tie the game at 2-2 in the 56th minute off a corner kick. The wet ball bounced off several players until it found the foot of the Chicago defender, who fired through traffic and it appeared to hit Jansson before sneaking inside the right post. However, Saghafi again went to video review and ruled that Mauricio Pineda had handled the ball on the initial cross into the box and for the second time in the match the Fire had a goal overturned.

Both teams started using their substitutions and Orlando began to settle down a bit. Kyle Smith, who replaced Miller at halftime, fired wide of goal from the top of the area on a blistering shot in the 68th minute. Ten minutes later, Urso supplied some breathing room. The ball pinged around Chicago’s penalty area and finally fell to substitute Andres Perea, who knocked it into the box, where it bounced around until Urso found it on his foot and fired it in off the right goal post in the 78th minute.

Three minutes after Urso’s goal, the Lions nearly got another. Ruan made a great play to find Nani across the field on the left and the captain fired a blast toward goal but the shot stayed wide of the post. Orlando quickly won another corner and Carlos headed over the bar a minute later.

As time wound down, Nani found substitute Benji Michel in the area. Michel took two dribbles to his left and hit a shot past Shuttleworth to make it 4-1 in the 95th minute on nearly the last kick of the match. It provided the Lions’ highest scoring output on the season and largest margin of victory since Pareja took over.

Shots were even at 19 apiece, but Orlando got more on target (7-3). Both teams passed at an 83% rate, with Chicago holding a slight edge in possession (54.4%-45.6%).

Pareja said after the match that it was Chicago’s midfield players that created so many problems for Orlando City’s defense.

“They gave us a lot of trouble, indeed,” he said. “They have players in the middle that are very technical. They know what they’re doing there. Their idea of the game is very clear.”

“I think we’re happy with the three points for sure, but I do think that there was a lot of areas in our game that we could be much better,” Mueller said.

The Lions now go on the road for their next two matches, visiting Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday and FC Dallas next Sunday.

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Lion Links: 8/4/26

New contract for Mauricio Pochettino, MLS names new commissioner, Americans in midweek action, and more.

Published

11 hours ago

on

August 4, 2026

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land.

Good morning, everyone. It was a decidedly horrific weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as all three outfits fell to defeats in their matches. Fortunately, chances for redemption are right around the corner, as Orlando City plays Leagues Cup games Wednesday and Saturday, and the Orlando Pride play Racing Louisville at home on Friday. We’ve got plenty to discuss today, so let’s get into the links.

New Contract for Mauricio Pochettino

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Monday that Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract that will see him remain as the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team through 2030. Pochettino has been in the job for a little over two years, and helped guide the USMNT to the Round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup, where the team was soundly beaten by Belgium. The Argentine oversaw the national team emergence of former Lion Alex Freeman and had the team playing attractive, attacking soccer when everything was clicking. The USMNT’s next competitive test will be the 2027 Concacaf Nations League.

MLS Chooses New Commissioner

Major League Soccer has chosen a new commissioner, with LAFC co-owner Larry Berg the man chosen to succeed Don Garber. The league held a closed-door meeting on Monday in New York, with the choice coming down to Berg and former FOX executive David Nathanson. Berg will begin his duties on Jan. 1. Garber will transition to a chairman role while Berg becomes the league’s third ever commissioner. As part of his new role, Berg will be required to divest his ownership stake in LAFC. In addition to his role at the club, the league’s next commissioner has also served as the co-chair of the MLS sporting and competition committee

Americans in Midweek Action

A number of Americans will be playing matches during the working week, so make sure you have everything noted on your calendars. Tanner Tessmann and Lyon take on Sparta Prague later today in the third round of UEFA Champions League qualifying, while Colin Guske and the U-20 USMNT face Guatemala in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf U-20 Championship. Wednesday has Yunus Musah and AC Milan (Christian Pulisic is out injured) play a friendly against Inter Milan, while Weston McKennie and Juventus do the same against Chelsea. Things wrap up on Friday as Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, and Middlesborough face Wrexham in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

With the start of most European leagues bearing down on us fast, transfer rumors continue to fly thick and fast. We begin with Atletico Madrid, as the side from the Spanish capital is said to be weighing a move for Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton. Staying in Spain, Real Madrid is said to haveoffered Vinicius Jr. a new contract worth $25 million a year in an effort to combat interest from Arsenal and with his contract set to expire in June of 2027. Moving stateside, a club source for Inter Miami has said that the Herons have neither held talks with, nor initiated contact with Kevin de Bruyne, despite rumors indicating otherwise. Finally, Bay FC has reportedly agreed to sign United States Women’s National Team fullback Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal.

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That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando City

Orlando City, Orlando Pride Facing Similar Issue

The Pride are waiting for Barbra Banda’s return, while City is hoping Daryl Dike can become the dependable goal scorer he was in the past.

Published

1 day ago

on

August 3, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride returned from the FIFA World Cup break heading in different directions. But both teams are missing a striker they can rely on in key moments.

For the Pride, the absence has been impossible to ignore.

Barbra Banda is away on international duty, leading Zambia in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. In her absence, the Pride have struggled to find the back of the net. They’ve been shut out in four of their last six games, including losses to Angel City FC, Boston Legacy FC, the Utah Royals, and the North Carolina Courage. The most recent loss dropped them out of the playoff positions.

The results have shown more than just a lack of goals. They’ve shown how much Banda impacts the way the Pride play.

Banda’s value goes beyond her ability to finish chances. Her speed, strength, and movement force opposing defenses to adjust. She creates space for teammates, stretches back lines, and gives the Pride a constant attacking threat.

Without her, the Pride have had to find different ways to generate offense. Apart from the 3-0 win over the Kansas City Current on July 10, it’s been a struggle. The only other game in which they’ve scored was a 1-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC on July 24, and it took until the 88th minute and more than 20 shots to finally convert.

The encouraging part for this team is that the answer is already on the roster.

Once Banda returns from international duty, the Pride will regain one of the league’s most feared attacking players. The striker still leads the league in goals with 12, two ahead of Ashley Sanchez. The recent struggles have only highlighted how important she is to the team’s success, and how the team must find a play style that allows other attacking players to be successful — with or without Banda in the lineup.

Orlando City’s situation is different.

The Lions haven’t experienced the same scoring drought as the Pride. They’ve continued to create chances and find goals from different areas of the field. But Saturday night’s 3-2 loss to the New York Red Bulls showed why having a dependable goal scorer can still make the difference.

Orlando City created enough opportunities to change the outcome. The Lions hit the woodwork three times and had late chances to find an equalizer. But they couldn’t find the finishing touch needed to turn those opportunities into goals.

Those are the moments when teams rely on a player who can change a game with one chance. It’s the role Orlando City hopes Daryl Dike can once again provide.

During his first stint with the team, Dike gave the Lions something they’d been searching for — a true target forward who could lead the attack. His physical presence allowed the team to play more directly, hold possession higher up the field, and create more danger inside the box.

Dike’s ability to battle defenders, win aerial duels, and finish chances made him one of Major League Soccer’s most promising young forwards before Orlando City sold him to West Bromwich Albion in January 2021.

Replacing that production has proved to be easier said than done.

The Lions initially attempted to fill that role by signing Ercan Kara in January 2022 as a Designated Player. But the Austrian striker never became the consistent attacking presence the team needed. Orlando City eventually found more promise with Duncan McGuire, selecting the Creighton forward with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. McGuire quickly showed why the club believed he could be the long-term answer, providing the type of penalty-box presence and finishing ability the team had been searching for.

But his path in Orlando changed.

A proposed move to Blackburn Rovers fell through in January 2024, and later that season McGuire suffered a dislocated right shoulder during the playoffs. After returning, he struggled to regain the same form, and another setback came in May 2025 when he tore the labrum in his left shoulder against Atlanta United.

The injuries changed the trajectory of McGuire’s time with the Lions, and Orlando City moved him to the Houston Dynamo on July 10.

Once again, Orlando City found itself searching for a dependable center forward.

The Lions have still found goals over the past two seasons thanks largely to Martin Ojeda. The attacking midfielder scored 20 goals in 2025 and leads the club again this season with 11, becoming Orlando City’s primary offensive threat.

Ojeda’s recent absence has only made his value more apparent. Orlando City has been without its leading scorer because of a recent thigh injury as he continues his pursuit of club history. Ojeda enters the stretch run with 44 career goals, three shy of Facundo Torres’ club record of 47.

But even with Ojeda producing at an elite level, Orlando City has continued searching for a traditional number nine who can occupy center backs, win aerial battles, and finish chances inside the box. That’s where Dike can make the difference.

Dike is back in Orlando, signing with his original professional club on July 17. The challenge is whether he can return to the player Orlando City fans remember. Injuries have slowed his progress in recent years, but the Lions believe he can once again become the striker who gave the team a different dimension.

That’s where the two Orlando teams differ.

The Pride know exactly what they’re getting back. Banda has already proven she can be the focal point of a championship-caliber attack. Her absence has been temporary, and her return should immediately change the way defenses approach the Pride.

For Orlando City, the answer is less certain. The Lions know what Dike was during his first stint with the team. Now they are waiting to see if he can become that player again.

The circumstances are different, but the lesson is the same. A dependable, go-to striker can transform a team.

The Pride are waiting for theirs to return. Orlando City is hoping its answer has arrived.

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Lion Links: 8/3/26

All of Orlando’s soccer teams lose, latest MLS transfer roundup, FIFA abandons plans to sell stakes in World Cup, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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August 3, 2026

By

Image of Tyrese Spicer dribbling the ball.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I can’t believe it’s August already, and I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work and catching up on Ted Lasso before the new season drops on Apple TV later this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Poor Start Dooms Lions in Loss at New York Red Bulls

Orlando City fell 3-2 to the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday. Mijahir Jimenez scored the opener for New York in the first half. The Red Bulls added another goal to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Tyrese Spicer pulled one back for Orlando, but Jimenez responded with his second goal of the match. Griffin Dorsey pulled the Lions back within one, however, New York held on for the win, and Orlando has not beaten the Red Bulls in its last seven matches. Orlando City’s next match will be its Leagues Cup opener Wednesday against Liga MX side Monterey at home.

Pride Suffer Heavy Defeat at North Carolina Courage

The Orlando Pride were blown away 5-0 by the North Carolina Courage on the road at First Horizon Stadium on Friday. Evelyn Ijeh recorded a hat trick, and Lauryn Thompson and Ashley Sanchez each added a goal apiece as the Courage dominated the Pride. Orlando’s offensive struggles continue as the club has lost three of its last four matches. The Pride will be home for their next match Friday to face Racing Louisville FC.

OCB Falls at Connecticut United

Orlando City B fell 4-2 to Connecticut United FC on the road at Reese Stadium in New Haven, CT, on Saturday. Landon Okonski scored the opener in the first half for the Young Lions. However, Connecticut scored two goals to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. In the second half, Connecticut scored twice again to take a 4-1 lead. Matthew Belgodere added a goal for the Young Lions in stoppage time, but Connecticut sealed its fifth consecutive victory. OCB has lost back-to-back matches and will have to wait until next week, on Aug. 11, to face New York City FC II on the road.

Latest MLS Transfer Roundup

Atlanta United has loaned forward Emmanuel Latte Lath to Union Berlin of the Bundesliga ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The loan deal is for one year and includes a purchase option. Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew are reportedly set to transfer wingback Max Arfsten to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough for a $7.5 million transfer fee. Hull City of the English Premier League has reportedly reached an agreement with the Colorado Rapids to sign defender Lucas Herrington.

FIFA Abandons Plans to Sell Stakes in World Cup

On Friday, FIFA announced it will not proceed with plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private equity investors after facing significant backlash. FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal had received strong opposition from the UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC confederations. If the plan was to move forward, UEFA stated that all 55 of its members would boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups. According to reports, UEFA and Concacaf have questioned Infantino’s future leadership in FIFA, raising the possibility that he may face a challenger in the 2027 elections, while other associations such as Wales have reportedly withdrawn support for his re-election.

Meanwhile, UEFA has reportedly threatened legal action against FIFA over its recent proposal to sell off the World Cup.

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That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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