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Orlando City vs. FC Dallas: Final Score 0-0 as 10-Man Lions Run Unbeaten Streak to Eight Games

The Lions were the better team but after Sebas Mendez got sent off they were forced to battle for whatever they could get in Dallas.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City probably deserved more than a single point with a good performance against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX, tonight, but after midfielder Sebas Mendez was sent off, the Lions (7-2-5, 26 points) will take the single point and be satisfied with running their unbeaten streak to eight matches (5-0-3) against a stubborn FC Dallas (5-3-5, 20 points) side.

City played well in all phases but had trouble breaking Dallas down in the final third, and when the Lions did create something, the shots were either saved or just a tad off target. The Lions felt they were the better side even though they played down a man for almost half an hour.

“It was a point and we’ll take it,” Orlando City Oscar Pareja said after the match — his first at FC Dallas since leaving that club after the 2018 season. “We’re proud after such effort that the players gave on the field. But knowing that we had the majority of the options and the personality, and the most important consistency during the game, we feel that it was not enough for us, the point.”

“Honestly, we felt like it was two points lost tonight,” Tesho Akindele said. “We were happy to get the point, especially after we went down to 10 men, but I think that we outplayed them for most of the game and probably deserved three points and I think that’s how everybody feels tonight.”

Pareja’s lineup featured fewer changes than expected. Pedro Gallese lined up behind the same back line as Wednesday — Kyle Smith, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Ruan — as Antonio Carlos did not make the trip. Mendez and Junior Urso stayed in the central midfield but starters Mauricio Pereyra and Chris Mueller were inserted back into the attacking midfield with Nani. Akindele got his second straight start at striker.

The Lions had a bright start to the game and held most of the early possession. But when Orlando got into the final third, things generally broke down. Ruan put an early cross into the box but split his two teammates and passed directly to the defense. Nani had shots blocked in the third and fourth minutes and then sent a cross through the area that was just a bit too far out in front of Ruan at the back post.

FC Dallas finally got a foot in the game in the 10th minute with a nice buildup that sent Santiago Mosquera in on goal alone but Gallese made a huge stop with his leg to keep the game scoreless.

Mosquera picked up an apparent quad injury and had to be subbed off for Fafa Picault shortly after his golden scoring chance.

Andres Ricaurte took a weak shot in the 19th minute that almost became a problem when it deflected off Jansson, but it skipped just wide of the right post.

The Lions had to make their own injury substitute shortly after that, as Ruan went down on the pitch and came off with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Kamal Miller checked in and took up the left back position, with Smith moving over to the right.

Pereyra sent in a nice cross for Mueller in the 27th minute but Cash headed his shot right at Jimmy Maurer, who made the easy save. Ten minutes later, the Lions had a good attack building on the counter. Akindele had options to pass to either Nani or Mueller but opted to shoot instead from just outside the area and his shot was blocked out for a corner.

Late in the half Matt Hedges headed just over the bar on an FC Dallas corner and then the Lions got their best opportunity of the half when Pereyra picked out Nani with a gorgeous pass from right to left. The captain headed it to the back post but Akindele couldn’t get to it and by the time Mueller got there he was out of room and headed into the outside netting.

Orlando City held the advantage in shots (8-7) but got only one on frame to FC Dallas’ three. The Lions also had more corners (4-3), and possession (56.1%-43.9%), with both teams passing at an 85% rate.

Dallas fashioned a chance just after the break after an apparent foul on Pereyra went uncalled and Ricaurte fired over the bar. Three minutes later, Nani smashed a shot from distance that forced a good diving save from Maurer. The rebound was tantalizingly close to Mueller but a bit off line for the Orlando forward to pounce on.

Mendez got his marching orders in the 69th minute. He’d picked up a yellow card for time wasting just five minutes earlier, kicking the ball away after a foul was called on Miller. Then he was late into a challenge on Bryan Reynolds, and a bit behind, and was well deserving of his second yellow.

The sending off put his teammates in a hole as it was the first time this season the Lions had played a man down due to a red card. Mendez will miss Saturday’s match against the New York Red Bulls.

Despite being down a man, Orlando continued to play the same way. They pressed when they could, defended well, and looked to counter. Nani smashed a shot just wide of the left post in the 75th minute as the Lions still looked the likelier side to score.

Just after Tanner Tessman’s long-range effort in the 79th minute was easily saved by Gallese, the Lions nearly got their game-winner. The outlet pass from Gallese found Nani on the left side and the captain drew a defender toward him and played a diagonal ball for Urso to run onto. The Bear sent a shot on target that forced a good save by Maurer to keep the game scoreless.

“I saw good space to run in,” Urso said. “I think I made a good shot but I think I can do more power the next time. I just say congratulations to the keeper because he saved his team.”

On the ensuing corner, the ball was played short — as it had been all night, mostly ineffectively — and a good cross came into the area where multiple players took a swing at it as it ping-ponged around, but no Orlando City player could make good contact.

Dallas earned a few late corners but was unable to do anything with them. Orlando defended well and looked to break out. Nani got the last chance of normal time, sending a shot just wide — on the right side this time — in the 90th minute off a throw-in play.

Miller made a rare bombing run forward in the 97th minute and got all the way into the Dallas penalty area, but just as he was freeing himself up for the shot, he had his pocket picked and the final chance evaporated. After one more FC Dallas corner, the game was over.

Orlando finished with more shot attempts (17-14) but Dallas got more on target (4-3). Corners ended up at six apiece, and the extra player allowed the hosts to finish with a slightly better passing rate (83%-82%), while the Lions held more possession (53.4%-46.6%), even though they were a man short for a good chunk of the second half.

“We had the possession, we had the options, and we continued with the ambition of winning. And that says a lot about the character of these guys,” Pareja said.

“I’m very proud of the team because we were running to the end,” Urso said. “And one player less is not easy to play, so I think we did a good job today.”

With the draw, Orlando fell to fourth in the Eastern Conference and Supporters Shield standings due to wins by Philadelphia and Toronto tonight, but the team earned its first-ever point at Toyota Stadium. Orlando City is now 0-2-1 at FC Dallas and 1-3-2 in the all-time series.


Orlando City now gets its longest rest until the one after the penultimate game of the season, with a meeting with the New York Red Bulls set for next Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Orlando City

Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to earn a second victory in a row at home this Saturday?

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City is coming off its first win of the MLS regular season and will look to carry that momentum into Saturday night’s Eastern Conference matchup against the New York Red Bulls. The Lions will have several players back from international duty, making Oscar Pareja’s job a bit easier, although some of them will be on short rest. What does Orlando City need to do to earn all three points against the Red Bulls?

Stop Morgan

Lewis Morgan has been on a tear this season with five goals in five matches. That is more than every Orlando City player combined so far this season. The Red Bulls were held scoreless in two matches, meaning those five goals have come in three matches, with Morgan scoring a hat trick against Inter Miami. I love that he took it to the Herons like that, but I’m going to need him to cool off a bit against the Lions.

If Orlando City is to stop Morgan it will take excellent defending from the Lions’ back line and of course Pedro Gallese, who is returning from international duty. Orlando City also gets Wilder Cartagena and David Brekalo back, meaning more of the first choice lineup will be available to keep a clean sheet. With the match at home, earning a clean sheet is all the more important.

Proper Rest and Preperation

It might seem silly to say, but having more than a few days between matches is conducive to earning points. When Orlando City was participating in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Lions never had time to properly recover or train with a game plan for the next match. Now, the Lions are able to do so, and the result against Austin FC reflects that.

Pareja is a top level MLS coach. We know that he has a plan for about the first 20 minutes of any match, and then makes adjustments throughout the remainder of the match. Even so, many of those adjustments have been planned out prior to the match. That, paired with a more rested roster, allows the Lions to be the protagonists Pareja wants them to be.

Shots, Shots, Shots

Orlando City was able to create plenty of chances against Austin FC, and will need to do so again against the Red Bulls. The Lions took 22 shots Saturday night, with eight on target, and they put two in the back of the net against Austin. Hopefully, Orlando City can be more efficient going forward, but if you don’t create opportunities, you won’t score.

The Red Bulls have some decent defenders who Orlando City will have to deal with, including fullback John Tolkin and Carlos Coronel at keeper. If the Lions can pass even close to the way they did against Austin, the opportunities will come, and if that is the case, hopefully the goals will come. Orlando City still has a sizable goal deficit, thanks to the early part of the season, that can only be corrected with more goals on the other end.


That is what I will be looking for this Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/28/24

Getting to know Rafael Santos, Orlando Pride prepare for Chicago, Midge Purce out for the season, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week has been treating you well as we gear up for another weekend of soccer. March flew by for me and April is shaping up to be a pretty busy month as well. In other news, I’m looking into adopting a cat and gathering the supplies to make that happen. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Getting to Know Rafael Santos

Orlando City left back Rafael Santos was the latest Lion to field questions as part of the club’s video series for fans to learn more about its players. The 26-year-old spoke about the decision process behind joining Orlando and playing outside of Brazil for the first time in his career after five years with Cruzeiro. He’s brought his attack-minded style of play to the team, particularly in terms of providing lethal crossing from the wing. Make sure to check out the full video as Santos also shared photos of his newborn and showcased his skill with a cavaquinho.

Orlando Pride Prepare to Host Chicago

After a pair of draws to start their season, the Orlando Pride will have a chance to claim their first win of the season when they host the Chicago Red Stars tomorrow night at 6 p.m. Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about how the Pride have shown plenty of resilience so far this young season. The team managed to secure a point in last week’s 1-1 draw with Angel City FC despite a patchwork back line due to injuries. That defense will likely have its hands full against Mallory Swanson and a Chicago team that won both of its first two games. Hines spoke about how the Pride are preparing for Chicago and how they will need the home crowd to bring the support tomorrow night.

Sophia Smith Signs Record-Breaking New Deal

American forward Sophia Smith signed a new contract with the Portland Thorns that will make her the highest-paid NWSL player, according to the club. The new deal will last through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026 as well. The 23-year-old was drafted by the Thorns with the first overall pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft and has gone on to score 34 regular-season goals. Smith re-signed with the club in 2022 and was set to become a free agent following this season, but will instead stay in Portland.

Midge Purce Out for NWSL Season

NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Midge Purce will miss the remainder of the NWSL season after tearing her ACL. The 28-year-old will undergo surgery and suffered the injury in her team’s 1-0 victory over the Portland Thorns this past weekend. She’s been with Gotham since 2020 and assisted on both goals in her team’s 2-1 win in the 2023 NWSL Championship. It’s a tough blow for the United States Women’s National Team too, as she will not be representing the U.S. during this summer’s Olympics in France.

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  • Orlando City B’s match against Carolina Core FC on April 14 has been rescheduled.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/27/24

Bally Sports will broadcast Orlando Pride matches, Pride players called up, USWNT announces SheBelieves Cup roster, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I attended my friend’s wedding this past weekend and have been getting myself back into work mode by covering high school tennis this week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Bally Sports Will Broadcast Select Orlando Pride Matches

Bally Sports was announced as the new local television partner for the Orlando Pride. There will be 13 select Pride matches broadcast this season across Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports Sun, and on the Bally Sports app. The partnership will begin this Friday, with the Orlando Soccer Insider show taking place before the kickoff of the Pride’s home match against the Chicago Red Stars at 7 p.m. The show will be broadcast on Bally Sports Florida, and then you can switch to the Bally Sports app to watch Friday’s match. Below are all the select matches that will be broadcast on Bally Sports this season.

Brazilian Orlando Pride Players Called Up

The Orlando Pride’s Marta, Angelina, and Luana were all called up by Brazil for next month’s SheBelieves Cup. Brazil heads into this tournament after a solid showing in the Concacaf W Gold Cup. The format is different for this year’s SheBelieves Cup, as there will only be four matches instead of six. Brazil’s first match of the tournament will be a semifinal on April 6 against Canada in Atlanta.

USWNT Announces Roster for SheBelieves Cup

United States Women’s National Team interim head coach Twila Kilgore announced the 23-player roster for the 2024 SheBelieves Cup matches next month. The USWNT has won this competition four consecutive times since 2020, and is going for a seventh title in 2024. Of those called up, 19 players on this squad were part of the team that won the Concacaf W Gold Cup earlier this month. San Diego Wave forward Jaedyn Shaw, the Concacaf W Gold Cup’s MVP, is back on the roster after she led the USWNT with four goals. The squad also includes familiar names like former Pride forward Alex Morgan, Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, and Olympique Lyon midfielder Lindsey Horan. Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario return to the squad after being sidelined with injuries. The USWNT will begin its quest to defend its SheBelieves Cup title when it faces Japan on April 6 in Atlanta.

MLS Referees Agree to New CBA

After a lockout that resulted in Major League Soccer starting the season with replacement referees, the Professional Soccer Referees Association voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Referee Organization. The new CBA is a seven-year deal that runs through January of 2031. This deal will also include significant pay raises for referees, assistant referees, and video assistant referees. The PRO referees will return to the pitch for this weekend’s MLS matches.

Ukraine, Georgia, and Poland Qualify for Euro 2024

Ukraine has qualified for this summer’s Euros after edging out Iceland 2-1 in its playoff final, with Mykhaylo Mudryk scoring the winning goal in the second half. Georgia eliminated Greece 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw to book a spot in the tournament as well. Georgia qualifies for its first major tournament after coming up short in 2020. Poland also needed penalties to qualify, with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny making the final save against Daniel James to beat Wales 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw.

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

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