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Orlando City vs. Sporting Kansas City: Final Score 1-1 as Lions Fight Back for Road Point

The Lions had two goals called back before finally netting Nani’s equalizer.

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5 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City paid for a late first-half mistake, but Nani’s cheeky backheel flick helped the Lions salvage a 1-1 draw against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. Orlando (0 W-0 L-2 D, 2 points) had two goals waved off for offside after video review and SKC (1-0-1, 4 points) had one called back as well. In the end, the result was probably a fair one, but a poor exchange between Pedro Gallese and Antonio Carlos kept the Lions from taking all three points.

City is unbeaten in its last three against Sporting, winning the last two before tonight’s draw. The Lions are now 3-2-2 in the all-time series and 1-2-1 at Children’s Mercy Park.

“I think it was a great performance for our team,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “The personality and, and the consistency in our sequences today was very good and was the highlight of our team, so I’m very pleased.”

Pareja made one expected change and one surprise change from Saturday’s lineup, replacing the injured Alexandre Pato (lower body injury) with Andres Perea and inserting Benji Michel at wing for Chris Mueller, who started on the bench. Gallese manned the net behind a back line of Kyle Smith, Rodrigo Schlegel, Carlos, and Ruan. Perea slotted into the midfield with Junior Urso, Sebas Mendez, and Michel, with Nani pushing up into the attack with Tesho Akindele.

Graphic by MLSSoccer.com

The game began rather sloppily with both teams turning it over often in the opening 15 minutes, but the Lions nearly scored in the opening seconds. Michel got onto a Nani cross but fired it way off target from in front of goal.

Daniel Salloi got the game’s first shot on target with a slow roller at Gallese in the sixth minute. Ruan then got down the right a few times but struggled with his crossing accuracy.

Sporting had a good opportunity early when Smith was booked for a foul just outside the area on a ball he obviously felt he won fairly. The hosts appeared to cash in on the training ground set piece, as a shot was fired off of Akindele, forcing Gallese to change directions to make a good save. However, he couldn’t control the rebound, and Nicolas Isimat-Mirin got there first to slot it home in the 13th minute. After a video review, the goal was correctly overturned as Isimat-Mirin was well offside when the initial shot was taken.

Ruan was set up at the top of the box in the 17th minute but his shot was headed way wide of goal when it was deflected out for a corner. Nani played the ensuing corner short for Mendez, who shot it way over the bar. Moments later, Perea got in behind and was in the act of shooting when Roger Espinoza stuck a leg in from behind and got both man and ball. The weak shot was easy for John Pulskamp to collect and the tackle was ruled a fair one.

The Lions continued to grow in confidence throughout the half and started controlling play. Nani fizzed a cross through the six in the 26th minute and Michel was inches from giving it the touch it needed to go in.

Michel thought he’d given the Lions the lead in the 36th minute, but again the goal was overturned. Nani had smashed a shot in that Pulskamp couldn’t handle and Michel got to the rebound first, finessed it over the goalkeeper and scored calmly, but he was a foot or so offside on the initial shot attempt.

Schlegel got in behind on a set piece in the 40th minute but Pulskamp came off his line and got a piece of it before he could pull the trigger. Minutes later, the game turned in Sporting’s favor.

The hosts took the lead in the 45th minute but didn’t have to put in much work for it. Carlos mishandled a pass from Gallese, allowing Salloi to take it away. The winger fed Gianluca Busio, who fired near side past El Pulpo to give his team a 1-0 advantage.

“Unfortunately we made a mistake in the first half. We conceded a goal and made our game more complicated but I think we reacted very well,” Nani said. “I think we deserve the point and could do better. Could deserve three points but one point is not bad after we conceded that first goal.”

Pareja said the goal Orlando gave up was a product of the way they like to play.

“We made some mistakes due to the risks that we play, but we committed with this way to play, and the players came back as a group,” he said.

Sporting Kansas City took its 1-0 lead against the run of play into the locker room at the break. Orlando City had more shots (6-3) but SKC got all three on target to Orlando’s two. The Lions held more possession (60.5%-39.5%), had more corners (1-0) and were the more accurate passing team (85.6%-82.1%).

Shortly after the restart, it appeared that Perea had tied it with his first career goal. But the play again went to review and the goal was disallowed. Nani’s corner kick cross was cleared but Smith picked it up and cycled it left to right for Nani again. The captain’s second cross skipped off a defender and found its way through traffic to Perea, who smashed a shot off the crossbar and in. Perea was onside when Nani delivered the cross but Carlos got a foot on it and that’s what put Perea just offside.

“I was really happy with my goal,” Perea said of that moment before it was ruled off. “I was really unlucky, but maybe the next one counts. I’m going to work to to score again and make opportunities for my team and do whatever the team needs to win. But I was really happy.” 

Alan Pulido nearly doubled the lead for SKC in the 54th minute. Ruan gave the ball away in his own defensive corner and it found its way to Sporting’s Designated Player, who fizzed a shot inches wide of the right post.

Moments after Chris Mueller subbed on for Michel, the Money Badger nearly had an assist, heading a cross back across the box. Akindele saw Pulskamp deny him from point-blank range but he was offside on the play anyway.

Gallese made a great save on a long-range effort in the 59th minute when the center back stepped up and no one closed him down.

Urso fired just wide of goal in the 67th minute as the Lions continued to press for an equalizer. Akindele got down the left and earned a corner in the 75th but may have had an opportunity to shoot rather than trying to thread a pass to Perea that was knocked out of play. On the ensuing set piece, the ball was played short to Smith, who had his initial shot blocked and didn’t make good contact on the second, sending an easy one right at Pulskamp.

Johnny Russell forced Gallese into another save at the other end on a set piece in the 78th minute. Then Orlando tied it at the other end.

A long ball from Mendez picked out Smith, who made a great run forward from his left back position. Smith did well to bring the ball quickly under control and tried to cross through the box, but the pass hit the trailing foot of defender Roberto Puncec. Mueller was first to the ball and fired, but his shot was blocked. The rebound bounced to Nani, who had his back to goal, but the captain nonchalantly flicked it softly backward and into the net to tie the match at 1-1 in the 79th minute.

The flag came up after the play but again it went to video review and the replay showed no Orlando players were offside. The goal was awarded. It was Nani’s 19th since joining the Lions in 2019.

“It was good because we deserved to score a goal,” Nani said. “I don’t remember (the last time I) scored a goal like that. It’s always nice to score goals like that because it’s like a release of a lot of stress, you know. We were in a situation in the game where we needed to score.”

The Lions withstood a couple of late corners and held on for the 1-1 draw to stay unbeaten, but also winless. Orlando out-shot the hosts (11-9), but Sporting KC got more on frame (5-4). The Lions held advantages in possession (59.9%-40.1%), corners (4-3), and passing accuracy (84%-83%).

“We had more possession. We controlled the game,” Nani said. “Especially in the first half, we dominated all game. And that’s the key. When you have more of the ball. We have players in the final third who can create chances.”

“Obviously, you wanted to walk (away) with three points after that many chances that we created, especially in the first half when we had the goal in front of us a few times,” Pareja said. “But we’re happy. We’re excited to play and to have this performance and so, we look forward to the next one.”

The Lions return home for their next match against FC Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 1.

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Lion Links: 8/4/26

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

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4 hours ago

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August 4, 2026

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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.

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1 day ago

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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

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.

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1 day ago

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August 3, 2026

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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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