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2022 Orlando City Season in Review: Mauricio Pereyra

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3 years ago

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The 2022 MLS season was Mauricio Pereyra’s fourth with Orlando City and his third full season with the club. He originally signed with the Lions on July 30, 2019 and the midfielder re-signed with the club on a one-year deal on Dec. 17, 2021.

Nani’s departure following the 2021 campaign left an opening for captain and the Uruguayan filled that void. The midfielder has played a deeper role as a box-to-box midfielder under Oscar Pareja and built on his club record for assists. Let’s take a closer look at Pereyra’s season.

Statistical Breakdown

Pereyra appeared in all six of the team’s U.S. Open Cup games this season, starting three times and recording 394 minutes. Only one of his seven shots was on target, resulting in his lone goal. The playmaker completed 222 of his 275 pass attempts (80.7%), including nine key passes, 16 long balls, and one assist. He had four interceptions, committed 11 fouls while drawing 10, and was booked three times.

In the MLS regular season, Pereyra made 32 appearances with 31 starts and accumulated 2,551 minutes. He scored one goal and put 10 of his 33 shot attempts on target. He missed his only penalty attempt (against Seattle). He led the team with 11 assists, had 63 key passes, and completed 1,249 of his 1,509 pass attempts (82.8%) and 104 long balls. Defensively, the midfielder had 26 interceptions, 56 tackles, 11 clearances, and three blocks. He committed 40 fouls while drawing 62 from his opponents, and was booked five times.

Pereyra played all 90 minutes of the Lions’ lone playoff game. He didn’t score or assist on a goal, or attempt any shots, but he completed 42 of his 52 pass attempts (84.6%) and had three key passes. He also completed four long balls and didn’t turn the ball over. Defensively, Pereyra had four tackles and two interceptions in the 2-0 loss. He committed two fouls, drew two, and was booked in the match.

Best Game

Pereyra’s best game came on May 25 in a 1-1 Open Cup draw and penalty shootout win over Inter Miami. The midfielder came on in the 60th minute for Sebas Mendez, playing the final 30 minutes and extra time. Pereyra was a game-changer, completing 64 of his 74 pass attempts (86.5%) and seven key passes. After Jean Mota gave Inter Miami the lead in extra time, Pereyra assisted on Facundo Torres’s goal to send the game to penalty kicks.

While all of Pereyra’s three shots were off target, he stepped up and came through in the clutch. Pereyra put away the fourth and final penalty for the Lions, helping them advance to the quarterfinals.

In addition to his season-high seven key passes, what makes this game stand out for the captain is the pressure of a knockout game and his impact on it. Also, the fact that the club ended up winning the tournament, the first major trophy in club history.

Pereyra also completed six long balls in the match, turning the ball over only once, and had an interception. He committed one foul, drew two, and was booked.

2022 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gives Pereyra a composite grade of 7 for the 2022 season. His 2022 grade is half a point lower than last year and in 2020, as he was graded a 7.5 in those past two seasons. Despite the slightly lower grade, the midfielder was the team’s primary chance creator, leading the team in assists and key passes. His deeper role helped him get on the ball more and create more in the attack, but it also forced him to do more critical defending than in years past. At age 32, the captain was sometimes a step behind being able to make those kinds of plays when needed, a little late in closing down, or just caught too far up field on change of possession.

2023 Outlook

Pereyra signed a one-year contract prior to the 2022 season so the club would need to come to an agreement to keep him in purple next year. However, it’s hard to believe that they won’t come to a deal. He’ll be 33 in March, but he was one of the best players on the team and was a good captain. The team already lost a veteran leader in Junior Urso — who often wore the captain’s armband when Pereyra wasn’t on the field — and could lose Pedro Gallese. As a result, Pereyra’s leadership will be essential if he returns in 2023.

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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16 hours ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

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

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