Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Flamengo, International Friendly: Final Score 1-0 as Lions Fall in Rio
Orlando City traveled to Brazil to take part in the 120th anniversary game for famed Brazilian side Flamengo and, despite a bright first 45, they fell 1-0 to the hosts on a second-half free kick.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — Orlando City took part in an entertaining friendly in front of 12,371 at the Maracana against Brazilian side Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in honor of the Serie A club’s 120th anniversary. It was the club’s first match outside the United States since joining MLS. Orlando City came in looking to spoil the party that they were invited to, and while they gave as good as they got, they were unable to come out the victors, losing 1-0 thanks to a deflected free kick.
Orlando City started the game the better side with some controlled possession in the early stages of the match, however, Flamengo slowly started to work its way back into the contest as the hosts got their feet under them. Orlando City seemed content to allow Flamengo to have most of the possession, which meant that both sides went back and forth and it wasn’t until the 19th minute that the Lions got a chance, when Luke Boden sprung Carlos Rivas down the left side. However, Rivas drilled his ball low and directly at goalkeeper Paulo Victor, who came up with the stop.
Flamengo almost countered immediately, coming free on a long ball down the left flank but was unable to make it count. This move was immediately reciprocated by Orlando City when Rivas managed to shake off his marker, using his pace to burst free, but his crossing attempt was mishit and went high and wide into the stands.
Orlando City however was not to be denied. The next opportunity came quickly, when Rivas played the ball inside to Darwin Ceren, who ran at the Flamengo defenders, made his way past, and played a one-two back and forth with Rivas, who shot it wide.
The Lions then had their best opportunity of the first half. With some passing plays on the edge of the 18-yard box, Adrian Winter managed to work his way inside, where he was solidly fouled by Alan Patrick. Referee Pericles Cortez had no choice but to point to the spot. Bryan Rochez stepped up to play take the penalty, but his timid shot was easily saved by Victor.
That was Orlando City’s last big opportunity of the first half, but the Lions did well to stop Flamengo in the last five minutes, when both Cristian Higuita and Ceren gifted Flamengo the ball. The hosts were unable to convert their opportunities.
At halftime, Flamengo changed out the entire side, and that seemed to be Orlando’s undoing. The fresh legs of the Flamengo players meant that Orlando City was often playing catch-up, and City half-time substitute Pedro Ribeiro often cut a lone frustrated figure up front. Flamengo started the half brightly with a quick one-two between players which left Boden turned around, however, the hosts couldn’t make it count. That assault was the first of many, with Flamengo again going close when a foul by Higuita on Ayrton outside of the 18 led to a nicely drifted ball in the box that none of the Flamengo attackers could get to.
Ribeiro provided a bright spot for Orlando City in the second half when in the 59th minute he drifted in from the outside with the ball at his feet. However, his shot was hard and low but was always going wide of the post. That turned out to be Orlando City’s only meaningful shot of the half.
This close call for Flamengo led the hosts to put a bit more effort into this anniversary contest, and in the 68th minute the deadlock was eventually broken. Thiago Santos ran through the middle, just outside the 18, but was fouled by a coming together of Seb Hines and David Mateos. With the ensuing free kick, Luis Antonio hit a curling drive that deflected off Ceren and left trialist goalkeeper Thierry Graca rooted to the spot with no chance at a save.
After that, Orlando City tried to get back in it but never really came close and the game ended 1-0.
“I thought that we put in a good performance, and I am little disappointed we didn’t win,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath after the match. “Or that that we didn’t at least get a draw out of the game. Before the game we would have probably settled for the scoreline, but having played the game, I think we have at least got a point or maybe even won the game.”
Orlando City
Orlando City Giving the Kids A Look
This preseason, Oscar Pareja is letting Orlando City’s young academy products show what they can do.

Orlando City finished its 2025 preseason campaign with a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF Friday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It capped off the first winless preseason campaign in club history. However, there were some positives to take away from the past three weeks.
Since Luiz Muzzi joined the club in Dec. 2018 and subsequently brought Ricardo Moreira on, there’s been a much greater focus on bringing players through the club’s youth setup. No fewer than nine players have come out of the academy; played for the club’s second team, Orlando City B; and signed Homegrown contracts with the first team since the pair took over. It’s something that’s continued this year.
The two most notable additions have been 18-year-old defensive midfielder Colin Guske and 16-year-old midfielder Gustavo Caraballo. Guske is the third member of his family to come through the academy and join OCB. He follows his older brothers Owen and Liam. However, the youngest Guske is the only one to sign a first-team deal.
It’s not a surprise that the young defensive midfielder has seen time on the field this preseason. He played the most minutes of anyone his age in MLS NEXT Pro last year and just signed a first-team deal on Dec. 16.
The bigger surprise has been Caraballo. The 16-year-old signed with the Young Lions on Aug. 14, 2023, and has only made two short appearances. But Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja clearly thought enough of the young player to throw him into the deep end, starting him in the team’s preseason opener against Atletico Mineiro on Jan. 25.
Fortunately, he swam well this preseason, showing his ability from the opening game. The teenager has shown no fear, even when going up against older, experienced opposition. His fearlessness with the ball has been impressive, especially for someone of his age.
A player you might see more of this year for the first team is right back Alex Freeman. The 20-year-old defender has been arguably the most impressive of the young players and played extensively this preseason. The Homegrown Player scored against Atlanta United in a closed-door friendly and was crucial in several attacks this preseason.
A fourth player is one some probably thought wouldn’t be back with the team this year. Center back Thomas Williams initially signed a Homegrown deal on June 15, 2021. After a strong start with the first team, he’s played exclusively with OCB the last couple of years and has had his struggles. He’s been regularly outplayed by Nabi Kibunguchy and often found himself on the bench for the reserve side.
Despite his inconsistency, Orlando City signed him to a new two-year deal on Jan. 22, keeping him in Orlando through 2026. Since he’s only 20 years old, it’s not a surprise the club thinks he can develop into a productive first-team player. However, the club didn’t pick up the option on Wilfredo Rivera at the same age, signing him to OCB instead.
The playing time awarded to Guske, Caraballo, and Williams show the club’s continuing commitment to developing Homegrown talent. Even Rivera was kept at the club after the Lions decided not to exercise his option and signed multiple short-term MLS deals last year.
In all likelihood, none of these players will see significant time with the first team in 2025. However, they showed their abilities this preseason and could be future starters for the club. They’ll make watching OCB a must for Orlando City fans this season to see how they do.
There are some other players to pay attention to this year for OCB. 19-year-old academy product Zakaria Taifi has shown improvement on the back line and played during the club’s preseason game against CF Montreal. Jhon Solis, a 20-year-old midfielder, didn‘t come through the academy, but has been a leader for the second team and saw some minutes for the first team this preseason. Additionally, Pareja found minutes for Bernardo Rhein in the Montreal match and he looked solid playing against much more experienced competition.
As the 2025 season begins, we’ll probably find out more about who the club covets. Orlando City is playing in three competitions this season and will likely use some OCB players in less important games. It’s another thing to look forward to this year.
Orlando City
Orlando City Signs First-Round Pick Joran Gerbet
The Lions have signed 2025 their first-round SuperDraft pick through the upcoming season with a series of option years.

Orlando City announced today that the club has signed 2025 MLS first-round selection Joran Gerbet through the 2025 MLS season, with club options for 2026, 2027 and 2028. The 23-year-old central midfielder has impressed this preseason and now has earned his first professional contract.
“Joran is a great young player that we identified through our detailed analysis and scouting process ahead of the draft,” Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manger Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He has done well and worked hard in training this preseason and has great technical abilities that we feel really add to and complement our preferred style of play.”
The Lions selected Gerbet in the first round (No. 27 overall) out of Clemson University in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The native of Valence, France, began his highly decorated collegiate career at Oregon State University, playing two seasons before transferring to Clemson for his final two years. He was a 2024 Mac Hermann Trophy semifinalist, ACC Midfielder of the Year, a first-team United Soccer Coaches All-American, and earned United Soccer Coaches First Team All-South Region honors. He was also a first-team All-ACC selection and made the All-ACC Tournament Team as a senior.
The 5-foot-11 midfielder helped lead the Tigers to a national championship in 2023 after Clemson won the ACC Tournament, in which Gerbet was named to the All-ACC Tournament Team. He was a third-team All-ACC selection in 2023, a member of the Academic All-ACC Team, and earned United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-South Region honors. While at Oregon State, Gerbet was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year and was an All-Pac-12 First Team selection in 2022. He was Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2021 as well as a First Team All-Pac-12 Team and Second Team All-Far West Region selection. Top Drawer Soccer placed him on the site’s Freshman Best XI first team.
Gerbet played in 78 games (76 starts), logging 6,708 minutes over the course of his college career. He scored 12 goals and added 15 assists. Of those, 10 goals and 11 assists came in 42 appearances (40 starts) with the Tigers in his final two years.
“It’s an immense honor to be part of this organization and this team for the next step of my journey,” Gerbet said in the club’s release. “Every person has welcomed me with open arms since I got here, and it has felt like home since day one. I can’t wait to represent the badge in front of our fans and give everything on the field to bring the wins and the trophies that this club deserves.”
What It Means for Orlando City
Gerbet’s signing has seemed all but certain since the CF Montreal preseason match. The addition of Eduard Atuesta means Orlando City won’t need to rush Gerbet into the lineup, allowing him to develop without too much pressure, although he appears to be ready to step in and get minutes off the bench already.
The rookie appears to have better than average attacking skills for a central midfielder. He told me after the Atletico Mineiro match that he sees himself as a No. 6 who can play the No. 8 role. His curling effort off the crossbar against Montreal showed he’s got sneaky good offensive capabilities, making him a dangerous player arriving late in the box.
Gerbet will provide good depth behind Cesar Araujo and Atuesta during what will likely be a season without Wilder Cartagena, mitigating the need to rush Colin Guske into first-team minutes if injury or suspension keep one of the starters out.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/17/25
Lions draw in Tampa vs. Inter Miami in final preseason match, Pride sign Cori Dyke to a new contract and add Oihane Hernandez, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers, and happy President’s Day! I hope you all are doing well down in Florida over the holiday weekend. I’ve been covering high school playoff basketball and hockey over the past week. Orlando City’s home opener is coming up Saturday, and like many of you, I look forward to seeing what the Lions can do during the 2025 MLS season. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Draw Inter Miami 2-2 in Final Preseason Match
In its final preseason match, Orlando City could not hold onto the lead and got out of Tampa with a 2-2 draw against rival Inter Miami Friday at Raymond James Stadium. The Lions were up 2-1 with goals from Martin Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique, but Fafa Picault scored the equalizer in stoppage time. Orlando finishes its 2025 preseason without a win for the first time in club history. The 2025 MLS season will kick off this weekend as Orlando City will face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium.
Orlando Pride Add Defender Oihane Hernandez
On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced a new addition as the club signed defender Oihane Hernandez from Real Madrid Femenil for an undisclosed transfer fee. The contract is a two-year deal through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027. The 24-year-old right back played two seasons with Real Madrid Femenil, notching two assists in 31 appearances. Hernandez also brings international experience playing with the Spanish Women’s National Team and was part of the squad that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Hernandez’s joins a growing right back position group, which includes Brianna Martinez and…
Orlando Pride Sign Cori Dyke to Contract Extension
The Orlando Pride extended the contract of defender Cori Dyke after a stellar rookie year last season. Dyke’s new contract is through the 2027 season. The 24-year-old defender made 26 appearances, started 21 matches, logged 1,095 minutes, and stepped up to play right back to help Orlando win the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship last season. It’s the third contract she has signed with the club in less than a year. Dyke’s role with the club for 2025 remains to be seen, but she has proven to be a versatile player.
MLS Transfer Roundup
We are four days away from kicking off of the 2025 MLS season, and there are still some notable transfer moves happening across the league. The Colorado Rapids have reportedly acquired midfielder Josh Atencio from the Seattle Sounders in exchange for $1.3 million in General Allocation Money plus add-ons. Atencio will be an MLS U22 Initiative player on the Rapids roster. Meanwhile, Brazilian side Botafogo is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Santi Rodriguez from New York City FC.
Toronto FC has signed forward Ola Brynhildsen on loan for the 2025 season from Danish side FC Midtjylland, which includes a purchase option. LAFC has transferred forward Cristian Olivera to Gremio in Brazil for a reported $4.5 million, which includes a sell-on fee. Lastly, Palmeiras is reportedly finalizing a deal with the Houston Dynamo to sign center back Micael for a club record fee.
Free Kicks
- The District Press released its 2025 MLS jersey rankings, and Orlando City was ranked 19th on their lists.
- Former Lion Daryl Dike returned to the pitch for West Brom over the weekend, coming off the bench in the second half against Millwall after being sidelined for over a year dealing with multiple injuries. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Former Orlando Pride defender Carrie Lawrence has found a new role after retiring from professional soccer at the end of last season. She was named the director of global women’s soccer recruitment for Young Money APAA Sports.
- Check out this article from Goal.com on how Orlando has established itself as a soccer city over the years.
- Bay FC goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland announced her retirement from professional soccer after a 10-year career in which she won four NWSL championship titles.
- Manchester United forward Amad Diallo suffered an ankle injury while training and will likely be out for the remainder of the season.
- New York City FC midfielder James Sands, who is on loan at St. Pauli, underwent surgery on Sunday to repair a serious right ankle injury he suffered during their match on Friday against Freiburg that will keep him sidelined indefinitely. No timetable is set for his return.
- The U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Cuba 2-0 to wrap up Group F play and has qualified for the U-17 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in November in Qatar.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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