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Staff Roundtable: Off-Season Topics

Published

11 years ago

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We've done a few of these roundtable things in the past, but we're bringing them back as more of a regular feature in 2016. Each week, a few members of the staff will weigh in on the topics of the day. This is our off-season edition. For this week, we've tapped Andrew Harrison, Robert Vega, and Sean Rollins.

Let's get to the questions:

What move do you think Orlando City should have made this off-season but didn't?

Andrew: The biggest regret I think that Orlando City will have about this off-season is failing to sign a DP forward. Larin may have shattered all records last season as a rookie but with teams having learned how to play him and the potential for the dreaded ‘sophomore slump' in 2016, the decision to not sign a big name may come back to haunt them.

Robert: I really wish they would have changed things up in the front office, if only just to keep things interesting. Outside of that I would have liked to see some depth up front. Cyle Larin scored a lot of goals, but he still has a lot to learn before he can be considered a complete player. While there is a lot of reason to be optimistic about Larin, there is also a lot of potential variability in his performance. If Larin slows in his progression or misses any chunk of time, the variability only increases. Bryan Rochez has promise, but less certainty. Pedro Ribeiro is slower than my daughter when she’s trying to walk backwards. Beyond that, you’re looking at rookies or trying to stick Carlos Rivas there again.

Sean: The club should have signed some more MLS experienced defenders. The team lacks depth and quality in the back line. That could be a problem this year especially with no clear number one in net.

Is the 2016 team going to be any better depth-wise than 2015? Why/why not?

Sean: 2016 will have better depth mainly because of OCB. The fact that players that don't play often with the senior team will be getting regular minutes will have them better prepared when called upon. Also, there are a couple homegrowns at OCB and the club probably has rights to some of the younger OCB guys, so they can sign them to MLS contracts if needed. This means there's probably actually more players available throughout the season than what's on the senior roster.

Robert: Yes. That's probably as much an admonishment on last year's depth than it is a statement about this year's. With the Antonio Nocerino signing, the depth in midfield is much better. But there are still concerns. I already talked about the forward situation above. Defense is roughly the same as last year, but goalkeeper is thinner. The big difference, though, is simply the existence of OCB. This year, there's a whole pool of players who will be playing full time and available to help the senior squad when needed.

Andrew: As anticipated, heading into this off-season, the club has gone out and tried to fill in some of its roster weaknesses. An example, the signing of Kevin Alston from New England. The versatile defender can play both wing-back positions (which is important in Heath’s system) and it provides depth at that position where we were so desperately lacking at times last season. However, overall I am going to say that we ultimately haven’t made the improvements we need to. By taking recognized FIFA breaks we are compressing our schedule, which means more double game weeks, and, by having some players play for OCB as well as Orlando City, I expect that come mid-season we will look tired due to a surprising lack of depth all over the pitch.

Who are your two breakout players for 2016 and why?

Robert: Carlos Rivas and Rafael Ramos. I recall seeing Rivas early on last year and thinking about what a lost puppy he was. I felt like giving him a snack and scratching him behind the ear. As the year went on, he started getting more comfortable and started to show some of what made him attractive in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, he still has a way to go, but he did put in some beautiful crosses and I still get a warm feeling when I think of the free kick he rocked against West Brom. He may struggle for playing time initially, but long seasons have a way of working that out. Ramos was similar. He had some games where he simply lost his head, but he also showed a good bit of skill on the ball. Both of these guys are so young, that I look at these glimpses as signs for the future as opposed to the proverbial blind squirrel finding his nut.

Andrew: My breakout players for this season are going to be Trinidadian Kevin Molino and Canadian Richie Laryea. Despite Molino having played for the Lions since 2011, those new to Orlando City didn’t get a chance to see what Molino can bring to the team after an early season injury. After a long lay-off and a lot of time training and building up muscle, I expect Molino to be a game changer for the team this season. I am also pegging midfielder Richie Laryea as having a great season, as I think he has the resources to excel here in Orlando (with his close friend No. 9 Cyle Larin) and after an 11-goal, seven-assist season during his time with the University of Akron last season, I believe that he will offer another avenue for scoring and providing assists for Orlando’s playmakers this season.

Sean: The first one may not be a surprise, but Kevin Molino. Since Kevin barely played last season and it was his first MLS season, I'm not sure he would be considered to have broken out yet. After a year in the gym (a place he was previously afraid of), his upper body will be stronger and that was the weakest part of his game. I think he's bound for a big year. The second one is Bryan Rochez as a super sub. Obviously he'll be playing behind 2015 MLS Rookie of the Year Cyle Larin, but we saw glimpses of what Rochez can do last season and I think he'll make himself nationally known this year as a super sub.

Last season, the Lions didn’t get their first home win until May 17. Who is Orlando City’s first home victim in 2016? Do the Lions get that W on opening day against RSL?

Sean: I think the Lions will be able to beat RSL in their first game. RSL has struggled since Jason Kreis left and much of their team is still quite young and inexperienced. Plus, their core older guys like Kyle Beckerman, Jamison Olave, and Chris Wingert are getting up there in age and I think will begin to show signs of deterioration.

Andrew: My call for the first three points of the season will be the second game against the Chicago Fire on March 11. I believe the first home game will be a cagey affair against an improved Real Salt Lake side who will already have some competitive games under their belt due to their participation in the CONCACAF Champions League and with no team wanting to lose the first game, I expect Orlando to play for the draw while they find their feet as a team. However, I don’t anticipate the team taking as long as last season to grab three points since the Chicago Fire come to town five days later and, with them having a new coach, recently losing their talisman Harry Shipp, and not much traveling support, I thoroughly expect three points from this game.

Robert: I think it will be against RSL. The key difference between this year's opener and last is the comfort level of the team. There had to be some real pressure for this team to perform last year with it being the first ever MLS game in front of a full Citrus Bowl. This year, the team should be more comfortable. RSL is coming off a pretty weak year, so if you're talking about making the playoffs, this is the type of team you need to beat at home, when the Citrus Bowl is full. Again.

Call your shot…how many points does Orlando City earn in 2016 and is it enough to make the playoffs?

Robert: I'm actually going to take this a little backwards. I think the team will make the playoffs. Last year, excluding NYRB, the gap between second and sixth place was four points. That's it. Four measly points. Columbus came in second with 53 and Toronto pulled up the playoff caboose with 49. The Western Conference was similar. The gap between Vancouver (53) and Sporting KC (51) was only two points. So, with all that said, I think Orlando is going to come in with 50 points and squeeze into the playoffs.

Sean: I think they'll get 41 points and miss out on the playoffs. I just don't see where the team has improved enough to make a jump. I think if they can stay healthy and national team call-ups don't hurt too much, maybe they can get up near 48 and sneak into the final playoff spot.

Andrew: I'm probably going to be in the minority here but I say they get 47 points and don't make the playoffs. One reason: I think the compressed schedule with hurt us throughout the season as a whole (even though I like that big name players will see more time for the Lions). Another: I think that other teams around us have just gotten better.

* * *

Well, that's it for this week. Feel free to offer your rebuttal to any/all of our answers or give us your own in the comments section below.

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Podcasts

SkoPurp Soccer Episode 144: Gotham Rewind, Seattle Preview, and More

The Pride finished their home schedule with a loss to Gotham and hope to finish their road schedule with a win in Seattle.

Published

1 week ago

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October 28, 2026

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Image of Solai Washington running onto a ball behind the Gotham defense.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride tried to send their fans home happy in their regular-season home finale, but despite an impressive overall performance against the league leaders, the Pride wasted numerous chances in front of goal and paid for two big mistakes at the back in what ultimately ended as a 2-1 loss in a season filled with far too many defeats. Solai Washington did so many things well, but despite a month’s worth of chances, she could only muster one goal. Still, it was a promising outing albeit in a developing story that won’t continue much longer this year.

We discuss the key plays, players, and moments, look back at our score predictions from last week, and select our Player of the Match.

This week’s mailbagbox asked us about Marta, the reasons for the Pride’s struggles in 2026, and more. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. You can use that same hashtag and hit @TheManeLand.bsky.social up on Bluesky. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We’d also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we’ll find them easily and read them on the show.

Finally, we look ahead to Sunday’s season finale at the Seattle Reign. The Pride opened their 2026 season with a home loss to the Reign but would like to close it with a road win over Seattle to enter the off-season on a positive note. It won’t be easy, as the Reign are clinging to the last playoff spot and trying to catch rival Portland as multiple teams are trying to catch them. We look at Orlando’s attempt to play spoiler, check back on the series history, compare the teams’ positions in the table, provide our key matchups, and more.

Here’s how Episode 144 went down:

0:15 – The Pride finished their home schedule with a good performance but another poor result against the league’s top team.

20:07 – Our mailbagbox has questions about the GOAT.

38:26 – Seattle was the first 2026 opponent and will be the last 2026 opponent. We preview for the last time this season.

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Podcasts

SkoPurp Soccer Episode 140: Bay FC Rewind, San Diego Preview, and More

The Pride keep their playoff hopes alive by eliminating Bay FC but things get tougher with San Diego visiting Friday.

Published

1 month ago

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September 30, 2026

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Image of Jacquie Ovalle dribbling toward the Bay FC defense.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

The Orlando Pride remained perfect on the road against Bay FC with a 3-1 win on Sunday. Deuces were wild, as Haley McCutcheon, who wears jersey No. 2, scored in the second minute of both halves, and her two goals in California gave the midfielder her second brace of both the 2026 NWSL season and her career. Barbra Banda figured heavily in pulling defenders out of position on two of the three Orlando goals and assisted on Jacquie Ovalle’s right-footed thunderbolt in stoppage time to put the game away. But make no mistake, it’s not as if the Pride played well, turning the ball over often and conceding 28 shot attempts to the hosts.

We break down a road win that may have been more exhausting to watch than to play in (although I wouldn’t bet on it), check back on our score predictions, and make our selections for Player of the Match.

This week’s mailbagbox asked us about Haley McCutcheon, where to most strongly place the blame for the Pride’s disappointing season, and more. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. You can use that same hashtag and hit @TheManeLand.bsky.social up on Bluesky. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We’d also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we’ll find them easily and read them on the show.

Finally, we looked ahead to Friday, when Orlando will host San Diego Wave FC, looking to both complete a season sweep and to keep its faint playoff hopes alive. We look at the series history, provide our key matchups for the contest, and make our predictions for the final score.

Here’s how Episode 140 went down:

0:15 – The Pride improved to 2-1-1 under Yolanda Thomas, but a lot of good Cosette Morche saves were required to get that second win.

20:00- The mailbagbox asks us to play the blame game.

33:36 – The Pride continue to face California-based competition, but Friday’s opponent is much higher in the table than Sunday’s was.

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

Orlando City restarts its 2026 MLS campaign late tonight out west at San Jose.

Published

4 months ago

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July 22, 2026

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Image of Braian Ojeda taking a shot in a friendly against FC Dallas.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Welcome to your match thread for a late night midweek matchup tonight between Orlando City (4-9-2, 14 points) and the San Jose Earthquakes (10-3-2, 32 points) at PayPal Park (10:30 p.m., Apple TV). This is the only scheduled meeting between the teams in 2026 and the first time the teams have met since 2024.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of tonight’s match.

History

Orlando City is 3-1-3 in the previous seven MLS meetings with the Quakes since the club joined Major League Soccer in 2015. The Lions got their only away win in the series in the last meeting and enter tonight 1-1-2 on the road against San Jose.

The teams last met on May 18, 2024, with Jack Lynn coming off the bench to score the game’s only goal. Lynn’s strike in the 89th minute broke the scoreless deadlock and lifted the Lions to a 1-0 victory.

The teams met in Orlando most recently way back on June 22, 2021, with the Lions beating the Quakes down, 5-0. Orlando got things started with an early penalty kick goal by Nani, followed by braces from Benji Michel and Daryl Dike to easily put the game away. The lasting memory from the game is Michel’s celebratory dance wearing a cowboy hat that came out of the stands.

Prior to that Orlando City romp, the last time the teams met was on Aug. 31, 2019 when the Lions got freight trained 3-0 at Avaya Stadium, giving the Quakes their first win in the series. San Jose’s offense came via a Chris Wondolowski brace and an early opening goal by Magnus Eriksson. Orlando looked flat and weary out of the gate.

The Lions were victorious in Exploria Stadium in the 2018 meeting on April 21, a 3-2 Orlando win. It was the first win in the series for either side after three straight draws. Chris Mueller, Sacha Kljestan, and Dom Dwyer gave the Lions a 3-0 lead before Florian Jungwirth pulled two back in the game’s late stages.

The Lions led all of the first three matches in the second half only to see San Jose pull level, with two of those tying goals coming late. In the 2017 meeting, Carlos Rivas finally broke the scoreless tie and gave Orlando City the lead in the 81st minute, but Wondolowski spoiled the Lions’ night with an equalizer two minutes later as the teams drew at Avaya Stadium, 1-1.

In 2016, the Lions were gut-punched in the 94th minute in an emotional match that ended in a 2-2 draw. It was the first home match following the Pulse nightclub tragedy and what appeared to be a storybook ending to a cathartic win turned sour on a last-gasp equalizer by Shea Salinas. Seb Hines — now the Orlando Pride’s head coach — opened the scoring for Orlando, only to see Chad Barrett tie it up. Julio Baptista restored the lead in stoppage time, but Salinas ruined everything.

The two teams also drew in the first meeting, a 1-1 affair at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, with the Lions down to 10 men after Brek Shea was sent off in the first half. Kaká and Wondolowski each scored from the penalty spot four minutes apart in that initial meeting.

Overview

The teams meet tonight to get their post-World Cup portion of the season started. Orlando City has been terrible on the road all season long, keeping only one MLS opponent under two goals all year away from home and allowing five goals twice (at New York City FC and Nashville) and six goals twice (at LAFC and in the team’s most recent match away at FC Cincinnati just before the break).

Orlando City is a putrid 1-6-1 on the road this season, and now the Lions must face the Western Conference co-leaders tonight before coming home to face Supporters’ Shield-leading Nashville SC at home on Saturday. They’ll have to play at least tonight’s game without Martin Ojeda, who is out with a thigh injury sustained some time between his first-half goal a week ago in a friendly against FC Dallas and the time the availability report dropped on Tuesday.

But it isn’t all bad news for the Lions, who should have both Antoine Griezmann and Dike in the lineup. Griezmann was the club’s highly prized and widely publicized summer Designated Player signing, while Dike’s return to Orlando came together more recently, following his departure from West Bromwich Albion. They’ll help the club’s offense, but the attack hasn’t been the issue in 2026 — it’s been the historically porous defense, which is on pace to shatter the MLS record for goals conceded.

Meanwhile, San Jose is one of the first half of the season’s biggest surprises, as the Quakes have been outstanding in 2026. Scoring 34 goals while conceding just 15, San Jose is among the league leaders in goals scored (tied for third), goals conceded (third), and goal differential (+19, third).

The Earthquakes are 4-2-1 at home and are coming off a 3-1 road win at Portland in their last game prior to the World Cup break. San Jose boasts Golden Boot challenger Preston Judd, who leads the Quakes with 11 goals, adding two assists in his 15 appearances. Ousseni Bouda has chipped in five goals and three assists. Niko Tsakiris leads the team with seven assists to go along with his two goals, but he’s still recovering from a lower body injury and is not available tonight. However, the arrival of Timo Werner (four goals and five assists in just seven games) has truly elevated Bruce Arena’s Quakes, and he’ll need to be one of the main focal points for the Orlando defense.

To have any shot at taking something from this game, the Lions will need to play better road defense than they have all season. Orlando can score goals, but with Ojeda out, Griezmann will need to adapt quickly, and someone other than the team’s leading scorer will need to find the net.

The Lions will play without Ojeda (thigh), Joran Gerbet (knee), Nolan Miller (knee), Colin Guske (international duty), and Clovis Archage (international duty). In addition, Marco Pasalic may or may not have returned to the team after the World Cup. He was not in training Monday, although interim head coach Martin Perelman said he expected the Croatian back soon. The Earthquakes will be without Nonso Adimabua (lower body), former Lion Earl Edwards Jr. (lower body), DeJuan Jones (lower body), and Tsakiris (you guessed it, lower body…come on, San Jose).

Match Content

Official Lineups:

Orlando City (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Maxime Crepeau.

Defenders: Adrian Marin, David Brekalo, Robin Jansson, Griffin Dorsey.

Midfielders: Ivan Angulo, Braian Ojeda, Eduard Atuesta, Tiago.

Forwards: Justin Ellis, Antoine Griezmann.

Bench: Javier Otero, Bernardo Rhein, Tahir Reid-Brown, Zakaria Taifi, Iago, Wilder Cartagena, Luis Otavio, Harvey Sarajian, Tyrese Spicer

San Jose Earthquakes (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn.

Defenders: Jamar Ricketts, Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, Benjamin Kikanovic.

Defensive Midfielders: Beau Lerouox, Ronaldo Vieira.

Attacking Midfielders: Timo Werner, Nick Fernandez, Ousseni Bouda.

Forwards: Preston Judd.

Bench: Jonathan Gonzalez, Dave Romney, Paul Marie, Jack Skahan, Jack Jasinski, Ian Harkes, Francesco Montali, Max Floriani, Darius Johnson.

Referees

REF: Elijio Arreguin.
AR1: Adam Wienckowski.
AR2: Mike Nickerson.
4TH: Timothy Ford.
VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero.
AVAR: TJ Zablocki.

How to Watch

Match Time: 10:30 p.m.

Venue: PayPal Park — San Jose, CA.

TV/Live Stream: Apple TV.

Radio: AM 810 FOX Sports Radio Orlando (English), Mega 97.1 FM (Spanish), Nossa Rádio 1160 AM-WRLZ (Portuguese).

Social Media: For rapid reaction and live updates, follow us on Bluesky Social at @themaneland.bsky.social or follow Orlando City’s official Twitter (@OrlandoCitySC) or Bluesky (@OrlandoCitySC) feed.

Enjoy the match. Go City!

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