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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Real Salt Lake: Player Grades and Man of the Match

Published

9 years ago

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So that happened.

Orlando City showed incredible resiliency to come back from two goals down in stoppage time against a solid and already battle tested Real Salt Lake side. Granted, the Lions should have had a better result, given that Demar Phillips was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in the first 19:12 for rash challenges on Kevin Molino and Cyle Larin, but instead of taking advantage of a man advantage that lasted 25 minutes in the first period.

The Lions failed to capitalize, playing too deliberately with the extra man and eventually RSL actually took the lead on a penalty. The spot kick was given just six minutes after Orlando City went a man up, when Seb Hines unnecessarily slide tackled Yura Movsisyan, who was running away from goal and had little to no angle to shoot from and no help in the attack. Down 1-0, Darwin Ceren’s charge from behind into Javier Morales in first-half stoppage time evened the teams at 10 men apiece and gave Real Salt Lake the advantage.

But the Lions didn’t give up and came back to rescue a point in front of more than 60,000 fans, so it kinda, sorta felt like a win. Here are my grades from today’s game. Your mileage may vary.

Starters

GK, Joe Bendik, 7 — Made the stops he could make and got a hand on Plata’s penalty, nearly stopping it. But did get caught a bit indecisive on a play in the 15th minute that could have cost Orlando City and which resulted in a corner. Distribution was generally fine and did OK on set pieces.

D, Luke Boden, 5.5 — He was good at times and not so good at other times. An inconsistent outing for Bodz, who sometimes didn’t deliver the best service on corners or long balls. He did work well on the left with Shea at times and was generally OK in defense before being subbed off.

D, Seb Hines, 5 — A completely unnecessary slide tackle ended up costing Hines some points here after an otherwise solid game. He did well in the air, despite the fact RSL players were shoving him every time he launched, managing to still get some balls on target off of corners, including the first of the game which Nick Rimando caught squarely. On the back end, there were a few scrambly moments, but he still managed to cover well and help keep the back line organized.

D, Tommy Redding, 6.5 — The 19-year-old didn’t look like the occasion fazed him. He put in a solid, if unspectacular 90+ minutes and only made a few mistakes in possession when the team was pressing to get back into the game. Adrian Heath praised his play at the postgame press conference, saying his teenaged center back did well against a very solid attacking force of Joao Plata, Yura Movsisyan, Juan Manuel Martinez, and Javier Morales. Completed 84.8% of his passes and conceded only one foul.

D, Rafael Ramos, 5 — I felt Ramos had a bit of a tough game overall. He certainly was culpable on RSL’s second goal, losing Plata by getting caught ball watching a bit. His pass selection was suspect at times as well. He did manage to make some good bombing runs in the second half, but sometimes didn’t trust his ability to make a cut and get past a defender (either that, or didn’t trust the coverage behind him enough to make that move). With Ramos, you sometimes have to live with the odd defensive lapse and that was the case today.

MF, Pedro Ribeiro, 6 — As we’ve seen throughout the preseason, Ribeiro seems like a different player at defensive midfield. He’s confident, comfortable and reads the play better without having his back to goal. He connected well with his midfield partners and probably should have drawn more fouls but Chris Penso wasn’t interested in RSL’s continuous obstruction while he was in possession. Made some unnecessarily complicated passes at times, and crushed a ball on target off a set piece that forced a great save by Nick Rimando. A promising start to the season for Ribeiro, who led the team with four tackles won. Hs four fouls committed was tied with Hines for the team high, and he’ll feel harshly done by Penso, who allowed RSL players to put hands on him several times, especially early.

MF, Servando Carrasco, 7 — Solid day for Servando, playing in central midfield. He delivered some solid long balls and broke up play well overall in the middle of the pitch. Led the team in touches and passes, with a solid (if unspectacular) 77.3% accuracy, which may have been better against an opponent less adept at clogging the midfield. His beautiful long ball in the final minute of stoppage set up Larin to chest the ball down for Winter to tie the game.

MF, Darwin Ceren, 4 — Although the red card may have been a tad harsh, Ceren put Chris Penso into a position to make a decision by charging in hard on Morales. Although the replay shows contact with the player’s back and shoulder area, Penso, who was trailing the play, ruled that Ceren intentionally took a shot at Morales’ head. The RSL veteran sold it, going down holding his head, and Penso bit. Ceren has to know the book on him is that he’ll charge in and opposing teams are waiting for that. It ruined a decent effort otherwise for Ceren, who linked up well at times with his midfield partners. He’ll miss Friday’s game with suspension, further complicating things for his team.

MF/LB, Brek Shea, 7 — His terrific cross to Larin started Orlando City’s comeback. He worried RSL’s defense all game long with his pace and charging runs up the left side. Nearly tied the game just before halftime after battling his way past the defense from a tough angle. Tied for the team lead with three shots and won a couple of fouls. This grade would likely be higher if not for a few poor crosses and a 72.4% passing accuracy.

MF, Kevin Molino, 6.5 — There’s no doubt that Molino appears ready to break out, but it’s just not quite coming together for him yet. He’ll make a spectacular move and then try to thread a pass through three guys. He’ll pass up a bad angle shot to make a worse angle pass. But he is dynamic and does make things happen on the pitch. He completed 88% of his passes and nearly scored his first MLS goal on a shot that Rimando made a nice save on. He earned a couple corners and set up a few chances but ultimately his 76 minutes of work went unrewarded.

F, Cyle Larin, 6.5 — A mostly frustrating day for Larin turned for the better in the dying moments. He got two of his three shots on goal and his tying tally in the 94th minute gave his team a lifeline in the game. He followed that by chesting a ball down for Winter to score the tying goal on a Carrasco long ball. Did well most of the game to hold up possession but seemed to be on a different page with his runs at times. Made at least one important defensive header in his own box on a corner. He likely won’t be happy with only 29 touches in 95 minutes.

Substitutes

MF, Adrian Winter (61′), 7.5 (Man of the Match) — The Swiss midfielder changed the energy of the team when he came on for Luke Boden, moving Shea to left back. His energy was infectious and he had a couple of late opportunities but the ball wouldn’t settle for him until Larin set him up for the equalizer. Winter buzzed around the RSL midfield and made himself a nuisance, out-working his opponents during his half hour or so of work. He completed 81.8% of his passes, created one chance, scored on another and only a wee too heavy touch on a ball he beat Rimando to kept him from scoring twice in the game.

F, Hadji Barry (77′), 6.5 — The former UCF striker had a solid first MLS outing after subbing on for Molino. He used his speed well and nearly scored his first MLS goal just barely getting a touch on a long ball that trickled just wide. Playing up top with Larin, his presence and speed created issues for the RSL back line in the game’s final minutes, and he helped set up the first goal with a pass to spring Shea down the left wing. This score could have been higher but he finished with only six touches, but his movement and speed made an impact.

* * *

OK, that’s the match the way I saw it. I welcome your comments below, and don’t forget to vote for your Man of the Match.

Polling Closed

Player Votes
Brek Shea 107
Tommy Redding 7
Servando Carrasco 144
Kevin Molino 7
Adrian Winter 203
Cyle Larin 28
Other (tell us who below!) 3
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Orlando City

Orlando City Signs Defender Thomas Williams Through 2026

Orlando City signs Homegrown center back Thomas Williams to a new contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027.

Published

6 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Orlando City announced this morning that the club has signed defender Thomas Williams through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027. The Homegrown Player has been with the first team since 2021 and will continue for at least two more years.

“Thomas is someone whose future we’re still very excited about and we’re happy to get him locked in with us for a couple more years,” Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He’s shown a lot of growth these last few seasons, continuing to get game action with Orlando City B and proving the importance of our development pathway, and we’re looking forward to having him with us for the foreseeable future.”

The Titusville native joined the Orlando City Academy in 2015 and made his professional debut for the club on Aug. 7, 2020 against New England Revolution II. He played in 13 games that year with 10 starts and recorded 844 minutes. His play on the Young Lions’ back line earned him a first-team contract on June 15, 2021, at just 16 years old, making him the youngest player in club history to sign a Homegrown contract.

The 20-year-old center back made his MLS debut on April 16, 2022 in a 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew in Ohio. He made five appearances with three starts in all competitions that season, recording 271 minutes. To date, those are the only appearances he’s made with the first team.

Since joining OCB in 2021, Williams has made 69 appearances with 61 starts and recorded 5,132 minutes. He’s been booked 19 times and sent off twice, both times after receiving second yellow cards.

What It Means for Orlando City

Williams is the fourth natural center back for Orlando City on the current squad behind Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, and Rodrigo Schlegel. He played well early in his OCB and MLS career, but has struggled recently. Last year, he played exclusively with the second team, partnering with Nabi Kibunguchy.

While Williams hasn’t made much of an impact on the first team so far, he’s only 20 years old and still has plenty of time to develop. Extending his contact shows that the club still has faith that he can turn into a key player for the MLS side.

It’s unlikely that Williams will see any time with the first team in 2025 (barring injuries and/or suspensions), considering that he’s also been behind versatile defender Kyle Smith at the center back position. He’ll likely spend the upcoming season with OCB, continuing to develop and earn his spot with the first team. As a Homegrown Player, there isn’t much risk in signing Williams to a new contract, especially if the club’s technical staff thinks he can develop into a quality defender.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/22/25

Orlando City transfer rumors, Orlando Pride preseason begins, USMNT at Inter&Co, and more.

Published

10 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

By

Dan MacDonald, The ManeLand

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Up here in Tallahassee, I’m waking up to snow/sleet, closed schools, closed government offices, and potentially icy roads. Many people will get an extra day off of work, however, I still get to go to work. I’m sure you can imagine how happy I am about that. Enough of my winter grumbling. Let’s get to the links but not until after we wish Orlando City fullback Michael Halliday a happy 22nd birthday.

Orlando City Reportedly Targeting Croatian International

While I can no longer say that Orlando City hasn’t signed any new players, the club is still moving at its traditionally slow speed as compared to other MLS clubs. We had the signing of Nicolas Rodriguez last week. Now, we have Tom Bogert report of yet another winger prospect for the club in Croatian Marco Pasalic from HNK Rijeka, though it is not a done deal. Hopefully the other targets Bogert mentions are of the striker variety.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881755961125449765?s=46&t=pMoq7Wulqfb35D7C8ydroA

Pride Preseason Begins

The 2024 NWSL champions are back to defend their title. The Orlando Pride returned to training on Tuesday. The club hasn’t needed to add many pieces, though some of the players already here, like Simone Charley and Grace Chanda, haven’t actually played any minutes for the Pride yet. Most of the chemistry is in place for Seb Hines, but reinforcing those bonds will be the challenge as the Pride look to repeat.

USMNT at Inter&Co Tonight

Hopefully you have tickets to the USMNT friendly match versus Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The match starts at 7 p.m. and there are television and streaming options if you’re not going in person. Despite the squad having 14 players with three or fewer caps, Mauricio Pochettino does not consider this an “alternative” squad, nor does he want the players to think of themselves like that.

Girma Reportedly Nearing Completion of Chelsea Move

USWNT defender Naomi Girma is reportedly headed to Chelsea FC Women for a record $1.1 million transfer fee. That is a very big chunk of change for San Diego FC to use to try to replace one of the best defenders in the world. The deal is not complete as of Tuesday evening, but according to the original report from The Athletic, it is close to being done. Girma would be the first women’s soccer player to earn a transfer fee of over $1 million.

MLS Transfer Updates

Other MLS clubs keep on putting pen to paper when it comes to new players. The Chicago Fire are bringing in Jonathan Bamba on a Designated Player deal from La Liga side Celta de Vigo. The Luca de la Torre loan from Spain’s RC Celta de Vigo to San Diego FC is also official.

https://twitter.com/sandiegofc/status/1881741042904350864

Cucho Hernandez evidently wants to stay with the Columbus Crew, though he is still waiting on a new offer.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881786193693823104

Free Kicks

https://twitter.com/weareangelcity/status/1881749040863588770?s=12&t=_WZBNG4ILAyRLdwBeB4mpQ
  • Keep your eyes peeled later today for the NWSL schedule drop.
https://twitter.com/nwsl/status/1881749035218042954?s=46&t=pN-YJp3s7ZQlCXqnTAgSfw

That will do it for today. Stay warm out there, my friends. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/21/25

Orlando Pride release preseason camp roster, scouting Costa Rica, women’s soccer transfer grades, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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January 21, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone! If you had yesterday off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then I hope you enjoyed some restful time off. If not, then I hope you got your week started off on a good and productive note. There’s a lot going on around here this week as the United States Men’s National Team is in town, and Orlando City will play its first preseason match on Saturday. That means we have plenty to discuss, so let’s dig into today’s links.

Orlando Pride Drop Preseason Roster

Monday might have been a holiday but the Orlando Pride were busy, as they announced the roster for their upcoming preseason camp. Almost all of the usual suspects from the 2024 season are back, as the Pride return 98% of the player-minutes from last season and every single scorer. Mariana Larroquette is on the list although she’s currently on loan in Argentina, and Amanda Allen is likewise included after her loan at Lexington Sporting Club was terminated due to a torn labrum. The biggest intrigue comes from the trio of non-roster invitees: goalkeeper DeAira Jackson, midfielder Aryssa Mahrt, and forward Simone Jackson.

Scouting Costa Rica

The USMNT takes on Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium to wrap up the team’s annual January camp. Like the U.S., Costa Rica is bringing a roster devoid of the majority of its important players. Costa Rica also has a new manager at the helm in Miguel Herrera, who will take charge of the team for the very first time on Wednesday. Herrera typically lines his teams up in a 5-3-2 where the wingbacks take on a very important role and the team looks to hit on the counter while staying compact at the back. This will be the last time we see the USMNT in action until the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in early March.

Women’s Soccer January Transfer Grades

January has been a busy time for transfers in the women’s soccer world, so which teams have done the best business? Well, the Orlando Pride received an A grade for signing Marta to a new two-year deal, retaining a player who helped the team win its first ever trophies. Liverpool got an A for signing Julia Bartel on loan from Chelsea. Leicester City made an interesting call by transferring goalkeeper Lize Kop to Tottenham despite just being a point above the relegation zone. The Foxes get a C for the move, while Spurs get a B+ for adding a capable netminder.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans taking part in some very important games over the course of this week. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus face Club Brugge today in the UEFA Champions League, while Ricardo Pepi, Richy Ledezma, Esmir Bajraktarević, Malik Tillman and PSV Eindhoven take on Crvena Zvezda in the same competition. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will play Girona in the UCL on Wednesday, while Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic take on Young Boys. On Friday, John Tolkin could make his Bundesliga debut when his new team, Holstein Kiel, travels to face Wolfsburg.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players reported for their preseason physicals on Monday.
  • Meanwhile, Orlando City took on the dreaded beep test during Monday’s training session.

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

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