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

Published

8 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

2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Jack Lynn

The 2022 draft pick spent most of his time with Orlando City B during his second year in purple.

Published

11 hours ago

on

December 8, 2023

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Jack Lynn joined Orlando City through the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, when he was selected in the first round by the Lions with the No. 18 overall pick. He was then signed to a one-year deal in February of last year with options for the next three years. Much of his time during his first season was spent with Orlando City B, although he did make a few appearances for the first team.

Let’s take a look back at Lynn’s second year in purple.

Statistical Breakdown

Lynn made three appearances in Major League Soccer with the senior side, all of which came as a substitute, and finished with 33 minutes on the field. Defensively, he recorded one interception and two clearances, while committing one foul. Offensively, he won four aerial duels, took one shot, which was on target, drew two fouls, and completed three long balls while passing with 76% accuracy. He did not score a goal or assist on one.

As in 2022, the majority of Lynn’s season was spent in MLS Next PRO with Orlando City B. He had a phenomenal year in the developmental league, and his campaign finished with him being named the league’s MVP and winning the Golden Boot. He played in 27 games for the young Lions, 20 of which were starts, and racked up 1,826 minutes. Defensively, he recorded three interceptions, committed 16 fouls, and was shown four yellow cards. On offense, he took 72 shots and put 40 of them on target, scored 19 goals, drew 15 fouls, and passed with 74% accuracy while completing 13 long balls and 12 key passes but no assists.

Best Game

There weren’t a lot to pick from, but I’ve gone with his longest appearance of the year, which was a 20-minute shift during Orlando City’s 4-3 comeback win over the Columbus Crew. He didn’t record many statistics on the night, as he won two aerial duels, committed a foul, and passed with 50% accuracy. However, he provided a big target up front as the Lions continued to lump the ball forward in search of goals, and he factored in on Facundo Torres’ goal, pulling players away so Ramiro Enrique could collect the ball and start the move that ended with the ball in the back of the net. Michael Citro graded him as a 5 out of 10 in our Player Grades piece, the only game this year in which he received a grade.

2023 Final Grade

As he fell well short of the 450 minute threshold that we require for a player to be given, Lynn has been given a grade of incomplete for the 2023 season. After spending the bulk of his time with Orlando City B in his first two seasons as a Lion, we still don’t have a great idea of what he might be able to contribute to the first team, and we simply need to see more of him to get a better read on his abilities.

2024 Outlook

Lynn remains fairly young and inexpensive, has option years left on his contract, and just tore up MLS Next PRO with Orlando City B. With there being some whispers about overseas teams scouting Duncan McGuire, and the Lions already a little thin at the striker position, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Lynn’s option year exercised. What sort of role he’ll have will then likely depend on what he’s able to show during preseason, but if nothing else he should remain a key part of OCB.

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Lion Links: 12/8/23

Orlando City will play Flamengo in preseason friendly, Kylie Strom signs new deal, USMNT’s Copa America group draw, and more.

Published

15 hours ago

on

December 8, 2023

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Happy Friday! The work week is almost over and I’m really looking forward to the weekend. I’ll be celebrating a friend’s birthday and knocking out most of the holiday shopping that I haven’t gotten around to just yet. Hopefully the malls aren’t too chaotic. Regardless, it should be a nice next few days. But for now, let’s get to the links!

Orlando Will Face Flamengo in 2024 FC Series

Orlando City’s first preseason game will take place on Jan. 27 when it takes on Flamengo at Camping World Stadium as part of the 2024 FC Series, which was previously known as the Florida Cup. Going up against one of Brazil’s powerhouses should be great preparation for the Lions after a record season in 2023 that earned them a spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. It will be the second meeting between the two sides after a 2015 friendly in Brazil that Flamengo won 1-0. It will be nice to see the Lions in action at Camping World Stadium again and the kickoff time for next month’s match will be unveiled at a later time.

Kylie Strom Signs New Deal With Pride

Defender Kylie Strom, who was a free agent following the 2023 season, will return to the Orlando Pride after signing a three-year deal with the club. She joined the Pride in the summer of 2021 from Atletico Madrid and started in 26 games this past year, holding down the left back position. The Pride now retain their starting back line heading into 2024 and have full protection in Tuesday’s expansion draft. Although the defense struggled at times, it improved as the season wore on and the Pride nearly made the playoffs. Jordyn Listro is now the only free agent left from last year’s squad.

NWSL Announces Blueprint for 2024 Schedule

The framework for the 2024 NWSL season was revealed and the 182-match regular season has been formatted so that NWSL games don’t take place during international breaks. The biggest change is that the NWSL Challenge Cup is no longer a tournament and now just a match between the NWSL Shield winner and the NWSL champion, meaning San Diego Wave FC will play NJ/NY Gotham FC on March 15. However, there will be a weekend tournament organized by the league for all 14 teams during a break in the regular season while the Summer Olympics take place. The playoffs will feature eight teams and won’t include byes this year, with the quarterfinals starting on Nov. 9 and the NWSL Championship set for Nov. 23. Clubs can begin their preseason camps as early as Jan. 22 and no later than Jan. 29.

Copa America Teams Learn Their Groups

The United States Men’s National Team will take on Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia in its group in the 2024 Copa America. Uruguay was one of the strongest opponents the U.S. could get drawn against, as the South American team has scored 13 goals so far in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. The important match between the USMNT and Uruguay will take place on July 1 in Kansas City. We’ll see how much Orlando City winger Facundo Torres plays for Uruguay in the tournament. As for Orlando’s Peruvian pair of Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena, Peru is in a tough group against Argentina, Chile, and whichever nation prevails between Canada and Trinidad & Tobago.

We also have a clearer idea on which teams will be playing in Orlando. Two games will take place at Exploria Stadium, with Chile playing either Canada or Trinidad & Tobago on June 29 before Bolivia and Panama face off on July 1.

Gisele Thompson Signs With Angel City FC

Angel City FC signed young defender Gisele Thompson to a three-year contract that had this year count as the first year, with an option for an additional year in 2026. She turned 18 earlier this month and turned down an offer to play at Stanford to instead sign with Angel City, meaning the club did not need to use a draft pick for her to join. Gisele is the sister of Alyssa Thompson, who Angel City traded up to select with the first pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft. They are the youngest players on Angel City’s roster and will become the second pair of sisters to play in the league.

Free Kicks

  • The Colorado Rapids are reportedly in talks with American goalkeeper Zack Steffen to sign him from Manchester City.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Orlando City

2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Favian Loyola

The Homegrown midfielder spent most of the year with OCB but made his MLS debut in July.

Published

1 day ago

on

December 7, 2023

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Orlando City signed midfielder Favian Loyola to a Homegrown Player deal through 2025 on Dec. 2, 2022, with club options for 2026 and 2027. The OCSC Academy product became the club’s 13th all-time Homegrown signing and it was no surprise after his fantastic 2022 season. The Camp Lejeune, NC, was coming off a breakout year in the club’s youth system, which culminated with his selection to the 2022 MLS NEXT All-Star Game, in which he was named MVP. After starting the 2022 season on an academy contract, Loyola earned an MLS NEXT Pro deal, signing it last August. When he signed his Homegrown deal in December he became the first player to climb the club’s developmental ladder from the academy, to the current OCB setup in MLS NEXT Pro, to the first team.

Let’s take a look back at Loyola’s 2023 campaign, which was abbreviated due to surgery on his arm to remove a blood clot on Aug. 27.

Statistical Breakdown

Loyola played in just one MLS match with the Lions, making his first-team debut July 1 in a 3-1 home win over the Chicago Fire. The 18-year-old came on as a substitute in the third minute of stoppage time for Facundo Torres and is officially credited with one minute played, although that match went to nine minutes of stoppage. In that short amount of time he managed six touches and attempted six passes, completing all of them — one of them being a key pass. Loyola did not attempt a shot or record any defensive stats, but he did commit one foul, but he was not booked for it.

The bulk of Loyola’s 2023 season was spent with Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro, where he was a key player off the bench for Martin Perelman’s side. He appeared in 20 of the team’s 28 matches, starting seven, and logging 732 minutes. He scored two goals and added three assists, putting 10 of his 21 shots on target during the year. Loyola completed 80.3% of his passes with OCB, served up seven key passes and six successful long balls, and completed three crosses. He recorded four tackles and three interceptions, committed 11 fouls while drawing 10, and was booked three times.

Best Game

With just the one MLS match to his credit, Loyola’s MLS debut against Chicago was his best game of the 2023 Major League Soccer Season. It was a memorable match, as he subbed on for Torres, who set the tone for the Lions with a brace that night, and it was also the game in which Mauricio Pereyra made his 100th appearance with Orlando City. Loyola made the most of his short amount of time on the pitch, despite committing a foul during his first minute of MLS play. He settled in and completed all six of his passes and created a scoring chance just seconds after his foul, when he sent a ball to Ramiro Enrique, although the Argentine had his shot attempt blocked from a tight angle.

2023 Final Grade

As Loyola came up short of the minimum total of 450 minutes played to receive a rating on our 1-10 scale, The Mane Land has no choice but to mark his grade as incomplete for the 2023 season. If his meteoric growth continues, Loyola will likely have much more than one appearance next season as his skills at passing and finding pockets of space translate well to the next level. He wasn’t able to return to the pitch after the surgery for his blood clot, but he should be ready to go for 2024.

2024 Outlook

With Loyola being just 18 years old and the club having him under contract, I would expect his role to be the same in 2024. He’ll be learning the ropes with OCB, playing most of the season with the club’s reserve side in MLS NEXT Pro, where he will continue to be a key player. However, if he continues to develop his game, he could push for more late substitute appearances with the first team or even get a start if the Lions draw a lower-league team in the U.S. Open Cup. One thing Loyola will need to work on is controlling the ball, as he turned the ball over 15 times with OCB in 2023.

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