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Orlando City at New England Revolution: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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9 years ago

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It took late game heroics to secure a point (I’m noticing a theme there), but Orlando City drew 2-2 with New England Revolution thanks to a stoppage time goal from substitute Carlos Rivas.

All three of Adrian Heath’s subs influenced the game positively, and a hard fought 95 minutes is rewarded with a well earned point in hand.

And, if you ask me, the ref didn’t suck. So that was nice. Now how about some grades?

Starters

G, Joe Bendik, 7 – Cut off a good cross in 13th, cleaned up the mess again following an immediate turnover. Bendik was very assertive in the first half hour, taking command of the box and getting out to reach every ball possible. Great job disrupting a strong chance in the 31st. Saved the point in stoppage with a fantastic save when the Revs had a clear look just feet in front of goal.

D, Brek Shea, 6 – Was destroyed off the dribble by Diego Fagundez leading to the first goal allowed. Consistently attacked by the defense, did a solid job recovering but the Revs made his side of the pitch a target throughout the first half. Was chewed up on the Revs’ second goal, allowing two passes to beat him and leave Bendik exposed.

D, Seb Hines, 6 – Failed to block the first goal and really should have been able to get in the way. Struggled with Fagundez early, but did show good effort in clearing out in the first half. Beaten to the ball by Juan Aguedelo in the 72nd, leading to New England’s second goal. Just missed heading in Nocerino’s free kick in the 79th.

D, David Mateos, 7.5 – Solid first half, disruptive defensively and passed deep with confidence. Was active clearing New England chances all night, although was just a half step too slow in covering for an over extended left side of the back line when a glancing deflection still found the goal. Cleaned up a frenzied late attack by the Revs, who nearly took the lead back in the 92nd before Mateos cleared out.

D, Rafael Ramos, 6.5 – Got forward well to play a strong cross to Nocerino in the 9th. Worked well with Winter early, springing him forward to threaten. Pestered the Revs throughout the match offensively, putting together his second consecutive positive effort in that facet of the game. Earned a solid yellow card disrupting Agudelo in the 93rd.

MF, Antonio Nocerino, 6 – Poor try at a corner in the 6th, finding nothing but blue shirts. Blew a shot on net in the 9th following a solid cross from Ramos that he should have been able to convert. Still seems to be a bit off, though he did flash signs of solid two-man play with Molino.

MF, Cristian Higuita, 6.5 – Good job tracking back in the 57th to prevent a scoring chance for Fagundez, earning a goal kick when disrupting the play. Passed crisply and efficiently, linking up with the attack as well as you could ask for. Not quite as active as usual defensively — the ref was letting both sides be physical, you’d think of all people Higuita would be the one to take advantage attacking the ball.

MF, Darwin Ceren, 6 – Worked well with Higuita and Ramos, boasting the highest passing percentage on the club. His goal saving block in the 20th minute proved huge, though received a yellow card shortly afterwards in the 24th.

MF, Kevin Molino, 8 (MotM) – Played very well off Brek and Nocerino early, showing the confidence on the ball and in his teammates that was missing last week. His hard work eventually paid off when he found himself in prime position to play Larin’s missed header into the back of the net to equalize in the 29th.

MF, Adrian Winter, 6 – Sprung Ramos with a good lead ball for cross in the 9th that ultimately amounted to nothing. Hustled to be in position, but was tangled up in the box on a chance in the 14th. Showed his skill on the ball when he beat two off the dribble to play the cross that led to Molino’s equalizing goal. Seemed to pace himself better, as he was still pressing forward deep into the match, but failed to influence any big plays.

F, Cyle Larin, 7 – Just missed a header in the 18th off a Nocerino pass. Consistently worked hard to win headers throughout the match, in fact, but couldn’t quite seem to get his head on the ball. The defense was clearly focused on Kid Fantastic, which did turn into great scoring chances for both Molino and Nocerino at the back post, though only The Original was able to convert. Completed just six of ten passes on the match, but he did manage to get the ball to Rivas for the equalizing goal.

Substitutes

MF, Servando Carrasco (62′), 7 – Active defensively, leading the team with four tackles despite playing just half an hour. Carrasco played his usual style — aggressively chasing the ball on defense, and looking to spring the speedsters with long passes after gaining possession.

MF, Carlos Rivas (80′), 7.5 – Immediately worked to make his presence felt, pressing forward and looking to create chances. Raced to catch up to a Baptista through ball, Rivas was yellow carded for leaving a foot in when colliding with New England goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. Great job sticking with the play late to make a run across the front of net, leading to him scoring the equalizer in the first minute of stoppage and get the Lions a point.

MF/F, Julio Baptista (80′), 6.5 – Tried getting a little too cute in the box late, costing the Lions an opportunity to attack the net in the 88th. Started the sequence that led to Rivas’ equalizer by playing over the top to Cyle Larin. Showed flashes of creativity and a flair for playmaking, Baptista is an exciting player to watch.

Be sure to vote for your man of the match and head to the comments section to sound off on my worst grades.

Polling Closed

Player Votes
Joe Bendik 96
Kevin Molino 50
Carlos Rivas 37
Other 31
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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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3 hours ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

Free Kicks

  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

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

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Lion Links

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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1 day 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.

Free Kicks

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.

Published

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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