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Orlando City

Orlando City vs New York Red Bulls: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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8 years ago

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It was another performance from Orlando City that was lacking that special something, as the Lions drew with the New York Red Bulls 1-1 in front of over 30,000 fans. It was a very physical game that saw nine cards shown to both teams and a possibility of even more being issued, the way the game was going.

With Orlando still gathering points from the game, the team sits only three points back of first place and still have a lot to play for going forward.

So, without further ado, take a gander at our grades from tonight’s match.

Starters

G, Joe Bendik, 6.5 – Really didn’t have much of a chance to do anything in terms of goalkeeping, but his distribution and long balls which helped get Larin and Kaka in dangerous positions were key in at least giving the Lions chances to score.

D, Brek Shea, 6 – Tried to get forward through most of the first half and had acres of space to work with, but he just couldn’t get anything going in the attack. Was able to do more in the second half, but still looks like he’s missing whatever he had one month ago against Portland. Was caught too far up on the Red Bulls goal and wasn’t able to help defend Wright-Phillips. Received a yellow card in the 64th minute after tripping up Veron. Also made a great run in added time which he almost scored on. Only had a passing accuracy of 67% throughout the game.

D, Seb Hines, 5.5 – Looked completely lost on the Red Bulls’ first goal and was backpedaling when Bradley Wright-Phillips made his run behind him, which he wasn’t able to recover from. Made a challenge in the 52nd minute to stop a good counter attack after Shea was caught out of position. On the offensive end, he was able to get his head on a few balls, but his best chance came in the 88th minute off a corner kick which went just wide. Had the second worst passing on the team with 66% accuracy.

D, David Mateos, 6.5 – Much like last game, did well to clear his lines and get dangerous balls forward throughout the night. With the high pressing style of the Red Bulls, he was able to do well to relieve the pressure put on the back line. Received a yellow card in the 59th minute after trying to get the ball back and retroactively fouling Felipe in the process.

D, Rafael Ramos, 6.5 – It was a mixed bag for Ramos tonight. His attacking prowess on the night was imperative in getting forward and creating chances, although he got several crosses blocked. His right side with Molino was heavily used in the Orlando attack and Ramos was always able to get out of sticky situations. On the other hand, his temper continues to hurt the team. He received a yellow card in the 24th minute for dissent and could have done so again later in the second half when he kicked the ball when it was ruled dead. He did have a good look at goal in the 71st minute, but his low shot was palmed away by Robles.

MF, Antonio Nocerino, 6 – Nocerino continues to slowly improve in his play for Orlando, but is still lacking passing ability. On the night, he held the worst passing on Orlando, with 63% accuracy. He also showed a lack of effort on the New York goal by not getting to the ball after Ceren forced a turnover, which put the defensive midfield out of position and allowed Kljestan to get in on goal and thread the ball to Wright-Phillps for the goal. On the other hand, the Italian did a lot that will go unnoticed in this match. He was able to fill the space on the left side of the defense when Shea went up in the attack and by doing so, saved him a number of times from getting caught out of position. He also had a few one-touch passes that sparked some counters. Still, a lot more needs to come from the midfielder to be worth the salary that the team is paying him.

MF, Cristian Higuita, 6.5 – The Colombian had an incredible game in the midfield, up until the last five minutes of the game. His hustle, determination, speed and recovery ability helped keep the Red Bulls’ attack in check and limited their opportunities to score. Led the team in interceptions on the defensive end and was sixth in passing accuracy with 72%. His grade would have been much higher, except for the two footed challenge which resulted in a red card in the 85th minute.

MF, Darwin Ceren, 7 – Much like Higuita, Ceren helped hold down the midfield and played more of a defender role than a midfielder. Sat back and helped deal with the counter attacks, while also distributing the ball out of the back. He led the team in passing with 86% accuracy and started the counter attack which led to the lone Orlando goal, which he got a hockey assist on.

MF, Kevin Molino, 8 (MOTM)- Molino looks to be back to his good form, now having scored four goals in the past six games. Molino was third in passing accuracy with 76%, was the most fouled player on the pitch, having been fouled six times by the opposition, and was able to work with Ramos on the right wing to get forward. His goal in the 67th minute came after making a beautiful run from the center circle of midfield, which put him in prime position to clean up the chance created by Larin and Ceren.

MF, Kaká, 6.5 – It wasn’t the best of games back for the captain, but he definitely made an impact in favor of the Lions. Was second on the team in passing accuracy with 81%. Offensively, the defense keyed in on him often, which allowed Larin and Molino to get space to work with. He also led the team in key passes in the final third, shots on goal and crosses into the box. Had his best chance of the night in the 39th minute, after his shot was parried away by Red Bulls goalie Luis Robles. Also received a yellow card after arguing with referee Ted Unkel in the 25th minute.

F, Cyle Larin, 5.5 – Not the best of nights for the Canadian. Missed a golden opportunity early on in the third minute when he was able to get 1-on-1 with Robles, after Molino fed him through on goal. Then, in the 39th minute, had his rebound shot blocked by Robles after Kaká’s initial effort was saved and put right at Larin’s feet. Had another chance in the 62nd minute on a cross from Ramos, but after skying the volley, it was ruled a handball in the box. His run in the 67th minute, which ended up with Molino getting the goal, was the best thing that he did on the night.

Substitutes

MF, Servando Carrasco (88′), N/A – Came in after the Higuita red and helped preserve the draw.

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
Kevin Molino 159
Rafael Ramos 10
Kaká 20
Darwin Cerén 22
Other 6
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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over FC Cincinnati Saturday at home?

Published

10 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City looks to bounce back from the disappointing 2-1 loss to Toronto FC Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. Cincinnati has twice as many points as Orlando City and more than twice as many wins. FCC has only scored one more goal than Orlando City, but with only nine goals conceded compared to Orlando City’s 17, it’s easy to see why Cincinnati is sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference.

What I’m trying to say is that the task doesn’t get any easier this weekend. What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against FC Cincinnati?

Accost Acosta

Cincinnati’s attack revolves around Luciano Acosta. The attacking midfielder has four goals and five assists so far this season. To put that into perspective, Duncan McGuire — Orlando City’s leading scorer — also has four goals but only one assist. If we look at the Lions’ attacking midfielders, Facundo Torres has one goal and one assist, Ivan Angulo and Nico Lodeiro both have one goal and two assists, and Martin Ojeda has zero goals and only one assist. Luis Muriel is still at double zeroes.

The defensive midfield and the back line must do everything possible to mark him out of the match. It’s not enough to keep him from scoring, they must also keep him from setting up chances for his teammates. Most importantly, the defense must do that for 90 minutes plus stoppage time. There is no room for the mental lapses we’ve seen throughout the first part of this season.

Break Through

Cincinnati is stingy on defense. As I mentioned above, the club has only allowed nine goals this season. The back line is formidable with the likes of Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson, and Ian Murphy. On the wings are DeAndre Yedlin and Luca Orellano. This is a tough defense, and whether it is McGuire or Muriel who gets the start, they must find the spaces in between.

Just as importantly, Torres, Angulo, Ojeda, and Lodeiro — depending on who is in at any given moment — must be able to thread the passes in for McGuire, Muriel, or each other to create quality chances. On top of that, the Lions must convert on those chances, which is not something that has been a strength so far this season. If the Orlando City defense continues to give up cheap goals, then the offense will need to one-up the competition when it comes to scoring.

Deal with an Unknown

FC Cincinnati recently signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk. Kelsy comes in as an MLS U22 Initiative player and is eligible to play against Orlando City. Even though Kelsy is only 19, he has 68 professional appearances, including UEFA Champions Leagues matches. At 6-foot-3, he can be a challenge for defenders, especially in the air.

Kelsy hasn’t had much time with the team, but he could be a second-half substitution for Cincinnati. Given that Orlando City just gave up two late headers against Toronto FC, the back line will need to be careful that Kelsy doesn’t hurt the Lions in the same manner — especially if he comes on late when legs and minds are tired.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

Published

13 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 1, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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