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

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9 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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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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2 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.

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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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