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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City at Columbus Crew SC

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8 years ago

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Although Orlando City has not yet won a match since Adrian Heath was fired (or since Kaká met Justin Bieber), the Lions played an attractive, attacking, fearless brand of soccer Saturday night in their 2-2 draw at Vancouver. It’s something they may be able to build on, as the club got a few shots in the arm this week.

The captain returned to full training, center back Jose Aja was officially signed, and…oh yes, there’s that whole Jason Kreis hiring. Knowing that a coach who has won MLS Cup is ready to take over and steer the ship has to be an exciting prospect for a club that’s been a bit adrift this year.

Here to help us learn more about the team from my old stomping grounds in Columbus, OH, is Pat Murphy from SB Nation’s Crew blog, Massive Report. Pat was kind enough to answer my questions about his team and I did the same for him. You can find my answers over at their place.

It’s been a while since Orlando City and Columbus tangled. Who are the Crew’s key additions and subtractions since we last met that we should know about and how have they affected the team and approach so far in 2016?

Pat Murphy: The biggest addition for the club is Ola Kamara. The striker has made the loss of Kei (no relation) much easier with his nine goals in nine starts. He is different than Kei in that he doesn’t possess the same athletic ability, so the offense has had to shift its focus. Ola makes good runs and likes to receive the ball to his feet. This means the attacking passes have to be more accurate, whereas Kei could go up and get long balls and crosses. It’s been a different form of offense, but Ola is contributing a similar scoring output.

Other than that, most of Crew SC is the same. Corey Ashe, who Orlando fans know from last year, has started eight matches this season in place of Waylon Francis, but the Costa Rican has recently reclaimed his place at left back. Columbus just signed Norwegian defender Nicolai Næss, who they hope will help alleviate some of the defensive issues, but he will not be available in time for this match.

The Crew have struggled after their MLS Cup final run last year. What has caused such a drop in form this season? Injuries? Bad luck? Poor performances? Complacency? All/none of these?

PM: I think all of the above have contributed in some way. Injuries have certainly been a factor, as both Federico Higuain (sports hernia) and Gaston Sauro (PCL tear) have been out the last several matches. While Higuain is back in training, Sauro won’t be back until likely September. Both of these players are hard to replace in the Columbus lineup.

I don't know if I'd call it back luck, but Columbus doesn't seem to have things going its way this year. The players keep talking about needing to get one win to start moving things back in the right direction. Captain Michael Parkhurst has mentioned how last year little bounces or things would go the team's way, whereas this year, balls are hitting the post or whatever the case may be. Basically, when it rains, it pours and the Black & Gold are feeling that right now.

To go along with that, players that have been key contributors the last few years aren’t having the same types of seasons they have become accustomed to. Ethan Finlay’s numbers are down and his performances have found him on the bench. Justin Meram is playing well, but isn’t scoring or generating many assists either. Despite being named an All-Star, Wil Trapp has had several key passes fall short of the target or go directly to the opposition. Those players need to turn things around if Crew SC is going to.

What kind of formation and tactics can we expect from Columbus and what do you view as the game's key match-up?

PM: The system and style of play will be similar to what fans saw last year from the Black & Gold. Crew SC lines up in a 4-4-1-1 with the fullbacks pushing forward to provide the width. Meram likes to tuck inside and sometimes operates in the No. 10 role, and Finlay or Cedrick Mabwati play off Harrison Afful’s runs down the flanks. Columbus misses Higuain’s movements around the field, as both Mohammed Saeid and Dilly Duka have not provided the same offensive spark as Higuain typically does.

As for the match-up, I think it’s the same for both teams. How do the center backs stop a forward who is on form? Both Ola and Cyle Larin have nine goals and are dangerous in the 18-yard box. Neither of these defenses has proven to be foolproof, so who can do the better job on the other’s primary attacker? That will be key in this contest.

Can you please give us your key injuries/suspensions, projected starting XI and score prediction?

PM: As mentioned above, Higuain and Sauro are the two biggest injuries. Conor Casey, who would provide forward depth, also continues to work his way back from a knee injury. He’s getting closer but likely won’t be available for this one. Higuain is a possibility, as he has been back in training for over a week now, but Berhalter was very noncommittal on if he would play or not.

Projected lineup:

Steve Clark

Harrison Afful-Michael Parkhurst-Tyson Wahl-Waylon Francis

Cedrick Mabwati-Tony Tchani-Wil Trapp-Justin Meram

Mohammed Saeid

Ola Kamara

1-1 has been the recent score line of choice for Crew SC, but I see this one having more goals. Let's go 2-2.

* * *

Big thanks to Pat from Massive Report for giving us some insight on tonight's opponents from the Buckeye State.

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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union

Get caught up with everything you need to know about the Philadelphia Union from someone who knows them best.

Published

16 hours ago

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May 10, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City is set to continue a difficult May schedule Saturday, and will try to avoid a three-game losing streak in the process. This week sees the Lions travel north to face the Philadelphia Union, which will be the first of three taking place in a span of eight days, with two of those on the road, forcing Orlando to shuttle back and forth across the country.

A date with the Union means I caught up with Joe Lister of the always excellent Philadelphia Soccer Now. As usual, Joe was very helpful in getting us caught up on what’s been happening with the Union, and I also answered some of his questions about OCSC, which you can find over at their place.

Run me through Philadelphia’s off-season transfer business. Are there any new names who have stood out?

Joe Lister: Philadelphia’s transfer business is nearly nonexistent. They sold a few guys, but didn’t really bring anyone notable in. The group that will be available against Orlando on Saturday is the same group that’s been around with the team for (generally) two or three years.

Quinn Sullivan, however, has been a relevation this season. His brother, Cavan, has obviously been in the news as of late. However, Quinn, 20, has been great for Philly. He’s got great pace down the side of the pitch and has a motor that doesn’t seem to quit. If he can perfect his final touch, he’ll make the Union a good bit of money.

It’s still quite early in the season, but its strange to see the Union not occupying their typical spot near the top of the East. Is there any concern among the fanbase, or are people largely happy with what they’ve seen so far?

JL: People are upset. This team, by Philly fans’ standards, sucks. The Eastern Conference is obviously super tough this year (Miami and RBNY are worth shoutouts), but Philadelphia just isn’t performing. They nearly lost three games in a row for the first time since 2017 with their draw against D.C. United. They were saved by a blast from Jack McGlynn that they didn’t necessarily deserve.

The Union are underwhelming. The front office has operated under the impression that the teams from 2020, 2021, and 2022 can still compete in MLS. The issue is that while the league has gotten better, the Union have just gotten worse.

The Union’s only two losses of the season have come at home. Is that simply down to playing two good teams in Real Salt Lake and the Seattle Sounders, or is there something else at play there?

JL: That’s just the team being in a funk. Again, this team is underperforming by Philadelphia’s standards. Losing at home is a true showcase of how far this team has fallen. I think the Union will be fine longterm — this is a playoff team, but nothing more than that.

Will any players be unavailable due to injury, suspension, etc.? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?

JL: Defender Olivier Mbaizo and goalkeeper Andre Blake were both out for last match with injuries. Blake’s been in-and-out all season, but I think the team has started to realize that backup Oliver Semmle is good enough that the three-time Goalkeeper of the Year doesn’t need to always be on the pitch. Julian Carranza is also suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Lineup (4-4-2 diamond): Oliver Semmle; Kai Wagner, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Nathan Harriel; Jose Martinez; Leon Flach, Alejandro Bedoya; Daniel Gazdag; Quinn Sullivan, Mikael Uhre.

I think this is a 2-2 draw. Based on where the Union are at right now, Orlando will get two first-half goals, the Union will pull back in the second half. Feels like a game where Daniel Gazdag should find the net at some point.

Thank you to Joe for the inside info on the Union. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/10/24

Orlando City hits the road, Angelina has a successful knee procedure, Europa League final is set, and more.

Published

19 hours ago

on

May 10, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! I don’t have many plans for the weekend beyond working and looking after my friend’s cat, but I’m hoping it’s a fairly relaxing next few days. Both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are in action tomorrow night, so make sure to plan your weekend accordingly. For now, let’s get to today’s links!

Orlando City Prepares for the Philadelphia Union

After a tough loss at home to FC Cincinnati, Orlando City hits the road for a tough match against the Philadelphia Union tomorrow night. The Lions showed plenty of fight in that loss, which included a red card to Rodrigo Schlegel and injuries to both Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and Rafael Santos. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke about the matchup against the Union and stated that Thorhallsson is in concussion protocol and that both he and Santos are day-to-day heading into this match.

The Lions at least won’t have to worry about Philadelphia forward Julian Carranza in this match, as he will miss it due to yellow card accumulation. Both teams have struggled in recent weeks, with the Lions winless in their last three games and the Union winless in their last four. Orlando managed to beat the Union on the road last year and will need to do it again to climb up the Eastern Conference standings.

Angelina Will Be Evaluated Weekly for Return

Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina had a successful arthroscopic procedure on her knee and will be evaluated by the club’s medical team for a return to the field on a week-to-week basis. She suffered the injury late in the Pride’s 4-1 win over the North Carolina Courage, and rookie Ally Lemos filled in for her in the team’s 1-0 win against Racing Louisville. Angelina signed with the Pride this past off-season and has been a major reason why the Pride are undefeated in 2024. The Brazilian has done well on both sides of the ball and has a goal and an assist to her name so far, while bringing stability to the midfield. Hopefully, she returns to the Pride’s midfield sooner rather than later.

Philadelphia Union Sign 14-Year-Old Cavan Sullivan

The Philadelphia Union have a penchant for developing young players and have now signed 14-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan to a Homegrown Player contract that will last through 2028. Sullivan, who is the brother of Quinn Sullivan, is now the fifth-youngest signing in MLS history. He excelled in the past two Generation Adidas Cups with the Union and made his debut for Philadelphia Union II earlier this year. When he turns 18, he will reportedly be transferred to Manchester City as well, so it will be interesting to see how he does in MLS until then.

Leverkusen and Atalanta Reach Europa League Final

Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta both got the job done in second legs at home to advance to the Europa League final. The match in Germany between Leverkusen and Roma was a wild one, with Leverkusen managing yet another late comeback to draw 2-2 and advance on aggregate after winning the first leg. The draw extended Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak to 49 games and it can secure a treble by the end of the month. In the other semifinal, Atalanta cruised to a 3-0 win over Marseille. The Italian club will have a chance at silverware in the Coppa Italia final against Juventus on May 15 before the Europa League final on May 22 in Ireland.

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy these sights and sounds from the Pride’s gritty win over Racing Louisville.
  • Olivier Renard is no longer the vice president and chief sporting officer of CF Montreal, with the two sides agreeing to part ways.
  • PSV Eindhoven reportedly won’t be exercising the option to sign American right back Sergino Dest, who joined the Dutch club on loan from Barcelona last year.

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

Orlando City at Philadelphia Union: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to earn all three points on the road at Philadelphia?

Published

2 days ago

on

May 9, 2024

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Orlando City travels to the City of Brotherly Love hoping to get back on the winning track against the Philadelphia Union. The Union are currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 14 points, and have a 3-2-5 record overall. However, the Union are 1-2-1 at home. Subaru Park hasn’t been the fortress it was in 2023 — though Orlando City did give them their first home loss last season.

Of course, the Lions are riding a two-match losing streak heading into this match. What does Orlando City need to do to take all three points from the Union on the road?

Defense, Defense, Defense

The Union have scored 19 goals so far this season and over half of them have come from Daniel Gazdag (6), and Julian Carranza (4). Obviously, stopping those two is a priority. However, the Union also have excellent midfielders in Alejandro Bedoya and Jack McGlynn — the two players that scored in the Union’s last match against DC United.

I feel like a broken record, but Orlando City’s defense needs to stop making the dumb mistakes that have resulted in way too many goals this season. Philadelphia’s attackers will punish the Lions if that is allowed to happen yet again. So please, for the sake of my sanity, stop giving up the stupid goals.

Score Some *%$#ing Goals

The Union have given up 16 goals so far this season. Philadelphia is not some impenetrable defense, meaning the Lions should have chances to score against the Union. The bigger questions is: Will Orlando City find the back of the net? The dearth of goals so far this season is a great source of frustration for all who support this club. It’s not necessarily the shots that go in — though that does stink — but the missed opportunities.

Orlando City has had more passes/crosses just past a toe or just over a head, and more bobbled balls at a player’s feet than I care to count this season. The missed opportunities are a good reason for the results we’ve seen. I’ve spent plenty of time wishing for Facundo Torres, Luis Muriel, and Martin Ojeda to start scoring. Now, I’ll be happy with any player putting it in the back of the net. Robin Jansson header? Yes, please. Michael Halliday deflects it in with his face? I’ll take it. Own goal by the opposition? Bring it on. Just score some darn goals.

Find the Formula

I’m not certain why it’s taking Oscar Pareja so long to figure out the balance for this club. Most of the players from last season are there, but for some reason the recipe is off. There are a few new players and there have been some injuries to deal with, but the switch needs to be flipped. Pareja needs to figure out which players can turn it around.

It might be the players who haven’t made the necessary adjustments. Perhaps it’s just bad luck. Regardless, every coach and player needs to pull it together to get the ship righted. Preseason expectations might need to be adjusted, but we can still hold out hope for a turnaround. This weekend against the Union is a perfect time for that to start.

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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