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Orlando City at Chicago Fire: Final Score 2-2 as Lions Let Lead Slip Away Late Again

Kaká and Cyle Larin found the back of the net, but the Lions lost their lead to a resilient Chicago side and poor set piece defense.

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10 years ago

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Carlos Romero, The Mane Land

Orlando City went into Toyota Park needing a win to propel the team ahead of the New England Revolution and D.C. United and into the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference. The Lions (5-6-12, 27 points) had to settle for a 2-2 draw with the last-place Chicago Fire (4-11-7, 19 points) after failing to convert on their opportunities and breaking down on a late Chicago set piece. Orlando is in the midst of a 10-game winless streak on the road (0-5-5) since winning its first away match of the year.

It was a poor start for Orlando. After some nervy passing, Tommy Redding — playing for the suspended David Mateos (yellow card accumulation) — fouled David Accam at the edge of the area to set up a dangerous free kick that Bendik managed to punch free. The rebound landed at the feet of Fire midfielder John Goossens, who let loose a low blast from long distance that pinged off the post and past Bendik just six minutes into the match. For all the highlight saves Bendik has made this season, Goossens’ shot from well outside the area is one he’d no doubt like to have back.

Orlando responded quickly, lobbing passes over the defense until one finally found the foot of Cyle Larin. Kaká chipped a perfectly weighted ball over the top and the Canadian managed to get his left foot to the ball, poking it just out of reach of UCF alum Sean Johnson to level it for the Lions, just three minutes later. The goal brought Larin’s total to 12 for the season and was his fourth in the last five matches.

Orlando almost immediately managed to give a goal away as Servando Carrasco slipped on the turf and the ball dropped fortuitously to Accam, who used his speed to round Seb Hines. Luckily, Bendik managed to parry the attempt and relieve the danger. Bendik was tested constantly by Goossens and Accam during the first half, but managed to hold the Fire to one goal at the break.

The offensive game plan was to feed Kaká on the left, running the offense through the Brazilian even from the wide areas. The captain sent ball after ball into the area but couldn’t quite find Larin or Brek Shea on the other end. Johan Kappelhof did well to keep the Orlando captain at bay for the Fire, closing him down before he could get into dangerous positions.

Kappelhof couldn’t do anything on Orlando’s second goal, though. Matias Perez Garcia, in his first start for Orlando, found Carrasco on the right wing, who sent in a cross that reached Larin, but the Canadian striker’s header glanced off the left post. Kaká was there on the second chance and calmly put the ball in the roof of the net to give Orlando the lead. Kaká now has four goals this year, good enough for third on the team behind Larin and Kevin Molino. The captain managed to get all three of his shots on target and finished with a goal and an assist.

Perez Garcia almost created a third goal just before halftime, sliding in to intercept a Chicago pass from Eric Gehrig. Kaká picked up the loose ball and was through on goal. He crossed for Shea, but it was behind the winger and went across the box harmlessly. The Argentine did well in possession and used his vision to pull the strings in midfield whenever he saw the ball before being taken off for Molino in the second half.

Orlando did not start the second half well, either. The Fire saw the majority of possession and Orlando committed various fouls in dangerous areas. Kaká decided to change that, making a run the length of the field, sending Gehrig to the turf as he reached the end line before sending a cross in to Larin that just missed. Kaká seemed willing to shoulder the majority of the offensive load, testing Johnson from distance a few minutes later and forcing a diving save.

Redding had the unenviable task of keeping Accam in check and was booked for his troubles in the 18th minute. Redding finished with two fouls conceded and the speedy Ghanaian got the best of him a few times, but Orlando’s Homegrown defender managed to keep Accam off the scoreboard before Jason Kreis replaced him with Jose Aja near the hour mark for the Uruguayan’s debut.

Cristian Higuita’s return to the starting lineup didn’t last much longer, as he went down injured and was helped off the field in the 61st. Tony Rocha made his MLS debut after appearing twice with the first team in the U.S. Open Cup.

Larin almost bagged his second shortly after, but Johnson came off his line to stuff the Canadian and managed to keep him away from the ball long enough to collect it. Larin took a hit on the challenge, but referee Mark Geiger decided not to call a penalty. Orlando applied consistent pressure on the Chicago back line for the next 10 minutes with a combination of Molino, Rocha, and Kaká that tested Johnson but couldn’t produce a goal. Orlando commanded possession for the majority of the match with 54.7%, but the Lions couldn’t put the game away.

Chicago found the equalizer in the 79th minute. Fire defender Brandon Vincent found Razvan Cocis on a corner, who beat Bendik with a point-blank header to level the score.

For all of Orlando’s promise on offense, the defense couldn’t keep the Fire off the board. Aja gave the Fire life at the death, committing a foul on the edge of the area and earning a yellow card, but Accam’s ensuing attempt sailed wide of the mark.

The last few minutes of the match were filled with Chicago chances and not many threatening attempts by the Lions. The Fire appealed for a penalty when Boden collided with Arturo Alvarez, but Geiger let play continue. When the final whistle sounded, it was a disappointing result for Kreis’ men against a Chicago side floundering at the bottom of the table. The Lions still find themselves on the wrong side of the red line, behind D.C. United on the total wins tiebreaker.

Next week, Orlando travels to Commerce City, CO, to take on this year’s surprise contenders, the Colorado Rapids. You can catch the match Saturday at 9 p.m.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/22/26

Orlando City hosts Charlotte tonight, the Orlando Pride prep for Louisville trip, NWSL expansion coming to Columbus, and more.

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2 hours ago

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April 22, 2026

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Image of Kaka celebrating a goal.
Nick Leyva, The Mane Land

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day for Orlando City. That’s as much a warning for your mental health as it is a notification if you decide to watch the match tonight. Perhaps you could catch up on Pluribus, or rewatch Ted Lasso. I’m simply saying you have options that might not raise your blood pressure. On a brighter note, join me in wishing Orlando City legend Kaká a very happy birthday. More on him below. Let’s get to the links.

Lions Host Charlotte Tonight

Orlando City is looking to rebound against Charlotte FC tonight at Inter&Co Stadium. It’s no secret that the Lions are having a rough time of it so far this season, and with Charlotte sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, it doesn’t get any easier. That doesn’t stop Martin Perelman and the players from thinking they are getting better and having a plan for the match tonight. What was it Mike Tyson said about everyone having a plan? Can the Lions turn things around on short rest?

Orlando Pride Return to NWSL Play Friday

The Orlando Pride return to action Friday against Racing Louisville FC. The match is at Louisville where the Pride have yet to win. Despite that, the players are ready to pick up where they left off before the international break. The break provided much-needed rest for many of the players. The Pride will play six matches during the month of May before the league takes a break for the World Cup.

Osceola Heritage Park Expansion Funding Moves Forward

Osceola County leaders have agreed to have Orlando City expand the club’s footprint at Osceola Heritage Park. Orlando Sports Enterprises (OSE a.k.a. the Wilf family) will match the $25 million that the county is putting up for the project. OSE will assume repair, maintenance, and operating costs for the facility. A hotel and free-standing restaurant are also in the plans. This is a good investment for the club’s future in the arms race that is professional sports.

NWSL Coming to Columbus

The owners of the Columbus Crew have been awarded an NWSL franchise. The Haslam Sports Group paid a record $205 million expansion fee to obtain the 18th NWSL club. The new club will renovate and play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field downtown. The organization will also build a training center at McCoy Park that had previously been slated to be renovated for local residents, including features that would enable physically disabled people to use the park.

The NWSL called and Columbus answered 📞 Columbus joins the league as team No. 18!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-04-21T19:44:42.987Z

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That will do it for today. Check back later today for our coverage of the Orlando City match this evening. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/21/26

Takeaways from MLS matchday eight, USWNT stock watch, transfer rumor roundup, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 21, 2026

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Image of Ignacio Gomez making his MLS debut with Orlando City vs. Houston.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. It was a frustrating weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as Orlando City lost a close game to the Houston Dynamo, and Orlando City B blew a two-goal lead against Carolina Core FC, and had to settle for the two points that come with a shootout victory after a draw. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint), OCSC will have a chance to get right back on the horse when Charlotte FC comes to town on Wednesday. We’ve got lots to talk about this morning, so let’s have a look at the links.

MLS Matchday Eight Takeaways

Major League Soccer’s eighth round of matches is in the books, and there are plenty of talking points to go over. The San Jose Earthquakes ended the weekend on an emphatic note by dismantling LAFC 4-1 on the road, adding to an impressive list of scalps that also includes the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC. They’re tied with Vancouver atop the Western Conference and continue to look like one of the league’s best teams. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC, Orlando City’s next opponent, kept things organized in a 4-4-2 block and scored from two of its three shots on goal to take down NYCFC 2-1. That result puts the club in third place in the Eastern Conference.

USWNT Stock Watch

The United States Women’s National Team wrapped up its three game slate against Japan over the weekend, so let’s check in on how the matches affected the standing of several players. Lindsey Heaps was name-dropped by Emma Hayes as having had a great run of three matches, while 20-year-old Claire Hutton wore the captain’s armband during the series and looked far more poised and ready than one would expect given her age. At the opposite end of the spectrum, winger Emma Sears struggled to make an impact in the final third, and while her speed makes her a tempting option to have in the squad, the depth at her position means she’s always going to face a battle for a place.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The summer transfer window will be here before we know it, and that means the rumors are already flying thick and fast. We begin with Arsenal, which is said to be interested in signing Julian Alvarez this summer, but will likely face competition from Barcelona. Speaking of Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta has reportedly held talks with Robert Lewandowski about extending his stay with the team, while the Chicago Fire also interested and reportedly having submitted a bid to the striker’s representatives. Liverpool is said to be ready to spend in excess of  €100 million to sign Red Bull Leipzig forward Yan Diomande as a replacement for the outgoing Mohamed Salah. Finally, center backs Hiroki Ito and Min-Jae-Kim could both reportedly leave Bayern Munich this summer if interested teams are willing to meet the German club’s valuations of them.

Jonathan Klinsmann Suffers Broken Neck

American goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a broken neck while playing for Serie B side Cesena on Saturday. The son of former United States Men’s National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann, the shot stopper was stretchered off the field after colliding with a Palermo player and was diagnosed with a fractured first cervical vertebra after being taken to the hospital. Klinsmann confirmed on social media that his season is over, which will leave him unavailable for Cesena’s promotion push. The team is currently eighth in the second division, which is the final playoff promotion spot.

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That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/20/26

Lions fall to Houston Dynamo, OCB draws Carolina Core, Pride players on international duty, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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Image of the starting XI from OCB's home match against Carolina Core FC.
Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work. Let’s wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando City defender Iago, who turned 21 Saturday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Lose to Houston Dynamo at Home

Orlando City fell 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. After a scoreless first half, Hector Herrera’s goal in the second half was enough for the visitors to walk out of Orlando with a win on the road. Despite conceding one goal, the Lions put up a better defensive performance, but the attack was hardly a threat and Orlando couldn’t score a late equalizer. With that result, Orlando City drops to last in the MLS table with four points through eight matches. It will be another busy week for the Lions, taking on Charlotte FC Wednesday at home before traveling to face D.C. United Saturday at Audi Field.

Orlando City Hires Sebastian Setti as Interim Assistant Coach

Orlando City announced Friday that the club has hired Sebastian Setti as interim assistant coach, adding to Martin Perelman’s interim technical staff. Setti was previously an assistant coach with Club Necaxa in Liga MX in 2025. He was also an assistant coach with K.M.S.K. Deinze in Belgium in 2024 and with CF Montreal in 2023, and he led CD Laudio in Spain from 2018 to 2021.

OCB Wins Penalty Shootout After 2-2 Draw vs. Carolina Core

Orlando City B drew Carolina Core 2-2 at Osceola County Stadium Sunday after throwing away a 2-0 lead in the second half. Gustavo Caraballo converted a penalty kick to give the Young Lions the early lead in the first half. Pedro Leao added a goal to make it 2-0 just before halftime. However, in the second half, Carolina rallied and scored two goals in three minutes to tie the match, with the second coming off a mistake by goalkeeper Tristan Himes. OCB won the penalty shootout 6-5 to earn a second point. After six matches, the Young Lions are eighth in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 10 points. OCB will be on the road against Chicago Fire II Sunday at SeatGeek Stadium.

Pride Players on International Duty

Multiple Pride players were in action for their national teams over the weekend, bringing the international break to a close. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda scored a goal for Zambia in a 1-1 draw against South Korea in a friendly. Midfielder Angelina came off the bench for Brazil in the second half in a 1-0 win over Canada, also in friendly competition. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was on the bench as England beat Iceland 1-0 in a UEFA World Cup qualifying match. Forward Solai Washington started for the Reggae Girlz, as Jamaica defeated Guyana 2-0 in a 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifier match.

USWNT Bounces Back to Win Third Friendly vs. Japan

The U.S Women’s National Team rebounded from a 1-0 loss with a 3-0 win against Japan Friday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO. After a scoreless first half, Naomi Girma scored the opening goal in the second half. Rose Lavelle extended the Yanks’ lead 2-0, and Kennedy Wesley scored her first international goal to put it away. The USWNT closed out the April international window by winning two of three matches against Japan.

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  • Former Lion Daryl Dike scored his first EFL Championship goal since May 2025 in the second half as West Bromwich Albion defeated Preston North End 2-0 Saturday.
  • Former OCB forward Shak Mohammed scored his first goal in Major League Soccer for Nashville SC Saturday.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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