Connect with us

Orlando City

Orlando City at Toronto FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

Published

on

Orlando City went to Toronto in need of points, but could not find the go-ahead goal after gaining the man advantage in the second half. Jason Kreis tried a version of the 4-4-2 diamond formation that was heavily speculated about upon his hiring, but quickly reverted back to the 4-2-3-1 after Toronto began dominating the midfield.

The Lions find themselves running out of time in a playoff race that currently has them on the outside looking in. With this point earned towards the effort, let’s see how your favorite Lions grade out.

Starters

GK, Joe Bendik, 7.5 (MOTM) – Did well to punch away a threatening free kick entry pass in the 25th minute. Pair of big saves in the 31st after the defense sprung a leak. His save in the 65th minute was really indicative of his good positioning throughout the match.

D, Luke Boden, 6 – Went a little too forward in the sixth and was caught out by the counter. Did well getting forward, but consistently has the worst clearances on the team, leading to opposing scoring opportunities more than once, including a near devastating one in the 92nd, putting the ball right on the foot of the onrushing Will Johnson.

D, David Mateos, 6 – His poor clearance in the fifth minute led to a chance and nearly a goal on the ensuing corner. Played the ball well to slow down Toronto’s attack in the 18th minute, forcing the the man on the ball sideways and allowing the defense to recover.

D, Jose Aja, 6.5 – Very strong in the air, but struggled with Toronto’s runs frequently for the first 30 minutes. Showed good awareness in keeping possession for Orlando late in the first half by intercepting outlet passes. Ate Tosaint Ricketts’ boot while making a clearance in the 70th minute that was Ricketts’ second booking of the match, putting the Lions a man ahead for the final 20 minutes. He got way forward late, but didn’t threaten the defense in a meaningful way.

D, Kevin Alston, 5 – Eaten alive by Morrow in the seventh minute, conceding a corner kick. Lost his man on a cross in the eighth that Toronto couldn’t quite finish. Seemed to find himself in good positions throughout the night, but couldn’t capitalize on them and was reluctant to get forward at times when the opportunities were there.

MF, Servando Carrasco, 6 – Was his usual pain in the ass self at the bottom of the midfield diamond, playing physically and stalling Toronto’s building attacks, but really struggled doing anything about Michael Bradley in general, leading Kreis to change the formation in the 40th minute with a substitution to get Carrasco a partner in the midfield.

MF, Brek Shea, 5.5 – Played a great ball to Molino in the 11th that The Original barely missed his touch on. Linked up well with midfielders in building a threatening attack throughout the first half. Another victim of the referee’s missing whistle when he ate Drew Moor’s shoulder and didn’t get the call, though the official found it in time to give Brek a yellow card after Shea let his thoughts on the no-call be known. He’ll miss the next match. He looked confident on the ball and was part of a handful of threatening sequences, but he has to be more poised than he was in dealing with the officials tonight.

MF, Kaká, 5.5 – Showed his quality on the ball in the 16th minute to get into the box, but his service was behind Kid Fantastic and left him with no chance at net. Was badly dispossessed by Michael Bradley, leading to Toronto’s pair of chances in the 31st minute. Showed his elite talent in the 73rd minute to get a shot at point blank range, but fired it straight at the goalkeeper causing no trouble. His effort throughout was admirable, but one has to wonder if his work rate at this fitness level tonight brought about diminishing returns.

MF, Kevin Molino, 6 – Missed a real chance on net from Brek’s service early in the match. Went down in the box in the 38th in what was Orlando’s best attack to that point in the match but did not get the call. His shiftiness on the ball was a big help towards the Lions retaining possession entering the final third, earning the positioning he wanted and creating chances once he had it. Molino had another chance late, but was caught up in traffic after Kaká worked tirelessly to create a threat with his dribbling in the 83rd minute. Subbed off for Baptista in the 86th.

F, Carlos Rivas, 4.5 – Not afraid to pressure high, stifling Toronto’s initiation early, but was not particularly threatening despite his speed putting him in advantageous positions. Was pulled in the 40th minute when Kreis went back to the 4-2-3-1 formation.

F, Cyle Larin, 5.5 – Was mauled on a breakaway in the 24th minute but the referee couldn’t find his whistle. Horribly mistouched Boden’s service in the 63rd after Orlando swung the ball from the right to the left side of the pitch with sound one touch passing under pressure.

Substitutes

MF, Cristian Higuita (40′), 5 – Helped facilitate the midfield and win the 50/50 balls in the middle of the pitch as soon as he came on, but didn’t swing the momentum of the match in any impactful way despite 50 minutes of action.

MF, Matias Perez Garcia (75′), 5 – Wasn’t particularly effective. Didn’t seem to be on the same page as Kaká, who was running in overdrive all night.

MF, Julio Baptista (86′), 5.5 – Did well to beat his man in the 88th, but the following touch was way too strong and led to a clearance.

Explain why I’m wrong and sound off on your man of the match below. And don’t forget to vote in our poll.

Polling Closed

Player Votes
Joe Bendik 34
Jose Aja 11
Kevin Molino 3
Kaká 20
Other 18

Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

Get the inside scoop on Toronto FC ahead of Saturday’s match.

Published

on

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Another Orlando City matchday is almost upon us, and the Lions will try to extend a four-game unbeaten streak Saturday night and finish off an undefeated month of April. OCSC will do so back in the comfortable confines of home, as Toronto FC travels south for the first of two games between the teams this season.

A visit from Toronto means I caught up with Tomas Karageorgos of Waking the Red. As usual, he was very helpful in bringing us up to speed on TFC ahead of the upcoming match.

This is John Herdman’s first year in charge of Toronto. What sort of style does the team play under him?

Tomas Karageorgos: John Herdman plays a variation of a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation that prefers to build plays out of the back. Herdman also relies on his center midfielders to win possession back and push the ball to either flank. German striker Prince Owusu’s constant pressure on opposing defenses has caused some turnovers in TFC’s favor. Owusu’s style of play has not only helped his teammates but himself as well — he has scored five goals in the club’s last six matches.

Run me through some of the additions and departures that took place during the off-season. Who are some new faces to keep an eye on?

TK: The four major additions that the club made was signing defensive midfielders Deiby Flores and Matty Longstaff; Canadian fullback Richie Laryea is back for a third time; and Irish center back Kevin Long. Flores has been described as a dog in the sense of not being afraid to get stuck into tough challenges. Longstaff was signed from Newcastle United and is beginning to play consistent minutes — he still has room to grow as he’s a young player. Long was signed from Birmingham City and has been a rock in the center of the back three. A strong aerial presence and calmness has helped to contribute to Toronto’s six clean sheets across all competitions this season. There’s not much to say about Laryea that hasn’t been said, he’s arguably the best defender in MLS when healthy. Another underrated signing was French defender Nicksoen Gomis from Sheffield United, he has had quiet-yet-consistent performances. Notable departures include Salvadoran goalkeeper Tomás Romero, Norwegian striker Adama Diomande, and club legend Michael Bradley, who retired at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

TFC has quite the list of injured players at the moment. Who has been filling in for the missing faces, and how have they looked?

TK: Lorenzo Insigne, Richie Laryea, and Shane O’Neill continue to miss action due to thigh injuries. Midfielder Brandon Servania is slated to return during the middle of the season as he is recovering from knee surgery. First overall draft pick Tyrese Spicer has filled in for Insigne and has two goals in his account for the club — he has a high work rate on both sides of the ball. Canadian youngster Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is gaining more experience on the right side while Laryea is sidelined. Gomis and Sigurd Rosted have been taking turns covering O’Neill, and Alonso Coello is continuing to build on an impressive first season with the club in the absence of Servania.

Which players will be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

TK: The names I noted above who are injured will be unavailable. Also, attacker Deandre Kerr is listed as questionable.

Predicted starting XI: Sean Johnson; Nickeson Gomis, Kevin Long, Sigurd Rosted; Tyrese Spicer, Alonso Coello, Deybi Flores, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty; Jonathan Osorio, Federico Bernardeschi, Prince Owusu.

Score prediction: 1-1. 


Thank you to Tomas for his insight into Toronto FC. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/26/24

Orlando City gets ready for Toronto FC, Thiago Silva linked with Orlando, Marta announces international retirement, and more.

Published

on

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad it’s Friday. It’s been a bit of a brutal week for me, but the weekend is nearly upon us, and I plan on spending it with my family for my dad’s birthday. I’m also hoping to find some time to read the new book that came out this week from my favorite author, Emily Henry. For now though, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Prepares for Toronto FC

After a shaky start to the season, the Lions are unbeaten in their past four games and can make it five when they host Toronto FC Saturday night. Toronto has lost three of its past four games, but is coming off of a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. In the time since Oscar Pareja took over as head coach, Orlando City has won six of its seven games against Toronto. It will be the first meeting between the two with John Herdman at the helm of Toronto, so we will see if the trend of recent Orlando dominance continues. It should be a great game and is another opportunity for the Lions to climb up the table.

Thiago Silva Linked With Orlando City

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva’s contract with Chelsea ends this summer and Orlando City was mentioned as one of many reported clubs interested in signing him. Beyond the surface-level facts that Silva is an incredibly talented defender and Orlando City is a popular landing spot for South Americans who want to play in MLS, the move would not make much sense. The club signed David Brekalo this off-season and Rodrigo Schlegel is a solid option off the bench as well. Even if Orlando does want Silva, there will be plenty of competition. Returning to Fluminense is the expected choice, but Silva could stay in Europe or make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Marta Will Retire From National Team After 2024

Orlando Pride star Marta announced that 2024 will be her last year playing for Brazil. You will need a translating tool for more of the details from her interview with CNN, but she spoke on how she’s at peace with her decision to stop playing at the international level once the year is over. She made her international debut in 2002 and has since played in five Olympics for Brazil. Marta may play in her sixth this summer, and there would be global attention to see one of the greatest players ever to lead Brazil one last time. Her contract with the Pride also ends after this season, but only time will tell if this is her final season in Orlando.

Orlando’s Academy Teams Get Results Against New England

With the Generations Adidas Cup behind them, Orlando City’s U-17 and U-15 teams earned some important points against the New England Revolution’s youth squads. The U-15 team dominated New England in a 4-1 result that included a hat trick from Jakob Garcia. The match between the U-17 sides was a closer affair, as they split the points in a 1-1 draw. Orlando’s teams will play again tomorrow, with a pair of home games against Nashville SC.

Free Kicks


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

Continue Reading

Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Three Keys to Victory

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

Published

on

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

After a successful, four-point road trip, Orlando City returns from Montreal to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium to face one of the other Canadian clubs, Toronto FC. The Lions are hoping to add to a four-match unbeaten streak. A win offers the opportunity to take another step up the standings.

What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against Toronto FC?

No Early Mistakes

In the last three matches, Orlando City has conceded the first goal of the match. Worse than that, each of those goals happened within the first 21 minutes. Yes, coming from behind for two draws and one win is good, but not giving up those early goals may have meant three wins instead.

Last season, Orlando City’s defense was good. We didn’t see nearly so many mental mistakes by the defense, especially so early in the match. What is frustrating is that these mistakes were seemingly preventable. The back line, the defensive midfielders, and Pedro Gallese need to tighten up in the early going so that the Lions are not chasing the match so early on.

Take Advantage of Tired Legs

Toronto FC played a match against Simcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship tournament on Wednesday. I’m in no way saying that Toronto trotted out their first choice lineup for the match, but even if only some of the players got a run out, that could create some tired legs for the match against Orlando. Add in the travel from Canada to Florida on short rest and it could be good news for the Lions.

If the Lions can possess the ball and make Toronto FC chase them, or if Orlando can get the first goal (see above) so that Toronto is chasing the match as well, it might pay dividends in the second half. Orlando City is good enough in the passing game to do so, though it will be interesting to see whether Martin Ojeda rejoins the starting lineup or if Nico Lodeiro gets the nod again.

One Down, Two to Go

Facundo Torres was the first of Orlando City’s three Designated Players to score a goal in the regular season. While it didn’t come in the run of play, it might still spark him to add some more since he usually starts slow and then catches fire at about this point in the season. Of course, both Luis Muriel and Ojeda contributed to the scoring against Montreal. Muriel drew the penalty that Torres took, and Ojeda provided the assist to Ivan Angulo.

Now it is time for either Muriel or Ojeda — or both — to join Torres on the scoreboard. Standing in their way will be a good keeper in Sean Johnson. So far this season, he has allowed seven goals and has 22 saves, with three clean sheets. Muriel seems to be getting closer to scoring with each shot taken, and Ojeda has missed some close ones. If all three of Orlando City’s Designated Players can start scoring regularly, this team will become dangerous quickly.


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

Continue Reading

Trending