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Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Final Score 0-0 as Lions Can’t Score on 10-Man Reds

Well, it’s better than a loss and Orlando didn’t concede four goals.

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Carlos Romero, The Mane Land

Orlando City went to Toronto looking to stop the bleeding after giving up four goals in each of its three consecutive losses. Mission…accomplished?

The Lions didn’t ship any goals and didn’t lose, but the unbeaten streak grew to four games (0-3-1) after an unsatisfying 0-0 draw against Giovinco-less Toronto FC. With D.C. United winning, Orlando fell five points behind the final playoff spot with three games to play in the 2016 regular season.

While a draw on the road against a team that’s tied for the conference lead is usually a good result, the Lions (7-10-14, 35 points) can’t be happy with failing to score a goal against a Toronto team that played the final 20 minutes a man down. The Reds (13-8-10, 49 points) were left shorthanded after Tosaint Ricketts received a second yellow with a dangerous play while attempting a bicycle kick, getting a boot up around Jose Aja’s face.

Orlando has struggled at times while up a man this season. On this night, the Lions controlled the ball but had trouble breaking down the stingy Toronto defense. When they did free themselves up, they failed to capitalize due to a heavy touch or a misplaced shot. In the end, it’s something the team can build on but there’s precious little time left to build anything.

For the first time since his arrival in Orlando, Jason Kreis went with his old, familiar 4-4-2 diamond midfield formation that he’s long been known for.

Neither team could break through in the opening 45 minutes. Toronto had more numerous chances, but Orlando City had a couple of outstanding opportunities as well. Much of the pressure Toronto was able to generate came because of a large number of set pieces in Orlando’s defensive third. The Reds had five corners in the first half and several free kicks around the top and sides of the box.

Toronto got the first good chance off a corner with Tosaint Ricketts heading just over the bar when left unmarked just five minutes in. Orlando City had a great chance in the 11th minute as Brek Shea got a cross in that Kevin Molino mishit and it fell for Cyle Larin, but the Canadian’s shot didn’t have a lot of power on it and Alex Bono made a diving, one-handed stop to keep it scoreless.

Kaká fired over the bar in the 18th minute off a nice build-up, but just a minute later Toronto nearly opened the scoring when Marky Delgado’s cross was just inches out of the reach of Justin Morrow at the back post.

In the 31st minute, Ricketts got in behind the defense – mostly because he was offside – but Bendik came off his line to smother his shot attempt. Moments later, Jozy Altidore appeared to handle the ball in Orlando’s box to settle it but there was no whistle and Bendik was forced to make another save.

Orlando City should have scored in the 38th minute on a counter attack that ended up in a four-on-three break. Kaká opted not to play to Larin, who was splitting two defenders, and instead gave off to Shea. The lefty attacker played in Molino, but he brought defenders with him and so he tried to backheel the ball back to Brek. It didn’t work, and the Lions failed to get a shot out of a promising attack.

By the 40th minute Kreis had seen enough of the 4-4-2 diamond, with the Lions leaving the Reds far too much attacking space. He subbed Cristian Higuita on for Carlos Rivas and returned to the 4-2-3-1. Shortly after that, Orlando managed to get forward and earn a corner and the ball fell for Higuita after Bono punched the cross away, but the Colombian fired high over the bar on the half volley.

Just before the half ended, Shea took a silly yellow card for yelling at referee Alan Kelly, and as a result, he’ll miss Sunday’s match against Montreal.

Toronto should have taken the lead shortly after halftime, as Orlando continues to concede excellent scoring opportunities early in the second halves of games. Michael Bradley chipped in a back-post ball toward Altidore, with Bendik slow to come off his line. The ball fell onto Jonathan Osorio’s head instead, and the Toronto attacker headed over the bar from close range.

The Reds got another good opportunity in the 65th minute, when a cross attempt deflected off an Orlando defender to Delgado at the far side, but Bendik got across and stopped the shot.

Two minutes later, Molino fashioned a half chance, playing a ball behind the defense to himself, but a defender got there first to sweep it away. That came just moments before Ricketts picked up his second yellow, trying to bicycle kick a high, bouncing ball with Aja on his back. Ricketts’ boot got up into the face of Aja – who is not a short man – and just like that the Reds were down a man.

That almost paid off for Orlando just three minutes later. Kaká worked his way around a pair of defenders and was in alone on the left with only Bono to beat. But the captain’s shot was right at the Toronto keeper, who reached up and parried the shot away to end the Lions’ best chance of the second period.

From that point on, Orlando had a series of corner kicks and free kicks but could do nothing with them. Toronto locked down the defensive half and the Lions were too deliberate with passes and runs, failing to create anything dangerous in the final 10 minutes. Toronto, meanwhile, nearly got a gift victory when Luke Boden’s ill-advised clearance attempt fell perfectly for Will Johnson, but the Toronto midfielder fired wide of Bendik’s net in the 92nd minute.

Moments later, the whistle blew on another non-win. It would have been a much more palatable draw had D.C. United and Montreal not both won, but no one’s doing Orlando any favors these days. The Lions will need to win out and hope for some help.

Orlando did manage to earn its first ever point at BMO Field, after two lopsided losses there last season. The Lions are now 1-4-1 all-time against Toronto FC, and finish the 2016 season series 1-1-1.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/14/24

MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions

Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.

Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.

Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50

ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.

Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year

The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.

USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/13/24

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions on International Duty

Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.

The NWSL Playoffs Continue

The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.

NWSL Award Voting Open

The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.

Pepi is Ready

The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.

Free Kicks

  • In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
  • England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
  • The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
  • Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
  • We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
  • We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
  • Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/12/24

Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City’s Playoff Path

It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.

What to Watch For With the USMNT

It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.

Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States

The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.

Free Kicks

  • NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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