Connect with us

Orlando City

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

Published

on

Undefeated feels so good. Orlando City maintain its perfect record at home with a grind-it-out 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Servando Carrasco, of all people, provided the only goal of the match — the first non Cyle Larin goal for Orlando this year.

Let's get to the grades:

Starters

GK, Joe Bendik, 7.5 – Overall, a solid performance once again from Bendik. Came up with a great save on a Bradley Wright-Phillips shot in the 8th minute. Had multiple big stops, mostly on Wright-Phillips, but still was not great on distribution to create attacks.

D, Scott Sutter, 7.5 – A solid shift for his first ever MLS start. Read the game well and was able to bomb forward in the attack as well as track back on defense. Had an effort on goal that barely sailed over in the 22nd minute and had another good effort in the 42nd that just rolled past the post.

D, Jonathan Spector, 8 (MotM) – The most consistent player so far this season for Orlando City came up with a huge defensive performance. Not only on an individual level, but the commanding of the back line and the teamwork with youngster Tommy Redding provided the framework for the team's second shutout in four games. Had the great goal-line clearance in the 12th minute to save a goal after Bendik got the initial save.

D, Tommy Redding, 7.5 – A decent game for the 20-year-old defender. Struggled a bit to win balls in the air against stronger and taller players, but was able to make up for it on the ground. Played well in tandem with Spector and together they were able to communicate well on the back line to knock out most of the Red Bulls’ chances. Led the team in interceptions and clearances. Mistimed a challenge on BWP in the 51st, almost letting in a chance.

D, Donny Toia, 7 – Solid job on the left fullback side. Didn’t have too much to deal with defensively, but broke up some promising attacks when they came his way. Third on the team in interceptions and tackles and fourth in clearances.

MF, Will Johnson, 7.5 – Struggled to make an impact through the first half the game, but along with Carrasco he managed the midfield well and helped create chances going forward. Had more impact as the match went on and finished the game second in tackles. Had the perfect set piece on the corner to Carrasco for the only goal.

MF, Antonio Nocerino, 6 – Looked solid in the beginning of the match, but a calf strain forced him to be subbed out in the 17th minute. He’ll be evaluated on Monday.

MF, Cristian Higuita, 7 – An impressive performance from the Colombian. Was strong on the ball and used tight, close dribbling to get around defenders, which created attacking chances. Was his usual self on the defensive end and even got his usual yellow card in the 61st minute. Was fouled the most (5 times) out of any Orlando player. Slipped Rivas in on goal in the 58th but his Colombian counterpart muffed the opportunity.

MF, Matias Perez Garcia, 7.5 – Looked much more dangerous as the center attacking midfielder than on the wing. Led the team in key passes and tackles. Head Coach Jason Kreis pointed out his defensive work rate through the match. Excellent opportunity in the 24th minute, with his shot curling just past the post. Had the perfect pass up field to Larin in the 67th minute, which led to a one-on-one chance with Robles.

F, Carlos Rivas, 6.5 – His pace caused problems for the Red Bulls, but overall, he was just okay. Solid effort in the 14th minute after good combination passing and forced a tough save from Robles. Had a good nutmeg pass to MPG in the 24th to get an effort on goal. Made a good run in the 38th minute, forcing his way past defenders to get into Red Bulls territory. Good back-post cross to find Larin in the 51st minute, but the chance wasn’t converted. Missed a good chance in the 58th minute after Higuita slipped him into the box and he lost the ball. Had two free kicks, but both went over goal — albeit not into lunar orbit, as can sometimes happen with him.

F, Cyle Larin, 7 – The big striker put himself in good space and made some good, strong runs towards goal, but the finishing touch was off today. Missed a good chance in the 51st minute on a back post cross from Rivas. Went 1-v-1 with Robles off MPG’s long pass in the 67th minute but couldn’t beat the New York keeper.

Substitutes

MF, Servando Carrasco (17’), 7.5 – Came in for Nocerino and provided good midfield depth. Scored the only goal in the 34th minute off a corner kick from Johnson, proving to be the eventual game winner. His forward passing and long balls were a bit off today, but his defensive coverage on the ground was solid.

MF, Giles Barnes (68’), 6 – Played some solid defense after coming on for MPG and helped Orlando preserve the lead. Earned a free kick in a good spot in the 80th minute and was strong on the ball in the limited opportunities he had.

MF, Luis Gil (83’), 6 – Made his first appearance for Orlando City and was shown a yellow card after only two minutes after coming on. Other than that, he didn’t get a chance to do too much. Did have a good defensive play in the 87th minute.

That’s how I saw tonight’s performances. Let us know what you thought below and be sure to vote for your Orlando City Man of the Match.

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Jonathan Spector157
Servando Carrasco59
Matias Perez Garcia7
Cristian Higuita23
Joe Bendik25
Other (Tell us in the comments)3

Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/2/23

The Pride sign a new keeper, the MLS playoffs continue, the USWNT is in action, and more.

Published

on

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Salutations on this satisfactory Saturday, Mane Landers. We’re heading for the home stretch of 2023, and what a year it has been. Make sure that you are catching all of our Season in Review articles for both the Orlando City and Orlando Pride players. Things tend to happen personnel-wise in December, so be prepared. Until then, let’s check out today’s links. But first, let’s wish a happy 26th birthday to Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar.

Pride Sign a New Keeper

The Orlando Pride signed Finnish goalkeeper Sofia Manner from FC Honka of Finland’s top flight, the Kansallinen Liiga. With the addition of Manner, the Pride have four keepers on the roster heading into 2024. Manner is expected to compete for the starting job, though the same could be said of both Anna Moorhouse and Carly Nelson. It is unlikely all four netminders will be on the Pride once the season starts. Manner has international experience and was the best keeper in the Kansallinen Liiga.

MLS Conference Finals Tonight

I wouldn’t blame you if you decided not to watch the remainder of the MLS playoffs after last weekend’s disappointing result. However, if you are going see how it all sorts out, you might want to study up on the matches. We’re all too aware that the Columbus Crew will be facing FC Cincinnati to see which club wins the Eastern Conference. Over on the other side, LAFC will take on the Houston Dynamo to determine the Western Conference champion.

MLS Player Moves

As the playoffs come to a close, the signings and transfers around the league are ramping up, but who will stay and who will go? New York Red Bulls midfielder Dru Yearwood is heading to Nashville SC as reported by The Athletic (paywalled) since Dax McCarthy is out of contract there and won’t be returning.

The Philadelphia Union have signed midfielder Jesus Bueno to a new three-year contract through 2026 with an option for 2027. Meanwhile, Gustavo Bou won’t be returning to the New England Revolution. So, um…maybe he’d like to come south and score goals for Orlando City rather than against the Lions? Before anyone gets too crazy, it should be on a non-DP deal.

USWNT Hosts China

The USWNT is back in friendly action against China this afternoon in Ft. Lauderdale at 3 p.m. and then on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. in Frisco TX. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore will be in charge since newly-named Head Coach Emma Hayes doesn’t start until the 2023-2024 Women’s Super League season in England is over. Hayes is the current head coach of Chelsea FC Women’s. This is the first match between the two teams since 2018, and a lot has changed. The USWNT has been very solid on defense in 2023, allowing only two goals back in the SheBelieves Cup.

Free Kicks

  • If you haven’t heard of a “sin bin,” think of it like a penalty box in hockey. The idea has been getting a runout in lower league matches in English football by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) with some good results. It’s not yet confirmed, but MLS may institute the change in 2024. The idea is to reduce dissension by having a player sit for 10 minutes during a match. Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken out against the idea. What do you think of the concept?
  • Real Salt Lake has promoted Kurt Schmid to sporting director and interim chief soccer officer.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo will have to deal with a $1 billion class-action lawsuit for his role in promoting NFTs for Binance. Maybe that’s why he signed for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League?
  • Speaking of the Saudi Pro League, it looks like Mohamed Salah may not be leaving EPL side Liverpool anytime soon. The prolific striker is looking for a new contract to stay at Anfield.
  • I’ll take things Pedro Gallese would not do for $400, Alex.

That will do it for today. Please go forth and enjoy your weekend!

Continue Reading

Orlando City

2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Kyle Smith

Let’s look back at The Accountant’s fifth MLS season.

Published

on

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Fullback Kyle Smith was originally signed on Dec. 21, 2018 when James O’Connor was Orlando City’s head coach. He proved to be a valuable Swiss Army knife-type player and earned a new contract on March 29, 2021 through the 2022 season with a 2023 club option. Orlando City picked up his 2023 option at the end of the 2022 season but then signed Smith to a new one-year contract for 2023 just weeks later with an option for 2024.

Let’s have a look back at The Accountant’s fifth MLS season.

Statistical Breakdown

Smith appeared in 25 matches during the 2023 regular season, starting 17 times and logging 1,501 minutes. It was his third-most appearances but his second-most minutes since making the jump from Louisville City to MLS ahead of the 2019 season. He scored one goal and assisted on three others, setting a new career high in the latter category. Smith attempted seven shots, putting two on target. He passed at a 78.7% clip, including nine key passes, five successful crosses, and 36 successful long passes. Defensively, Smith recorded 35 tackles, 16 interceptions, 40 clearances, and two blocked shots. He drew eight fouls while committing 20 and was booked five times on the year.

The 31-year-old appeared in all three of Orlando City’s three playoff matches — both off the bench — and logged 65 minutes. He did not score a goal or assist on one, attempting one shot, which he put on frame. He passed at an 82.5% rate in the postseason. He posted two tackles and a clearance defensively. He did not commit a foul or draw one and he wasn’t booked.

In the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, Smith came off the bench in the first leg at Tigres, playing minutes, passing at just a 25% rate (small sample size), did not attempt a shot, did not draw or concede a foul, and was not booked.

During Leagues Cup play, Smith appeared in all three of Orlando’s matches (all starts), logging 150 minutes. He did not contribute to a goal or attempt a shot in the tournament, committing four fouls and earning two yellow cards. Smith did not play in Orlando City’s lone U.S. Open Cup match.

Best Game

Smith’s best match of 2023 came in Orlando City’s 1-1 home draw against Atlanta United on May 27, and not only because that’s when he scored his lone goal of the season, although that doesn’t hurt. El Soldado started and went the full 90 minutes. He fired two shots on the night, putting one on target (and in the net), and passed at an exceptional 90.3% rate on 31 attempts, which was his third-best passing night of the season. He completed two successful long balls on two attempts, chipping in four clearances (second only to Antonio Carlos), a tackle, and an interception on the night. His big moment came in the 30th minute, when a well-worked attack up the left kicked out to him on the right side. Smith was perfectly positioned and made no mistake in putting the Lions ahead 1-0.

Although the match was spoiled by a late equalizer, Smith turned in one of his best performances since joining Orlando City and if not for his goal, the outcome might have been a lot more somber than a 1-1 draw.

2023 Final Grade

Smith received a composite score of 6 out of 10 for his 2023 performance from The Mane Land staff. This is an improvement over the 5.5 he earned last year but slightly below the 6.5 he earned for the 2021 season. Previously, Smith was given a 5.5 in 2020 and he got the same score after the 2019 season. The staff awarded Smith for his effort, versatility, and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. He is the quintessential team player. But beyond all of the above, he simply played well most of his minutes on the pitch. At his age, he’s going to struggle to contain the league’s speediest wing players, particularly when playing on his weaker left side, but his ability to adapt is unquestioned. The perfect example of that was when he was tucking inside from his fullback spot earlier in the season to add an additional player to the midfield and freeing Facundo Torres up to have more space in which to operate on the right side.

2024 Outlook

Smith’s return may ultimately rest with whether or not Oscar Pareja stays on with the Lions, although a decision might need to be made earlier than that, as the club must make a decision on his option. Pareja has valued Smith’s versatility and work ethic over the last few years, and with more competitions and matches than ever before, it’s always good to have a depth player who can plug and play in multiple positions. He played his second-most MLS minutes in 2023, so he’s still seeing the field plenty.

If I had to guess, and this section is for exactly that, I’d say the club will either exercise his option or sign him to a new one-year deal with an option year for 2025. However, what complicates matters is that Smith is over age 24 and has played five MLS seasons, which means he’s eligible for free agency. If he’s back in 2024, I would expect him to again be a key backup at both fullback positions, getting some spot starts in U.S. Open Cup or when fixture congestion is heavy.


Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

Continue Reading

Orlando City

2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Abdi Salim

We continue our Orlando City player retrospectives with a look at one of the Lions’ 2023 draft picks.

Published

on

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City used its third pick of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft to select Abdi Salim with the 17th overall pick. Salim played his college soccer at Syracuse and the Lions picked up the center back to help with depth at a position that didn’t really have a ton of established bodies behind Antonio Carlos, Robin Jansson, and Rodrigo Schlegel. He was then signed to a one-year deal in February that contained three option years for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons.

Let’s have a look at Salim’s first season as a professional.

Statistical Breakdown

Salim made his Major League Soccer debut at home against FC Cincinnati on March 4. It was Salim’s only start of the year and he went the full 90 minutes as the Lions drew 0-0 against the eventual Supporters’ Shield winners. He made two other appearances in away games against D.C. United and Charlotte FC, both of which ended as 1-1 draws as he finished with 148 MLS minutes on the year.

Defensively he recorded four tackles, four interceptions, three clearances, a block, and won two aerial duels. He did not record any offensive statistics, but was solid with his distribution as he averaged 87.3% passing accuracy and completed one cross and one long ball each.

Given that it was only his first season as a professional, he spent the bulk of his time in MLS NEXT Pro with Orlando City B. With the Young Lions he played in 16 matches, starting 14 of them and racking up 1,162 minutes. He finished with 11 interceptions and a tackle while committing seven fouls and drawing 11 and picking up one yellow card. Salim took nine shots, put two of them on target, and scored a goal on each one he got on frame. He passed very well, finishing with a 90.2% success rate, two key passes, and 18 long balls.

Best Game

The honor of his best game goes to his first ever professional appearance, when he started and played the whole game in the aforementioned 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati. Salim finished with three tackles, three clearances, and an interception while passing with 87% accuracy, completing a long ball on his only attempt, and helping the Lions keep a clean sheet at home. He was a bit shaky at first, as he was deployed as the third center back in a three-man back line, but he settled down in the second half and finished with a grade of 5.5 out of 10 from Nic Josey.

2023 Final Grade

Given that Salim didn’t crack 200 minutes and we require a minimum of 450 to award a grade for the season, he receives an incomplete for the 2023 season. He did some good things when down with Orlando City B, and filled in well enough with the senior side when called upon, but we simply need to see more of him in order to figure out what he’s really able to do.

2024 Outlook

It’s likely that Salim will spend more time with Orlando City B next season, but with no one seemingly laying claim to the fourth center back position, he should have a chance to show what he’s capable of during preseason. He seemed to be in competition with Thomas Williams for the back up spot not occupied by Rodrigo Schlegel, but he may have moved past him in the pecking order as he made more appearances than the Homegrown signing, both with OCSC and OCB. Regardless, as an inexpensive young player with potential, there’s no reason to think he won’t be here next year.


Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

Continue Reading

Trending