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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New York City FC (Round 3)

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8 years ago

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Orlando City (6-3-2, 20 points) is now winless in four straight games (0-2-2) after a brilliant start to the 2017 season, but one could easily argue that three of those four matches could — and should — have been victories. Snapping the streak won’t be easy because New York City FC (5-4-2, 17 points). These teams always play tight, heart-stopping games.

New York City FC is a solid team that can both score and prevent scoring. The Sky Blues are second in the Eastern Conference in goals conceded (13, one fewer than Orlando City), and one goal off from the conference lead in goals scored, with 19 — five more than the Lions. David Villa is always a handful but Jack Harrison seems to be finding his scoring boots, finding the net four times since these two teams last met in late April.

Both teams are coming off long trips out west, with NYCFC falling to Real Salt Lake, 2-1, and Orlando City conceding an 83rd-minute equalizer to freakin’ Wondo at San Jose in a 1-1 draw.

Here to help us scout tomorrow’s opponents yet again is Jake Gofman from SB Nation’s New York City FC blog, Hudson River Blue. And if you want to see how I responded to their questions, you can head over to their place.

It’s hard to believe these teams will wrap up a three-game season series before the end of May but here we are. How has New York City FC evolved as a team (in terms of tactics, shape, and preferred personnel) from the beginning of the season up to the game Wednesday night at Real Salt Lake?

Jake Gofman: Not sure how the schedule spit this out but so be it, three matches in 12 games against the same team. I would say the evolution of the side has been gradual but impactful. What I mean by that is the Vieira system remains the same, the team is, for the most part, the same as it was to start the season, and the shape has been consistent. 

The changes that have been made are relatively small, but they’ve had a big effect on how NYC plays and also the results of their matches. The biggest change thus far has been the exclusion of Andrea Pirlo in recent weeks from the starting XI. While he started against RSL midweek, my takeaway is that there may be only a handful of times we see Pirlo start again for New York. In the several previous games leading up to RSL, Vieira made the move to put Yangel Herrera, CM and Man City loanee, in the Pirlo spot, and the results speak for themselves. The team has been more dynamic, the defending more consistent, and Herrera demonstrated that he is a player capable of covering acres of space, allowing Maxi to do his thing and Ring to facilitate more.  

There have been other small tweaks here and there, but replacing Pirlo has been the most effective move employed so far by Vieira. 

Both teams are coming back from the west to play Sunday’s match. Both teams rotated personnel Wednesday night. Does either team have an advantage in terms of legs and rest for key players?

JG: In looking at Orlando’s expected starting XI in comparison to the team fielded on Wednesday, it looks like Kreis and Vieira thought similarly in how they might approach the midweek game. Each manager sat two key defenders, a fullback and a center back, and four forward players. Each manager opted to sub in starters to try and get a result, each manager unsuccessful in that regard (although the Rivas sub paid dividends for Kreis, just only for a few minutes). 

It looks to me like there won’t be a significant advantage one way or another with how the rotations and substitutions went midweek. The offensive firepower in NYC (Villa, Harrison, Wallace) all sat, so they will be raring to go. The midfield in the diamond got a rest in Orlando though, and that should help the team keep position. I see this as a toss-up.  

Orlando City is winless in four matches (0-2-2) but has played well in three of those games, and NYCFC has only won two of its last five. Which team seems more likely to get the W or is this going to be a draw?

JG: For sanity’s sake, I really hope NYC because I can’t take another Cyle Larin game winner. NYCFC’s form has been really strong since the Orlando City match (when Pirlo was kicked to the curb), beating Columbus on the road, taking it to Atlanta at home, and gaining an excellent point against a scary good Dallas team on the road. Our RSL flop was in large part due to silly personnel changes that Vieira admitted to post-game.

Pirlo will almost certainly not be in the XI, but Herrera is on U-20 duty with Venezuela so that CM spot is open. Carmargo has been solid there, as has Tommy Mac, but Vieira may go more defense and side with Mikey Lopez. In any case, it would be nearly the same core team that had taken seven points from three games before RSL, so it ought to be a strong side. 

I think we have the slight form advantage, but playing in Orlando Stadium might trigger PTSD for our boys. I sense a draw in the end. 

What injuries/suspensions is the team dealing with? What is your projected lineup and score prediction?  

JG: As mentioned, Yangel is on international duty, Ronald Matarrita remains sidelined with a high ankle sprain and Khiry Shelton is out with the hamstring problem. No suspensions. 

Projected lineup: (4-3-3): Sean Johnson; Ben Sweat, Alexander Callens, Maxime Chanot, Ethan White; Mikey Lopez, Maxi Moralez, Alexander Ring; Rodney Wallace, David Villa, Jack Harrison. 

Final score: 2-2 and each team grabs a point.  

Big thanks to Jake from Hudson River Blue for taking time to answer some questions about the Sky Blues ahead of Round 3.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/23/25

Orlando City signs Thomas Williams to new contract, Orlando Pride schedule revealed, USMNT wins against Costa Rica, and more.

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7 hours ago

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January 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

I hope you all are staying warm as we deal with cold weather across Florida. It’s at least been nice to break out some of my heavier blankets and forgotten hot cocoa packets I’ve had stored away. My cat has also been curling up next to me more, which is always a plus. Still, not shivering while waiting for my car to warm up would be great. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Thomas Williams Signs New Orlando City Contract

Orlando City center back Thomas Williams signed a new contract with the club that lasts through 2026, with an option for 2027 as well. Williams joined the club’s academy back in 2015 and became the youngest Homegrown Player in club history when he signed a first-team contract at 16 years old in 2021. The 20-year-old hasn’t featured much for the first team, and he’ll likely spend most of this year with Orlando City B for consistent playing time. Hopefully Williams can take a step forward in his development and provide the Lions some helpful depth at center back in the event of injuries.

Orlando Pride 2025 Season Schedule Unveiled

The NWSL announced its 2025 season schedule Wednesday, and the Orlando Pride will start their title defense season at home against the Chicago Red Stars on March 14. Their first road game will be the following weekend on March 23 against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Decision Day returns to the schedule this year, with all 14 clubs in action on Nov. 2. The Pride will close out their regular season at home that day against the Seattle Reign, with the postseason set to begin on Nov. 7. There’s also a break in the schedule in July, with no regular-season games scheduled due to international tournaments like the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and Copa America Femenina.

USMNT Shuts Out Costa Rica in Orlando

The United States Men’s National Team beat Costa Rica 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando Wednesday night to stay perfect at the home of the Lions and Pride at 7-0-0. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen truly earned his clean sheet, coming up with some great saves to deny Costa Rica. It was also a solid attacking performance from the Yanks, and Patrick Agyemang put a bow on what’s been a great month for him with his second goal in as many games. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has some time to assess things before the USMNT plays Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on March 20

Keeping Up With MLS Transfer News

San Diego FC added another Designated Player ahead of its inaugural season, signing Danish winger Anders Dreyer from Anderlecht for a transfer fee reportedly near $5 million. He recorded 31 goals and 23 assists in 87 appearances across all competitions for Anderlecht and joins San Diego on a three-year deal. Charlotte FC officially added Wilfried Zaha on loan from Galatasaray. He’ll occupy a DP spot and the loan lasts through Jan. 16, 2026, with an option to extend it through June of that year as well.

LAFC made a trade with its rival to strengthen its midfield, acquiring Mark Delgado from the LA Galaxy in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money. The Portland Timbers signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from Shakhtar Donetsk as an MLS U22 Initiative player, with FC Cincinnati receiving GAM for his discovery rights. Real Salt Lake, which signed Mason Stajduhar from Orlando City earlier this month, continued to make changes to its goalkeeping group. The club signed veteran goalkeeper Rafael Cabral as a free agent and transferred 19-year-old American Gavin Beavers to Brondby IF in Denmark.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The penultimate round of the UEFA Champions League’s league phase wrapped up this week. Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester City 4-2 in the heavyweight matchup of the round, with all six goals coming in the second half. Joao Neves gave PSG the lead in the 78th minute before Goncalo Ramos put the game on ice in stoppage time. City now needs to win its final game against Club Brugge on Wednesday in order to advance.

Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 win against RB Salzburg to advance, with both Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. scoring braces. Celtic also booked its spot in the next round after a 1-0 win against Young Boys. Feyenoord pulled off an upset by winning 3-0 against Bayern Munich as well. Elsewhere in the tournament, AC Milan won 1-0 at home against Girona, Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0, and RB Leipzig did well in a 2-1 victory over Sporting CP.

Free Kicks

  • American goalkeeper Michelle Betos announced her retirement from professional soccer after a career that included winning the 2016 NWSL Shield with the Portland Thorns and the 2023 NWSL Championship with Gotham. Betos was also named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year with the Thorns in 2015.
  • Arsenal and Chelsea are among the multiple clubs reportedly keeping an eye on American forward Trinity Rodman, whose contract with the Washington Spirit ends after this year.
https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1882171400481542482

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

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Orlando City

Orlando City Signs Defender Thomas Williams Through 2026

Orlando City signs Homegrown center back Thomas Williams to a new contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027.

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1 day ago

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January 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Orlando City announced this morning that the club has signed defender Thomas Williams through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027. The Homegrown Player has been with the first team since 2021 and will continue for at least two more years.

“Thomas is someone whose future we’re still very excited about and we’re happy to get him locked in with us for a couple more years,” Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He’s shown a lot of growth these last few seasons, continuing to get game action with Orlando City B and proving the importance of our development pathway, and we’re looking forward to having him with us for the foreseeable future.”

The Titusville native joined the Orlando City Academy in 2015 and made his professional debut for the club on Aug. 7, 2020 against New England Revolution II. He played in 13 games that year with 10 starts and recorded 844 minutes. His play on the Young Lions’ back line earned him a first-team contract on June 15, 2021, at just 16 years old, making him the youngest player in club history to sign a Homegrown contract.

The 20-year-old center back made his MLS debut on April 16, 2022 in a 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew in Ohio. He made five appearances with three starts in all competitions that season, recording 271 minutes. To date, those are the only appearances he’s made with the first team.

Since joining OCB in 2021, Williams has made 69 appearances with 61 starts and recorded 5,132 minutes. He’s been booked 19 times and sent off twice, both times after receiving second yellow cards.

What It Means for Orlando City

Williams is the fourth natural center back for Orlando City on the current squad behind Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, and Rodrigo Schlegel. He played well early in his OCB and MLS career, but has struggled recently. Last year, he played exclusively with the second team, partnering with Nabi Kibunguchy.

While Williams hasn’t made much of an impact on the first team so far, he’s only 20 years old and still has plenty of time to develop. Extending his contact shows that the club still has faith that he can turn into a key player for the MLS side.

It’s unlikely that Williams will see any time with the first team in 2025 (barring injuries and/or suspensions), considering that he’s also been behind versatile defender Kyle Smith at the center back position. He’ll likely spend the upcoming season with OCB, continuing to develop and earn his spot with the first team. As a Homegrown Player, there isn’t much risk in signing Williams to a new contract, especially if the club’s technical staff thinks he can develop into a quality defender.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/22/25

Orlando City transfer rumors, Orlando Pride preseason begins, USMNT at Inter&Co, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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January 22, 2025

By

Dan MacDonald, The ManeLand

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Up here in Tallahassee, I’m waking up to snow/sleet, closed schools, closed government offices, and potentially icy roads. Many people will get an extra day off of work, however, I still get to go to work. I’m sure you can imagine how happy I am about that. Enough of my winter grumbling. Let’s get to the links but not until after we wish Orlando City fullback Michael Halliday a happy 22nd birthday.

Orlando City Reportedly Targeting Croatian International

While I can no longer say that Orlando City hasn’t signed any new players, the club is still moving at its traditionally slow speed as compared to other MLS clubs. We had the signing of Nicolas Rodriguez last week. Now, we have Tom Bogert report of yet another winger prospect for the club in Croatian Marco Pasalic from HNK Rijeka, though it is not a done deal. Hopefully the other targets Bogert mentions are of the striker variety.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881755961125449765?s=46&t=pMoq7Wulqfb35D7C8ydroA

Pride Preseason Begins

The 2024 NWSL champions are back to defend their title. The Orlando Pride returned to training on Tuesday. The club hasn’t needed to add many pieces, though some of the players already here, like Simone Charley and Grace Chanda, haven’t actually played any minutes for the Pride yet. Most of the chemistry is in place for Seb Hines, but reinforcing those bonds will be the challenge as the Pride look to repeat.

USMNT at Inter&Co Tonight

Hopefully you have tickets to the USMNT friendly match versus Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The match starts at 7 p.m. and there are television and streaming options if you’re not going in person. Despite the squad having 14 players with three or fewer caps, Mauricio Pochettino does not consider this an “alternative” squad, nor does he want the players to think of themselves like that.

Girma Reportedly Nearing Completion of Chelsea Move

USWNT defender Naomi Girma is reportedly headed to Chelsea FC Women for a record $1.1 million transfer fee. That is a very big chunk of change for San Diego FC to use to try to replace one of the best defenders in the world. The deal is not complete as of Tuesday evening, but according to the original report from The Athletic, it is close to being done. Girma would be the first women’s soccer player to earn a transfer fee of over $1 million.

MLS Transfer Updates

Other MLS clubs keep on putting pen to paper when it comes to new players. The Chicago Fire are bringing in Jonathan Bamba on a Designated Player deal from La Liga side Celta de Vigo. The Luca de la Torre loan from Spain’s RC Celta de Vigo to San Diego FC is also official.

https://twitter.com/sandiegofc/status/1881741042904350864

Cucho Hernandez evidently wants to stay with the Columbus Crew, though he is still waiting on a new offer.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881786193693823104

Free Kicks

https://twitter.com/weareangelcity/status/1881749040863588770?s=12&t=_WZBNG4ILAyRLdwBeB4mpQ
  • Keep your eyes peeled later today for the NWSL schedule drop.
https://twitter.com/nwsl/status/1881749035218042954?s=46&t=pN-YJp3s7ZQlCXqnTAgSfw

That will do it for today. Stay warm out there, my friends. Vamos Orlando!

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