Connect with us

Orlando City

Orlando City vs New York City FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

Published

8 years ago

on

Orlando City and New York City FC squared off for the third time this year and this time NYCFC came away with the victory, handing Orlando its first defeat at home this year. The loss also continues a downward trend for the Lions in May, as they have yet to win a game this month.

An unlucky break for Orlando saw David Villa slot away a penalty after a Kaká handball in the box. Then NYC doubled the lead after Rodney Wallace put away a back post cross that skimmed across the face of goal. A missed penalty by Cyle Larin summed up the night as Villa added another with 10 minutes left to seal the 3-0 loss for Orlando

Well, let’s break it down

Starters

GK, Joe Bendik, 5 — Rough night for Orlando’s net minder. Couldn’t really be blamed for the three goals he gave up, except maybe the second one that skimmed across the face of goal. Still was able to hold of the bleeding with some solid saves. Had a good save off a bending effort by Jack Harrison in the 71st minute.

D, Donny Toia, 4.5 — As with his most recent games, seemed a step slow trying to cover Jack Harrison on the wing. Got dragged too much inside and struggled to recover on overlapping runs. Offensively, he couldn’t get much going forward and struggled to get back on defense.

D, Jonathan Spector, 5 — After missing the last game with an illness, Spector looked a bit off. Some uncharacteristic play from the defender, including a few poor passes, bad touches and a 76% passing accuracy accumulated into an off day for the American.

D, Leo Pereira, 4.5 — Just like the rest of the defense, it was collectively an off day for the rookie. Started out with a silly foul on David Villa in the ninth minute just outside the box that gave NYC its first big chance of the game, but luckily Orlando was able to clear it. Came in on Villa again in the 16th minute, clipping him from behind. He struggled to come up against the NYC pressure and just booted a lot of balls down field, which disrupted play. Yellow shown in stoppage time after a foul. Sliding clearance in stoppage time to prevent an easy tap in.

D, Scott Sutter, 5 — Had arguably the best game out of the defensive line than the rest of the back line. Struggled offensively to get forward and help in the attack, which is shown by the 70% passing accuracy he had in the game, although he did draw the penalty that Larin ultimately missed in the 62nd minute. Still did well marking Rodney Wallace for the most part, other than the goal he scored in 35th minute. Still, it seemed that he had the better game than the others.

MF, Will Johnson, 5 — Much of the game, Johnson looked like the multitude of games played recently had caught up to him. Not his usual ball of energy that helped dominate the midfield over the past games and NYC had an easier time breaking them down as a result. He did have 89% passing through the game, but a lot of those passes were back into the defense. Also was second on the team in clearances. Had a volleyed shot in the 77th minute that went wide.

MF, Antonio Nocerino, 5.5 — Much of the Italian’s night was spent in the back line, trying to provide defensive depth and help in distributing the ball. His 85% passing accuracy was second on the team, and led the team in tackles and interceptions. Gave away a dangerous free kick just outside of the box in the 40th minute. Ended up coming out in the 60th minute for MPG.

MF, Cristian Higuita, 5 — Higuita tried to be the usual ball winner that he is known to be, but like the rest of the team, he was a step slow. His passing was much improved with an 85% clip. He was fourth on the team in interceptions and tackles.

MF, Kaká, 4.5 — Tough break for Ricky in the early parts of the game. Was called for a handball in the 13th minute, which didn’t look intentional, but his arm was well outstretched, leading to the Villa penalty kick. Struggled for the most part to make an impact in the game. Came off in the 60th minute for Barnes.

MF, Carlos Rivas, 6 (MOTM)— In a mix of lackluster performances, Rivas showed the most out of anyone. Received a yellow card for tripping Villa as they were going for a loose ball. In the second half, he continued to pressure the back line and run at the defense. Helped Orlando earn a penalty after a through ball to Sutter played him in on goal. Had a chance at a header in the 78th minute, which flew wide. Took a free kick just a minute later which flew way into the stands. He was really the only player to threaten Sean Johnson much.

F, Cyle Larin, 4 — It was not meant to be for Cyle Larin. The forward just did not have anything going for him on the night. He tried his best to create something in the attack, but credit to Maxime Chanot, who kept Larin quiet throughout the match. The Canadian did have a chance to get off the schneid with a penalty in the 63rd minute, but blasted it off the post. Summed up the night in a nutshell for Larin and the Lions.

Substitutions

M, Matias Perez Garcia (60’), 5 — Came on in the 60th minute and provided a bit of speed on the wings, but only touched the ball 12 times. A few of those touches led to chances, but ultimately they led to nothing.

F, Giles Barnes (60’), 5 — Also came on in the 60th minute. He had one more touch than MPG and tried to do a bit on his own, but the NYC defense shut him down.

M, Luis Gil (75’), 5.5 — Came on for Higuita. With his first touch of the game, he blasted an effort outside the box, which was just parried away by Sean Johnson. Completed 100% of his passes.

That’s how I saw it. What did you think? Vote for your Orlando City MotM below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Carlos Rivas61
Scott Sutter15
Antonio Nocerino16
Joe Bendik2
Other30

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

17 hours ago

on

June 5, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

Free Kicks

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 4, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

June 3, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

Free Kicks

  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

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

Continue Reading

Trending