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Orlando City at Minnesota United: Final Score 1-0 as Adrian Heath Haunts Old Club

The Lions are winless in six matches, haven’t scored in the last two, and appear to be in free fall.

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8 years ago

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Nick Leyva, The Mane Land

Sometimes, you can’t win them all. But right now Orlando City is struggling to win any, as the Lions extended their winless streak to six games this evening (0-4-2) with a 1-0 loss against Minnesota United at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

No Kevin Molino, but no problem for Minnesota, which needed just a goal from Christian Ramirez to give Adrian Heath a win in his first game against his former club since he was fired last July.

Orlando City (6-5-2, 20 points) played without Kaká for the first time since the game at New York City in April, due to precautionary reasons after the Brazilian suffered a hard foul last week.

Jason Kreis decided to go with a flat 4-4-2 formation.

Despite missing their captain, the Lions got off to a positive start in the match, putting together a couple of promising chances within the first 10 minutes. The game wasn’t a minute old when Matias Perez Garcia fired over the bar off a throw-in. Six minutes later, Scott Sutter’s curling attempt fizzed just inches wide of the left post. In the ninth minute, Sutter’s long throw-in fell to Cyle Larin’s feet, but the Canadian’s stab at it was denied by Bobby Shuttleworth.

Orlando continued to be the better side through the game’s first half hour. Carlos Rivas had more time than he thought, rushing his shot in the 13th minute and firing over goal.

The Loons finally got a little bit of pressure shortly after Rivas’ miss, earning a corner. In the 20th minute, Ramirez got in behind Jose Aja but Joe Bendik made the save.

Minutes later, Larin was cut down by Francisco Calvo and MPG placed his free kick on frame, but Shuttleworth dove to his left to keep it out in the 23rd minute. Minnesota started getting more of the ball after that, with Johan Venegas delighting the home crowd with his diving prowess, “earning” a free kick in a dangerous spot and trying to bait referee Nima Saghafi into a penalty.

Rivas nearly found a breakthrough in the 38th minute, intercepting a horrible back pass by Minnesota and breaking in alone on Shuttleworth. His outside-boot shot beat Shuttleworth but clanked off the left post and bounced back to the Loons’ keeper.

Minnesota’s Miguel Ibarra got the last decent chance of the opening period just before the halftime whistle, taking a cross at the back post, but his shot went askew and off frame.

Ramirez nearly broke through just two minutes after the restart when Venegas sent in a cross and the striker lost Aja for the second time in the match. But the ball took a bounce and he mistimed his lunge.

Larin got in down the left in the 48th minute, but Shuttleworth came off his line and the Canadian couldn’t get a chip over the keeper as the game began to get stretched for a spell. A minute later on the other end, Venegas was open at the top of the box but his shot was well over the bar. Luis Gil put one on frame a minute after that but right at Shuttleworth.

In the 54th minute, Sutter sent in a cross that was headed out and fell for Antonio Nocerino. The Italian smashed a ball into the turf that picked up speed and Sam Cronin blocked it with his head. The shot left Cronin dazed for a moment but he was able to return.

Unfortunately, two minutes after the Nocerino effort, the Loons broke the deadlock. Ibson hit a ball to Venegas, who flicked it over the defense and onto Ramirez, who was just kept onside by left back PC. Bendik came off his line but missed the ball, forcing Ramirez to his left. Aja went for the block but Ramirez coolly pulled it back and slotted into the empty net for the game’s only goal.

Orlando nearly pulled it right back. Will Johnson curled in an effort that forced a diving save from Shuttleworth in the 58th minute. Two minutes later, Rivas had a go but didn’t hit it well and it was right at the keeper.

That was about it for the Lions, aside from a couple of shots over the bar from MPG, another from Johnson, and a weak shot on frame from Rivas. Orlando mustered 20 shots, with seven on target, but for the second straight game could not find a single goal.

The last time Orlando City was held without a goal in consecutive games was a three-game run from July 4-13 of last year, losing 4-0 at FC Dallas, drawing Houston, 0-0, and losing at New York Red Bulls, 2-0 — the latter two matches coming under interim coach Bobby Murphy, as Heath was fired after the Dallas loss.

The Lions won’t have to wait long to try to snap this awful skid, hosting D.C. United on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/5/25

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

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24 minutes ago

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June 5, 2025

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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.

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

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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.

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1 day ago

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June 4, 2025

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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.

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

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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

2 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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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.

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

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

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