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Orlando City vs. Minnesota United: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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8 years ago

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Orlando City is in free fall after the most promising start in its MLS existence. There are multiple reasons for it, which is fodder for other columns than this one, but they include other teams adjusting to what Orlando was doing early in the season, a lack of creativity in the final third, and a falling off in form of Cyle Larin and Carlos Rivas.

Those and others are topics for other posts.

This one is to rate Orlando City’s players individually for their part in Saturday night’s loss to expansion Minnesota. It feels bad to lose to a lower table team and to your ex-coach, especially when the opponent was missing its best player. But it’s really just another loss in a bad run of results and the opportunities were there for the Lions had they only taken them.

Usually, these grades are turned in shortly after the conclusion of the game but technical issues with a staff writer’s computer focused my attentions elsewhere. As a result, the delay offered me an opportunity to ignore the emotional reaction of just giving everyone a grade between two and four after the loss and gain perspective that can only come with time to reflect. This might be a good way to do it in the future, actually.

All that said, let’s get to the player ratings.

Starters

GK, Joe Bendik, 6.5 — It would be harsh to blame him overly much on the Christian Ramirez goal. He came off his line to try to make the play and nearly made it. He could possibly have recognized the danger a split second sooner but, again, it would be harsh to blame him too much for a one-on-one play. His 20th-minute save on Ramirez kept the score level early. His distribution was OK. He had to face only five shots and only two were on target.

D, PC, 6.5 — Although not the only player to struggle with his long balls, PC hit only three of 10 on the night. His passing was a decent-ish 78.7% (second among defenders) but he created no chances and attempted only one cross, which didn’t connect. He at least tried to get the attack going but made some curious mistakes, such as dribbling into a triple-team late in the game and then committing a foul after being dispossessed. Earned a free kick in a good spot late but the Lions wasted it by fouling with the ball in the air. Defensively, he was second on the team in tackles (6) and finished with three interceptions and three clearances but also tied for the team high in fouls (4) and kept Ramirez onside on the goal.

D, Jonathan Spector, 7 — Yet another workmanlike effort by Specs, who led the team in clearances (6) and tied for the most interceptions (4), with one tackle. Spector passed at a 76.7% rate, won two aerials, and drew two fouls. It wasn’t a standout game for the veteran center back but it was a solid performance and he generally did his job on the night. People will remember the final score, but likely won’t recall that the defense limited the home team to just five shot attempts and Spector was a big part of that.

D, Jose Aja, 6.5 — The Uruguayan lost track of Ramirez a couple of times – who doesn’t? – but otherwise his night was mostly solid. He gambled and lost in the 20th minute, trying to beat an attacker to the ball, forcing Bendik to make a big save. He bailed out Will Johnson in the 28th by blocking a dangerous cross in transition after the midfielder had turned it over and he did a nice job of holding off Ramirez on a cross in the 78th. His passing rate of 76% was about the same as Spector’s and he won one aerial and made three tackles with four interceptions and five clearances. He managed one key pass but was accurate with only three of 12 long balls.

D, Scott Sutter, 7 (MotM) — Sutter led the entire team in passing accuracy (89.7%) and was second in crosses (5), helping to create on a night when few players were able to do so. His shot in the seventh skipped just wide of the far post. His long throw-in created a chance for Cyle Larin in the ninth minute. He finished with three interceptions and four clearances. Honestly, it was a toss-up for me between Sutter and Spector as Man of the Match but on a night with so little offense, one of the few players who tried to create some gets my nod.

MF, Luis Gil, 6 — The midfielder created a team-high four chances (tied with MPG) and got his one shot on target in the 50th minute, although it was right at Bobby Shuttleworth. He seemed to struggle at times with connecting in the final third, which makes him pretty much like everyone else on the night, but he finished with a 78.1% passing rate. Gil tied Aja and Spector for the team high in interceptions (4) and had one clearance.

MF, Antonio Nocerino, 6 — With two tackles, an interception, and two clearances, Noce did his usual job of trying to shield the back four, albeit in a flat 4-4-2, which may not best suit his strengths. His best moment may have been in the 70th minute, when he dispossessed Johan Venegas inside the box to break up a Minnesota attack. He unleashed a screamer of a shot in the 54th minute that Sam Cronin blocked. His passing percentage of 76.7% was the lowest among the team’s midfielders but they were all within a couple of percentage points of one another. He was the only midfielder aside from Johnson to send a cross into the box.

MF, Will Johnson, 6 — The acting captain didn’t leave too much of a mark on the game but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. His effort and work rate continues to be among the best on the team. He nearly singlehandedly brought the Lions back in the 58th by testing Shuttleworth just two minutes after Minnesota opened the scoring. His worst moment came in the 28th minute with an uncharacteristic sloppy turnover. Had time and space but fired high in the 87th minute. He had two interceptions and three clearances and led the midfield with a 79.2% passing rate.

MF, Matias Perez Garcia, 6 — MPG’s night was a mixture of successes and failures, as usual. He tied for a team high with four chances created, had a game high seven tackles, and was second on the club in shots (4). Yet only one of his four shots was on target and the three misses weren’t close. He earned three free kicks, taking one in the 23rd minute and forcing a diving stop from Shuttleworth. He had better accuracy on his long balls (4/6) than most of his teammates.

F, Carlos Rivas, 4 — I’m noticing a difference between the home and away versions of the Colombian. Rivas was static most of the game, preferring to stand in place to send in crosses rather than take on defenders wide to get to the end line or try to turn the corner. He shoots (wildly) from distance but won’t shoot from close range. He led the team with six crosses but had a few others blocked simply by being unwilling to make an effort to make space for himself. Rivas passed at only a 72.7% rate and got only two of his six shots on target – both of which had little power and were right at the keeper. He was dispossessed a team-high four times. Just not a great night for the Colombian.

F, Cyle Larin, 4 — If anyone was off his game as much as Rivas, it was Larin. He should have done better when Sutter’s throw-in fell at his feet in the box in the ninth minute. He ruined numerous attacks by trying to pass through defenders, and misjudged a through ball that could have seen him in on goal. The Canadian also wasted a late free kick in a good spot with an obvious push that drew the referee’s attention. His passing accuracy (66.7%) tied Bendik for the team low, and he didn’t have goal kicks to drag down his percentage. He did manage to get both of his shot attempts on target and helped out defensively with an interception and two clearances.

Substitutes

MF, Giles Barnes (72’), 4.5 — The Jamaican came on for Gil and was mostly invisible for the game’s final 20+ minutes. The box score shows he had three shots but none were on target and I’m hard pressed to even remember any of them. He completed four of his eight pass attempts and neither of his two crosses.

MF, Cristian Higuita (74’), 5.5 — Despite coming on two minutes later than Barnes, he had six more touches (21 compared to 15) but aside from drawing a foul and winning an aerial, he didn’t have too much impact on the game. His passing rate was good (84.6%) in a limited number of passes (13).

That is what the individual performances looked like to me. What did you think? Be sure to vote below for your OCSC Man of the Match. 

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Jonathan Spector27
Scott Sutter20
PC6
Will Johnson0
Matias Perez Garcia4
Other8

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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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15 hours 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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2 days 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

3 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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