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Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Seattle Sounders FC

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8 years ago

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Orlando City will try for the third time to take something out of a game against the Seattle Sounders when the two teams tangle tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET at CenturyLink Field. The first two meetings saw the Sounders win a pair of lopsided matches by a combined score of 7-1.

When you factor in that Seattle is playing better of late, winning three of the last five and three straight at home, against an Orlando side that has one win from the last nine outings, things could seem a little bleak. Now add in that Jason Kreis will rotate the squad somewhat, meaning it won’t be a full first-choice starting XI, and Cyle Larin is still unavailable. Prospects for a result seem even more remote.

But hey, you’ve got to play the game, and anything can happen for 90+ minutes after a kickoff in a game of soccer. So, we’ll see what happens.

Stopping by to give us an advance scouting report on the Sounders is Andrew Tingkang from SB Nation’s Seattle blog, Sounder at Heart. I responded to SAH’s questions as well, and you can find those responses over at their place.

While it certainly is too early for Seattle fans to panic, the Sounders don’t seem to be clicking on offense the way they did down the stretch last season. What’s going on with the attack?

Andrew Tingkang: The Sounders’ attack has been hampered by injuries, national team call-ups, and an unsettled starting XI that seems to shift from week to week as players show better or worse form. Harry Shipp started the season injured, Will Bruin has been injured, Jordan Morris has been injured almost all year, and that’s just in the attack.  The Sounders seem to have two primary modes of attack: through-balls on the ground or over the top to Morris or Joevin Jones and building out of the back when there are no lanes for through-balls.  With Morris injured, and the defense shifting through fifth-and-sixth stringers due to the aforementioned injuries, the Sounders have had to try and find other ways of getting goals. 

Honestly, Nicolas Lodeiro seems to be the one who is missing the same sharpness that he had last season, missing great opportunities to put crosses away, delivering meandering crosses (especially corners) himself, and not quite hitting Morris or others in stride like he did last season. He’s still usually the best player on the pitch for the Sounders, capable of delivering a dose of magic at any moment, but he hasn’t connected this year with the ease he did last. Perhaps that’s the short off-season, perhaps it’s a combination of all the other factors adding up to hamper the Sounders, but if the Sounders are to defend their championship, Lodeiro likely needs to bring his game back up a notch.  

Statistically, it looks like Jordan Morris is the player who is having trouble linking up with Clint Dempsey, Nicolas Lodeiro, etc. Has Morris hit a sophomore slump or is he just being snake bitten?

AT: Maybe? It is really tough to tell with Jordan. We know he’s been literally hamstrung for part of the season and then earned himself a bum ankle, both injuries which he mostly played through. He’s also been shuffled back and forth from forward to wing, depending on how Brian Schmetzer sees the tactical approach for the day (usually a choice between Bruin and Shipp/Alvaro Fernandez). There have been games where Morris looks great on the wing with Bruin clearing space for him up top, and games where Morris looks best pushing the back line with more possession-oriented, defense capable wingers/mids behind him. Not to mention Jordan’s extremely short off-season, having less than a month between winning the MLS Cup and joining the USMNT camp in January. 

On the other hand, Morris should be doing much better statistically than he has been.  He has been clear on breakaways where his shot just wouldn’t fall right. He has served up balls to guys like Lodeiro and Dempsey on a platter that they couldn’t finish. Just this weekend, Morris watched his beautiful through-ball to Shipp, who was clear on goal, die in a puddle of water that stopped the ball in its tracks. 

All that to say is the jury is still out. We think Morris will return to form with a bit of health and a (hopeful) settling into the lineup, whether that’s at wing or forward. But we are expecting more from the young man than he’s achieved so far this year.

Flipping from offense to defense, only a couple of teams have conceded more goals than the Sounders so far in 2017. Is this simply a matter of getting through some injuries on the back line or is there more to the issue than meets the eye?

AT: This we can comfortably say is almost entirely due to injuries. The Sounders were one of the best defensive teams in MLS last year, especially through the MLS Cup run, and have only gotten better by swapping Mears for Evans. Unfortunately, Roman Torres and Brad Evans have not been able to stay healthy, leading to constant shuffling at the back as Chad Marshall and Jones have also missed a handful of games. Simply put, the Sounders have had to give way too many minutes to Jordy Delem, and Tony Alfaro has shown he is not ready to be a full-time starter. The Sounders have been eaten alive on the road, totally falling apart in the second halves of certain games, largely due to mistakes from the youngsters. Of course, at home the Sounders are giving up less than a goal-per-game, posting shutouts in their last three home matches, while also usually fielding slightly stronger lineups. I would expect the Sounders to be a top five defense with Jones, Marshall, Torres, and Evans all healthy, with Gustav Svensson filling in where needed.  

Injuries/suspensions/projected starting XI/score line prediction?

AT: Oniel Fisher and Jordy Delem are at the Caribbean Cup with Jamaica and Martinique, respectively. 

Projected lineup: Stefan Frei; Joevin Jones, Chad Marshall, Roman Torres, Brad Evans; Osvaldo Alonso, Cristian Roldan; Clint Dempsey, Nicolas Lodeiro, Jordan Morris; Will Bruin

Score prediction: 2-0 Seattle win.

Big thanks to Andrew from Sounder at Heart for giving us some insight on tonight’s opponents from the Pacific Northwest.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

Published

17 hours ago

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April 9, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re neck deep into a busy week of soccer with the USWNT late Tuesday night, Orlando City B playing tonight, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on the Saturday schedule this weekend. Don’t you love this time of the year? I love that there’s almost always a soccer match available to watch. Let’s get to the links.

Focus on Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City continues the Lion’s Den Walk and Talk series of interviewing players with a look at center back Rodrigo Schlegel. This is your opportunity to get to know the Argentinian defender. He speaks of his childhood, his family, and his time with Orlando. My favorite part is when he speaks of the matches that have helped define him.

Citrus Kit Fashion

Since 2022, the Orlando Pride have collaborated with artists to create concept kits from the club’s current kit. This season, the club partnered with Sophie Hird on the Citrus Kit. Hird is a British designer and graduate of London College of Fashion. The result has a western flair seen here modeled by Pride defender Cori Dyke.

Bringing handmade kit art to life 🎨Learn More: orlsoccer.co/SophieHird

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T15:00:16.833Z

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

The Custom Pride Kit Series over the years ✨

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T18:20:45.683Z

OCB Hosts New England Revolution II

Orlando City B welcomes New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park tonight. The Young Lions will try to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Chattanooga FC Saturday. It won’t get any easier against Revs II, who sit just above OCB in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Revs II haven’t conceded any goals so far this season, and have scored just as many goals as the Young Lions. The match start time is 7 p.m. and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.

Brazil Defeats USWNT

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated the USWNT 2-1 Tuesday night scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The U.S. got things started early on a goal in the first minute from Catarina Macario, but was unable to add to that later in the match. The Pride’s Angelina got the start for Brazil, but Emily Sams did not appear for the USWNT. Maybe if Sams in subbed on then Amanda Gutierres doesn’t get that winning goal. We’ll never know.

USMNT Players Abroad

Several USMNT players were in action, including former Lion Daryl Dike, who saw action in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Dike subbed on in the 65th minute for the Baggies. It’s been a month since he returned to action following his second torn Achilles tendon. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United defeated Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough 1-0.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer scored for Mansfield Town in EFL League One in a match against Leyton Orient, extending his goal-scoring streak. Seems he finally wanted to score.

Nice to see Dom Dwyer's back in the goals. He's scored in three consecutive games for Mansfield Town in EFL League One after finding the net tonight against Leyton Orient.

— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-04-08T23:32:43.320Z

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/8/25

Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 8, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City Academy Roundup

The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.

We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.

UEFA Champions League Preview

As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.

Free Kicks

That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/7/25

Lions draw on the road, OCB falls to Chattanooga FC, USWNT beats Brazil, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

April 7, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road

Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.

OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road

Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.

USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.

MLS Weekend Recap

The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.
  • Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
  • Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.
  • Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
  • Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
  • Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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