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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New England Revolution

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7 years ago

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Orlando City returns from a 1-2-1 road trip to host the New England Revolution tonight as the Lions look to bounce back from a rough Sunday night in Portland. The big question of late is whether City can finish the game with 11 players on the field. Let’s hope so.

Our friend Jake Catanese from The Bent Musket returns yet again to provide all the info we need on New England. I also answered his questions, which you can catch over at their place.

Since our teams last played, Jay Heaps was fired in New England. What is the prevailing thought on that among Revs fans and is everyone downplaying the team’s success at home in comparison to the club’s road record?

Jake Catanese: Okay, as for the first part, I don’t think anyone is surprised that Jay Heaps is no longer the coach of the Revs. However, even after a disastrous road trip that involved a 7-0 loss with nine men to Atlanta United and a 3-1 loss to Sporting KC with 10 men, most everyone thought the Revs would let Heaps see out the year and dismiss him at the end of the season. 

Personally, I think the Revs are trying to salvage what’s left of 2017 and I really don’t see why. The team is winless on the road, four points back of the New York Red Bulls with only four games to play and RBNY has a game in hand as well. I doubt this team as a sixth seed could go on the road and win a game at Atlanta (maybe they could beat NYCFC at Yankee Stadium, that’s about it), so at best New England would be a one and done team this year and that would be failure as far as most of the fan base is concerned. This is a team that is underachieving and even with the organizational problems the Revs have that I don’t have time to get into now, I think this is a team that should make the playoffs.

Now, about the horrendous road record. The Revs have problems on the road because they’re bad at pure defending or bunkering. Like, really, really bad. They’ve scored first and blown leads, they were up 3-0 in Seattle late and allowed a tie, and tried to sit back against Atlanta and that plan lasted all of about 90 seconds. This is a team that needs to be attacking, or counter-attacking, at all times to be successful and take pressure off what is still an unsettled back line. 

The Revs have a grand total three draws for three points on the road this year and yes, that is essentially the reason why this team will miss the playoffs. The disparity between the Revs’ record at home versus their record at home is beyond staggering to the point of near incomprehensibility. If New England were in the West, they’d have the same number of points at home (35) as Sporting KC, who has the best home record in that conference. I don’t think anyone is downplaying how much worse on the road the Revs are, but the question is why? It can’t all be tactics. Surely by accident the Revs could’ve won a game on the road, but yes, Heaps has done some strange tactical subs late in matches that didn’t help his cause. 

At the end of the day, if the Revs had just two wins on the road they’d be in a playoff race. I’m not sure beating a struggling Orlando City team midweek is any indication things are changing but I’ll take what I can get. It’s been a long year.

Did anything change in terms of shape or personnel in the wake of the Heaps firing?

JC: No, but the key for New England last week was bringing Lee Nguyen off the bench in the second half and, if we’re being honest, that’s really, really unfair to the rest of the league. Of course Nguyen had an impact off the bench, scoring once and assisting on the winner. But the basic formations are the same, it’s 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 Diamond formation the Revs have played all year. They’ve been leaning more towards the 4-2-3-1 look without Kelyn Rowe and it was Juan Agudelo who started as the No. 10/CAM role with Nguyen on the bench against Toronto FC. 

If we assume that Lee is back and fully healthy, I expect him to start, which leaves one of Kei Kamara, Agudelo, Diego Fagundez and Teal Bunbury on the bench.

With Jonathan Spector out on suspension Wednesday, can we get you to leave Kei Kamara at home?

JC: Absolutely not, you’ll just have to find figure out a way to deal with Kamara in the box. I will add that the Revs are usually bad at crosses from the run of play and in regular buildup play, and they can get one dimensional at times. Just feeding Kamara crosses from the wing is not a recipe for success for the New England attack. They really want to counter and have Kei occupy multiple defenders to allow someone else — a Nguyen, Fagundez, etc. — more space to create something. 

That being said, Kei still scores goals and apparently likes to score them against OCSC and he’s the Revs’ leading scorer this year. I have a feeling he’ll start.

Injuries?/Suspensions?/Projected starting XI?/Final score prediction?

JC: Kelyn Rowe is out injured, still on the mend from a knee sprain he suffered a month ago. Lee Nguyen and Xavier Kouassi came off the bench against Toronto but are off the injury report this week. Krisztian Nemeth is back from his red card suspension for the elbow at SKC a week ago.

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Cody Cropper; Andrew Farrell, Claude Dielna, Antonio Delamea, Benjamin Angoua; Xavier Kouassi, Scott Caldwell; Juan Agudelo, Lee Nguyen, Teal Bunbury; Kei Kamara.

I think the Revs rotate a few positions because of the midweek game but nothing drastically different. Farrell’s played a few games at left back already, and the options the Revs have at holding mid and up front give them some luxury but it’s also a must-win game I think if the Revs have any shot a keeping the playoffs alive.

Prediction: As always, a 2-2 draw.

Big thanks to Jake from The Bent Musket for stopping by and helping us learn more about this weekend’s opponent.

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over FC Cincinnati Saturday at home?

Published

19 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City looks to bounce back from the disappointing 2-1 loss to Toronto FC Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. Cincinnati has twice as many points as Orlando City and more than twice as many wins. FCC has only scored one more goal than Orlando City, but with only nine goals conceded compared to Orlando City’s 17, it’s easy to see why Cincinnati is sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference.

What I’m trying to say is that the task doesn’t get any easier this weekend. What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against FC Cincinnati?

Accost Acosta

Cincinnati’s attack revolves around Luciano Acosta. The attacking midfielder has four goals and five assists so far this season. To put that into perspective, Duncan McGuire — Orlando City’s leading scorer — also has four goals but only one assist. If we look at the Lions’ attacking midfielders, Facundo Torres has one goal and one assist, Ivan Angulo and Nico Lodeiro both have one goal and two assists, and Martin Ojeda has zero goals and only one assist. Luis Muriel is still at double zeroes.

The defensive midfield and the back line must do everything possible to mark him out of the match. It’s not enough to keep him from scoring, they must also keep him from setting up chances for his teammates. Most importantly, the defense must do that for 90 minutes plus stoppage time. There is no room for the mental lapses we’ve seen throughout the first part of this season.

Break Through

Cincinnati is stingy on defense. As I mentioned above, the club has only allowed nine goals this season. The back line is formidable with the likes of Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson, and Ian Murphy. On the wings are DeAndre Yedlin and Luca Orellano. This is a tough defense, and whether it is McGuire or Muriel who gets the start, they must find the spaces in between.

Just as importantly, Torres, Angulo, Ojeda, and Lodeiro — depending on who is in at any given moment — must be able to thread the passes in for McGuire, Muriel, or each other to create quality chances. On top of that, the Lions must convert on those chances, which is not something that has been a strength so far this season. If the Orlando City defense continues to give up cheap goals, then the offense will need to one-up the competition when it comes to scoring.

Deal with an Unknown

FC Cincinnati recently signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk. Kelsy comes in as an MLS U22 Initiative player and is eligible to play against Orlando City. Even though Kelsy is only 19, he has 68 professional appearances, including UEFA Champions Leagues matches. At 6-foot-3, he can be a challenge for defenders, especially in the air.

Kelsy hasn’t had much time with the team, but he could be a second-half substitution for Cincinnati. Given that Orlando City just gave up two late headers against Toronto FC, the back line will need to be careful that Kelsy doesn’t hurt the Lions in the same manner — especially if he comes on late when legs and minds are tired.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

Published

23 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 1, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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