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Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. San Jose Earthquakes

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7 years ago

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The San Jose Earthquakes will make their way to Orlando City Stadium for the first time this evening boasting several new faces in search of an identity. After squeaking into the playoffs in 2017 under an interim manager, San Jose’s front office decided to go in a new, largely Scandinavian, direction. The Earthquakes are still finding themselves this early into 2018, which bodes well for the hometown Lions.

But no matter which players either side has rolled out since Orlando City entered MLS, these cross-country foes have had plenty of wild finishes and zero decisive results. With both teams taking new angles at building their rosters, perhaps that changes this year. Robert Jonas, manager of SB Nation’s Center Line Soccer, has answered some questions to give us an inside look at the away team:

A lot has changed since these teams last met. What are the big differences for San Jose since last season?

Robert Jonas: The biggest change to the Earthquakes comes on the coaching side, with new head coach Mikael Stahre taking over in the off-season following a rather tumultuous 2017 campaign. Two-time MLS Cup championship coach Dominic Kinnear started the season in charge, but he was fired in June by new general manager Jesse Fioranelli, who envisioned a new direction for the club since taking the job in January. Technical director and former MLS defender Chris Leitch stepped in as head coach for the second half of the season, leading the Quakes to the postseason for the first time in five years after guiding the team to a last-minute victory on the final day of play. Leitch returned to his TD role following San Jose’s ejection from the MLS Cup playoffs at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Stahre was named head coach in late November.

On the field, the squad features a new Designated Player in midfielder Magnus Eriksson, who was the Swedish top-league scoring champion a year ago. Eriksson already has a pair of goals for the Quakes, and he’s proven to be a tough-as-nails competitor along the right side of the formation. Fellow DP Valeri “Vako” Qazaishvili is settled in too after joining San Jose last summer, and the pair of midfielders has transformed the team’s attacking approach. The defensive back line is new as well, with Yeferson Quintana, who turned 22 this week, on loan from Penarol in Uruguay. His regular center back partner Harold Cummings is suspended this week, so he’ll line up with Francois Affolter, another summer signing from last year, in the Quakes lineup on Saturday.

Mikael Stahre has really been tinkering with lineups this year, going so far as benching Chris Wondolowski last week. What kind of style does Stahre prefer and how does it compare to the team under Dom Kinnear?

RJ: Stahre is still experimenting with the lineup as he looks for the perfect combination of tactics to fit the personnel he has at his disposal. The Quakes have tried to play a high press at times, which has left the newly formed defense vulnerable, but it’s at least created a much more potent offense, and San Jose has looked most dangerous in front of goal when implementing this approach. The first-year MLS head coach has also set his team up with more midfielders in an attempt to control possession, as they did last weekend against the Houston Dynamo, but with limited success. Bottom line: Stahre has yet to solve the tactics and formation puzzle for the squad at hand.

Benching Chris Wondolowski, the team’s on-field captain and leader in virtually every offensive statistic, did allow the team to feature a faster midfield against the Dynamo, but the team’s defensive struggles were exposed even more, and the 2-2 draw was a generous result for the way San Jose played. Stahre stated this week that Wondolowski might be back in the lineup for the game against Orlando City, as the coach goes back to a more tried and true formation. The Quakes, on the whole, are a better attacking team than they were a year ago, but they still do not have a completely organized approach that keeps opponents from harassing their vulnerable defense.

San Jose has struggled to hold onto leads so far in 2018, dropping points after leading at some point in all of the last three matches. What has been the biggest reason for the Quakes’ issues there?

RJ: The Earthquakes are not competing to finish first in the Western Conference. Realistically, they are a mid-table team at best, so they are susceptible to lapses in play. The aforementioned new defensive line has struggled to be consistent all season, with second-year fullback Nick Lima the only player to show he can be depended on this season to be effective over 90 minutes. The center backs, along with goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell, have been woefully inconsistent in building possession out of the back, so when opponents are more aggressive in pressing higher up the field, poor decision making leads to more turnovers.

The midfield line has also been caught out at times and not helped on defense as much as can be required. Stahre’s tactical changes have tried to address this, but the entire formation is still a work in progress. The margin for error is slim for these Quakes, and all it takes is one missed assignment, a poor tackle, an unbalanced shift in the formation, and they’ve been punished. Three straight games San Jose has taken a one-goal lead into the locker room at intermission, and three straight times they’ve dropped points due to inadequate defensive performances in the second half. Orlando City will be a big test for the Earthquakes, especially in the way they load up the midfield. San Jose will need to be disciplined for 90 minutes to get anything out of Saturday’s match.

What injuries/suspensions will keep players out this weekend and what is your projected lineup and predicted final score?

RJ: The only player not available for selection this weekend is Cummings, who had a second game added to his suspension by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violent conduct in San Jose’s 1-1 draw at the Philadelphia Union. Stahre will certainly start Danny Hoesen at forward, but whether or not Wondolowski lines up next to the Dutch striker remains to be seen. Given the head coach’s proclivity to experiment this early in the season, the formation and lineup for Saturday’s game is definitely in flux.

Thanks again to Robert for giving us the skinny on San Jose.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/24/25

Cesar Araujo will reportedly stay in Orlando, USMNT takeaways, MLS transfer news, and much more.

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1 hour ago

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January 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! It should be a pretty decent weekend with plenty of soccer to enjoy both in Orlando and abroad. Orlando City’s first preseason game is Saturday against Atletico Mineiro at Inter&Co Stadium. While I won’t be in attendance, I’m looking forward to learning how they do. But for now, let’s jump into today’s links!

Cesar Araujo Will Reportedly Stay in Orlando

There have been rumors and reports swirling around regarding midfielder Cesar Araujo leaving Orlando City this off-season. However, the 23-year-old will reportedly stay in Orlando for the 2025 season according to Tom Bogert. Uruguayan club Nacional has reportedly been trying to sign Araujo while he has a year left on his contract.

Sources: Cesar Araujo to stay at Orlando City.Nacional tried to sign him this winter but plan is for Araujo to stay. One year left on his contract and Orlando will still work on a new contract but know the team is better if he stays. Prioritizing 2025 over small transfer fee.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-01-24T01:07:39.303Z

It makes all the sense in the world for Orlando to want to keep Araujo in the center of its midfield for 2025. He’s been incredible since joining Orlando back in 2022 and has been integral to the club’s success in recent years. Clubs were always going to come knocking for Araujo’s talents, but I expect it would take a hefty offer for the Lions to let him go before his contract is up.

Takeaways From USMNT January Camp

While the United States Men’s National Team’s January camp usually isn’t too impactful, this year’s edition had some extra intrigue due to some standout performances across the two friendly wins. Zack Steffen had a statement game against Costa Rica, making a few sensational saves to secure a clean sheet. He needed a game like that to stay in the mix for the starting job after a rough season with the Colorado Rapids. Striker Patrick Agyemang played his first two USMNT games this month and scored in both, making the most of his opportunity. Diego Luna taking an elbow to the face and coming back out to assist on the team’s first goal against Costa Rica is also the kind of moment that could earn him more looks in the future.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

MLS teams other than Orlando City continue to make moves ahead of the 2025 season. The exodus from FC Dallas rolls on, as Alan Velasco was officially transferred to Boca Juniors in Argentina for a reported $12 million transfer fee. Dallas also traded center back Nkosi Tafari to LAFC in exchange for $300,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money and an international roster slot.

The Karol Swiderski era in Charlotte is over, as the club transferred him to Panathinaikos for a reported transfer fee of $2 million. Real Salt Lake added a young striker, signing 20-year-old Ariath Piol from MacArthur FC in Australia. Nashville SC signed American goalkeeper Brian Schwake from CD Castellon in Spain’s second division to provide more depth behind Joe Willis. Austin FC’s busy off-season continued by signing Zan Kolmanic to a new contract through 2026. The club is also reportedly closer to signing forward Myrto Uzuni for a club-record fee.

Europa League First Phase Nears Conclusion

Lazio is the only team to guarantee a spot in the Europa League’s round of 16 so far, doing so after a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. English clubs Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur edged closer to securing a spot. A late winner from Bruno Fernandes gave United a 2-1 victory against Rangers, while Tottenham beat Hoffenheim 3-2 thanks to a brace from Heung-Min Son. The upset of the round belonged to Latvian club FK RFS, which took down Ajax in a 1-0 win at home. Eintracht Frankfurt, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Midtjylland also picked up wins this week. This phase of the tournament will wrap up with 18 games on Thursday.

Free Kicks

  • Bay FC bought out Deyna Castellanos’ contract, with the midfielder joining the Portland Thorns as a free agent soon after.
  • After a vote approving funds to repair Al Lang Stadium, the Tampa Bay Rowdies announced that they will play there for their upcoming USL Championship season.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/23/25

Orlando City signs Thomas Williams to new contract, Orlando Pride schedule revealed, USMNT wins against Costa Rica, and more.

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1 day ago

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January 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

I hope you all are staying warm as we deal with cold weather across Florida. It’s at least been nice to break out some of my heavier blankets and forgotten hot cocoa packets I’ve had stored away. My cat has also been curling up next to me more, which is always a plus. Still, not shivering while waiting for my car to warm up would be great. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Thomas Williams Signs New Orlando City Contract

Orlando City center back Thomas Williams signed a new contract with the club that lasts through 2026, with an option for 2027 as well. Williams joined the club’s academy back in 2015 and became the youngest Homegrown Player in club history when he signed a first-team contract at 16 years old in 2021. The 20-year-old hasn’t featured much for the first team, and he’ll likely spend most of this year with Orlando City B for consistent playing time. Hopefully Williams can take a step forward in his development and provide the Lions some helpful depth at center back in the event of injuries.

Orlando Pride 2025 Season Schedule Unveiled

The NWSL announced its 2025 season schedule Wednesday, and the Orlando Pride will start their title defense season at home against the Chicago Red Stars on March 14. Their first road game will be the following weekend on March 23 against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Decision Day returns to the schedule this year, with all 14 clubs in action on Nov. 2. The Pride will close out their regular season at home that day against the Seattle Reign, with the postseason set to begin on Nov. 7. There’s also a break in the schedule in July, with no regular-season games scheduled due to international tournaments like the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and Copa America Femenina.

USMNT Shuts Out Costa Rica in Orlando

The United States Men’s National Team beat Costa Rica 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando Wednesday night to stay perfect at the home of the Lions and Pride at 7-0-0. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen truly earned his clean sheet, coming up with some great saves to deny Costa Rica. It was also a solid attacking performance from the Yanks, and Patrick Agyemang put a bow on what’s been a great month for him with his second goal in as many games. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has some time to assess things before the USMNT plays Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on March 20

Keeping Up With MLS Transfer News

San Diego FC added another Designated Player ahead of its inaugural season, signing Danish winger Anders Dreyer from Anderlecht for a transfer fee reportedly near $5 million. He recorded 31 goals and 23 assists in 87 appearances across all competitions for Anderlecht and joins San Diego on a three-year deal. Charlotte FC officially added Wilfried Zaha on loan from Galatasaray. He’ll occupy a DP spot and the loan lasts through Jan. 16, 2026, with an option to extend it through June of that year as well.

LAFC made a trade with its rival to strengthen its midfield, acquiring Mark Delgado from the LA Galaxy in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money. The Portland Timbers signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from Shakhtar Donetsk as an MLS U22 Initiative player, with FC Cincinnati receiving GAM for his discovery rights. Real Salt Lake, which signed Mason Stajduhar from Orlando City earlier this month, continued to make changes to its goalkeeping group. The club signed veteran goalkeeper Rafael Cabral as a free agent and transferred 19-year-old American Gavin Beavers to Brondby IF in Denmark.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The penultimate round of the UEFA Champions League’s league phase wrapped up this week. Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester City 4-2 in the heavyweight matchup of the round, with all six goals coming in the second half. Joao Neves gave PSG the lead in the 78th minute before Goncalo Ramos put the game on ice in stoppage time. City now needs to win its final game against Club Brugge on Wednesday in order to advance.

Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 win against RB Salzburg to advance, with both Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. scoring braces. Celtic also booked its spot in the next round after a 1-0 win against Young Boys. Feyenoord pulled off an upset by winning 3-0 against Bayern Munich as well. Elsewhere in the tournament, AC Milan won 1-0 at home against Girona, Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0, and RB Leipzig did well in a 2-1 victory over Sporting CP.

Free Kicks

  • American goalkeeper Michelle Betos announced her retirement from professional soccer after a career that included winning the 2016 NWSL Shield with the Portland Thorns and the 2023 NWSL Championship with Gotham. Betos was also named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year with the Thorns in 2015.
  • Arsenal and Chelsea are among the multiple clubs reportedly keeping an eye on American forward Trinity Rodman, whose contract with the Washington Spirit ends after this year.
https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1882171400481542482

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week!

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Orlando City

Orlando City Signs Defender Thomas Williams Through 2026

Orlando City signs Homegrown center back Thomas Williams to a new contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027.

Published

2 days ago

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January 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Orlando City announced this morning that the club has signed defender Thomas Williams through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027. The Homegrown Player has been with the first team since 2021 and will continue for at least two more years.

“Thomas is someone whose future we’re still very excited about and we’re happy to get him locked in with us for a couple more years,” Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He’s shown a lot of growth these last few seasons, continuing to get game action with Orlando City B and proving the importance of our development pathway, and we’re looking forward to having him with us for the foreseeable future.”

The Titusville native joined the Orlando City Academy in 2015 and made his professional debut for the club on Aug. 7, 2020 against New England Revolution II. He played in 13 games that year with 10 starts and recorded 844 minutes. His play on the Young Lions’ back line earned him a first-team contract on June 15, 2021, at just 16 years old, making him the youngest player in club history to sign a Homegrown contract.

The 20-year-old center back made his MLS debut on April 16, 2022 in a 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew in Ohio. He made five appearances with three starts in all competitions that season, recording 271 minutes. To date, those are the only appearances he’s made with the first team.

Since joining OCB in 2021, Williams has made 69 appearances with 61 starts and recorded 5,132 minutes. He’s been booked 19 times and sent off twice, both times after receiving second yellow cards.

What It Means for Orlando City

Williams is the fourth natural center back for Orlando City on the current squad behind Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, and Rodrigo Schlegel. He played well early in his OCB and MLS career, but has struggled recently. Last year, he played exclusively with the second team, partnering with Nabi Kibunguchy.

While Williams hasn’t made much of an impact on the first team so far, he’s only 20 years old and still has plenty of time to develop. Extending his contact shows that the club still has faith that he can turn into a key player for the MLS side.

It’s unlikely that Williams will see any time with the first team in 2025 (barring injuries and/or suspensions), considering that he’s also been behind versatile defender Kyle Smith at the center back position. He’ll likely spend the upcoming season with OCB, continuing to develop and earn his spot with the first team. As a Homegrown Player, there isn’t much risk in signing Williams to a new contract, especially if the club’s technical staff thinks he can develop into a quality defender.

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