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Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Final Score 3-2 as Lions Go from Winners to Losers in a Few Ugly Minutes

Um…what was that exactly?

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

I’m sitting here typing, and don’t really know how to put into words what I saw over the final minutes in Orlando City’s 3-2 loss to the Columbus Crew at Mapfre Stadium. Leading 2-1 with just a few minutes to see out, the Lions (7-12-1, 22 points) saw referee Silviu Petrescu call the softest of penalties to allow Gyasi Zardes to level the game in the 88th minute, then the Crew (9-7-6, 33 points) rode that momentum to score on a surefire Goal-of-the-Week candidate by Wil Trapp in stoppage time to steal all three points.

Sacha Kljestan and Stefano Pinho saw their goals go to waste as Zardes completed his brace from the spot and Trapp found the winner.

Instead of jumping Chicago and Philadelphia into seventh place, just two points behind the Montreal Impact, the Lions have lost their 10th game in their last 11 league matches and it shouldn’t have happened. Take nothing away from Trapp’s unstoppable rocket from distance. It was maddeningly good. But the fragile Crew, who had struggled to score goals of late, were frustrated time and again until getting their late lifeline from Petrescu.

Not only was the penalty soft on the most minor of midair jostles between RJ Allen and Patrick Mullins, but then Petrescu relied entirely on the word of video assistant referee Jon Freemon to stick with his initial call rather than looking at it himself at such a crucial moment.

Anyway, let’s get to the recap because I need to drink several strong alcoholic beverages to wash the taste of this one away.

Facing a third game in eight days — and second on the road — James O’Connor chose to rotate some of his squad after Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup loss to the Philadelphia Union, replacing several starters and inserting Cristian Higuita back into the starting lineup upon his return from an adductor injury.

Orlando City wasted no time getting involved in the attack, and Yoshimar Yotún came within inches of putting the Lions ahead in just the second minute, smashing one off the right post.

The Crew put the first of what seemed like a hundred dangerous crosses into the box four minutes in, but it skipped too far in front of Zardes and went out of play. Columbus spent quite a bit of time in Orlando’s end in the first half, getting up the wings and spraying balls in from both flanks. This helped the hosts win 10 first-half corner kicks.

Orlando nearly caught a break in the 10th minute when Allen’s ball into the area arrived at the same time as Higuita and the Crew’s Jonathan Mensah and Zack Steffen. Everyone collided, but Steffen reacted first to collect the ball.

Six minutes later, the Lions grabbed the lead. Allen beat Milton Valenzuela and skipped a cross through the area that found Kljestan. The captain didn’t hit the wet ball cleanly, but he got it up and over Steffen to make it 1-0 on his fifth goal of the season.

In the 23rd, Columbus nearly equalized when Pedro Santos was left all alone on the left and a cross found him in the area. Chris Mueller sprinted back to help break up the play, but he also got a piece of Earl Edwards Jr., and the Lions’ goalkeeper rolled his ankle. After trying to play through it for about 10 minutes, Edwards was subbed out for Joe Bendik.

Orlando worked the ball well to the top of the box in the 38th minute but Kljestan passed up an opportunity for a shot and passed the ball to a defender, thinking he had a runner coming up from behind on his left, wasting the chance.

A minute later, the Crew finally got a shot on target when Zardes cut inside on his right foot and fired a weak shot that Bendik scooped up. Much of the final 15 minutes of the first half was spent in Orlando territory as the Crew pinged the ball around to each other, connecting around the perimeter, but they couldn’t break into good scoring positions, nor could they take advantage of numerous set pieces.

Columbus held 54% of the first-half possession and fired seven shots to Orlando’s three (1-1 on target). The Crew completed an impressive 88% of their passes compared to the Lions’ 78%, but the lads in purple still held the advantage at halftime.

It took just six minutes for the Crew to level after the restart. Left back Tony Rocha got roasted by Niko Hansen, who got to the end line and crossed for Zardes to slot home off of the left post. It was disappointing to see nobody marking Zardes, as he was the only attacker in a dangerous spot and it was one of the first mistakes we’ve seen from new center back Shane O’Neill, making just his second start.

The Lions responded well to the Columbus goal. Pinho fired a shot right at Steffen in the 52nd minute as he had trouble digging Higuita’s pass out of his feet in the penalty area. Two minutes later, Mueller crossed a ball in for a wide-open Pinho, who only needed to get a touch on it to send it home, but the Brazilian couldn’t quite get onto it.

Despite those missed chances, Pinho restored Orlando’s lead in the 58th minute on a fantastic buildup that started with Yotún’s brilliant ball that released Kljestan into the area. The captain — with regular captain Jonathan Spector still out — beat his man and slid the ball over for Pinho’s easy tap-in to make it 2-1 in the 58th minute.

O’Connor replaced Kljestan with Mohamed-El Munir in the 60th minute and then got Will Johnson on for Higuita, who was gassed and cramping up, to try to see the game out. El-Munir had an opportunity to give the Lions some insurance off a counter attack in the 62nd minute when he got into the box but Steffen made a phenomenal one-handed save to keep it a one-goal game.

From that point on, the traffic was all one way, as the Crew sent waves of attack into the Orlando end, while the Lions tried to hold on. It looked like Orlando City’s night when Bendik made a fantastic save to deny Mullins’ headed shot in the 76th minute.

Then, disaster struck in the 86th minute, when a routine ball in the area ended up giving Columbus life. Mullins and Allen went up for a ball and the Crew striker went down easily looking for a call. Petrescu obliged. After going to his earpiece, Petrescu didn’t go take a look for himself. He just pointed to the spot again.

If that was a penalty, both teams should have been shooting from the spot all night.

After the match, the pool reporter in Columbus asked for an explanation on why a penalty was given. Here is the response, as reported by Jordan Culver of the Orlando Sentinel:

“As the Columbus player was about to head the ball in the Orlando penalty area, the Orlando player charged him from behind. Therefore a penalty kick was called.”

I’m not a physicist, but if Allen “charged him from behind,” why did Mullins fall backward and land on his back, rather than falling forward onto his stomach? I just can’t even.

Bendik guessed correctly on Zardes’ effort, but it was well placed and had a lot of steam on it, giving the Lions’ keeper no chance. The game was tied at 2-2 in the 88th minute.

The Lions nearly got an opportunity after the restart to retake the lead, but couldn’t quite connect with Mueller in the box.

With just a few minutes to see out, the Lions packed in tightly and looked to hold onto their road point, but the Crew were now riding the wave of momentum and found the late winner on the kind of shot that only happens against Orlando City late in games. From about 30 yards out, Trapp tried his luck and fired a missile into the upper 90.

A last-gasp Orlando set piece was flicked right at Steffen and the game ended in about as much of a gut-punch fashion as we’ve seen in the team’s four-year MLS existence.

The Lions held only 43% of the possession, as they tried to absorb pressure for much of the second half, nursing the lead and looking to counter. Columbus out-shot Orlando City, 15-9 (6-5 on target) and connected on 87% of its passes, compared to Orlando’s 79%.

The Lions were just minutes from their first-ever win at Mapfre Stadium and took nothing away from the game.


The Lions return to action Thursday at home when New York City FC comes to Orlando in search of a three-game season sweep.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

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

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Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. It’s that time of the week for your tasty links. 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 This Past Weekend

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub on Sunday. 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 this past weekend. 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 and Orlando Pride Awarded

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 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 a 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.”

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  • 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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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions perform in Orlando City’s home loss to Toronto FC?

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City was on its way to three points Saturday night before a late collapse saw the Lions lose 2-1 to Toronto FC at home. It’s a tough loss in a season that has seen an unexpected start with the Lions sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Here’s how I saw the individual performances for the Lions in this difficult loss.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 5.5 — Gallese’s form has definitely dropped this year, though he was one of the best goalkeepers in the league over the past four seasons. He was solid for the first 87 minutes, saving the two shots he faced, but then the wheels came off for the Lions. Toronto scored two goals when defenders left players wide open in the box. Gallese probably could’ve done better with Prince Owusu’s winner, but there was a difficult change of direction on the bounce, and the forward should’ve had somebody on him. Apart from his goalkeeping, Gallese completed 61.9% of his 21 passes, including seven of his 15 long balls, and recorded a clearance.

D, Rafael Santos, 6 — Santos had a solid game against Toronto. His 62 touches were the fourth-most on the team and he completed 90.7% of his 43 passes. The starting left back didn’t complete his lone cross but connected on two of his four long balls. He had a shot of his own, putting it on target. Defensively, Santos recorded a tackle, interception, and clearance before being replaced by Kyle Smith in the 71st minute.

D, David Brekalo, N/A — Brekalo had a short night as he was injured early in the game. In the fourth minute, he collided with Owusu and required treatment for his knee. The center back attempted to continue, but eventually had to come off in the 16th minute, replaced by Rodrigo Schlegel. He only had 12 touches in the game and completed 90.9% of his 11 passes. The only defensive stat he recorded was winning an aerial duel. He wasn’t on the field long enough to fairly give him a grade.

D, Robin Jansson, 6 — Jansson was terrific for most of this game. He recorded a team-high 88 touches and completed 84% of his team-high 75 passes, which included six of 13 long balls. His excellent ball forward for Facundo Torres in the 37th minute led to the Lions’ goal. Defensively, he led the team with three tackles, three clearances, two blocked shots, and two aerial duels won.

D, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, 5.5 — Thorhallsson took his regular spot at right back and recorded 53 touches on the night. He completed 88.6% of his 35 passes, but didn’t connect on either of his two crosses or three long balls. He took a shot in the game, but it was off target. Defensively, he added a tackle, a blocked shot, and a successful aerial duel. Unfortunately, his most impactful part of the game was failing to cover Owusu at the back post, leaving the forward wide open to head in the game-winning goal.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6 — Araujo had a solid performance against Toronto, recording 61 touches. He completed 83.7% of his 49 passes, including three of his six long balls and his lone through ball. Defensively, he added a team-high three tackles, an interception, a blocked shot, and an aerial duel won.

MF, Wilder Cartagena, 6.5 — Cartagena had one of his better games in this one, recording the second-most touches on the team with 71. He completed 88.7% of his 62 passes, including two of his three long balls. Defensively, he added a team-high three tackles, a clearance, and won an aerial duel, while taking one off-target shot.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 6 — Angulo had 51 touches against Toronto and completed 91.7% of his 36 passes. He completed one of his two long balls, but didn’t connect on his only cross attempt. His lone shot was off target, and he helped defensively by intercepting a team-high two opposition passes.

MF, Facundo Torres, 6.5 (MotM) — Torres had an excellent performance in this game, recording 51 touches. While he only completed 75% of his 32 passes, he connected on two of his three crosses and played a perfect ball for Duncan McGuire in the 37th minute, enabling him to tap home the opening goal. The attacking midfielder nearly got one for himself in the 73rd minute from distance, forcing Sean Johnson into a good save. Similar to Angulo, Torres helped out defensively with two tackles and an interception.

MF, Martin Ojeda, 6 — Ojeda had 36 touches in 60 minutes and completed 92.3% of his 26 passes. He connected on one of his two long balls, but neither of his two crosses. He took one shot in the game, but failed to hit the target before being replaced by Nico Lodeiro.

F, Duncan McGuire, 6 — McGuire scored the Lions’ lone goal in this game and was nearly the outright hero. He touched the ball 22 times and completed 63.4% of his 14 passes. However, strikers are judged on goals and McGuire scored the opener when he got on the end of Torres’ cross in the 37th minute. He nearly had a second in first-half stoppage time when he brought down an Ojeda cross well and slammed it into the far side netting. Unfortunately, he was just offside. He was replaced by Luis Muriel in the 71st minute.

Substitutes

D, Rodrigo Schlegel (16’), 6.5 — Schlegel came on in the 16th minute when Brekalo went off injured and, despite not expecting to play that many minutes, was very good. His 71 touches were tied for the second most on the team and he completed 88.1% of his 59 passes, including two of his four long balls. Defensively, he had a team-high three tackles, an interception, and a team-high six clearances.

MF, Nico Lodeiro (60’), 6 — Lodeiro came on for Ojeda in the 60th minute and recorded 31 touches in a half hour of action. He completed 76.5% of his 17 passes, including a key pass and both long balls, but none of his three crosses. He also had a tackle defensively and didn’t take any shots.

D, Kyle Smith (71’), 5.5 — Smith came on in the 71st minute to help see out the game, replacing Santos. He touched the ball 19 times and completed 88.9% of his nine passes, including a key pass, his only cross, and his only long ball. The purpose of his inclusion was to help defensively and he recorded three tackles, an interception, and a clearance. However, he allowed clean crosses on both late Toronto goals and struggled to track Kobe Franklin and Federico Bernardeschi on Orlando’s left flank.

F, Luis Muriel (71’), 6 — Muriel came on for McGuire in the 71st minute, playing a deeper role. He recorded 21 touches and completed 64.3% of his 14 passes, including a key pass. He had two tackles defensively, but didn’t take any shots in 19 minutes of action.


That’s how I saw the performances for Orlando City in its 2-1 loss to Toronto FC Saturday night. Let us know how you saw the game and vote on your Man of the Match below.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/30/24

Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.

San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano

The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.

U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.

English Premier League Approves Spending Cap

Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.

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That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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