Orlando City
Orlando City vs. New York City FC: Final Score 2-0 as Lions’ Slide Continues
Pigeons complete the sweep of the Lions, who pounded the woodwork all night but couldn’t put one in.
Orlando City’s drought against New York City FC (13-4-4, 43 points) has reached four games and the Lions have been outscored 10-0 in that span after a 2-0 loss at Orlando City Stadium. OCSC (7-13-1) hit the woodwork multiple times but couldn’t get anything inside the perimeter of the goal frame, and conceded twice off first-half giveaways to continue the theme of matches against the club’s fellow 2015 expansion brethren.
“The biggest thing for me is I’ll never make excuses,” James O’Connor said after the game. “The easy thing for me to do is come out and say we’ve hit the post four times and there’s something to that, but equally, for me, there shouldn’t be a disparity between the first half and second half.
“When you look at the first half…I don’t think that’s what we want. Second half, it’s a lot closer to what we’re looking at. We’re starting to get the intensity, we’re starting to do the things that we want to do with some lovely movement. Overall, throughout the 90 minutes, there’s some lovely passages of play, but I’m serious, I want to win. And this is really frustrating for myself, for the staff, and for the players. We’re not just saying it. We want to win, and when you don’t win it’s really frustrating.”
O’Connor didn’t make many tweaks from the team that played against Columbus on Saturday.
New York tested Earl Edwards Jr. early, and he passed the first test. Maxi Moralez broke in off a bad back pass from PC that Chris Schuler couldn’t handle. Moralez fired a shot that Edwards saved, but it came right back to the NYC attacker and he got a second chance. Earl took that one off his foot to keep the game scoreless at the five-minute mark.
Orlando’s first good look came in the 18th minute when PC sneaked into the left side of the box and the ball found him, but his shot was blocked behind for a corner. New York City FC cleared the set piece cross but the Lions recycled the ball into the area and Yoshimar Yotún fired over the bar from a tight angle.
Jesus Medina’s free kick in the 27th minute nearly found its way in, but Edwards got a touch on it and sent it off the woodwork, bailing out Cristian Higuita, who had committed an unnecessary foul out near the right sideline.
The Lions’ best opportunity in the half came at the 38-minute mark when Yotún blasted a shot from distance that smashed off the crossbar. It ended up being a costly couple of inches for Orlando.
NYCFC got on the board off a weird pinball play when no one seemed able to get a good touch on the ball. PC ended up sending a clearance attempt off an attacking player and nearly put it into his own net. Edwards may have gotten just a touch on it to send it off the post but Moralez was the first to react to score the opener at the 40-minute mark.
Just as it looked like the Lions would trail 1-0 at the break, Yotún committed a costly turnover in the defensive half. Anton Tinnerholm roasted PC and fired just inside the far post to make it 2-0 at the break.
The visitors held 58% of the first-half possession, out-shot the Lions, 10-4 (5-0 on goal), and out-passed Orlando, 88%-76%
The game didn’t change much after halftime, except Orlando City held the ball better, spent more time in the attacking half, and hit the woodwork more often, ringing the posts/crossbar three more times in the second period.
Sacha Kljestan started the second half by passing up a shooting opportunity in the 47th minute, instead opting to pass the ball wide from the top of the area. That happened just before an ugly looking collision between Ben Sweat and RJ Allen, but both players were able to continue on.
Yotún hit the right post in the 61st minute as Orlando again narrowly missed an opportunity to get on the board. It was a golden opportunity for the Peruvian, who slipped inside and just couldn’t beat the woodwork on the near side.
“We get them on the ropes but we can’t deliver that final punch,” Will Johnson said. “That’s just kind of where we are right now and we’re working toward being a little more like them and being more clinical.”
Two minutes later, Kljestan sent a gorgeous ball to spring Dom Dwyer in on goal but he had to take it with his right foot and Sean Johnson made the save.
A minute after Dom’s chance, Higuita headed wide and then was kicked and barrel rolled by Alexander Callens, but nothing was given.
The Lions continued to chase the game and Schuler hit a shot off Sweat that caught the crossbar in the 78th minute. Four minutes later, Orlando City went down a man when Shane O’Neill — a bright spot again for most of the game — was late on a challenge and was sent off. He was initially booked by referee Robert Sibiga, but after consultation with the assistant referee, he pulled out the red card, so O’Neill will miss the match Sunday.
As the clock wound down, substitute Josué Colmán slipped into the box and fired a shot that Sweat again deflected onto the crossbar in the 89th minute. A minute later, New York City should have made it three goals on the night but Medina missed his sliding chance all alone at the back post.
The Lions evened up the possession in the second half, holding it for 57% after halftime and 49% for the match. City out-shot NYCFC for the game, 21-14 (5-5 on target), and an 85.4% passing rate in the second half allowed the Lions to end up at 81% for the game to New York City’s 87%.
“I think when you look at the performance in the first half and second half, it’s there for everyone to see,” O’Connor said. “The second half we came out and we had lots of opportunities and hit the crossbar whatever number of times. Big moments just don’t seem to be dropping for us but there shouldn’t be such a disparity in performance between the first and second half.”
“There’s opportunities to score goals in both halves and there’s opportunities to prevent both goals from happening and we didn’t do enough on either end of the spectrum, so you come away frustrated,” Johnson said.
The Lions will try to bounce back Sunday night on the road against the LA Galaxy.
Orlando City
Previewing Luis Muriel’s Second Year in Purple
Orlando City needs more production from its Colombian striker in 2025, so what’s the best way to get it?
The 2025 season will be Luis Muriel’s second as an Orlando City player following a 2024 campaign that wasn’t bad but was uneven and marked by potential that ultimately went unfulfilled. With the Colombian striker still occupying a Designated Player slot, there’s a lot of questions about how he’s going to fit into the team.
With him occupying a precious DP slot and commanding the highest salary on the team by a comfortable margin, it’s essential that the Lions get maximum output from him on the field. What’s the best way to do that, though? With the departure of Facundo Torres and Muriel getting a full off-season and preseason under his belt, there are a few different ways to achieve that goal.
Striker
The obvious answer is the reason that he was brought to the City Beautiful in the first place — to play him at striker. Duncan McGuire likely won’t be available until sometime in April, meaning that Muriel will be duking it out in preseason with Ramrio Enrique (and to a lesser extent, Jack Lynn) for the right to start as the tip of Orlando City’s proverbial spear. He got some time there last year in the first few months of the season, but ultimately his production, or lack thereof, opened the door for McGuire, and later Enrique, to supplant him.
The most straightforward way to get him in the team is to get him scoring in the volume that he’s shown himself to be capable of. It wouldn’t require any alterations to the formation or moving players around to areas where they might not be comfortable. Orlando could try to go big for a winger with proven goal-scoring threat to help replace the Facundo Torres-sized hole on the right wing, Ivan Angulo can stay out left, Martin Ojeda retains his place at the 10, and things keep ticking along.
The big question is whether he can find the back of the net consistently enough to justify going this route, particularly when McGuire and Enrique have proven themselves to be capable of providing solid scoring output. However, if he shows better than Enrique and Lynn in preseason, this is probably the most likely route.
Winger
Another solution, and probably the one that would be second easiest, would be to deploy him at the winger spot vacated by the now-departed Torres. This would allow Enrique and McGuire to compete for the no.9 slot, while filling Torres’ place with someone who is capable of creating and producing goals for others at the same, if not higher, level, and it wouldn’t require any formation or positional shifts.
A downside is that the right-footed Muriel wouldn’t be inverting the way that Torres did, which would tweak some of the team’s tactics and patterns of play in the final third. Additionally, it would be gambling on Muriel improving his goal-scoring numbers despite being shifted out wide and presumably not having as many looks at goal.
In this scenario, the Lions likely aren’t going out and adding a third Designated Player, or if they are, it’s probably an attempt to upgrade over Angulo — something which just doesn’t seem super likely to me, given how ever-present he’s been in the lineup since joining the team. I also don’t know if I can see Luiz Muzzi and Co. standing pat with the current state of a roster that couldn’t win it all and then lost its best player.
No. 10
A different route would be to trot him out at the no.10 position, where he often found himself deployed when coming on as a substitute during the second half of the year. The advantages of this solution are that it would allow the Colombian to utilize his considerable passing range and ability on the ball while minimizing his need to contribute large amounts of goals. On the downside, it would require shifting Ojeda out of the central position that he occupied to such great effect during the second half of the 2024 season. While Muriel has played well in this position, I can’t see the decision-makers being willing to gamble on Ojeda regressing if moved out wide again.
Shadow Striker/Roving Playmaker
The final, and most intriguing (and complex) of the options would be to deploy him as a shadow striker/roaming playmaker as part of a front two. Muriel drops into the hole behind the striker and moves around, finding space just behind his fellow forward, popping up wherever the spaces are and making it difficult for teams to zero in on patterns of play.
Again, it would allow him to use his excellent passing and dribbling ability to create scoring chances for McGuire/Enrique, while still getting him some looks at goal. It’s also a position that he’s played at various times throughout his career, including last year, when we saw him partnered with McGuire in either a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. The two played well together during those games, and showed signs of a flourishing partnership that ultimately wasn’t pursued further as the team got more bodies healthy and Ojeda began to shine as the central player in the three-man attacking midfield.
The biggest problem would be finding a formation that gets Orlando’s best players on the field in their best positions. A 4-4-2 would allow a midfield of Ojeda, Angulo, Wilder Cartagena, and Cesar Araujo, but Ojeda would need to be out wide and we’ve already covered why that’s an issue. A 3-5-2 would also allow for those guys to be on the field, but then Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and Rafael Santos would likely be sacrificed, and Cartagena would move to center back while Nico Lodeiro slotted into the midfield in his place. OCSC is better when Cartagena and Araujo are partnering in the midfield, and I love having Santos’ crossing ability and DDT’s versatility on the field. For me, it would be cutting off your nose to spite your face.
An interesting solution could be trying a 4-2-2-2, with Santos, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel/David Brekalo, and Thorhallson at the back, Araujo and Cartagena as the defensive midfielders, Angulo and Ojeda as the attacking midfielders, and Enrique/McGuire and Muriel up top, with Muriel operating as the shadow striker. To get the necessary width in attack, one of the fullbacks (presumably DDT) could invert into the midfield when in possession, and one of the defensive mids (likely Cartagena) would drift out wide while Ojeda plays centrally, where he operates best. The biggest issues here are that it would necessitate a lot of tactical variation from what the team is accustomed to, requires Thorhallsson to run his guts out, and is susceptible to getting torched on the counterattack. There’s a world where it could work, but I wouldn’t expect to see it.
At the end of the day, everyone’s lives are made easier if having a full off-season and preseason under his belt helps the Colombian DP find his shooting boots and he hits the ground running as the striker in Oscar Pareja’s preferred 4-2-3-1. Orlando adds firepower at right wing, Ojeda stays in the middle, and Muriel does what he was primarily signed to do — score goals. If that doesn’t happen, there are still ways to try to get him involved, but each solution comes with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages to navigate. Either way, Muriel’s fit during the 2025 season is an intriguing storyline to watch as we build towards the start of the new campaign. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/10/25
Orlando City reportedly nears signing Nicolas Rodriguez, Orlando Pride re-sign Marta, Americans abroad this weekend, and more.
Happy Friday! I’m already pretty much over this cold weather. While it was a nice change of pace, I’ve never been a huge fan of shivering in my car while waiting for the heat to get going. Thankfully, it looks like some warmer weather is coming this weekend before temperatures dip again next week. But enough about the weather, let’s get to today’s links!
Orlando City Linked With Nicolas Rodriguez
According to Fabrizio Romano, Orlando City is close to signing Colombian winger Nicolas Rodriguez from Fortaleza in Colombia’s top flight.
The 20-year-old would bring the club some needed attacking power and Orlando has open U22 Initiative slots to make it happen. The Lions have yet to make much noise this off-season beyond transferring Facundo Torres to Palmeiras, so hopefully signing Rodriguez kicks off the excitement ahead of the 2025 season. Another report has the transfer fee coming in around $2 million, with Fortaleza keeping a 30% sell-on fee if he’s sold in the future.
Marta Re-Signs With the Orlando Pride
The Orlando Pride have re-signed Marta to a new contract that will keep her in the City Beautiful through 2026. Whether or not Marta would return was the biggest question mark surrounding the club after her contract expired following a historic season that included winning both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship. Marta is one of the best attacking midfielders in the league and was a finalist for both the NWSL MVP and NWSL Midfielder of the Year awards last year. Enjoy how Marta revealed the big news through the club’s social media. She definitely had me in the first half.
Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad
Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath had a stellar game in Cardiff City’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United in the FA Cup, making seven saves in the shutout. It was his first start for the club since August and he could get the nod in Cardiff’s next FA Cup match in February. Lindsey Horan had an assist in Lyon’s 2-0 road win over Dijon, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty started in Celtic’s 2-0 win against Dundee United.
As for upcoming action, Joe Scally will have a chance to impress when Borussia Mönchengladbach hosts Bayern Munich on Saturday. Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Giovanni Reyna and Borussia Dortmund will take on Bayer Leverkusen today. Serie A should feature the usual suspects on Saturday, with Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan playing Cagliari and Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, and Juventus facing off against Torino. We also might get to see Matt Turner in goal when Crystal Palace plays Stockport County in the FA Cup.
FA Cup Third Round Storylines
There’s plenty of more FA Cup soccer all over England this weekend to check out. While we were robbed from seeing Ashley Young and his son Tyler Young play against each other in Everton’s 2-0 win against Peterborough United, there are still many storylines in the third round. The heavyweight matchup is between Arsenal and Manchester United on Sunday. While it may be too much to say some of the English Premier League’s bigger clubs are on upset alert this weekend, Tottenham’s road game against Tamworth and Liverpool’s match with Accrington Stanley could prove interesting. Manchester City is set to take on a Salford City side owned by several former Manchester United players as well.
Free Kicks
- Former Orlando City Academy player Charles Ahl was signed by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. He was named 2024 Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year after a fantastic season with Stetson University.
- The Columbus Crew signed goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen to a contract extension. He started in the club’s 3-1 win over LAFC in the Leagues Cup final and will remain part of an impressive Crew goalkeeping unit that also includes Patrick Schulte and Evan Bush.
- Nashville SC waived midfielder Randall Leal and also goalkeeper Elliot Panicco as the team prepares for its first season with B.J. Callaghan as head coach.
- Minnesota United re-signed midfielder Wil Trapp to a one-year deal with an option for 2026 as well.
- FC Dallas added a whopping six Homegrown Players to its roster and the club leads the league with 43 Homegrown signings in its history.
- Liga MX informed Toluca that Hector Herrera must serve the three-game ban he received for spitting at a referee in the MLS playoffs.
- MLS apologized for falsely confirming that Atlanta United signed Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi as a Designated Player.
- Kathryn Nesbitt and Guido Gonzales Jr. were voted 2024 U.S. Soccer Female and Male Referees of the Year.
- Jesse Marsch spoke on how Canada could not hold a January camp this year due to its financial situation. I guess they weren’t able to sell all of those drones in a yard sale.
- Everton fired Sean Dyche before its FA Cup win and David Moyes is reportedly set to replace him.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Orlando City
Orlando City is Often Late to the Transfer Party
Why you shouldn’t worry that we’re still waiting on Orlando City’s off-season signings.
Here we are yet again. It’s that time of the year when seemingly every MLS club is making moves, signing new players, and going about the business of getting better for the coming season. It’s also the time of the year when supporters of Orlando City are looking around like Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, wondering where the signings are for the Lions.
I’m here to tell you not to panic. As frustrating as it is, this is business as usual for Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi and Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira. In case you’ve forgotten, here are some late signings that the club has made over the years.
January Signings
Despite how it feels, Orlando City signs plenty of players in January. Some of those have been earlier than Jan. 9. Nicolas Lodeiro signed with the club on Jan. 4, 2024, Rafael Santos signed on Jan. 5, 2023, and Cesar Araujo signed Jan. 7, 2022. I understand if you think they shouldn’t count since it was before this exact time of the month, but some fans have been freaking out for a week.
Let’s look at those on this day of the month or later. That list includes Martin Ojeda, who became a Lion on this day in 2023. In addition, Pedro Gallese signed Jan. 17, 2020, Ramiro Enrique signed on Jan. 30, 2023, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson signed the very next day. All four of those players were consistent starters in 2024.
February/March Signings
Muzzi and Moreira aren’t afraid to wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow to sign new players. Just last year, the club signed David Brekalo on Feb. 8 and Luis Muriel on Feb. 15. Muriel really came on late in the season, and Brekalo will certainly be vying to get his starting spot back in 2025.
I’ve saved my most compelling example for last. Orlando City signed Robin Jansson on March 12, 2019. All he’s done is become Orlando City’s captain and all-time appearance leader. His contributions to the club are extensive. Not too bad for a very late signing.
Historically speaking, Orlando City isn’t doing things any slower than usual. That is why I’m saying not to panic…yet. The Lions made it to the Eastern Conference final for the first time in 2024. If they want to win MLS Cup, the club will need to continue to improve the team.
Given the departure of Facundo Torres, at least one major signing needs to happen. Like you, I hope that signing happens sooner than later. Indeed, I’d like to see several signings, as the club wisely uses the money from the Torres deal to bolster the club for the upcoming season.
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