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Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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6 years ago

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It was bound to be a storyline for the ages. Player is traded to Orlando City, things go south after a time, player is traded back to original team, he returns to Orlando to thunderous boos, and then something happens. Well, per a couches decision, that didn’t happen, but what did happen was Orlando snapped a winless streak at about the last, and best possible time.

All things considered, how did the Lions rate in tonight’s 2-1 defeat of Columbus Crew at home in the last of the home matches at Orlando City Stadium?

Starters

GK, Adam Grinwis, 6.5 — The young keep played well, and by played well I mean kept Orlando City in this match. He leapt off his line when it was needed. His distribution was solid, his decisions to come off the line were good. For my vantage point in the stadium, there was not much he could have done on the free kick as it was struck about perfectly. His three saves were absolutely solid, and he he worked well with the back line to limit everything the road team threw at them.

D, Scott Sutter, 7 — Again, another solid outing for Mr. Consistent. He had an 86% passing accuracy and three solid shots (though none officially on goal), including one that rattled off the frame in the 90th minute. Sutter has been one of the bastions of light all season when he’s been healthy. His play was not perfect, but he certainly left nothing on the pitch.

D, Shane O’Neill, 6.5 — Another of the silent warriors, Shane held his own, and helped the back line limit the visitors to only eight shots. If you were not watching, Shane was that back-line figure who snuck up deep into the offensive half during the second half, including some cheeky footwork to get forward. His 89% passer rating from the defensive third was a bonus as well. He had a vital blocked shot in the 27th minute after a giveaway by Mohamed El-Munir, plus a tackle and two interceptions. However, he also conceded the foul that led to the Crew’s free kick goal.

D, Lamine Sané, 7 — The club started in a bit of a 3-5-1, that morphed throughout the game, with Sané at the center of that back line. All things considered, the defensive effort was solid, with Sané anchoring a line that was hell bent on giving the home crowd an effort to be proud of. He had an 88% passer rating and a team high five clearances, and it certainly looked as though he was the target of numerous corners, but at the end of the match, what matters most is the fact that he helped to anchor a back line that held the visiting team to half the number of the shots that City had.

D, Mohamed El-Munir, 7 — I was really glad to see El-Mo in the starting XI with certain other starters tonight. I make no secret of the fact that he is who I want on the left side, either as the left back or left winger, as he is the strongest player to hold that position to date (fight me). He isn’t perfect, but a 90% passer rating, and the hustle on defense means everything, and that everything is something that El-Mo has given since joining the Lions. He did pass up some offensive opportunities, particularly in the 50th minute, and had that previously mentioned giveaway in the 27th, but he also tracked back well and had one tackle, three interceptions, and two clearances. He took four shots (one on frame) and created one chance.

MF, Carlos Ascues, 7 — Definitely making his case for acquisition of the year, Ascues was a terror in the defensive end. He was all over the pitch, sometimes getting forward, and played somewhere between his starting DM roll and what morphed into being a back/center back, and he certainly owned it. A 92% passer rating as a defender who pushed as far forward as he did throughout the match doesn’t hurt. He created one scoring chance, finishing with two tackles, an interception, two clearances, and a blocked shot.

MF, Oriol Rosell, 6 — Uri started in a midfield full of defensive mids and had a solid match overall. He mustered an 88% passer rating, and solid numbers on both the defensive and offensive side of the match (one aerial won, one tackle won, one key dispossession, and two shots — though neither on goal). There were a couple scary moments, and he did fail to jump as part of the wall when he could have been the man to block Federico Higuain’s shot attempt on the free kick. But, all-in-all, it was a solid performance from the man asked to anchor the central defensive area of the pitch.

MF, Will Johnson, 7 — He got called out, sort of, by a fellow writer this weekend, but Will could possibly be one of the most consistent players for City all season. Sure, keep bringing up that D.C. United match all you want, but let’s see how you handle that situation after 90 plus minutes running — a man down during some of it. His 77% passer rating may not be the best, but his three aerials won, as not one of the tallest Lions, certainly helps to make up for it. Both of his shots were on target and forced good saves from Zack Steffen and he created a scoring chance. Defensively, he had a tackle, an interception, and a clearance. Also, it was another match where he left everything on the pitch.

MF, Sacha Kljestan. 6 — Thank you, Sacha, for burying that penalty kick in the back of the net, because without that I might be roasting you right now. One thing I certainly do not want to see out of any player in the number 10 spot is a 79% passer rating, nor do I want to tell you how many times I found myself screaming from the seats to get Sacha to run, but it was numerous, and far too numerous for a player in the position he was slated to play. He finished with two tackles and a clearance on the defensive end, created three scoring chances, had a potential goal blocked by a defender and scored the game-winner.

MF, Yoshimar Yotun, 8 (MotM) — Yoshi is what Yoshi does. I do not know any other way of expressing what this man has brought to the starting XI. Starting on the left side of the attacking midfield and generally playing wherever he wanted, Yotún was the Lions’ Juggernaut on the pitch. He led the team in touches (93), had a 92% passer rating and filled the stat sheet on both the offensive and defensive end. He created six scoring chances for Orlando City, fired two shots (both on goal), switched the field with pinpoint accuracy (13/17 on long balls), and had one tackle and one clearance. It was a breath of fresh air to have the Peruvian back from international play and suspension. It seemed as though almost everything he touched was golden, and the players around him sensed the Midas touch and adapted to it.

Also, that penalty kick was nasty. N. A. S. T. Y. Nasty, to the point I received messages from friends around the U.S. and internationally, asking if what they saw on the replay was real, because that chip was just filthy.

F, Dom Dwyer, 6 — Although the grade may be harsh, I have to look at things honestly, and of all the starters tonight, Dom may be the one I have the most criticism of. The criticism may not be simply because he played to a lower level than his teammates, but because he is still on an island, playing a role he should not be playing, and because of this may be trying too hard. Center backs in MLS know how to mark Dom, and the PRO refs are also watching. Although much of his game went 50/50, it almost seems as though people are watching, and expecting certain behaviors. He took a few hard fouls early and allowed it to get the best of him by taking a silly yellow by throwing a shoulder at Jonathan Mensah. Dwyer failed to get a shot attempt away, created no scoring chances, and passed at only a 70% rate.

Substitutes

D, Amro Tarek (58’), 7 — Substituting in for Ascues (quad tightness) left some mighty big shoes to fill, but Amro did exactly what was needed, and filled those shoes well. He held a 91% passer rating with two crucial tackles, and two clearances. On the heels of international duty, Amro certainly seemed to want to make a statement to the home crowd, and did in my opinion.

MF, Chris Mueller (72’), 6 — Maybe not the best overall night for Cash, but certainly an evening where the hard work paid off. He was dispossessed four times, only held an 82% passer rating, and tried like hell to make a difference every second he was on the pitch. Kids, when your little league coach gives you the hustle speech, this game is why. Mueller may not have had his best night, but he hustled every second he was on the pitch, and it eventually paid off in the dying seconds when he was double teamed and taken down in the box by Wil Trapp. Absolute hustle got City that PK, make no mistake.

That is how I saw the final home match from my soon to be vacant seats. Myself and some friends will be moving a bit closer to the pitch next season, to try to get a better vantage point for grades and predictions. I am curious to know how you, the reader, graded everyone and who you picked as Man of the Match. Vote in the poll below and let me know in the comments where you agree, or disagree, with everything above.

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Scott Sutter7
Carlos Ascues0
Yoshimar Yotun68
Lamine Sané3
Mohamed El-Munir0
Other6

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/14/24

MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.

Published

4 hours ago

on

November 14, 2024

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions

Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.

Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.

Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50

ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.

Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year

The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.

USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/13/24

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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November 13, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions on International Duty

Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.

The NWSL Playoffs Continue

The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.

NWSL Award Voting Open

The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.

Pepi is Ready

The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.

Free Kicks

  • In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
  • England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
  • The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
  • Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
  • We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
  • We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
  • Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/12/24

Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

November 12, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City’s Playoff Path

It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.

What to Watch For With the USMNT

It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.

Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States

The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.

Free Kicks

  • NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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