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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Seattle Sounders: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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8 years ago

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Orlando City didn’t win. While that’s not news, at least the Lions fought back and made a game of a match that began looking like it was going to be another lopsided blowout loss. The team started slowly and at times seemed to not even care but after falling behind 2-0, the lads in purple showed some resolve and some pride in fighting to the end, scoring in the second half pressing until the final whistle.

The positives? Well, the club snapped a 507-minute scoreless drought through Dom Dwyer and there were opportunities to tie things up but the shots didn’t go in. The negatives? There are many, starting with the team setting a new MLS record for goals conceded in a season (72 and counting) and only one win in the last 23 games.

Let’s just get to the grades before the tears blur my vision.

Starters

GK, Adam Grinwis, 5.5 — The young keeper got caught on the first Sounders goal — too far off his line but not close enough to Victor Rodriguez — and looked bad as a result. There was nothing he could do about the second, which took a deflection off his teammate. Grinwis wasn’t as sharp with his passing in this match as in his first two but generally speaking he held his positioning well and had to come out of his box a few times in the second half with his teammates pushed up the pitch to avoid trouble.

D/MF, Will Johnson, 6.5 — It was just another night at the office for Will, who worked hard, passed well (91%), created three chances, attempted one shot, and had two tackles, an interception, and a clearance. He tracked back well although he nearly put a ball in his own net sneaking in from behind to deny a Seattle scoring chance. He played all over the pitch, starting at left back and moving into the midfield after a halftime shape change. He led the team with 88 touches on the night — 10 more than the next highest total.

D, Lamine Sané, 6 — The big man started a bit slowly with a couple of wayward pass attempts but he settled into the game nicely, ending at 96% pass accuracy, a team high four clearances, one tackle, and three interceptions. He commanded the back line well, especially when the team went to a three-man line. His biggest issue came early when Victor Rodriguez split the two center backs and headed in the first goal but it was difficult for me to see which player was responsible for him.

D, Shane O’Neill, 6 — O’Neill had a bit of a bad break when the ball deflected into the goal off of him in the 13th minute. He and Sané should have communicated better on the first goal when Rodriguez split the two on a run and headed over Grinwis. He finished with a tackle, two interceptions, two clearances and a blocked shot. He played a more advanced role in the second half, often getting forward to help with the attack. He passed at a 91% rate and had one cross in the match.

D, Scott Sutter, 6 — It was a mixed night for Sutter who got roasted on the first Seattle goal and allowed players in behind multiple times in the first half. But he was great in the attack and the Orlando goal wouldn’t have happened without his service. He had a blistering shot in the first half that forced a good diving save from Stefan Frei and created three chances on the night. His 92% passing rate was good and he had one tackle, two interceptions and a clearance. If not for the early defensive issues, he would have definitely been a clear cut Man of the Match.

MF, Oriol Rosell, 6 — Uri returned after an ankle injury and put in a full shift with mixed results. He looked like he could have done better closing down Rodriguez on the opening goal after Sutter lost him. He did well in the middle of the pitch, with three tackles and a team high five interceptions. He created two chances, had one shot attempt (off target), and passed at a 91% rate. It was a decent night for the Spaniard.

MF/D, Carlos Ascues, 5.5 — The Peruvian started at defensive midfield but shifted to the left side of the three-man back line in the second half. His 86% passing rate was the worst of anyone who played on the back line through the night and position didn’t matter because it was 85% at halftime when he had played only in the midfield. He had one key pass, two tackles, and two interceptions, and took an unnecessary yellow card late in the match.

MF, Cristian Higuita, 4 — The Colombian was poor on this night in my view — not terrible but certainly below what we’re used to from him this season. His passing rate of 79% wasn’t great but more than that he seemed not to care much. Most of his forays into the attacking third didn’t end well, with poor passing, backing out of a promising attack, or just a lack of ideas. Then again, that’s not his skill set. He produced no tackles and had only one interception, so even his usual good defense wasn’t on display, and he was slow tracking back in transition several times in the first half.

MF, Sacha Kljestan, 4.5 — While his 88% passing rate (on a team high 70 passes) and two chances created were good, Sacha was wasteful with his chances, getting none of his four shot attempts on frame, including a golden opportunity late to tie the game on a sweet give-and-go with Josué Colmán.

MF, Chris Mueller, 5.5 — If anyone could turn Mueller’s work rate into tangible success, it would be nice to see. Once again he ran his tail off, won a couple corners, but didn’t have much to show for it. He attempted one shot that was off frame, and passed at a 96% rate, but did not create any scoring chances. There were a few opportunities for him to make runs but he held his position at the top of the area and it took away options in the attack for his teammates. That’s something he’ll learn to do better with as he develops. A good example of that was when he picked up the secondary assist on the Lions’ goal. He dished off to Sutter and then stood and watched as the ball went in to the only Orlando player in the area instead of giving Sutter a second option. Defensively he had one tackle.

F, Dom Dwyer, 6.5 (MotM) — Dom finally broke the 507-minute drought and for that he edges out Johnson and Sutter for game MVP honors. He beat Kelvin Leerdam with a good back post run and put a difficult bouncing ball into the net past Stefan Frei. Like Johnson and Mueller, he ran and worked all night, and with Seattle’s defensive posture, he had to work that hard just to get touches. His passing rate was only 60% but several times he tried passing into the box from wide areas expecting runs from teammates that never came. He led the team with five shot attempts and had two of Orlando’s three shots on goal.

Substitutes

MF, Josué Colmán (58’), 5.5 — As usual, the Paraguayan had a couple individual moments of brilliance but there was a whole lot of nothing in between, including some loafing on plays where he could have made a difference. His back heel to Kljestan in the 73rd minute on a give-and-go was spectacular and should have resulted in an equalizer. Neither of his two shots were on target but he did pass well at 94%, creating two scoring chances. Defensively he had one tackle.

MF, Richie Laryea (74’), 4 — With 18 touches, the Canadian should have done better than no shots, no chances created, and just a 72% passing rate. He got into the area in the 85th minute and had plenty of room to pull back a pass but opted instead to hold onto it and then went down looking for a penalty and instead gave Seattle a goal kick. He did draw a free kick from distance after a good run through traffic shortly after coming on.

Those are the individual performances as I saw them. Who stood out to you? Don’t forget to vote in the poll below.

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Will Johnson6
Scott Sutter7
Uri Rosell18
Dom Dwyer14
Shane O’Neill7
Other13

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/4/26

New contract for Mauricio Pochettino, MLS names new commissioner, Americans in midweek action, and more.

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4 hours ago

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August 4, 2026

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land.

Good morning, everyone. It was a decidedly horrific weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as all three outfits fell to defeats in their matches. Fortunately, chances for redemption are right around the corner, as Orlando City plays Leagues Cup games Wednesday and Saturday, and the Orlando Pride play Racing Louisville at home on Friday. We’ve got plenty to discuss today, so let’s get into the links.

New Contract for Mauricio Pochettino

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Monday that Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract that will see him remain as the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team through 2030. Pochettino has been in the job for a little over two years, and helped guide the USMNT to the Round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup, where the team was soundly beaten by Belgium. The Argentine oversaw the national team emergence of former Lion Alex Freeman and had the team playing attractive, attacking soccer when everything was clicking. The USMNT’s next competitive test will be the 2027 Concacaf Nations League.

MLS Chooses New Commissioner

Major League Soccer has chosen a new commissioner, with LAFC co-owner Larry Berg the man chosen to succeed Don Garber. The league held a closed-door meeting on Monday in New York, with the choice coming down to Berg and former FOX executive David Nathanson. Berg will begin his duties on Jan. 1. Garber will transition to a chairman role while Berg becomes the league’s third ever commissioner. As part of his new role, Berg will be required to divest his ownership stake in LAFC. In addition to his role at the club, the league’s next commissioner has also served as the co-chair of the MLS sporting and competition committee

Americans in Midweek Action

A number of Americans will be playing matches during the working week, so make sure you have everything noted on your calendars. Tanner Tessmann and Lyon take on Sparta Prague later today in the third round of UEFA Champions League qualifying, while Colin Guske and the U-20 USMNT face Guatemala in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf U-20 Championship. Wednesday has Yunus Musah and AC Milan (Christian Pulisic is out injured) play a friendly against Inter Milan, while Weston McKennie and Juventus do the same against Chelsea. Things wrap up on Friday as Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, and Middlesborough face Wrexham in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

With the start of most European leagues bearing down on us fast, transfer rumors continue to fly thick and fast. We begin with Atletico Madrid, as the side from the Spanish capital is said to be weighing a move for Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton. Staying in Spain, Real Madrid is said to haveoffered Vinicius Jr. a new contract worth $25 million a year in an effort to combat interest from Arsenal and with his contract set to expire in June of 2027. Moving stateside, a club source for Inter Miami has said that the Herons have neither held talks with, nor initiated contact with Kevin de Bruyne, despite rumors indicating otherwise. Finally, Bay FC has reportedly agreed to sign United States Women’s National Team fullback Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal.

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That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando City

Orlando City, Orlando Pride Facing Similar Issue

The Pride are waiting for Barbra Banda’s return, while City is hoping Daryl Dike can become the dependable goal scorer he was in the past.

Published

1 day ago

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August 3, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride returned from the FIFA World Cup break heading in different directions. But both teams are missing a striker they can rely on in key moments.

For the Pride, the absence has been impossible to ignore.

Barbra Banda is away on international duty, leading Zambia in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. In her absence, the Pride have struggled to find the back of the net. They’ve been shut out in four of their last six games, including losses to Angel City FC, Boston Legacy FC, the Utah Royals, and the North Carolina Courage. The most recent loss dropped them out of the playoff positions.

The results have shown more than just a lack of goals. They’ve shown how much Banda impacts the way the Pride play.

Banda’s value goes beyond her ability to finish chances. Her speed, strength, and movement force opposing defenses to adjust. She creates space for teammates, stretches back lines, and gives the Pride a constant attacking threat.

Without her, the Pride have had to find different ways to generate offense. Apart from the 3-0 win over the Kansas City Current on July 10, it’s been a struggle. The only other game in which they’ve scored was a 1-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC on July 24, and it took until the 88th minute and more than 20 shots to finally convert.

The encouraging part for this team is that the answer is already on the roster.

Once Banda returns from international duty, the Pride will regain one of the league’s most feared attacking players. The striker still leads the league in goals with 12, two ahead of Ashley Sanchez. The recent struggles have only highlighted how important she is to the team’s success, and how the team must find a play style that allows other attacking players to be successful — with or without Banda in the lineup.

Orlando City’s situation is different.

The Lions haven’t experienced the same scoring drought as the Pride. They’ve continued to create chances and find goals from different areas of the field. But Saturday night’s 3-2 loss to the New York Red Bulls showed why having a dependable goal scorer can still make the difference.

Orlando City created enough opportunities to change the outcome. The Lions hit the woodwork three times and had late chances to find an equalizer. But they couldn’t find the finishing touch needed to turn those opportunities into goals.

Those are the moments when teams rely on a player who can change a game with one chance. It’s the role Orlando City hopes Daryl Dike can once again provide.

During his first stint with the team, Dike gave the Lions something they’d been searching for — a true target forward who could lead the attack. His physical presence allowed the team to play more directly, hold possession higher up the field, and create more danger inside the box.

Dike’s ability to battle defenders, win aerial duels, and finish chances made him one of Major League Soccer’s most promising young forwards before Orlando City sold him to West Bromwich Albion in January 2021.

Replacing that production has proved to be easier said than done.

The Lions initially attempted to fill that role by signing Ercan Kara in January 2022 as a Designated Player. But the Austrian striker never became the consistent attacking presence the team needed. Orlando City eventually found more promise with Duncan McGuire, selecting the Creighton forward with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. McGuire quickly showed why the club believed he could be the long-term answer, providing the type of penalty-box presence and finishing ability the team had been searching for.

But his path in Orlando changed.

A proposed move to Blackburn Rovers fell through in January 2024, and later that season McGuire suffered a dislocated right shoulder during the playoffs. After returning, he struggled to regain the same form, and another setback came in May 2025 when he tore the labrum in his left shoulder against Atlanta United.

The injuries changed the trajectory of McGuire’s time with the Lions, and Orlando City moved him to the Houston Dynamo on July 10.

Once again, Orlando City found itself searching for a dependable center forward.

The Lions have still found goals over the past two seasons thanks largely to Martin Ojeda. The attacking midfielder scored 20 goals in 2025 and leads the club again this season with 11, becoming Orlando City’s primary offensive threat.

Ojeda’s recent absence has only made his value more apparent. Orlando City has been without its leading scorer because of a recent thigh injury as he continues his pursuit of club history. Ojeda enters the stretch run with 44 career goals, three shy of Facundo Torres’ club record of 47.

But even with Ojeda producing at an elite level, Orlando City has continued searching for a traditional number nine who can occupy center backs, win aerial battles, and finish chances inside the box. That’s where Dike can make the difference.

Dike is back in Orlando, signing with his original professional club on July 17. The challenge is whether he can return to the player Orlando City fans remember. Injuries have slowed his progress in recent years, but the Lions believe he can once again become the striker who gave the team a different dimension.

That’s where the two Orlando teams differ.

The Pride know exactly what they’re getting back. Banda has already proven she can be the focal point of a championship-caliber attack. Her absence has been temporary, and her return should immediately change the way defenses approach the Pride.

For Orlando City, the answer is less certain. The Lions know what Dike was during his first stint with the team. Now they are waiting to see if he can become that player again.

The circumstances are different, but the lesson is the same. A dependable, go-to striker can transform a team.

The Pride are waiting for theirs to return. Orlando City is hoping its answer has arrived.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/3/26

All of Orlando’s soccer teams lose, latest MLS transfer roundup, FIFA abandons plans to sell stakes in World Cup, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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August 3, 2026

By

Image of Tyrese Spicer dribbling the ball.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I can’t believe it’s August already, and I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work and catching up on Ted Lasso before the new season drops on Apple TV later this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Poor Start Dooms Lions in Loss at New York Red Bulls

Orlando City fell 3-2 to the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday. Mijahir Jimenez scored the opener for New York in the first half. The Red Bulls added another goal to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Tyrese Spicer pulled one back for Orlando, but Jimenez responded with his second goal of the match. Griffin Dorsey pulled the Lions back within one, however, New York held on for the win, and Orlando has not beaten the Red Bulls in its last seven matches. Orlando City’s next match will be its Leagues Cup opener Wednesday against Liga MX side Monterey at home.

Pride Suffer Heavy Defeat at North Carolina Courage

The Orlando Pride were blown away 5-0 by the North Carolina Courage on the road at First Horizon Stadium on Friday. Evelyn Ijeh recorded a hat trick, and Lauryn Thompson and Ashley Sanchez each added a goal apiece as the Courage dominated the Pride. Orlando’s offensive struggles continue as the club has lost three of its last four matches. The Pride will be home for their next match Friday to face Racing Louisville FC.

OCB Falls at Connecticut United

Orlando City B fell 4-2 to Connecticut United FC on the road at Reese Stadium in New Haven, CT, on Saturday. Landon Okonski scored the opener in the first half for the Young Lions. However, Connecticut scored two goals to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. In the second half, Connecticut scored twice again to take a 4-1 lead. Matthew Belgodere added a goal for the Young Lions in stoppage time, but Connecticut sealed its fifth consecutive victory. OCB has lost back-to-back matches and will have to wait until next week, on Aug. 11, to face New York City FC II on the road.

Latest MLS Transfer Roundup

Atlanta United has loaned forward Emmanuel Latte Lath to Union Berlin of the Bundesliga ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The loan deal is for one year and includes a purchase option. Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew are reportedly set to transfer wingback Max Arfsten to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough for a $7.5 million transfer fee. Hull City of the English Premier League has reportedly reached an agreement with the Colorado Rapids to sign defender Lucas Herrington.

FIFA Abandons Plans to Sell Stakes in World Cup

On Friday, FIFA announced it will not proceed with plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private equity investors after facing significant backlash. FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal had received strong opposition from the UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC confederations. If the plan was to move forward, UEFA stated that all 55 of its members would boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups. According to reports, UEFA and Concacaf have questioned Infantino’s future leadership in FIFA, raising the possibility that he may face a challenger in the 2027 elections, while other associations such as Wales have reportedly withdrawn support for his re-election.

Meanwhile, UEFA has reportedly threatened legal action against FIFA over its recent proposal to sell off the World Cup.

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That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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