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2018 Orlando City Season in Review: Earl Edwards Jr.

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5 years ago

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There are only two remaining players from Orlando City’s inaugural MLS roster — midfielder Cristian Higuita and goalkeeper Earl Edwards, Jr. Edwards entered his fourth MLS season in 2018 with only one career league start under his belt — one he’d like to forget — in a 6-1 season-ending drubbing at the Philadelphia Union in October of 2017.

The six goals were mostly scored on plays Edwards could do little or nothing about, but that match had to leave a bad taste in the young goalkeeper’s mouth, being the only league action he’d seen for the senior team after starring for OCB. The 2015 No. 43 SuperDraft pick out of UCLA finally got a string of MLS matches in 2018 and played at least as well as incumbent starter Joe Bendik for most of his minutes, but he did make a big mistake in his final league start and never saw the field again.

Let’s take a look at his season.

Statistical Breakdown

Edwards made five MLS appearances and three U.S. Open Cup matches (all starts) in 2018, setting career highs in appearances, starts, and minutes (392). He picked up his first MLS win on July 14 in a 2-1 home victory over Toronto FC in James O’Connor’s home debut as head coach of Orlando City, helping the club snap a nine-game losing streak with his three saves, including a 1-v-1 stop on Sebastian Giovinco. In league games, Edwards posted a 2.00 goals-against average and a save percentage of 57.7.

Earl finished the season with 15 saves in league play and 14 more in the U.S. Open Cup run to the quarterfinals. He allowed 10 goals in MLS and just two in USOC. His record as a starting goalkeeper was 1-3-1 in MLS and 1-1-1 in USOC, though he helped the Lions advance in the cup competition on penalties against D.C. United. Edwards played in only two home matches in 2018, going 1-0-1 in those two contests. He recorded just one clean sheet on the season in Orlando’s 3-0 U.S. Open Cup win at Miami United FC.

Best Game

While it would be nice to say Edwards’ best game was a victory, he only needed to make three saves against Toronto and one in his shutout win over Miami United. Of his other appearances, he left the Columbus game early with an injury without making a save (or allowing a goal), made three stops in a 2-0 loss at New York City FC, and allowed four goals in a six-save effort against the LA Zlatans in a 4-3 road loss. He made three saves in a 3-3 home draw against New England but he also made his biggest mistake of the season on the opening goal in that match.

That leaves a pair of U.S. Open Cup games to choose from and he was good in both of them. Edwards made five saves in the 1-1 draw against D.C. United that went to penalties, but his stop on Yamil Asad in spot kicks set the tone for Orlando to advance. Still, I’m going to select the 1-0 road loss to the Philadelphia Union on July 18 as his best match.

Edwards made eight saves in the game, including an outstanding early reaction save on Fafa Picault’s free header just minutes in. Unfortunately, that save led to the game’s only goal, as the rebound fell at the feet of Alejandro Bedoya for a finish that Edwards could do nothing about. In the 16th minute, Edwards went low to rob Borek Dockal of a second Union goal.

Earl was forced to make a couple good saves on Cory Burke in the 34th and 52nd minutes to keep his team in the match. He also made some fine stops in the 88th and 90th on C.J. Sapong and Bedoya, respectively, to give the Lions a chance to find a goal that ultimately never came. Edwards faced 19 shots (nine on target) and turned all away that he could in a valiant effort.

2018 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Edwards a composite rating of 5 for the 2018 season. While he showed that he can stop shots at the MLS level, there are still some areas in which he can improve. His distribution is fine but could be better. He still can sometimes be a little indecisive on whether to stay at home or come out to collect or punch crosses away. One of Edwards’ best attributes has been his ability in penalty shootouts, where he has shown repeatedly that he can come up with some heroics under pressure. This year was no different with his stop on Asad. But the odd early goal against the New England Revolution either spoke to communication, vision, or focus, and it may have cost him as we didn’t see him again after that match on Aug. 4.

2019 Outlook

Edwards’ deal expires at the end of the 2018 calendar year per Transfermarkt, and it will be interesting to see if Orlando keeps the 26-year-old from San Diego after the emergence of Adam Grinwis over the final weeks of the season. Edwards makes only $68,250 on his current deal, which is just a fraction more than Grinwis, who displayed the ability to stop shots and was also the best of Orlando’s three keepers at playing out of the back quickly with his teammates. Bendik is the only one of the three with a contract beyond this season, but he is also coming off his worst season since joining Orlando. With his issues in playing the ball quickly and accurately with his feet, it would seem plausible the Lions will try to move Bendik and his $189k contract, which has one year left on it, but the club may not find any takers without eating part of his salary. Whether the team can move Bendik for a better No. 1 or not, with Grinwis’ emergence it seems likely that Edwards will depart, possibly leaving Higuita as the lone surviving original MLS Lion.

Previous Orlando City Season in Review Posts (Date Posted)

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/30/24

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

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2 hours ago

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April 30, 2024

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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 (paywall) 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, yesterday’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 2025-26 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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/29/24

Orlando City and OCB lose to Toronto, Pride beat the Spirit in Washington, EPL title race update, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 29, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was a mixed weekend for our teams, with the Pride winning, while Orlando City and OCB lost. I’ve been busy covering high school volleyball, badminton, and soccer throughout the past week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Lose at Home to Toronto FC

Orlando City SC saw its four-match unbeaten streak come to an end, losing 2-1 to Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Duncan McGuire scored the opening goal to put Orlando ahead in the first half. The Lions held on to the 1-0 lead until late in the second half, when goals from Tyrese Spicer and Prince Owusu put the Reds up 2-1, and they were able to hang on and walk out of Orlando with all three points. Toronto FC has won two in a row in league play and is fourth in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Meanwhile, the Lions are in 13th with nine points. Orlando City will look to bounce back Saturday at home as it takes on FC Cincinnati.  

Pride Grab Road Win Over Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride held on to defeat the Washington Spirit 3-2 at Audi Field Friday — their third straight victory. Angelina scored to put the Pride ahead in the first half, but the Spirit equalized just before halftime. Barbra Banda scored her first goal for the Pride, and Summer Yates added her third goal of the season, giving the Pride a 3-1 advantage in the second half. Ashley Hatch pulled one back for the Spirit on a howler by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, but the Pride keep their unbeaten streak alive at six matches (3-0-3). Orlando remains undefeated and is fourth in the NWSL table with 12 points. Next up for the Pride is a pair of home matches this week, starting Wednesday at home against the North Carolina Courage. Orlando will host Racing Louisville FC Sunday.

OCB Falls at Home to Toronto FC II

Like the first team, Orlando City B also lost 2-1 to Toronto FC II in its first home match at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions went down early in the match when Charles Sharp scored for Toronto FC II to take a 1-0 lead. Wilfredo Rivera scored the equalizer in the second half to tie the match, however, late in the second half, Jesus Batiz scored the game-winning goal to seal the win for Toronto. The Young Lions have yet to win a match at home, but has played well on the road this season and are on a four-match unbeaten streak away. The Young Lions will face MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference leaders Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. 

Manchester City and Arsenal Win to Keep EPL Title Race Close

The Premier League title race is going down to the wire as Manchester City and Arsenal won their matches over the weekend. Arsenal held on to defeat rival Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in the North London Derby. That result moves Arsenal into first with 80 points with three matches remaining. Manchester City shut out Nottingham Forest 2-0 and is second, with 79 points and still four matches left to play. Liverpool dropped points to West Ham in a 2-2 draw, putting another blow to the Reds’ title chances and leaving them in third with 75 points and three matches left.  

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  • If you missed it, check out the first goal from Pride forward Barbra Banda.

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

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Five Takeaways

What did we learn from a 2-1 home loss to Toronto FC?

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2 days ago

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April 28, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City gave up multiple goals for the sixth time in nine regular-season matches. This time the Lions were on the short end of the stick, giving up two late goals to fall 2-1 to Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium Saturday night. It was a frustrating and heartbreaking loss that was entirely avoidable.

Here are my five takeaways from the first loss since mid-March.

McGuire Keeps Scoring

Duncan McGuire likes scoring against Toronto so much that he did something that hasn’t happened much this season. He gave Orlando City the early lead in a match. To be fair, it wasn’t just McGuire on that goal. A perfect long ball by Robin Jansson — something he does quite often — was the start of the play. Facundo Torres did well to run on to the ball, lifting his head to to see McGuire. He one-timed the ball to Big Dunc on the back post for his fourth goal of the season. It was a great start to the match.

A Pair of Header-aches

Orlando City has too often had defensive lapses that have resulted in goals for the opposition. That trend continued against Toronto with the visitors scoring a pair of headers that ultimately doomed the Lions. Tyrese Spicer ran onto a cross putting it in the back of the net to tie the match. Jansson was defending his side and Rodrigo Schlegel was defending Toronto striker Prince Owusu in front, allowing Spicer the space behind both of them. No one else tracked Spicer’s run, leaving him alone in front.

The second header wasn’t much better. Kyle Smith was beaten by Federico Bernardeschi twice before he crossed the ball to the head of Owusu on the back post. Jansson had moved out to block the cross and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson had drifted inside the back post. You might be able to chalk it up to late game tiredness but it still shouldn’t happen.

Cardiac Cats Strike Again

Coming from behind to get a result is a very Orlando City thing to do. Unfortunately, giving up a lead is also a trait of the Cardiac Cats. Giving up two goals isn’t good and it has happened too often this season. More recently, it’s happened early in the match, allowing Orlando City to come back to get a result. This time, it happened in the 87th and 90th minutes, making it harder for the Lions to get a draw or a win. The Cardiac Cats giveth and the Cardiac Cats taketh away. These things happen over the course of a season, though the bigger problem is our next takeaway.

Lack of Finishing Dooms Orlando City

Orlando City took eight shots, put three on frame, and scored one goal. Martin Ojeda’s free kick miss, McGuire stepping offside in first-half stoppage time, are two examples of wasted opportunities. Of course, it’s not just the missed shots but also the other missed opportunities. Heavy touches, passes just out of reach, blocks, and deflections kept the Lions from putting the match away. It is something that Orlando City needs to do better going forward.

No Bigger Picture

This match was indicative of the problems with Orlando City right now. This team will play 87 minutes of adequate soccer before giving up unnecessary goals. The additions like Luis Muriel, and Nico Lodeiro have been just shy of making a difference, and the one guy scoring goals is most likely gone come summer. The expectations going into the season following last year’s success were high, but might need to be adjusted unless the little things are fixed. The Designated Players need to score more goals, and the defense needs to find last season’s form. All of these deficiencies were on display against Toronto.

That’s what I saw in Orlando City’s home loss to Toronto FC. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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