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Orlando City

2018 Orlando City Season in Review: Amro Tarek

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Orlando City brought in Amro Tarek on a season-long loan from Egyptian Premier League side Wadi Degla to shore up the team’s center back depth. Though Amro had yet to earn a starting job at his previous clubs, he surprised many with his quality in purple and quickly made a name for himself.

The American-born, Egyptian-raised center back enjoyed a fantastic run of form to begin the season. Tarek was asked to step in while Jonathan Spector and Lamine Sané were at times unavailable and locked down a starting role for himself. His positive play caught the eye of Egypt’s manager at the time — Héctor Cúper — who handed Amro his first national team call up in several years ahead of the World Cup.

But Tarek didn’t make the final Pharaohs roster for Russia and wasn’t quite the same upon his return to Orlando. The team as a whole struggled but the back line especially so en route to allowing a league-worst number of goals over the course of the season. The summer window saw new boss James O’Connor bring in two more central defenders in Carlos Ascues and Shane O’Neill and Tarek’s place in the side was in question. However, he bounced back after injuries forced him back into the lineup and he ended the season on a solid run of form.

Statistical Breakdown

Amro appeared in 20 matches during the season, 19 of which were starts. Tarek was unfortunately last among center backs when it came to passing efficiency, completing just 78.2% of his attempts. Amro had a habit of trying to play long balls over the top, though, which hurt his numbers there. He did manage to create a scoring opportunity once every 10 matches, but that was equivalent to center backs like Sané and O’Neill and behind Spector.

Defensively, the numbers were very similar to his fellow central defenders according to WhoScored. Tarek averaged 1.6 tackles per game, 2.5 interceptions per game (good enough for third on the team), and 4.2 clearances per game (second only behind Sané). Amro also tied Carlos Ascues for the team lead for blocked shots with both stopping one opposition attempt every match on average.

Tarek was credited with a goal in Orlando’s wild 3-3 draw with the New England Revolution, though the ball might not have found the back of the net without some help from Revs keeper Matt Turner.

He registered no assists and attempted six shots, four on goal. He committed 11 fouls, drawing nine, and saw three yellow cards but no reds.

Best Game

While Amro had several stellar performances to start the year, his matches were often a mixed bag. He would prevent a goal or two with some display of athleticism or great defending but also put a few chances on a platter for the opposing attack. His most complete performance came in Orlando’s 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union back in April.

While Tarek didn’t set any season highs for his defensive statistics, he was clutch when it mattered, racking up three interceptions, five clearances, and a block. Most importantly, the Egyptian combined with Sané to help record one of Orlando City’s two clean sheets against a threatening Union attack.

Amro also nearly scored the first goal of the match after some fantastic play from Orlando, but ultimately his attempt was cleared off the line by Jack Elliott.

2018 Final Grade

While Tarek’s early performances jump-started his international career with Egypt, it was overall a rocky year in Orlando. The Mane Land staff gave Amro a composite grade of 5.5 for his 2018 performance. The 26-year-old was incredibly streaky and could save the day or give the match away depending on the day. His match grades throughout the year in our individual assessments ranged anywhere from 3.5 to 7.5.

Amro at his best could go toe-to-toe with most forwards in MLS and showed his potential as a player, but there were too many times when careless giveaways or poor positioning allowed the opposition to take advantage.

2019 Outlook

Amro’s loan from Wadi Degla is set to conclude at the end of this season. Orlando City has an option to buy Tarek permanently from the Egyptian club but it remains to be seen whether the OCSC brass will bring the Egyptian international back after James O’Connor seemed to favor O’Neill over Amro as the season wound down. Tarek made eight appearances under the Irishman, though he was away with Egypt and hampered with an injury during that stretch.

Purchasing Amro would likely come with a raise on his reported $88,333.37 total compensation, especially with Javier Aguirre consistently calling him up for Egypt. Combined with the transfer fee to purchase him from Wadi Degla, financials could play a big role in whether or not the big center back is in purple in 2019.

Should Tarek return, he has shown the potential to step in and be a capable starter in MLS with all of the physical tools to shut down attackers. The question remains whether he can be consistent enough to be relied on every week.


Previous Orlando City Season in Review Posts (Date Posted)

Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/24/24

MLS transfer roundup, Americans in midweek action, NWSL news galore, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Happy Tuesday and merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I hope you’re all having a good start to your week and have some fun stuff planned for the upcoming holidays.

Before we get started with today’s links, we here at The Mane Land want to give a special shout out to Joe (a.k.a. fldatadude) for signing up for a Homegrown Player-level membership on our Buy Me a Coffee page. By signing up at one of our three levels of support, our readers and podcast listeners can enjoy added benefits in addition to keeping our bills paid so we can continue doing what we do.

Now we do have plenty of items to get to today, so let’s get into today’s news.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

There are a number of MLS teams who have been busy at work in the transfer market, so let’s break down the recent moves. LAFC signed free agent forward Jeremy Ebobisse to a three-year deal with an additional option year, further strengthening an already strong squad. The Portland Timbers also got some business done via free agency, as they signed winger Ariel Lassiter. FC Dallas has signed forward Anderson Julio from Real Salt Lake, with defender Sam Junqua and up to $500,000 in General Allocation Money going to RSL in exchange. Finally, Lorenzo Insigne has teased on his Instagram that he will play another season for Toronto FC in 2025.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans playing this week, so get everything marked down and enjoy some festive footy. Thursday’s Boxing Day slate features Americans heavily, with Chris Richards, Matt Turner, and Crystal Palace traveling to take on Tyler Adams and Bournemouth in Premier League play. Antonee Robinson and Fulham will play Chelsea that same day, while Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United face an unenviable trip to Stoke City to round things off on Thursday.

Keeping Up With NWSL Happenings

There are several pieces of National Women’s Soccer League news to cover, so why not do it all in one place? We start with the San Diego Wave, which have reportedly hired Jonas Eidevall as their new head coach. The Swede most recently spent time coaching Arsenal and has reportedly been the Wave’s top choice for several weeks now. We now move to the realm of fact, where Angel City FC has signed midfielder Macey Hodge to a two-year deal with an option for the 2027 season. Finally, expansion team BOS Nation FC agreed a lease with Boston Public Schools and the City of Boston that will allow the team to use White Stadium as its home ground starting in 2026.

European Transfer Rumor Mill

Europe’s club teams can’t do business quite yet, but rumors are flying thick and fast with January just around the corner. First up, Manchester United is said to be exploring a deal to sign Victor Osimhen in January, particularly with Marcus Rashford indicating that he wants out of the club. Staying in the Premier League, Christopher Nkunku’s agent has reportedly offered the forward’s services to Barcelona, as the forward hasn’t been starting for the Blues and wants a larger role. Finally, Bayern Munich is said to be closely monitoring Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, which would add him to a long list of Dortmund players snapped up by the Bundesliga giants.

Free Kicks


That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas Eve!

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Orlando City

2024 Orlando City Season in Review: Ivan Angulo

The midfielder started every regular season and playoff game in 2024.

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Image courtesy or Orlando City SC

Orlando City acquired midfielder Ivan Angulo on a 12-month loan from Brazilian Serie A side Palmeiras on July 25, 2022. The Lions accepted the option to extend the loan for six months on June 22, 2023, before making a permanent transfer for the winger on Jan. 3, 2024. Angulo has since become a mainstay in Oscar Pareja’s starting lineup. The Colombian played a big role in helping the Lions claim the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and advance to the Eastern Conference final for the first time.

Let’s take a look at how Angulo did during the 2024 MLS season.

Statistical Breakdown

Angulo started all 34 regular-season matches on the left side of the midfield this year, recording 2,772 minutes played. He put 10 of his 34 shots on target and scored five goals. Despite being on the left, 24 of his shots came with his right foot. As you would expect from someone in his position, his biggest contribution came in the build-up. He completed 86.7% of his 1,063 passes, including 41 key passes, 11 crosses, three long balls, and 10 assists — third most on the team. Defensively, Angulo won 35.3% of his 17 aerial duels, 47 tackles, 19 interceptions, 12 clearances, and two blocks. He was called for 23 fouls, drew 24 fouls, and was booked four times in his 34 games.

The left-sided midfielder also started all five MLS playoff games in his usual spot, recording 408 minutes. He put two of his five shots on target and didn’t score but completed 90.1% of his 145 passes, including three key passes and an assist. On the defensive end, Angulo tallied five tackles, three interceptions, and five clearances in the postseason. He committed seven fouls while drawing five and was booked once in those five postseason appearances. 

Angulo appeared in three of the four Concacaf Champions Cup games (all starts) — all except the home match against Cavalry FC — playing 231 minutes. He didn’t score or put any of his three shots on target, but he completed an impressive 89.3% of his 75 passes with four key passes, two crosses, and an assist. He contributed one tackle and two interceptions defensively, drawing three fouls while conceding two. He wasn’t booked.

The Colombian played in two of the three Leagues Cup games (both starts) and recorded 179 minutes without a goal contribution. The midfielder didn’t put his only shot on target, but he completed 84.5% of his 71 passes, including two key passes. Defensively, he chipped in two tackles, three interceptions, and a clearance. Additionally, Angulo was fouled four times and committed two himself without being booked.

Best Game

Angulo’s two best games came in a 5-0 win over D.C. United on July 6 at Inter&Co Stadium and in a 3-1 win at FC Cincinnati on Oct. 5. He had a goal and an assist in both games, but while the Cincinnati game was more impactful on the team claiming the fourth seed in the playoffs, Angulo’s best game was against D.C.

The midfielder started and played all 90 minutes, completing 84.9% of his 66 passes. He only put one of his three shots on target that night, but had three key passes, including his secondary assist on Facundo Torres’ goal. However, his biggest moment of the game came in the 42nd minute.

Receiving the ball from Torres, Angulo played Martin Ojeda into the box. D.C. goalkeeper Tyler Miller blocked Ojeda’s attempted cross, but Angulo followed the play. Nobody else pounced on the ball and the midfielder passed it calmly in to give his team a commanding 3-0 lead.

Additionally, Angulo made four tackles that night and drew two fouls without conceding any.

2024 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Angulo a composite grade of 6.5 out of 10 for the 2024 MLS season. It’s the same grade the staff gave him for his 2023 campaign and also equaled the rating we gave him in 2022. The highs of Angulo’s season were tremendous, but his inconsistency continued this year. He would see his grade rise if he would put a string of quality performances together. Regardless, it was another good year for the winger.

2025 Outlook

Angulo signed a two-year contract with Orlando City before last season, keeping him on a guaranteed deal through the 2025 season. He has a club option for 2026, so he could be in purple for the next two seasons before the club has to decide on his future. He played in every league game the last two years, starting all but five. It’s hard to see anyone else taking over the left side of the midfield in the near future with how Pareja trusts the 25-year-old. The departure of Facundo Torres this off-season causes bigger concerns than the Colombian, and knowing he’s back in the attack provides some comfort for the front office as it prepares for next season.


Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/23/24

Orlando City sells Facundo Torres to Palmeiras, Lions draft four players, latest MLS transfer moves, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. My weekend has been busy working at Under Armour, with Christmas just two days away. I also covered high school hockey and went to a Chicago Bulls game. Besides that, I finally got all my Christmas shopping done. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Announces Facundo Torres Transfer to Palmeiras

Orlando City announced on Friday that forward Facundo Torres has been sold to Palmeiras for a club-record fee. Torres leaves Orlando as the Lions all-time goal-scoring leader. He had 123 appearances across all competitions, scored 47 goals, and added 25 assists in three seasons in Orlando. Torres made a big impact as a Lion, helping the club reach the playoffs the last three years and winning the 2022 U.S. Open Cup title.

The Lions will have an open Designated Player spot to fill during the off-season. Their home opener against the Philadelphia Union is less than two months away.

Lions Select Four Players in 2025 MLS SuperDraft

The Lions made four selections during the 2025 MLS SuperDraft on Friday. With the 27th overall pick, they chose midfielder Joran Gerbet out of Clemson. Gerbet had a solid collegiate career, recording 12 goals and 15 assists, and he led Clemson to the 2023 National Championship title as well. In the second round, the Lions added another Clemson Tiger by selecting center back Titus Sandy, Jr. with the 46th overall pick. Sandy played in 48 matches, logging 2,520 minutes, and was also part of the 2023 National Championship team. Later in the same round, the Lions picked forward Collins Oduro out of Indiana. Oduro made 44 appearances for the Hoosiers, scoring eight goals to go with seven assists. The Lions concluded their 2025 MLS SuperDraft by selecting Marshall defender Takahiro Fujita in the third round with the 87th overall pick. MLSSoccer.com unveiled its draft grades for each club, and Orlando City received an A- as its grade.

NJ/NY Gotham FC Trades Lynn Williams to the Seattle Reign

We had a trade that went down in the National Women’s Soccer League as NJ/NY Gotham FC traded forward Lynn Williams and goalkeeper Cassie Miller to the Seattle Reign. In exchange, the Seattle Reign acquired midfielder Jaelin Howell, an international roster slot, and $70,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). Williams spent two seasons with Gotham FC, recording 17 goals and seven assists. She made 75 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team and was part of the squad that won a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Miller began the 2024 NWSL season as the number one goalkeeper for Gotham but was moved to a backup role once the club acquired Ann-Katrin Berger. Howell made eight appearances for the Reign this season after being acquired from Racing Louisville FC in August.

Latest Transfer Moves in MLS

We have some MLS transfer news to catch you up on from over the weekend. Real Salt Lake acquired forward Elias Manoel and four MLS SuperDraft picks from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for $700,000 in GAM. The Red Bulls maintain a sell-on percentage for Manoel as well. Atlanta United also made a trade, acquiring midfielder Mateusz Klich from D.C. United in exchange for Atlanta’s first round 2025 MLS SuperDraft Pick and up to $50,000 in conditional GAM if Atlanta re-signs Klich. The New England Revolution signed goalkeeper Alex Bono to a contract through the 2026 season. Bono spent the previous two seasons with D.C. United. The Revolution also added defender Tanner Beason, who previously played five seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes. Beason’s deal is through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027.

Premier League Weekend Roundup

We had plenty of action in the Premier League over the weekend. Manchester City fell 2-1 to Aston Villa on Saturday and has lost nine out of its last 12 matches across all competitions. Arsenal cruised past Crystal Palace 5-1, Newcastle United defeated Ipswich Town 4-0 with Alexander Isak getting a hat trick, and Nottingham Forest won 2-0 against Brentford. West Ham United and Brighton fought to a 1-1 draw. On Sunday, Manchester United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth. Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur 6-3, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice. Vitor Pereira won his first match as Wolverhampton’s manager, as his side beat Leicester City 3-0. The Everton and Chelsea and Fulham and Southampton matches ended in a scoreless draw.

Free Kicks

  • In an interview with Fast Company, former Orlando Pride player Alex Morgan gave insight into her next chapter since retiring from pro soccer. Morgan discussed how she’s navigating through her post-playing career, investing in other sports, and continuing to support current and future generations of female athletes.
  • Atlanta United named Ronny Deila as its next head coach. Deila previously coached Standard Liege, New York City FC, Celtic, and Club Brugge.
  • FIFA and Netflix signed an agreement for exclusive broadcast rights in the United States for the 2027 and 2031 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
  • In another coaching move, USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC announced former Tampa Bay Rowdies head coach Neill Collins as its next head coach after activating his release clause at Raith Rovers.
  • Weston McKennie scored a goal in the first half to help Juventus snap its run of four consecutive draws in league play with a 2-1 win against Monza on Sunday.
  • Jesus Navas played his final match for Sevilla as his side lost 4-2 to Real Madrid on Sunday. Navas will retire from professional soccer after his contract ends this month after a stellar 21-year career.

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

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