Orlando City
2018 Orlando City Season in Review: RJ Allen

Defender RJ Allen joined Orlando City in mid-December of 2017, ostensibly to provide depth behind right back Scott Sutter. Allen ended up playing all over the place in a season filled with injuries and other absences across the Lionsโ back line, filling in on the left and even at center back.
He showed versatility over the 2018 campaign, but while he was serviceable just about everywhere he lined up โ left back, right back, wingback, and center back โ he was a master of none of those positions. Still, just his presence alone to back up those various positions was helpful to the overall cause this season.
But just how did that first season in purple go for Allen?
Statistical Breakdown
RJ played in 18 of Orlando Cityโs 34 matches this season, starting 10 and playing 966 minutes. In his 10 starts, he lined up at right back eight times, and left back and center back once each, though he did sub in at various spots plus wingback throughout his eight substitute appearances. He did not score a goal but did provide two assists. Allen attempted only three shots all year and none of them were on target. He tied for seventh on the club in key passes per game, averaging just under one per match โ equal to Mohamed El-Munir on the other side. Allenโs 80.8% passing accuracy is behind Sutter by almost four percent, but ahead of left backs El-Munir (77.6%) and Donny Toia (79.8%).
On the defensive end, he averaged 1.6 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, one clearance and just 0.2 blocked shots per game โ numbers that virtually echo Sutterโs averages in those categories, except clearances, in which he lags behind the starting right back.
Discipline-wise, Allen committed 19 fouls and drew only two, but he only received two yellow cards all season and was not sent off.
Allen also appeared in two of Orlandoโs three U.S. Open Cup matches, playing right back against Miami United FC and wingback against D.C. United for a total of 210 minutes. He had an assist against Miami and attempted two shots (neither on goal). In the two games, he committed seven fouls, drawing four the other way.
Best Game
There were a few games that stood out in RJโs season but perhaps the best was his appearance in relief of an injured Sutter in Orlando Cityโs 3-2 comeback win over the Portland Timbers on April 8. Hereโs what our Sean Rollins said of his performance in our player grades piece that day:
Coming on for Scott Sutter in the 57thย minute, RJ Allen played his best game since joining Orlando City this past off-season. He was strong in the back and was dangerous going forward, working well with Chris Mueller to create crosses into the box late. His late run into the box and vision to find Dom Dwyer for the winning goal was exquisite, and deserves recognition.
Allenโs pass helped the Lions complete a three-goal rally that turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead in just a seven-minute span. RJโs long, perfectly timed ball set up Dom Dwyerโs winner in what was one of the most memorable goals in Orlando Cityโs history, let alone season.
It was only 33 minutes, but it was one of the best half hour performances of the season. He attempted one shot, had three key passes as part of a 95% passing day, averaged nearly a touch per minute, made one tackle and had one interception.
An honorable mention goes to Allen for his Man of the Match effort for Orlando in an otherwise dismal 2-0 loss to New York City FC on July 26.
2018 Final Grade
The Mane Land staff landed on a final composite grade of 5 for Allen. He had an inconsistent season and as I mentioned above, while he was anywhere from serviceable to solid regardless of what he was asked to do, he rarely mastered any one spot. He showed glimpses of what he could do in the two matches mentioned above in the โBest Gameโ section and a few others, but he hardly made anyone forget the injured Sutter for a good chunk of the season. Given the season the Lions had, a final grade like Allenโs certainly isnโt an indictment.
2019 Outlook
According to Transfermarkt, Orlando City isnโt on the hook for Allen beyond 2018. However, at just $90,000 in guaranteed money, the 28-year-old actually gave good value during the season. It isnโt bad to have players on the bench who can serve as Swiss Army knives and fill in at multiple positions for little money in a salary cap league. Provided it wouldnโt cost the club a lot to have Allen return, there could be room on the roster for him in 2019. Also, if the club continues to trend toward a three-man back line next season, Allen could play a bit further up the field where he can pick out passes for runners and work with the midfielders to maintain possession. It seems to be a better fit for him than as a standard right back on a four-man back line.
Previous Orlando City Season in Review Posts (Date Posted)
- Cam Lindleyย (10/31)
- Tony Rochaย (11/1)
- Cristian Higuitaย (11/2)
- Joe Bendikย (11/3)
- Jose Villarealย (11/3)
- Dillon Powersย (11/4)
- Chris Muellerย (11/5)
- Mohamed El-Munirย (11/6)
- PCย (11/6)
- Jonathan Spectorย (11/7)
- Will Johnsonย (11/8)
- Chris Schulerย (11/9)
- Earl Edwards, Jr.ย (11/9)
- Josuรฉ Colmรกnย (11/10)
- Donny Toiaย (11/10)
- Lamine Sanรฉย (11/11)
- Stรฉfano Pinhoย (11/12)
- Oriol Rosellย (11/13)
- Amro Tarekย (11/14)
- Adam Grinwis (11/15)
- Sacha Kljestan (11/16)
Orlando City
2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Alex Freeman
We start our Orlando City player reviews with a look at a Homegrown fullback who made his MLS debut this season.

Orlando City signed fullback Alex Freeman to a Homegrown Player contract on February 15, 2022. He became the Lions’ 12th Homegrown signing and his deal runs through the 2025 season with a club option for 2026, but the youngster did not see action in Major League Soccer last season. With the departure of Ruan, there was an opportunity for Freeman to win a job with the first team in camp but he wasn’t quite ready to make the jump, instead playing an important role with Orlando City B throughout the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Letโs take a look back at Freeman’s 2023 campaign.
Statistical Breakdown
Freeman made his MLS debut on April 29 in a 2-0 home win over the LA Galaxy. It was not just his debut with the first team, but it was also his only appearance with the senior squad in 2023, although he did make the substitutes’ bench a few times after that. Officially, he logged only one minute, entering in the 93rd minute. He was only on the pitch a matter of seconds, so it’s unsurprising that he registered nothing on the stats sheet.
The son of former NFL receiver Antonio Freeman, Alex starred with OCB in 2023. In MLS NEXT Pro play, Freeman appeared in 24 of OCB’s 28 matches, starting 22, and logging 1,855 minutes. He finished tied for third on the squad in goals (4), adding three assists and passing at a 79.1% success rate. Freeman attempted 25 shots, putting 11 on target, and contributed 10 key passes. He committed 22 fouls, drew 27 on the opposition, and was booked four times. He also started OCB’s playoff match at Columbus, playing 89 minutes in the Young Lions’ 2-1 road loss. Freeman didn’t contribute a goal or assist or attempt a shot in the match, but he passed at an 88% rate, created one scoring chance, and committed one foul.
Best Game
With only one MLS appearance to his credit, the default best game for Freeman came on April 29 in Orlando City’s 2-0 home win over the LA Galaxy. Freeman didn’t even officially touch the ball in the game, but it’s not every day a teenager gets to play in an MLS match, and I’m sure it was a special moment for him. It was certainly a milestone in his professional soccer career.
2023 Final Grade
As Freeman fell well short of the minimum 450 minutes played mark to receive a rating on our 1-10 scale, The Mane Land has no choice but to mark his grade as incomplete for the 2023 season. There are areas of Freeman’s game that need a bit of refining, but at the same time, it’s easy to see why he landed a Homegrown contract, why Orlando City would find him an intriguing prospect, and why he’s been getting called up by the United States for U-20 international duty. His attacking presence was huge for OCB in 2023 and he was one of the key players that led the Young Lions to the postseason.
2024 Outlook
I would expect Freeman to get more seasoning at OCB in 2024, although he’ll be given opportunities in preseason camp to show whether he’s closed the gap on the likes of Michael Halliday and Kyle Smith (assuming both return). If the club moves on from both Halliday and Smith, it’s not hard to picture Freeman starting the season providing depth at right back for the first team. Having just turned 19 in August, Freeman has a lot of potential and he should start to unlock that within the next year or so.
This is the first of our 2023 Orlando City Season in Review articles. Every player who played minutes this past season and who finished the year on the club roster will be reviewed (exceptions may be made for players let go when the club officially announces its roster moves). Players who logged fewer than 450 minutes (combined regular season plus playoffs, Concacaf Champions League, U.S. Open Cup, and Leagues Cup) will receive a composite score between 1 and 10 as determined by a panel of The Mane Land writers, while those who did not reach that threshold will receive an incomplete grade.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/29/23
Orlando Pride players called up by Brazil, MLS announces 2023 Best XI, latest MLS roster moves, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers I hope all is well down in Florida. I’ve been very busy working throughout the holiday weekend at Under Armour. This week I’ll be working at Wrigley Field for Winterland while getting ready to cover high school wrestling tomorrow night. There is plenty to cover today, so letโs get to the links.
Pride Players Called Up By Brazil for Friendlies
Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle and forwards Marta and Adriana have been called up to the Brazil Women’s National Team for its upcoming friendlies.
Brazil will play two matches against Japan on Nov. 30 and Dec. 3 in Sao Paulo before playing Nicaragua on Dec. 6 at Estadio Fonte Luminosa in Araraquara.
MLS Announces the 2023 Best XI
Major League Soccer announced its 2023 Best XI, recognizing the leagueโs top players at each position. There were no Orlando City players selected for the team and eight players received the honor for the first time. Those players are St. Louis City’s Roman Burki and Tim Parker, FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga, Atlanta United duo Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis, Houston Dynamo midfielder Hector Herrera, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, and Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez. Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar made the Best XI for the third consecutive time, while teammate Walker Zimmerman was named to it for the fifth time. MLS MVP Luciano Acosta of FC Cincinnati rounds out the list.
Latest MLS Off-season Roster Moves
The Colorado Rapids announced their latest roster changes as they prepare for the the 2024 season under new Head Coach Chris Armas. The club exercised its options for defender Andrew Gutman, midfielder Ralph Priso, and forward Calvin Harris. The Rapids declined contract offers to seven players, with the most notable names being defender Steven Beitashour and goalkeeper William Yarbrough, although the Rapids are in discussions about re-signing Yarbrough. Elsewhere, the New England Revolution exercised the permanent transfer option on forward Tomas Chancalay, signing him to a Designated Player contract through 2026, with a club option for the 2027 season.
UEFA Champions League Roundup
Champions League action returned in Europe, as we get close to wrapping up the group stage in a couple of weeks. Manchester City overcame a two-goal deficit to beat RB Leipzig 3-2 and win Group G. Newcastle United had a chance to qualify for the round of 16 but gave up a late penalty to Paris Saint-Germain, which Kylian Mbappe converted to end the match in a 1-1 draw. Borussia Dortmund beat AC Milan 3-1 to book its spot in the knockout stage. PSG, Newcastle, and AC Milan are all still alive in Group F heading into the final matchday in December. Shakhtar Donetsk won 1-0 against Royal Antwerp and also still has a shot to advance on the final matchday. Lazio, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Young Boys all won their respective matches as well. Today’s matches include Manchester United on the road against Galatasaray, Real Madrid taking on Napoli, and Sevilla facing off with PSV Eindhoven.
Free Kicks
- Concacaf has announced that BMO Stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park, Shell Energy Stadium, and Snapdragon Stadium will be the four venues that will host matches for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
- Barcelona midfielder Gavi will be sidelined for up to 10 months after undergoing knee surgery after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee.
- The International Football Association Board approved a trial for sin bins, meaning players punished for dissent or specific tactical offense would be temporarily removed from the match for a set amount of minutes.
- You have got to see this goal from Cwrt Rawlin FC in the Welsh seventh division.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and Iโll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/28/23
Luciano Acosta named MVP, Americans in action, scheduling news for U.S. national teams, and more.

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I’m dragging a little today after having an extended period of time off for the Thanksgiving holiday, but there’s no rest for the wicked and the only way out is through. With that being the case, let’s get into today’s news.
Luciano Acosta Wins MLS MVP
In a piece of news that plenty of people likely saw coming from several miles away, Luciano Acosta has been named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player. Acosta racked up 34 goal contributions during the regular season, finishing the 2023 campaign with 17 goals and 14 assists as the driving force behind his team’s run to the Supporters’ Shield. He was voted the best player in the league by quite some margin and won the award in a landslide, taking 60.37% of the votes to Denis Bouanga’s 14.97% and Thiago Almada’s 6.46%.
American Stars in Midweek Action
There are a number of United States Men’s National Team players that will be in action this week, with several UEFA Champions League clashes highlighting the viewing slate. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan will face Giovanni Reyna’s Borussia Dortmund today in a game with huge ramifications for both teams. Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, and Sergino Dest may play in PSV Eindhoven’s match with Sevilla tomorrow, and a win would likely go a long way to securing a place in the Round of 16. Additionally on Wednesday, Brenden Aaronson and Union Berlin have a chance to make a big move towards a place in the Europa League, as a win over Braga would leapfrog the German club into third place in Group C.
USMNT & USWNT Scheduling News
The USMNT will open its 2024 slate of games with a match against Slovenia on Jan. 20 in San Antonio. The match will fall outside of an international window, meaning that the January camp roster will largely be made up of domestic-based players. The USMNT has faced Slovenia twice before, with the most recent time being a 3-2 win in Ljubljana courtesy of a Jozy Altidore penalty kick.
While we already knew that the United States Women’s National Team would play China PR on Dec. 5 in Frisco, we now know that one of the team’s legends will be honored before the game. The U.S. Soccer Federation has announced that former Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger, who stated in March that she will retire following the NWSL season, will be honored before the match. Krieger played 108 games for the USWNT and is a two-time World Cup winner with the team.
Notable Women’s Players to Miss International Matches
A pair of high profile women’s players will miss upcoming international games. First up, Sam Kerr will not feature in Australia’s back-to-back friendlies against Canada due to a foot injury. Kerr has struggled with injuries this year and her availability was limited during this summer’s World Cup.
Alexia Putellas will miss Spain’s two Nations League matches against Sweden and Italy after picking up a left knee injury. Putellas had missed Euro 2022 due to an ACL tear, but was back to help her side win the World Cup several months ago. Fortunately for Spain, the team is well positioned atop its group and has enough players in the squad that it shouldn’t feel her absence too keenly.
Free Kicks
- A pair of Willian penalties and an early Alex Iwobi goal helped Fulham beat Wolverhampton, with American defenders Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream also starting.
- New York Red Bulls forward Tom Barlow is reportedly headed to the Chicago Fire.
- With just three games remaining, Brazil’s title race is coming right down to the wire.
- The Liga MX playoffs are about to start, so make sure you get up to speed on what you should know as the Apertura gets underway.
That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Y’all stay safe out there.
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