Orlando City
Intelligence Report: Orlando City at Chicago Fire
Orlando City is on the road once again, this time traveling to Toyota Park to take on the Chicago Fire. In a battle between two teams tied for last in the Eastern Conference, a victory would go a long way toward protecting the Lions’ pride and not collecting the Wooden Spoon at the season’s end. The Fire are the only club in the league with a worse run of form than Orlando since the beginning of July, securing just one point in nine matches.
But Chicago is at home and City has struggled mightily on the road like most MLS sides. Adnan Basic, a correspondent for SB Nation’s Hot Time in Old Town stopped by to give us an update on how the Fire have fared since the last time they took on Orlando City. I also answered HTIOT’s questions and you can find those here.
After finishing third in the East in 2017, Chicago has looked more like its 2014-2016 versions this season that finished near the bottom. Was last year an anomaly or has something gone terribly wrong this year?
Adnan Basic: The Fire should have absolutely built upon a hugely successful 2017 season, but the front office has let fans down every step of the way this year. It started with management failing to bring in the necessary signings in the off-season, putting the Fire behind the eight ball before the first match even kicked off. Then came the unreasonably harsh decision to revoke the privileges and ban supporters group Sector Latino. This led to Section 8, the other main supporters group, protesting until the decision is reversed. Without both groups, the games have no atmosphere. The off-the-field issues have definitely affected the players on the field, who play with no hope or belief in their own abilities. Some blame does go to Head Coach Veljko Paunovic, who has made some really mind boggling decisions throughout the year and isn’t able to get the best out of his players. However, at the end of the day, the front office is responsible for the team being so poor this season.
Aleksandar Katai has had quite the impact for the Fire and Nemanja Nikolic has a respectable 12 goals, but Chicago is still tied for second-to-last in goals scored in the East. What’s holding the attack back?
AB: Those two have been superb this season, but they are not getting any real help. There’s no third man in the attack to open up space for Nikolic and Katai. Some thought Luis Solignac could be the final piece of the puzzle, but he’s had injury problems all year, and never really got going. The midfield is quite defensive as well, so there’s never a late run coming into the penalty area from deep. Bastian Schweinsteiger is the most creative player on the pitch, but he’s been stuck playing center back. There is some hope, as new signing Raheem Edwards has shown promises in his first couple of games for the club.
Chicago and Orlando are in the same position with playoffs highly unlikely. Has this altered how Paunovic is approaching matches?
AB: Ever since realizing that the playoffs are out of reasonable reach, Paunovic has begun to experiment with the starting XI. Since the results don’t matter too much, he’s been giving certain players a chance in the team. Youngster Stefan Cleveland has started the past few games, and it’s been nice to see him get some legitimate game time. It does seem like Paunovic is just waiting for the year to be over as his contract expires at the end of the season and it doesn’t seem like he’ll choose to re-sign.
What injuries/suspensions will keep players out this weekend and what is your projected lineup and predicted final score?
AB: Since the Fire have been out of action for so long, any players who were dealing with injuries should be able to return to the side. There’s a chance Patrick McLain will be able to start in goal for the first time in months, while Homegrown signing Grant Lillard should finally be able to put his injury problems behind him. The only key player who will be out is starting right back Matt Polster, who has pretty much missed the entire season with an MCL tear. I don’t have much of an idea of the expected starting XI, but I’d assume Pauno will stick with the 3-4-3 he’s been using in recent matches.
From right to left: Patrick McLain; Johan Kappelhof, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Grant Lillard; Nicolas Hasler, Dax McCarty, Brandt Bronico, Brandon Vincent; Michael de Leeuw, Nemanja Nikolic, Aleksansar Katai
In terms of a match prediction, the only thing I can guarantee is goals. Both teams have shambolic defenses and decent enough attacks, which should lead to a high scoring contest. This season has been a nightmare for the Fire, and I don’t expect much to change. Orlando wins 4-3 with a late goal.
Thanks again to Adnan for taking the time to answer some questions.
Orlando City
Orlando City Signs Defender Thomas Williams Through 2026
Orlando City signs Homegrown center back Thomas Williams to a new contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027.
Orlando City announced this morning that the club has signed defender Thomas Williams through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027. The Homegrown Player has been with the first team since 2021 and will continue for at least two more years.
“Thomas is someone whose future we’re still very excited about and we’re happy to get him locked in with us for a couple more years,” Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He’s shown a lot of growth these last few seasons, continuing to get game action with Orlando City B and proving the importance of our development pathway, and we’re looking forward to having him with us for the foreseeable future.”
The Titusville native joined the Orlando City Academy in 2015 and made his professional debut for the club on Aug. 7, 2020 against New England Revolution II. He played in 13 games that year with 10 starts and recorded 844 minutes. His play on the Young Lions’ back line earned him a first-team contract on June 15, 2021, at just 16 years old, making him the youngest player in club history to sign a Homegrown contract.
The 20-year-old center back made his MLS debut on April 16, 2022 in a 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew in Ohio. He made five appearances with three starts in all competitions that season, recording 271 minutes. To date, those are the only appearances he’s made with the first team.
Since joining OCB in 2021, Williams has made 69 appearances with 61 starts and recorded 5,132 minutes. He’s been booked 19 times and sent off twice, both times after receiving second yellow cards.
What It Means for Orlando City
Williams is the fourth natural center back for Orlando City on the current squad behind Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, and Rodrigo Schlegel. He played well early in his OCB and MLS career, but has struggled recently. Last year, he played exclusively with the second team, partnering with Nabi Kibunguchy.
While Williams hasn’t made much of an impact on the first team so far, he’s only 20 years old and still has plenty of time to develop. Extending his contact shows that the club still has faith that he can turn into a key player for the MLS side.
It’s unlikely that Williams will see any time with the first team in 2025 (barring injuries and/or suspensions), considering that he’s also been behind versatile defender Kyle Smith at the center back position. He’ll likely spend the upcoming season with OCB, continuing to develop and earn his spot with the first team. As a Homegrown Player, there isn’t much risk in signing Williams to a new contract, especially if the club’s technical staff thinks he can develop into a quality defender.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/22/25
Orlando City transfer rumors, Orlando Pride preseason begins, USMNT at Inter&Co, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Up here in Tallahassee, I’m waking up to snow/sleet, closed schools, closed government offices, and potentially icy roads. Many people will get an extra day off of work, however, I still get to go to work. I’m sure you can imagine how happy I am about that. Enough of my winter grumbling. Let’s get to the links but not until after we wish Orlando City fullback Michael Halliday a happy 22nd birthday.
Orlando City Reportedly Targeting Croatian International
While I can no longer say that Orlando City hasn’t signed any new players, the club is still moving at its traditionally slow speed as compared to other MLS clubs. We had the signing of Nicolas Rodriguez last week. Now, we have Tom Bogert report of yet another winger prospect for the club in Croatian Marco Pasalic from HNK Rijeka, though it is not a done deal. Hopefully the other targets Bogert mentions are of the striker variety.
Pride Preseason Begins
The 2024 NWSL champions are back to defend their title. The Orlando Pride returned to training on Tuesday. The club hasn’t needed to add many pieces, though some of the players already here, like Simone Charley and Grace Chanda, haven’t actually played any minutes for the Pride yet. Most of the chemistry is in place for Seb Hines, but reinforcing those bonds will be the challenge as the Pride look to repeat.
USMNT at Inter&Co Tonight
Hopefully you have tickets to the USMNT friendly match versus Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The match starts at 7 p.m. and there are television and streaming options if you’re not going in person. Despite the squad having 14 players with three or fewer caps, Mauricio Pochettino does not consider this an “alternative” squad, nor does he want the players to think of themselves like that.
Girma Reportedly Nearing Completion of Chelsea Move
USWNT defender Naomi Girma is reportedly headed to Chelsea FC Women for a record $1.1 million transfer fee. That is a very big chunk of change for San Diego FC to use to try to replace one of the best defenders in the world. The deal is not complete as of Tuesday evening, but according to the original report from The Athletic, it is close to being done. Girma would be the first women’s soccer player to earn a transfer fee of over $1 million.
MLS Transfer Updates
Other MLS clubs keep on putting pen to paper when it comes to new players. The Chicago Fire are bringing in Jonathan Bamba on a Designated Player deal from La Liga side Celta de Vigo. The Luca de la Torre loan from Spain’s RC Celta de Vigo to San Diego FC is also official.
Cucho Hernandez evidently wants to stay with the Columbus Crew, though he is still waiting on a new offer.
Free Kicks
- I know you might think that Orlando City has a lot to do personnel-wise as the preseason begins, but evidently, the Lions didn’t make the Top 5.
- EUFA Champions League is in full swing, with big names Liverpool and Barcelona winning yesterday. There’s also more to come today.
- Former Orlando Pride player Alanna Kennedy signed a one-year contract with Angel City FC.
- Keep your eyes peeled later today for the NWSL schedule drop.
That will do it for today. Stay warm out there, my friends. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/21/25
Orlando Pride release preseason camp roster, scouting Costa Rica, women’s soccer transfer grades, and more.
Good morning, everyone! If you had yesterday off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then I hope you enjoyed some restful time off. If not, then I hope you got your week started off on a good and productive note. There’s a lot going on around here this week as the United States Men’s National Team is in town, and Orlando City will play its first preseason match on Saturday. That means we have plenty to discuss, so let’s dig into today’s links.
Orlando Pride Drop Preseason Roster
Monday might have been a holiday but the Orlando Pride were busy, as they announced the roster for their upcoming preseason camp. Almost all of the usual suspects from the 2024 season are back, as the Pride return 98% of the player-minutes from last season and every single scorer. Mariana Larroquette is on the list although she’s currently on loan in Argentina, and Amanda Allen is likewise included after her loan at Lexington Sporting Club was terminated due to a torn labrum. The biggest intrigue comes from the trio of non-roster invitees: goalkeeper DeAira Jackson, midfielder Aryssa Mahrt, and forward Simone Jackson.
Scouting Costa Rica
The USMNT takes on Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium to wrap up the team’s annual January camp. Like the U.S., Costa Rica is bringing a roster devoid of the majority of its important players. Costa Rica also has a new manager at the helm in Miguel Herrera, who will take charge of the team for the very first time on Wednesday. Herrera typically lines his teams up in a 5-3-2 where the wingbacks take on a very important role and the team looks to hit on the counter while staying compact at the back. This will be the last time we see the USMNT in action until the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in early March.
Women’s Soccer January Transfer Grades
January has been a busy time for transfers in the women’s soccer world, so which teams have done the best business? Well, the Orlando Pride received an A grade for signing Marta to a new two-year deal, retaining a player who helped the team win its first ever trophies. Liverpool got an A for signing Julia Bartel on loan from Chelsea. Leicester City made an interesting call by transferring goalkeeper Lize Kop to Tottenham despite just being a point above the relegation zone. The Foxes get a C for the move, while Spurs get a B+ for adding a capable netminder.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans taking part in some very important games over the course of this week. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus face Club Brugge today in the UEFA Champions League, while Ricardo Pepi, Richy Ledezma, Esmir Bajraktarević, Malik Tillman and PSV Eindhoven take on Crvena Zvezda in the same competition. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will play Girona in the UCL on Wednesday, while Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic take on Young Boys. On Friday, John Tolkin could make his Bundesliga debut when his new team, Holstein Kiel, travels to face Wolfsburg.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride players reported for their preseason physicals on Monday.
- Meanwhile, Orlando City took on the dreaded beep test during Monday’s training session.
- Toronto FC has signed goalkeeper Luka Gavran to a contract extension that runs through 2027, with an option for 2028.
- Australia Men’s National Team Head Coach Tony Popovic praised MLS as a destination for Australian players, noting the league’s resources and professionalism.
That’s all I have for you today. Vamos Orlando!
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City is Often Late to the Transfer Party
-
Opinion1 week ago
Three Questions on the Eve of Orlando City’s 2025 Preseason Camp
-
Lion Links1 week ago
Lion Links: 1/13/25
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Evaluating How Orlando City May Fill Its Open Designated Player Spot
-
Orlando Pride1 week ago
Orlando Pride Sign Defender Zara Chavoshi to One-Year Deal
-
Orlando City B2 weeks ago
Orlando City B Signs Goalkeeper Tristan Himes
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride Re-Sign Marta through 2026 Season
-
Orlando City6 days ago
A 2025 Orlando City Wish List