Orlando City
Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Real Salt Lake
Orlando City plays Real Salt Lake this Saturday in a bid to make it two wins on the road and keep the good vibes rolling after the first home win of the young season. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake is a team reeling after suffering four straight losses, and will be looking to change its fortunes against the Lions — a team it has yet to beat.
In preparation for this week’s match, I found myself rowing a leaky canoe to the middle of the Great Salt Lake, where I met with Lucas Muller, one of the editors over at SB Nation’s RSL Soapbox. He was kind enough to give me some insight into this year’s RSL team ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Utah. I also answered a few questions which you can find over at their place.
The beginning of the season has been a bit rocky for RSL. After a draw and a win the team has suffered four straight losses. It’s important to note though that every loss came to a team that made the playoffs last year, and with that in mind are you especially worried about the recent run of results or has the team shown enough positives in those games to prevent too much concern?
Lucas Muller: Concern for Real Salt Lake’s form is very valid at this point. Things could turn around, and probably will, but four losses in a row is always a problem. RSL had four red cards in three of those games, which very much changes how the results go. What is promising is in at two of those losses — LAFC and Seattle — RSL looked competitive. Those teams are on absolute fire right now, so the fact that RSL only lost by one goal is a slight encouragement, especially given the 5-0 loss to DC United.
Much like Colorado, the team that Orlando played last week, RSL has had some struggles with red cards and has three in its last four games. How much do you think the bookings affected the outcome of those games?
LM: Red cards completely change games. If RSL doesn’t get a red card in LA, it’s reasonable to think they could’ve held LAFC to a 1-1 draw. If they didn’t get a red in the first half against FC Dallas, they could have battled back. They still got two goals but they went on to allow a total of four goals. That DC game was such a disaster, but before the penalty and red card, RSL looked fairly commanding.
At the end of the day, RSL has to do better and be more disciplined on the field. Some of the reds seem pretty soft, but if you give the ref the opportunity, you open yourself up to a card.
RSL signed forward Samuel Johnson to a Designated Player contract in early February and he’s appeared in all of the team’s games this season. What’s your impression of him based on what you’ve seen so far?
LM: He was one of the best RSL players on the field against Seattle last weekend. It was his first start and he showed a lot of promise, even if he wasn’t getting a ton of service. He may be a player that takes some time to adjust to the league, or for the team to understand what he needs from the players around him.
Are there any suspensions or injuries that will keep players unavailable for selection? What’s your predicted starting lineup and scoreline?
LM: There are no players that have been regular starters in the last season or so that are injured. Justen Glad and Joao Plata were on the injury report last week, listed as probable, but they both played with the Monarchs (RSL’s USL team) last weekend and should be available for selection. The team also went the full 90 against Seattle without picking up a red and that gives Head Coach Mike Petke a lot of options.
There’s a lot of options in the attack but my best guess for starting XI is Nick Rimando; Aaron Herrera, Marcelo Silva, Nedum Onuoha, Brooks Lennon; Kyle Beckerman, Everton Luiz; Albert Rusnak, Demir Kreilach, Jefferson Savarino; Sam Johnson with a 2-1 win for RSL.
Big thanks to Lucas for sharing his thoughts on Real Salt Lake.
Orlando City
Orlando City is Often Late to the Transfer Party
Why you shouldn’t worry that we’re still waiting on Orlando City’s off-season signings.
Here we are yet again. It’s that time of the year when seemingly every MLS club is making moves, signing new players, and going about the business of getting better for the coming season. It’s also the time of the year when supporters of Orlando City are looking around like Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, wondering where the signings are for the Lions.
I’m here to tell you not to panic. As frustrating as it is, this is business as usual for Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi and Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira. In case you’ve forgotten, here are some late signings that the club has made over the years.
January Signings
Despite how it feels, Orlando City signs plenty of players in January. Some of those have been earlier than Jan. 9. Nicolas Lodeiro signed with the club on Jan. 4, 2024, Rafael Santos signed on Jan. 5, 2023, and Cesar Araujo signed Jan. 7, 2022. I understand if you think they shouldn’t count since it was before this exact time of the month, but some fans have been freaking out for a week.
Let’s look at those on this day of the month or later. That list includes Martin Ojeda, who became a Lion on this day in 2023. In addition, Pedro Gallese signed Jan. 17, 2020, Ramiro Enrique signed on Jan. 30, 2023, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson signed the very next day. All four of those players were consistent starters in 2024.
February/March Signings
Muzzi and Moreira aren’t afraid to wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow to sign new players. Just last year, the club signed David Brekalo on Feb. 8 and Luis Muriel on Feb. 15. Muriel really came on late in the season, and Brekalo will certainly be vying to get his starting spot back in 2025.
I’ve saved my most compelling example for last. Orlando City signed Robin Jansson on March 12, 2019. All he’s done is become Orlando City’s captain and all-time appearance leader. His contributions to the club are extensive. Not too bad for a very late signing.
Historically speaking, Orlando City isn’t doing things any slower than usual. That is why I’m saying not to panic…yet. The Lions made it to the Eastern Conference final for the first time in 2024. If they want to win MLS Cup, the club will need to continue to improve the team.
Given the departure of Facundo Torres, at least one major signing needs to happen. Like you, I hope that signing happens sooner than later. Indeed, I’d like to see several signings, as the club wisely uses the money from the Torres deal to bolster the club for the upcoming season.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/9/25
Orlando City B signs Tristan Himes, young trialist linked with Orlando City, 2025 Futures Camp roster announced, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? Hopefully this cold weather hasn’t made it too difficult to enjoy the new year. I’ve at least been able to get some use out of a new jacket I was gifted over the holidays. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Kyle Smith!
Goalkeeper Tristan Himes Joins Orlando City B
Orlando City signed goalkeeper Tristan Himes to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for him to play with Orlando City B. Himes came up through Orlando’s academy before playing collegiate soccer for the University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University. He was eligible for selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft but wasn’t selected. He’ll help fill the void left by Carlos Mercado, whose contract option was declined by the club following the 2024 season. How much time he spends in the net may depend on how much Javier Otero is needed with the first team while Mason Stajduhar recovers from injury.
Trialist Aboubou Haimakoye Linked With Orlando City
You’ll need a translation tool for the details, but 17-year-old attacking midfielder Aboubou Haimakoye will reportedly join Orlando City as a trialist over the next few weeks. Haimakoye is a fast attacker with good ball control according to Africa Foot, so it makes sense why the Lions would be interested in seeing what he can do in the City Beautiful. Should he become a Lion in an official capacity, he would join a growing list of young players from Mali to play for an MLS club.
Emma Hayes Names Roster for 2025 Futures Camp
As part of her efforts to develop the next generation of players for the United States Women’s National Team, Head Coach Emma Hayes named the 24 players who will take part in the 2025 Futures Camp. The training camp will take place alongside the USWNT’s camp in California and includes 14 professional players. A few of the interesting players called up are 17-year-old midfielder Ainsley McCammon, 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner Kate Faasse, and Brooklyn FC goalkeeper Neeku Purcell. I’m a bit surprised not to see Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos called up for this camp, as she’s just 20 years old, earned a solid amount of playing time in her rookie season, and represented the United States at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
MLS Transfer News Roundup
While we wait for Orlando City to make some moves this off-season, the rest of the league is wasting no time getting ready for the 2025 season. The Seattle Sounders officially acquired American forward Jesus Ferreira in a trade with FC Dallas, sending $2.3 million in general allocation money, an international roster spot, and winger Leo Chu in exchange. That’s reportedly not the only deal brewing between the two clubs, as Paul Arriola is set to join Seattle as well in a deal that is reportedly done but not yet official.
Atlanta United added some firepower to its attack by signing Japanese forward Cayman Togashi to a contract through 2025. Lassi Lappalainen is now with the Columbus Crew after six years with CF Montreal, reuniting with Wilfried Nancy after signing a contract through 2025. The New England Revolution signed 17-year-old midfielder Allan Oyirwoth. Nashville SC signed midfielder Bryan Acosta and is also reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Andy Najar from Honduran club CD Olimpia.
As for outgoing players, Alan Pulido is no longer with Sporting Kansas City after being transferred to Chivas Guadalajara in Mexico. The move notably opens up a Designated Player spot for Kansas City. A club in Liga MX is also reportedly negotiating with the Houston Dynamo for midfielder Coco Carrasquilla.
Free Kicks
- It looks like we’ll be getting an update today on whether or not Marta will be with the Orlando Pride for the 2025 NWSL season.
- The Dynamo announced Pat Onstad as its president of soccer and Asher Mendelsohn as its technical director, extending the contracts of both for turning the club around after joining in 2022.
- The Portland Thorns have signed forward Pietra Tordin, who had four goals for the U.S. in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last year. She was also named 2024 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year after a great season playing for Princeton.
- Midfielder Hannah Bebar has joined the USWNT’s training camp to replace Lynn Williams. The 23-year-old may be uncapped with the senior team, but she has plenty of experience playing at the youth levels for the U.S.
- Didier Deschamps announced that he will step down as France’s head coach following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- West Ham United fired Julen Lopetegui as its manager, with Graham Potter reportedly set to replace him. The club is 14th in the English Premier League standings, with just 23 points from 20 matches.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/8/25
Orlando City primed for moves, Emily Sams’ USWNT call-up, MLS transfer news, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Was it cold enough for you this morning? I know in Tallahassee it was quite chilly, but I’m not complaining. Remember to bring in your plants unless you want to replace a bunch after they freeze. Despite the chill, there are still things going on in the Orlando soccer-sphere. Let’s get to the links.
Lions on the Hunt
I know everyone is wondering why news around potential Orlando City signings is so lacking, but that’s par for the course with this club. That being said, the nice sum of cash from the Facundo Torres deal means that the Lions have the resources to find the right high quality player (or players) to improve the squad. I know it’s frustrating that nothing has happened yet, but there’s still plenty of time for Luiz Muzzi and company to get some business done.
Pride Defender Emily Sams Called Up to USWNT Camp
The 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year has received another call-up by Emma Hayes to the USWNT’s January training camp in Los Angeles. Sams will be one of 26 players on the camp roster. Of note, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Rose Lavelle will not be in attendance as each is recovering from injuries or surgery. The list of defenders besides Sams includes Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnet, and Jenna Nighswonger among others. We wish Sams good luck and a safe, healthy return.
Berman Wins Innovator of the Year
If you’re not familiar with Jessica Berman, you should take the time to do some research. Since taking over as NWSL Commissioner in the spring of 2022, the league has improved its visibility and made some sweeping changes — like eliminating the draft. As a result, Berman was named SI’s 2024 Innovator of the Year. Berman’s impact as commissioner mirrors Haley Carter’s impact with the Orlando Pride. The league was dealing with scandals, brought in Berman, and now things have improved. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
MLS Signings and Transfers
Orlando City might not be making much news, but other MLS clubs are making moves. CF Montreal has acquired Giacomo Vrioni from the New England Revolution.
The Colorado Rapids have signed homegrown midfielder Sam Bassett through 2025 with options for 2026-2028. San Diego SC signed 29-year-old Argentinian defender Franco Negri after adding him during Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. The San Jose Earthquakes sent goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa to Liga MX side Cruz Azul. The New York Red Bulls will be adding Poland youth international Wiktor Bogacz from Polish second division 1 Liga club Miedz Legnica
Finally, Boca Juniors made a bid to sign Alan Velasco from FC Dallas.
Free Kicks
- Emma Hayes isn’t just focusing on the senior USWNT side. She is determined to develop the next generation of Under-23 players.
- The Washington Spirit have exercised the mutual 2028 option on Tara McKeown’s contract.
- Welsh club The New Saints are still waiting on the transfer fee for Brad Young after selling the player to Saudi Pro League team Al-Orobah. FIFA is looking into the matter.
- Speaking of FIFA, Bonita Mersiades is a FIFA whistleblower with the inside scoop on soccer’s governing body’s culture of bribery and corruption. I’m sure you’re totally surprised.
- San Diego Wave FC appointed Jonas Eidevall as the new head coach for the club. Eidevall was previously manager of Arsenal Women and joins on a three-year deal.
- Costa Rica has hired former Mexico coach Miguel Herrera as its new manager. You’ll be able to see him and the rest of the Costa Rican team later this month when they play the USMNT at Inter&Co Stadium.
- Several NWSL team stadiums are going green with sustainable initiatives and features. However, I’m a little skeptical of Shell Energy Stadium if I’m being honest.
- I am not a violent person by my nature, but I don’t know what I’ll do if this happens. Ugh. Musk is the opposite of the values of the city and people of Liverpool. We couldn’t publish my actual reaction.
That will do it for today. Stay warm out there.
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