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Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Five Takeaways

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6 years ago

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Well, that wasn’t what I was hoping for out of that game, plain and simple. Orlando City fell to Toronto FC 2-0 at home in a game the Lions certainly should have gotten more out of based on the team’s first-half performance. Instead, a mini streak of home victories is broken ahead of a particularly tough part of the schedule. What follows are my five takeaways from the match.

Brian Rowe Hard Done By

I felt bad for Brian Rowe after the match. He had seven saves on the day, including a stellar save with an outstretched left hand to deny Chris Mavinga and keep things scoreless. He later made a wonderful 1-v-1 save, coming off his line to briefly keep the game at 1-0. He was absolutely helpless on Jonathan Osorio’s goal, and was not at all helped by some slack defending from Lamine Sané and Uri Rosell. And while he almost certainly should have done better on the goal that Jay Chapman scored, it was the lone blemish on an otherwise nearly flawless outing. Without Rowe turning in the second-half performance he did, the score certainly could have been very ugly as the Lions faded badly defensively and could have conceded four or five.

Two Very Different Halves

While the Lions didn’t score in the first half, I thought it was one of, if not the best, half of soccer I’d seen the team play this season. The players looked composed and organized for the most part, and in particular showed good instincts to immediately press their advantage when things went their way, like Tesho Akindele winning the ball down the left wing and immediately pressing forward to attack. Though the team wasn’t bad when it came to attacking in the second half, the Lions faded. Not only was there the shoddy defending I mentioned on Osorio’s goal, but players frequently failed to close down Toronto players who had space to shoot, and in general looked to have very heavy legs after about the 60-minute mark.

Halftime at the Wrong Time

Speaking of halves, halftime could not have possibly come at a worse time for Orlando in this game. The team owned the first half, with 11 shots (although only one was on target), and eight corners, compared to Toronto’s two shots and one corner. Stats aside though, the Lions were simply the more dangerous team in the first half. They constantly harried Toronto’s players, closing down the ball well and immediately pouncing on any mistakes the opposition made. Had there been 10 more minutes in the first half, Orlando probably would have scored, but after halftime it seemed that Toronto used the break perfectly to regroup and recharge while the men in purple just seemed to have lost their edge and subsequently paid the price for it.

Missed Chances Haunt Lions

What really hurt Orlando on the day however was an inability to convert chances. The best chance of the first half fell to Will Johnson, and while there’s no denying that Quentin Westberg did well to keep Johnson’s shot out, it was a chance the midfielder will probably feel he should have stuck away. Even though Mavinga made a timely intervention to keep a Nani cross from reaching Dom Dwyer several minutes later, it was only one of several half-chances that simply weren’t put away. In the end, Orlando took 18 shots, but only put two on target — Johnson’s chance and a second-half Dwyer header in the six-yard box. The biggest difference between the sides at the end of the day was that Toronto took its chances, while Orlando did not.

Fatigue Could Be a Problem

I spoke earlier about how Orlando seemed to fade as the second half went on, especially defensively. No doubt the oppressive heat and humidity had a part to play in that, but things aren’t going to get any easier for the Lions. Starting with an away game at Atlanta next Sunday, Orlando City will play four games in 13 days, including a road match at Seattle the Wednesday after facing off against Atlanta. It’s a packed May schedule for the men in purple, and Ruan cramping at the end of the match may further point towards some fatigue beginning to set in for players like the speedy right back, who have featured prominently up to this point in the season. MLS is a league full of surprises, but a stretch of scheduling like the Lions are about to face could very well spell trouble.

This was a match that I really struggled with. I couldn’t help but fear for Orlando after the Lions were unable to put the ball in the net in the first half. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that they would come to rue the missed chances and unfortunately my gut was proven right. I found it particularly frustrating precisely because of the way the team played in the first half, only to fade badly after the opening minutes of the second 45.

Such is the way of the game though, and all that can be done now is for the Lions to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and look ahead to next week.

What were your impressions from the 2-0 loss to Toronto? Be sure to have your say down in the comments.

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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20 hours ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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