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Orlando City at Montreal Impact: Five Takeaways

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6 years ago

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Wow. Just wow. That Orlando City match was honestly some exciting viewing. The Lions scored three goals in the first 45 minutes and were then able to hang on to the 3-0 lead for the rest of the 90. Thanks to that performance, the team will be bringing three big road points home before 25 days off from Major League Soccer play.

Let’s take a look at what else Orlando City can takeaway from Saturday’s win.

Nani Nails the Penalty Kick

He did it, he did it! Nani converted a PK!

After missing two penalties in the last two matches, Orlando City captain Nani wasn’t about to miss the early opportunity he was given thanks to a handball in the box. Instead of the often unsuccessful stutter step, Nani went with a more traditional run up. He put his right foot through the ball and slammed it past Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush into the bottom left corner. It was Nani’s eighth goal of the season and number 100 in his career and is sure to build up some of the confidence from the spot that may have eroded a bit after the last two matches. Congratulations, o capitão!

Tesho Akindele Proving Himself

With Dom Dwyer unavailable due to a hamstring injury (listed as day-to-day, per Jordan Culver of ProSoccerUSA.com), Akindele again started in the center forward position. The Canadian international and former FC Dallas bench warmer has taken some flak on the interwebs from a vocal minority of Orlando City fans. Personally, I’ve thought it’s mostly been unwarranted and I’m really happy to see him playing well for the Lions. He’s now second in goals this season, as his 36th-minute strike put him at five goals with one assist throughout 756 minutes in 11 appearances. Considering he’s not the primary striker when he plays with Dwyer, those numbers show that Akindele has been an offensive asset this season. He put a great shot on goal in the 25th minute as well — one that Bush had to make a diving save on. I’m sure that the critics will say Akindele should have put the 71st minute shot in the net, and the Canadian would no doubt say the same. Akindele may not ever be a world-beater, but his presence has absolutely helped Orlando City.

Another Solid Game From Will Johnson

While we’re on the unnecessary hate train, I have to admit that I’m someone who has been anti-Will Johnson for most of his time in purple. His consistently quiet yet impacting midfield play this campaign has me eating my words. Johnson’s averaging an 86% passing accuracy and 43 passes in addition to 1.9 tackles per game. He can be added to the offensive stat sheet too, having scored the third goal off a beautiful 42nd-minute diving header on Saturday.

The insane give-and-go passing between Chris Mueller and Joao Moutinho was a glory to behold for sure. Without Johnson’s hustle, Bush’s punch out is easily cleared and the game remains 2-0. He may not be the flashiest or a superstar, that’s true. I now know that I’ll take his steadiness and experience on this Orlando City team any day.

The Defense Might Be Good?

Orlando City has allowed only two shots on target in the last two matches and only two goals in the last three matches. While the one shot the Galaxy managed to get on target last week went in, and ultimately dealt the Lions a home loss, the Impact were not as fortunate. Brian Rowe came up huge on a late strike by Saphir Taider to preserve the clean sheet. While Taider’s goal would merely have been a cosmetic one, had he scored it, the Lions’ much maligned back line and Rowe himself will appreciate the shutout. Orlando has allowed only 13 shot attempts in total over the last two games beyond the two that actually hit the target. James O’Connor appears to have found his best starting four in Moutinho, Robin Jansson, Lamine Sané, and Ruan.

Left-Handed Lions

For all the good Ruan has done up the right side this year — and that’s a considerable amount — it was the left side that led Orlando past the Impact. All three of City’s goals started on the left side. The penalty for the handball came off a corner kick from the left, so maybe that’s cheating a little. But the second goal was fashioned on Cristian Higuita’s steal and feed to Chris Mueller on the left. Cash’s excellent cross from the left gave Akindele an easy tap-in at the back post. The third goal by Johnson came from a barrage of more than 20 consecutive passes that pretty much utilized the entire left side of the field before the final cross from Moutinho that was swatted only as far as Johnson’s noggin. With teams starting to pay more attention to Ruan as he gets better known throughout the league, it’s important for Orlando to be able to also find success from the other side and they did that yesterday.

That’s how we saw the match on Saturday. What stuck out to you? Hit us up in the comments section below.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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2 hours ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

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  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links

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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1 day 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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