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Orlando City vs. Montreal Impact: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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5 years ago

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In the second meeting of the two clubs this season, Orlando City finally got the better of the Montreal Impact. The starting XI may not have shocked many people, as it was the same one as the last game, but what may have shocked folks was the fact that the team was able to finish chances and limit the Impact across the pitch. Without further ado, how did the Lions rate in the first of four road trips for the month of June?

Starters

GK, Brian Rowe, 7 — A clean sheet is a fantastic thing, especially on the road. It also helps when your defensive line limits your opponents to only nine shots. What makes the night even better is when the one shot that is put on target gives you the opportunity for an epic save to maintain the clean sheet and you oblige in fantastic fashion.

D, Joao Moutinho, 7.5 — Moutinho was an absolute terror on the left side all match. His work rate on both the offensive and defensive sides was outstanding. His 76% passing rate is a bit deceptive, but his four tackles and two dribbles certainly are not. Let’s also not forget his ball into the box that Will Johnson jumped on to put the Lions up by three. I still think he deserves an assist for that pass, but the official box scores disagree as Evan Bush got a touch on the ball.

D, Robin Jansson. 7 — It was another absolutely solid outing for Jansson. The communication across the back, especially between Jansson and Lamine Sané, is becoming obvious to the observer, as well as becoming obvious through statistics. No major mistakes, and he even ended the match with a shot attempt.

D, Lamine Sané, 7 — The other half of the back line duo mentioned above likewise had a solid outing. As with his counterpart, he ended the match with a shot, as well as two aerials won, one tackle, and of course, the attack on the kick in the first half that led to the award of a penalty kick. I have to say, his demeanor with the referees is also something to be modeled. He never loses his cool, and always appears to get his thoughts across, even when the ref seems to be shooing him away.

D, Ruan, 7 — The speedster had a solid match, although maybe not his best. Orlando appeared to have better luck on the left all match, but that does not mean that things did not happen on the right. Ruan’s ability showed up a bit more on the defensive side this match, with two tackles and not giving Montreal any room to move down their left side on the pitch.

MF, Will Johnson, 8.5 (MotM) — If you needed any more reason to be a fan of Johnson, he just gave you a number of them. His goal pretty much sealed the deal for City, although scoring three goals in the first 42 minutes would drive any fan insane as they watch and hope for a win, let alone a shutout. Will was all over the pitch, going forward and dropping back to defend. He had two total shots, the second being a shot from outside the box that wasn’t far off at all, 83% passing, a chance created, as well as four tackles, two interceptions, and a clearance on the defensive side and just being a menace on the pitch from box to box. Did we mention that goal, a hustle header buried in the back of the net?

MF, Cristian Higuita, 7 — Higuita had a solid match, and his two tackles and 91% passer rating and secondary assist on Tesho Akindele’s goal speak for themselves. He also had two clearances and two blocked shots. Surprisingly, he might be the one player on the pitch who was quietly doing his job the entire night. No flash, no outrageous mannerisms. Higuita just played box to box and did his job, and did it quite well.

MF, Sebas Mendez, 7.5 — I think no one has any complaints that Mendez played with Orlando rather than appear with Ecuador in a friendly tonight, as once again he was an anchor for a defensive midfield that frustrated Montreal all match. He also led the Lions with a 93% passer rating, and finished with five tackles, an interception, and a clearance. If Ecuador makes a deep run in the Copa America, and Sebas is gone from the 18 for an extended time, someone is going to have some big shoes to fill to take his place.

F, Nani, 7.5 – When the whistle blew, and the referee pointed to the spot, I can only imagine what the rest of the City faithful were thinking when Nani grabbed the ball. He buried the shot with authority, and set the Lions up early. Once again, the captain was just that, the leader on the pitch, although there were moments when it seemed like he was trying to do a bit too much. It was all still a very positive collection of moments. He finished with one shot, two aerials won, a key pass, an interception, and three tackles.

F, Tesho Akindele, 8 — Here is the crazy stat of the week: The Lions are undefeated when Tesho scores a goal. His hold-up play was good — not great, but good — but where he excelled was he took advantage of his chances (mostly). There was that one chance in the second half that he did not put on frame. Of his three shots, two were on target, and one went into the net on an absolutely perfect cross from Chris Mueller. He had one key pass and four interceptions to go with one clearance.

F, Chris Mueller, 7.5 — The first 35 minutes looked a bit rough for Cash, but the run up the left and deft pass across the mouth of goal to a streaking Akindele looked to finally calm him into the player we all know he can be. He was, as always, a terror to the Impact, creating chances and helping to keep defenders honest. He ended a great night with two shots and a 91% passer rating — the second highest on the team for the night. He had one assist, two key passes, an interception, a clearance, and two shots (one on target).

Substitutes

MF, Sacha Kljestan (76’), 6 — Kljestan came on and the middle of the field somewhat lost its luster and dominance for a few minutes. The squad was playing and clicking so well, it should surprise no one that it sputtered just a bit with the substitution. Sacha had a few bright moments, but compared to the starting XI, it was a bit of a rough 14 minutes of play (plus stoppage). However, he helped to keep the clean sheet, and that was of utmost importance. Pay no mind to the 44% passer rating.

D, Kyle Smith (82’), N/A — Not too much time or run of play to truly grade Kyle, but he was on the pitch and helped to keep a clean sheet on the road.

MF, Oriol Rosell (86’), N/A – Same as Smith — not enough time to truly rate Uri for this match. However, I have a feeling we will be rating Uri at the end of the month as he is sure to be filling one of the midfield slots being left open by players leaving for international duty.

That is how I saw it. How did you rate the players in the 3-0 road win over the Impact? Let me know who your Man of the Match was in the poll below, and how you rated the players in the comments below.

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Nani2
Chris Mueller15
Will Johnson75
Sebas Mendez17
Tesho Akindele14
Other11

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/14/24

MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.

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4 hours ago

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November 14, 2024

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions

Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.

Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.

Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50

ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.

Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year

The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.

USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/13/24

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.

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1 day ago

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November 13, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions on International Duty

Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.

The NWSL Playoffs Continue

The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.

NWSL Award Voting Open

The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.

Pepi is Ready

The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.

Free Kicks

  • In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
  • England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
  • The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
  • Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
  • We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
  • We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
  • Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/12/24

Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.

Published

2 days ago

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November 12, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City’s Playoff Path

It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.

What to Watch For With the USMNT

It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.

Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States

The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.

Free Kicks

  • NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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