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Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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5 years ago

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Orlando City Head Coach James O’Connor once again employed the tactic of making widespread changes for a midweek trip out west before coming back home to put out a more familiar XI. The Irishman made 11 total changes to his lineup in the defeat to New York Red Bulls and here is how they performed.

You might think they’re kind, but in all honesty, nobody had a particularly bad individual game and nine out of 10 times the Lions come away with a point but alas an intense first half from the Red Bulls, coupled with some nearly-but-not-quite finishing from the Lions in the second, was ultimately the difference in a pretty even game that was tilting in Orlando’s favor by the end.

Starters

GK, Brian Rowe, 7 — Rowe made four saves in total, the same as his Red Bulls counterpart Luis Robles, but the conceded goal was the difference from a purple point of view. Former Lion Amro Tarek seemed determined to score, forcing two good saves from Rowe. He was fast off his line numerous times, including for the only goal of the game. He came close to keeping Brian White’s shot out as he spread himself, and even got a decent touch, but the ball still tumbled in.

D, João Moutinho, 6.5 — After sitting out the last seven games with injury, the left back finally made his return to the side. However, he didn’t appear to be 100% as he regularly clutched at his back. His average position was significantly deeper than Ruan’s and most of his match was spent in his own half. In a team that really relies on its fullbacks for width and service, his more advanced position with Orlando pushing forward in the second half was crucial to creating chances. His 62 passes were good enough for second on the team behind Sebas Méndez, with two deemed key passes, as he tried to make an impact on offense. He led the team in won aerial duels with five, something he hasn’t always been strong at, while also making two tackles, two interceptions, and two clearances.

D, Robin Jansson, 5.5 — Getting beat on an inch-perfect ball by Kaku to thread Brian White in on goal is nothing to be ashamed of, but it ruined an otherwise good night for the Swede, who managed to get in front but still saw the ball tease past him. I don’t think there are many defenders in the league that stop that from happening but unfortunately it goes on Jansson’s record as being the decisive moment of the game. His 90.7% passing accuracy on 54 passes, including a staggering 10 completed long balls, is the best of any starter, although he was pretty quiet defensively, registering three actions in total.

D, Lamine Sané, 8 (MotM) — Sané was the reason Jansson’s defensive stats were unusually quiet — he was everywhere last night. Zlatan likened himself to a Ferrari among Fiats this week. Well if that’s the case then that makes Sané a wheel clamp because he shut everything down. There was nothing he could do on the goal in terms of closing down as he had to honor the run of Tarek, covering for Ruan, who was halfway up the pitch trying to counter. He marshaled the back line impressively well, leading the team in interceptions, with four, and clearances, with eight (out of a team total 18), and completed an equally impressive seven long balls on what was an outstanding evening for him personally. Additionally, his 51st-minute pass through the middle to Tesho Akindele was a gem that led to Orlando’s first shot on target of the night.

D, Ruan, 5.5 — Ruan had an early scare as he nearly turned a cross into his own net, looking slightly frazzled by the constant Red Bulls pressure in the opening half. He used his pace to rescue a loose ball from Chris Mueller, drawing a yellow card on Royer in the process, and made two tackles on the night — his only two defensive actions. He was more active in attack, adding width on the right-hand side as Mueller continued to drift inside. However, a lowly 75.6% pass accuracy, ninth on the team, and no completed crosses on his three attempts continues his mixed form and limited output down this middle stretch of the season.

MF, Carlos Ascues, 6 — It was a very Jekyll and Hyde performance from Ascues last night. He was a dominating defensive midfielder for a large portion of the game, making two tackles and three interceptions. He also led the team in successful dribbles with four, yet it was his giveaway when trying to dribble out that led to the decisive goal. He was close to making amends in the second half, but his volley from Moutinho’s cross thundered onto the bar. He was good for the most part but he wasn’t the creator Orlando needed in the second half and, like Jansson, his biggest highlight reel moment was sadly the giveaway.

MF, Sebas Méndez, 6 — Méndez had quite the similar game to Ascues with Orlando’s midfield forced into a lot of defending, especially in the first half. As we’ve come to expect, the Ecuadorian was miles ahead in the passing stats with 81 completed (86.4%) — way ahead of Moutinho’s 62 in a game that Orlando saw an unusually high 62% possession (the team average this season is 48%). Despite this, he failed to create any chances. He led the team in tackles with four, made two interceptions, and had one clearance, but he also led the team in fouls, with three.

MF, Will Johnson, 6 — It’s pretty fitting of a largely average game that Orlando’s midfield collectively earns a middle of the road six for last night’s performance with Johnson also putting together a no-frills, hardworking shift in the middle of the park. The Canadian registered 79.6% accuracy on a fairly low 44 passes but had a busier defensive effort, making a joint-high four tackles along with three clearances and two blocks. Arguably his best defensive read was on a training ground Red Bulls free kick he wasn’t caught out by, rising confidently to head away. Offensively he looked to have Luis Robles beat and I expected to see the ball tucked the top corner but he sent Orlando’s best chance of the first half wide instead. Not the person I wanted arriving at the top of the box at that moment, that kind of finishing typified the Lions’ performance.

F, Nani, 6 — Most of Orlando’s threat unsurprisingly came through Nani with the Portuguese midfielder having three of City’s five first-half shots but alas none were on target. The closest was a stunning first time trivela, the signature move of his international teammate Ricardo Quaresma, but it curled just wide and rippled the outside netting. Those were the only shots he had, registering none in the second half before being forced off through injury. No key passes, no completed crosses from three attempts, and a below average 77.3% passing accuracy were less than what we expect from the Designated Player.

F, Tesho Akindele, 6.5 — Tesho successfully played a utility role as target man in the first half with the likes of Sané and Jansson punting numerous long balls towards him before the forward held up and tried to bring his teammates into the game. He was set on the break a couple of times but pace isn’t his strength. It wasn’t until the second half that the Lions began to turn the screw and Akindele found chances falling at his feet, hitting the woodwork on his best attempt. He set up four big chances but could only muster one shot on target himself from two attempts and lost possession a team-high eight times. One of the more gutsy center forward performances we’ve seen in Orlando but ultimately marred by a lack of decent finishing

F, Chris Mueller, 5.5 — A dogged but scrappy performance from the second year winger, he spent a lot of time drifting inside — arguably too much, as even though Ruan was pushing forward, the team was generally looking too narrow and was easily squeezed out of possession on Orlando’s right. One shot off target, two successful dribbles, 28 passes, 71.4% accuracy, and one reckless yellow caused things to look a bit out of sync for Cash last night.

Substitutes

MF, Sacha Kljestan (66’), 7 — Kljestan came on and frankly made the game his own. He was the perfect impact sub for this type of game, with New York retreating further into its own defensive third and allowing Kljestan to sit on top of the box and pull the strings. He was close to getting his second goal in as many games against the team he once captained but he instead hit the frame of the goal. Despite only playing a third of the game, he managed to rank second in key passes, with three, and led the team with 95% pass accuracy.

F, Robinho (67’), 5 — Robinho showed why Columbus was happy to trade him after just half a season with the Brazilian making a nuisance of himself on the left wing but lacking any quality product. None of his four crossing attempts found their target and he completed no dribbles. In a team that has seen a lot of points rescued by substitutes, he has a long way to go.

F, Santiago Patiño (71’), 5 — Orlando’s first round draft pick replaced the injured Nani and had the chance to set a new Orlando record of consecutive league games with rookie goals but made little impact on the game. With the Lions piling on the pressure, he struggled to find any space in the box and had multiple defenders on him any time he got close to the ball. Put in a tough position, he only completed three passes during his 20 minutes — the same number of times as he was dispossessed — and generated one shot that was off target.

Once again, the Lions fall prey to the same old rhetoric of creating but not finishing chances and losing by the narrowest of margins. Do you agree with my Sané Man of the Match selection or do you think someone else deserved it? Have your say by voting on the poll or letting us know in the comments!

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Nani7
Dom Dwyer49
Sebas Mendez27
Brian Rowe10
Other (comment below!)10

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Orlando City

Top 10 Moments of 2024: Orlando City Wins Tight Best-of-Three Playoff Series against Charlotte FC

In our No. 6 moment of the year, Orlando City made the fans sweat it out but eventually advanced past Charlotte in the best-of-three series.

Published

7 hours ago

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December 26, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

As we count down to the new year of 2025 — which will be Orlando City’s 11th in MLS, the Orlando Pride’s 10th in the NWSL, and OCB’s third in MLS NEXT Pro — and say goodbye to 2024, it’s time to look back at the club’s 10 best moments of the year as selected by The Mane Land staff via vote.

I believe Major League Soccer is unique among the world’s leagues in using a best-of-three series to determine a winner in the knockout round of a tournament, and while I do not like it, I did like the result from Orlando City’s three-game series against Charlotte FC during the opening round of the 2024 MLS playoffs, because the Lions advanced by winning games one and three, eliminating Charlotte and moving on to the conference semifinals.

Orlando City entered the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in MLS, having won 10 of its last 14 games and vaulting all the way up to fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte had been hot as well, but not for as long, as the North Carolina-based club had only won five of its last 14 games, but four of those wins were in the team’s most recent five games. However, Charlotte had scored an impressive 13 goals during those four wins. On the season, the teams ended up separated by only one point, as Orlando City ended with 52 and Charlotte finished with 51. The teams met twice during the regular season, drawing 2-2 on June 19 in Charlotte and Orlando City winning 2-0 at home on Sept. 18.

As with any series between the two teams closest in seed, analysts were split on who they thought would advance, but with home field advantage in two of the three games, including the tone-setting game one, the Lions held the advantage in the betting markets, with better odds to advance than their opponents from North Carolina.

Those in favor of Orlando City pointed to the recent hot form, the consistent starting lineup with players who knew their roles coming in off the bench, the recent win head-to-head, the advantage in goals scored (+13 for the season), and the aforementioned home-field advantage. Those who favored Charlotte pointed to the even more recent hot form; the team’s stingy defense, which had conceded the second-fewest goals in MLS; its counterattacking style that was a good antidote to Orlando City’s penchant for winning the possession battle; and a recent 1-1 draw against MLS Shield winners Inter Miami, showing that Charlotte could hold even the best offenses to very little.

As a fan of several other sports that employ best-of-[insert odd number here] playoff rules, I felt confident in Orlando City advancing, because the history of playoff series’ is that the team with the better seed, and therefore the team that has home-field advantage, wins most often. There is a reason the Lions had the better seed, and it is that they had a better regular season. As is seen in college basketball every March, in one game, anything can happen, but over time in a series, the better team usually wins, and I thought that Orlando City was a much better team.

The opening game of the series went much as I had expected it to, and I felt even more confident in my thought that Orlando City would advance. The Lions came out and really took it to Charlotte from the opening whistle, dominating possession, peppering the Charlotte goal with shots, and only allowing two shots on goal all game long for Pedro Gallese to save, earning a comfortable 2-0 victory and placing themselves one win from advancing to the conference semifinals.

Facundo Torres opened the scoring in the first half with a spectacular volley in the 32nd minute, and that early goal forced Charlotte to have to play differently for the final two-thirds of the game, because now the visitors had to engage and could not just sit back and hope for a smash-and-grab win.

Fellow Designated Player Martín Ojeda put the game to bed with his goal nearly 32 minutes into the second half, almost perfect symmetry with the first goal in terms of minutes after the beginning of the half.

Orlando City’s performance looked a lot like we had seen during the final few months of the season, and while any game on the road is always difficult, it seemed like the Lions had found an excellent game plan to defeat Charlotte and should go with something similar on the road for game two.

They most certainly did not do this.

Orlando City’s offensive performance on Nov. 1 was one of the worst I have ever seen by the club, and the data backs it up. I am not a member of the cult of xG (expected goals), who thinks it is the be-all, end-all of statistics, but I do think xG is a good indicator of the health of a team’s offense and whether it was getting shots in good locations. Orlando City’s xG in Game 2 was 0.3, the team’s worst of the season and tied for eighth worst since Opta started tracking xG in MLS games in 2018. For context, Orlando City has played more than 230 MLS games since the beginning of the 2018 season, so Game 2’s xG is in the bottom 4%.

(For the masochists out there, April 24, 2022 and July 18, 2019 are the club’s two worst offensive performances in the xG tracking era, both with 0.1 xG. The less said about those games the better. I have already said too much.)

Back to Game 2, Orlando City just did not seem to bring any energy to the game, even knowing that a win would push the team through to the next round, and earn a bye week with no need to play a Game 3. With the huge safety net of a guaranteed home game if they lost, the Lions should have played freely and openly, but instead they played defensively, almost as if they were playing more so to keep Charlotte from scoring than to actually go out and win the game themselves.

Even the team’s substitution patterns seemed off, as while the usual Duncan McGuire-for-Ramiro Enrique swap took place around the normal time of 60 minutes (specifically the 56th minute in this game), Oscar Pareja subbed Nico Lodeiro, and not Luis Muriel, for Ojeda in the 74th minute, and he brought Muriel in for Iván Angulo in the 88th minute. Muriel had been one of the team’s most dangerous players in recent months, a supersub off the bench who unlocked defenses with his vision and passing ability, but Pareja only gave him three minutes and stoppage time in this game, despite knowing that Charlotte was not much of a threat offensively and that one goal would likely be too much for hosts to overcome.

Even with their seemingly defensive focused performance, Orlando City almost managed to get a late winner anyway, but a tight offside call nullified a brilliant strike by Torres in second half stoppage time, wiping out what likely would have been the series-deciding goal. On replay review it looked incredibly tight, so the call on the field would likely have stood had they called it a goal, but they called it offside, and with that, it was wiped off the board, and the game went to penalties.

Historically Orlando City had been great in penalty shootouts, but the same team that showed up disinterested in scoring goals during open play also showed up during the penalty kicks, with Lodeiro getting his shot saved, Robin Jansson missing his kick over the bar, Muriel scoring (maybe should have brought him in sooner, just saying), but then McGuire getting saved, and since Charlotte did not miss any kicks, that was that, and the Lions lost 0-0 (3-1 on penalties). The loss wiped out the second straight shutout by the defense, including several outstanding saves by Gallese, as the Lions demonstrated that in MLS the old axiom of you can’t lose if they don’t score does not always apply.

Orlando City returned home for the winner-take-all Game 3, but although the Lions were far more lively on offense (19 shots, much better than that putrid three from the prior game) they could not get anything past Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina. An unexpectedly high bounce on a clearance by Charlotte went over Jansson’s head, and Charlotte took advantage with a quick counter, ending with a cross and a goal by Karol Swiderski on a shot that deflected in off of Rodrigo Schlegel. It is hard to tell if Gallese would have been able to save the ball if not for the deflection. He did seem to be well-placed to at least have a chance, but that did not matter as the deflection went away from where he was and went into the back of the net.

The Lions then started getting even more aggressive and pushing everyone forward, but to no avail. They used their final substitution to bring on David Brekalo for Schlegel, seemingly a like-for-like substitution instead of offense-for-defenese, but with Brekalo’s technical ability and ability to win aerial duels, he was probably the best option to try to get a goal, despite being a central defender given the bench options available.

As the game went to the dying minutes, Cesar Araujo just missed with a rocket from 28 yards, but then the offensive push paid off, as Wilder Cartagena put a cross into the danger zone right in the center of the box, and Charlotte defender Djibril Diani pulled McGuire down as he went to try to win the cross, earning Orlando City a penalty after an excruciatingly long video review delay and due to the fact that McGuire dislocated his shoulder on the foul.

The penalty was (finally) given, but after the poor performance in the shootout the game prior, there was a sense of excitement but concern, and it was warranted as Kahlina made yet another huge save, diving low to his right to block Torres’ penalty. Thankfully for the good guys in purple, the rebound went right back to Torres, and he made no mistake on his second shot, tying the game at 1-1 and sending it to another penalty shootout moments later when the full time whistle blew.

Both teams probably felt good going into the penalty shootout — Charlotte due to its dominant penalty performance in Game 2 and Orlando City due to the momentum of having found an equalizing lifeline just moments earlier. History does not always repeat itself, but it does often rhyme, and just as Kahlina was on fire with two saves in the previous shootout, Gallese was up to the task in Game 3, saving penalties one and two in front of The Wall.

His offensive partners also delivered, as Muriel was again unflappable scoring the first, and then unexpectedly it was Kyle Smith who stepped up for the second. If he shoots all his penalties as he did the one he took in this game, he should be in contention to take them all the time, because he put that ball in an unstoppable location at pace. Torres made up for his miss during regulation by making his shot in the shootout, but Charlotte answered, though Gallese again went the correct direction and nearly made it three straight saves.

Up 3-1 and with the ability to win the game and move Orlando City to the conference semifinals, it was another defender, Rafael Santos, who stepped up to the ball. After a routine that involved moving backwards, sideways, jumping and nearly stopping, Santos ripped a shot to the lower corner, and though Kahlina went the correct way, the ball was hit with too much pace, and Orlando City had won and advanced to the next round.

This series will not be one that is fondly recalled as the years go by, especially the strangely poor performance in Game 2, but there were moments of greatness that will go down in Orlando City lore. The dominant Game 1 victory, McGuire suffering a dislocated shoulder to earn a penalty (and then getting it popped back in in the locker room and sprinting to try to get back onto the field during the shootout), the last-gasp goal to put Game 3 into a shootout in the most Cardiac Cats way possible, Gallese’s shootout heroics, Muriel’s unflappability, and the left back and right back hitting perhaps the best penalties of the season are all moments I will definitely remember from this series. It’s also a big part of why winning that playoff series finished at No. 6 on our list of top 10 moments of 2024.

Come back through New Year’s Eve as we count down the remainder of the top 10 moments of 2024 for Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and OCB.

Previous Top Moments of 2024

10. Orlando City’s massive second-half surge clinches top-four spot in Eastern Conference.

9. The Orlando Pride sign Zambian international striker Barbra Banda ahead of the 2024 season.

8. Facundo Torres scores his 47th goal for Orlando City, breaking the Lions’ all-time goal record.

7. Marta’s magical goal pushes the Orlando Pride past Kansas City and into the NWSL Championship.

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    Lion Links

    2024 Orlando City Season in Review: Duncan McGuire

    It was a rollercoaster ride of a season for striker Duncan McGuire.

    Published

    9 hours ago

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    December 26, 2024

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    Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

    Orlando City selected Duncan McGuire with the No. 6 overall selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. He then cemented the starting role in his rookie season, earning a look from Blackburn Rovers in the off-season. He literally flew to England to sign with the club, only to have Rovers mess up the paperwork.

    Orlando City welcomed him back with open arms, and McGuire dedicated himself to doing his best for the Lions, earning a new contract through 2027. He was the starter for most of the season until he left for the Olympics with the USMNT. When he returned, Ramiro Enrique had taken over the starting spot. Oscar Pareja sticks with a lineup if it’s working, and McGuire was moved to the bench.

    McGuire never let it get to him, as he accepted his role in the second half of the season. He never gave less than 100% effort, including in the playoffs when he earned a penalty in the 97th minute against Charlotte that helped extend Orlando City’s playoff run.

    Let’s take a look at how McGuire performed during the 2024 MLS season.

    Statistical Breakdown

    McGuire made 27 appearances in regular-season matches, starting 18 times and recording 1,599 minutes played. He finished second on the team with 10 goals, adding three assists. McGuire put 20 of his 42 shots on target and completed 239 of his 314 passes (76.1%), including 14 key passes and three successful long balls but no completed crosses. Defensively, McGuire won 30.3% of his 99 aerial duels, and tallied eight tackles, four interceptions, one block, and five clearances. He committed 15 fouls, suffered 18, and was booked seven times in his 27 games (all yellow cards).

    The striker also appeared in all five MLS playoff games with all of his appearances off the bench, recording 138 minutes. He did not record a goal contribution, attempting three shots with none on target. The Creighton product completed 31 of his 36 passes (86.1%), including two key passes and one successful cross. Defensively, McGuire contributed an interception, a clearance, and a block. He did not commit a foul, but he suffered two fouls, including the one shown above that led to a late penalty in Game 3 of the Charlotte series, and he was not booked in the postseason. 

    McGuire appeared in three of the Lions’ four Concacaf Champions Cup games, starting the first one, and playing 112 minutes. He scored one goal on four shots, with one on target, but did not record an assist. He completed an impressive 91% of his passes, including four key passes, but he did not complete a long ball or a cross. He did not commit a foul, suffered one, and was not booked.

    McGuire played in two of the three Leagues Cup games — both as a substitute — and recorded 26 minutes without a goal contribution. He put his lone shot attempt on target and completed seven of his nine passes (77.8%), including one long ball, but he did not log a key pass or a successful cross. Defensively, he chipped in nine tackles and two clearances in the competition. He committed one foul, did not draw one on the competition, and was not booked.

    Best Game

    McGuire’s best game came early in the season in the Lions’ 3-2 loss to Minnesota United. Big Dunc provided both of Orlando City’s goals, including the fastest goal in Orlando City history, finding the net just seconds after kickoff.

    After Orlando City conceded two goals to the Loons, McGuire equalized for the Lions late in the second half. He took an excellent pass from Martin Ojeda and sliced his shot past a defender and the keeper inside the left post.

    McGuire stated the match, played 87 minutes, took four shots with three on target, and scored the aforementioned brace. He completed 21 of his 27 passes (77.8%), including one key pass, committed one foul, suffered two fouls, and was not booked. 

    2024 Final Grade

    The Mane Land staff gave McGuire a composite grade of 7 out of 10 for the 2024 MLS season. It’s a notch below the grade of 7.5 the staff gave him for his 2023 campaign. While it was hardly his fault Enrique seized the starting spot in his absence, McGuire played about 200 more minutes in 2024 and scored fewer goals. It’s fair to say coming off the bench down the stretch may have prevented some opportunities, as he was often part of protecting a late lead or simply wasn’t able to get into the rhythm of the match, and it’s impossible to say how starting may have changed his numbers or the fortunes of the team, but it’s hard to argue with Pareja’s decision, considering the team climbed to fourth place down the stretch with a strong run.

    2025 Outlook

    We know exactly how McGuire will start the 2025 season — on the injured list. McGuire is out four to five months recovering the shoulder surgery he underwent following his playoff injury. We’re unlikely to see him on the field before the end of April at the earliest, as a four-month timeline would only put him back on the training pitch by mid-April, and he’d have to still get into match shape. His return will most likely be delayed until May or possibly even the beginning of June, depending on his recovery speed. There is plenty of uncertainty with the Orlando City attack as of this writing due to the club’s sale of Facundo Torres to Palmeiras. There are, after all, several options for the club to replace Torres’ attacking numbers, and that could impact things at the top of the formation. Regardless of who the Lions sign, McGuire won’t be guaranteed a starting spot once he’s fit. He has shown he has the tools and the desire to play and to contribute at a high level as a starter, but he’ll have to beat out Enrique and potentially a new striker addition once he returns from injury.

    Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

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    Lion Links: 12/26/24

    Joran Gerbet earns recognition, Pierre Da Silva’s new club, Gaston Gimenez leaves the Chicago Fire, and more.

    Published

    12 hours ago

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    December 26, 2024

    By

    Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

    How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope all who celebrate it had a nice Christmas without any major incidents and plenty of fun with friends and family. If you’re celebrating other holidays, hopefully your Hannukah is off to a great start or you’ve been waiting for Kwanzaa, it’s finally here, so enjoy! There’s officially less than a week left in the year, and I, for one, can’t wait to bid farewell to 2024. Let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

    Orlando City’s Joran Gerbet Included Among Top College Players

    Top Drawer Soccer handed out accolades following the college soccer season and Orlando City draft pick Joran Gerbet was named to its Best XI second team. The Lions selected him in the first round of the draft and it’s nice to see him earn some recognition after a solid senior season with Clemson. Gerbet also ranked 17th in Top Drawer Soccer‘s top 100 players from the past season. Denver midfielder Sam Bassett, who was not eligible for the MLS SuperDraft, claimed the top spot and was named Player of the Year as well. Freshman of the Year went to Ransford Gyan, who was Gerbet’s teammate in Clemson’s midfield.

    Pierre Da Silva Signs With Cusco FC

    Former Lion Pierre Da Silva is plying his trade in Peru these days and has signed with Cusco FC in the country’s top flight. Da Silva, who was primarily an OCB player but made three first-team appearances, hasn’t been with Orlando City since 2019, when he and the club agreed to part ways that summer. The winger then went on to join Memphis 901, Miami FC, and Forward Madison before heading to Peru to join Universidad César Vallejo this year. His club was relegated, but he will remain in Liga 1 with a Cusco team that qualified for the Copa Sudamericana. It’s always nice to get an update on what a former Lion is up to these days, and hopefully his second year in Peru goes better than his first.

    Chicago Fire Terminate Gaston Gimenez’s Contract

    Midfielder Gaston Gimenez is no longer with the Chicago Fire after he and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Gimenez has been with the Fire since joining the club in 2020, and this move opens up a Designated Player spot for the Fire as well. It will be a needed fresh start of sorts for the Fire, as they hired Gregg Berhalter as head coach this off-season. The Fire finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and only scored 40 goals in 2024, so being able to add some firepower is useful for Chicago to prepare for 2025.

    Diving Into Club Color Origins

    If you’ve ever wanted to know the soccer equivalent to “How the Leopard Got Its Spots,” ESPN provided a cool guide that explores the origins behind club colors from around the world. It’s filled with fun tidbits ranging from theories on why Corinthians swapped from beige to white to how Juventus was set to wear red jerseys with white trim, but a wrong order delivered the iconic black-and-white stripes instead. The interactive article lets you check out jerseys from each club over the years to see how they evolved. Maybe it’s the latent Christmas consumerism still in my veins, but I would love a coffee table book of this kind of content.

    Free Kicks

    • Valencia has hired Carlos Corberan from West Brom as its next head coach after firing Ruben Baraja earlier this week. The Spanish club is fighting to avoid relegation in La Liga with only 12 points from 17 matches this season.
    • Sporting CP has reportedly fired Joao Pereira, with Rui Borges set to become the next head coach.
    • We have plenty of Boxing Day action to enjoy today, but a few players spoke on the difficulties of training on Christmas or traveling with their teams rather than spending the holiday with their families.
    • Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou bemoaned how the expanded UEFA Champions League is complicating the transfer window as he aims to bring in reinforcements.
    • Oscar, who has spent the past eight seasons with Shanghai Port, is returning to Sao Paulo on a three-year contract. The 33-year-old started his professional career with Sao Paulo in 2008.

    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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