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Orlando City

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

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6 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

Orlando City at CF Montreal: Three Keys to Victory

What do the Lions need to do to earn all three points on the road against Montreal?

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12 hours ago

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April 17, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City heads to the Great White North to take on CF Montreal. The Canadian squad sits in last place in not just the Eastern Conference but also the entire MLS, with only two points from a pair of draws. To say it’s not been a good start to the season is an understatement. Of course, it’s exactly that type of situation that makes it feel like a trap. What does Orlando City need to do to take all three points against CF Montreal?

Designated Goal Scorers

What do you do if you haven’t scored a goal in the last two matches? You play a team that has given up 13 goals in eight matches with a -9 goal differential. Montreal doesn’t have the worst defense in the league — I’m looking at you, D.C. United — but it’s not far off. That presents an opportunity for Orlando City to get back on track when it comes to scoring goals.

Through the first six matches of the season, Orlando City was leading the league in scoring with 15 goals. Over the last two matches, the spigot has dried up. The Lions must seize on this opportunity to create and finish their chances. Much like earlier in the season, I want to see Luis Muriel, Martin Ojeda, and Marco Pasalic lead the way. If anyone can get the first goal, then I’m hopeful the dam will break and the scoring drought will be over.

Keep it Clean

There is some good news of late when it comes to the Orlando City defense. The club has two clean sheets over the last two matches, and that is without Cesar Araujo. There is also some bad news, given Rodrigo Schlegel will be serving his red card suspension this match. That means David Brekalo will move back to center back with Robin Jansson, and Oscar Pareja will have to employ either Rafael Santos or Kyle Smith at left back. Santos has been less than good so far this season.

Montreal has scored a paltry four goals so far in 2025, but two of them have come from striker Prince Owusu. The defense will also need to deal with Caden Clark facilitating in the midfield. I get that this isn’t a prolific attack. Montreal has not looked very good this season and is looking for both its first win and its first points of any sort at home. That means the hosts may be desperate for a result, and desperate is often dangerous. How well the defense does — in particular, how well Santos does if he plays — may determine if Montreal is able to break out of its slump. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

Give the Midfield Time

Before the last match, I was a little worried about the midfield. Having both Araujo and Eduard Atuesta out at the same time seemed to be a concern. Now, after seeing how well Joran Gerbet and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson worked together against the New York Red Bulls, I’m way less worried. If Araujo and Atuesta need a little more time to get fully healthy, then let them. The Franco/Icelandic combo seems to be a potent one.

Of course, if the normal starters are ready, then by all means bring them back, but maybe not until the 60th minute. Perhaps Pareja could even mix and match. One never knows how yellow card suspensions or minor injuries will affect player availability. This is a good match for Gerbet and Thorhallsson to work their magic.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/17/25

Oscar Pareja signs new contract with Orlando City, Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, Orlando’s youth teams win, and more.

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16 hours ago

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April 17, 2025

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I can’t believe we’re already into the back half of April and Easter is right around the corner. There’s plenty of soccer to enjoy between now and then and we also have the draw for the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 32 this morning at 9:15. MLS teams are finally joining the fray, so we’ll see where the chips fall for Orlando City. Let’s get to the links!

Oscar Pareja Signs New Contract

Orlando City and Head Coach Oscar Pareja have agreed to a new three-year contract that will keep him in the City Beautiful through 2028. Pareja was hired as Orlando’s fourth head coach in its MLS era back in December of 2019 and he’s led the Lions to the playoffs in all five seasons he’s been at the helm.  Under Pareja, the Lions won the U.S. Open Cup in 2022, set club records in points and wins in 2023, and reached the Eastern Conference final for the first time last year. This year was the final one on the contract he signed in December of 2023, so it’s nice to know Pareja will be sticking around in the future.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride will look to make it five wins in a row when they host the Washington Spirit on Saturday in another rematch of last year’s final. While this is the first match between Orlando and Washington this season, the two clashed in the NWSL Challenge Cup on March 7 and the Spirit lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team has grown since that game and has benefitted from depth and consistency carried over from last year.

Orlando City Youth Teams Win in Bradenton

Orlando City’s U-18 team won in the Generation Adidas Cup’s round of 16, beating St. Louis City 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Young Lions remain unbeaten in that age group and will take on a Real Salt Lake team that also won its group and just beat Toronto FC in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw.

Orlando’s U-16 squad didn’t qualify for the Championship bracket, but still advanced in the Premier bracket. After a 1-1 draw with Toronto, Orlando prevailed in the ensuing penalty shootout and will play Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.

UEFA Champions League Semifinals Are Set

The quarterfinals for this year’s UEFA Champions League are over and only four teams remain in the tournament. Arsenal secured its spot in the semifinals after an impressive 2-1 road win against Real Madrid that included two assists from Mikel Merino. The Spanish club couldn’t muster its usual magic in the tournament and forward Kylian Mbappe exited in the second half due to injury. In Italy, Inter Milan held on for a 2-2 draw against Bayern to advance on aggregate, with defender Benjamin Pavard scoring a crucial goal for Inter against his old team. The semifinals will take place at the end of the month and will feature Arsenal taking on Paris Saint-Germain and Inter going up against Barcelona.

Free Kicks

  • Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of former FC Cincinnati player Aaron Boupendza, who died after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China.
  • The Chicago Fire are reportedly strongly interested in signing star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer. If any Western Conference teams could join the hunt for him, that would be great.

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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Orlando City

Orlando City Extends Oscar Pareja’s Contract through 2028

The most successful coach in Orlando City’s MLS history has signed on for another three seasons.

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1 day ago

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April 16, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Orlando City SC announced today that the club and Head Coach Oscar Pareja have come to terms on a new three-year contract through 2028. The winningest head coach in club history, Pareja’s previous two-year contract was scheduled to expire after the 2025 season. With the Lions off to a 3-2-3 start, and coming off the deepest MLS Cup playoff run in the organization’s history — the 2024 Eastern Conference final — the club locked down the veteran coach

“Throughout his career, Oscar has proven to be a coach deeply committed not only to winning and competing for championships, but also to building teams that fans can proudly rally behind,” Orlando City Owner and Chairman Mark Wilf said in a club press release. “Here in Orlando, he’s shown that same passion and dedication — taking immense pride in representing our club with integrity and driving us closer each year to our ultimate goal of winning it all. His unwavering positivity and focus have helped shape a culture grounded in respect and ambition. We’re thrilled to have Oscar continue leading us forward in the City Beautiful.” 

Pareja has led Orlando City to a record of 89-59-55 across all competitions in 203 matches, reaching the playoffs in each of his seasons at the helm of OCSC. He also won the team’s first MLS-era trophy by leading the Lions to the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title, and he’s guided the club to its first two appearances in Concacaf Champions League/Cup and to the MLS is Back Tournament final in 2020.

With 176 MLS victories, Pareja is No. 5 on the league’s all-time wins list. He ranks second among all active coaches. Orlando City initially hired Pareja, 56, as head coach on Dec. 4, 2019. He succeeded James O’Connor, Jason Kreis, and Adrian Heath as OCSC head coaches in the club’s MLS era. Prior to joining the Lions, Pareja spent one season in Liga MX with Club Tijuana after five successful seasons as head coach at FC Dallas. Pareja started his MLS head coaching career with the Colorado Rapids in 2012, leading the ‘Pids for two seasons, including a playoff appearance in 2013. He also coached the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team from 2007-2008. 

“First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Mark Wilf, his family, the entire ownership group, and our executive board for their continued trust in the vision and culture we’ve built over the years,” Pareja said in the club’s release. “Their unwavering support is the foundation of everything we strive to achieve each day. Above all, I’m profoundly thankful to our incredible fans and the dedicated staff who pour their hearts into making Orlando City such a remarkable club. Together, we’ve grown stronger with each passing season, moving steadily closer to our shared ambition of bringing more trophies home to this great city. I remain deeply inspired by what lies ahead and look forward to continuing this journey in pursuit of more championships.” 

As a player, Pareja spent 1987-1995 with Independiente Medellin in his native Colombia as a midfielder, appearing in 263 matches and scoring 18 goals. He moved to Deportivo Cali, where he scored 11 more goals in 122 games from 1995-1998 and then joined the New England Revolution, appearing in 13 games that year. He finished his playing career with FC Dallas, scoring 13 goals in 170 appearances from 1998-2005. He also earned 11 caps from 1991 to 1996 with Colombia’s national team, scoring three goals.

What It Means for Orlando City

As I wrote when Pareja re-signed in December of 2023: quite simply, it means the Lions retain their most successful coach since joining Major League Soccer. Pareja has created a culture and an identity that was lacking at the club prior to his arrival. While it’s common for players to say the team feels like a family and a city feels like “home,” the Lions have walked that walk during Pareja’s tenure in the City Beautiful.

Pareja’s challenge for the upcoming season is to improve upon the club’s deepest run in the playoffs and perhaps the fourth-place finish the Lions enjoyed in 2024. That’s not an easy task, and it shouldn’t be held against him if he can’t reach those lofty heights.

In the short term, Pareja’s job is to get the team scoring goals again while maintaining the high defensive standards set over the last two matches.

Pareja’s tenure with Orlando City will ultimately be measured in trophies. So far, he’s won one of them. That’s more than everyone who came before him won with Orlando in the MLS era, but it’s understandable for fans and ownership to ask for more.

Oscar Pareja’s Coaching Record at Orlando City (W-L-D)

Major League Soccer Regular Season: 167 games, 74-48-45
MLS Playoffs: 12 games, 5-6-1 (Note: MLS considers draws losses if they happen in the best-of-three round but if it goes to penalties in a single-elimination game, it’s a draw.)
U.S. Open Cup: 7 games, 4-1-2
Concacaf Champions League/Cup: 6 games, 2-1-3
Leagues Cup: 7 games, 2-2-3
MLS is Back Knockout Stages: 4 games, 2-1-1

Total: 203 games coached, 89-59-55

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