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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. LAFC

Published

7 years ago

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Friday is here once again and that means its time to check in on Orlando City’s opponents for this weekend. While it isn’t quite do or die time for the Lions, even one point in tomorrow’s game would be extremely helpful if the Lions want to make a late surge towards the playoffs.

This week brings LAFC to town for the Lions’ annual meeting with the team from Los Angeles. In order to get a better idea of how LAFC’s season has gone I spoke to Alicia Rodriguez, manager of SBNation’s Angels on Parade, and she was gracious enough to give us a great update on how the season has gone for the team leading the race for the Supporter’s Shield. I also answered her questions and you can read those answers over at their place.

It’s not exactly a secret that LAFC is the dominant power in MLS this season. If you had to pick the main reason for the team’s success this year what would it be?

Alicia Rodriguez: With the team playing very well, it’s hard to pinpoint one reason why it’s good times. I guess the most honest answer is it’s all falling into place. MVP-caliber leader? Check, Carlos Vela has been phenomenal. Improved defense? Yep, they’ve largely ironed out the issues that plagued them last season. Good coaching? Definitely, players are plugged in and engaged with Bob Bradley. Balancing a good XI with good depth? Some LAFC fans don’t think LAFC have nearly enough depth, but they’ve been slowly expanding their options, with the likes of Lee Nguyen, Tristan Blackmon, and recently, Mohamed El-Munir coming in to play a role when the team needs them. The season isn’t over yet but it’s hard to argue LAFC haven’t improved across the board this season, and that’s impressive, and hopefully it leads to a trophy or two.

Is there anything that this team does badly? If it has a weakness that can be exploited, what would it be?

AR: I think two approaches have been difficult for LAFC to contend with this year: One is teams that have an overwhelming energy, that basically metaphorically punch them in the mouth and dare them to come back. Really, only the Galaxy have pulled this off this year and it’s a definite sore spot for LAFC. But a few other teams have tried it and pushed LAFC to the brink before they did indeed come back.

The more conventional approach is for teams to “park the bus,” sit deep defensively and then try to strike on the counterattack. All of LAFC’s other losses have been from this strategy to one extent or another, best exemplified last weekend with Minnesota United beating LAFC at home, the first league home loss for LAFC this season. To be honest, I’m surprised more teams haven’t done this, since it’s well known that teams that like to hold the ball struggle to break down tightly packed defenses, but I assume more teams will be trying this or a variation of it in the coming weeks in an attempt to stop LAFC in one way or another. Also, obviously injuries can derail things. Carlos Vela has a hamstring injury, it doesn’t look too severe but until he’s back and playing well, it’s a real worry.

Last year LAFC made a surprising first-round exit from the postseason during a home loss to Real Salt Lake. What has to happen for LAFC to carry this year’s regular-season momentum all the way to the MLS Cup final?

AR: LAFC lost to Real Salt Lake in the playoffs last year, and it was a major shock. I think it boiled down to an occasion where RSL had nothing to lose and played free, LAFC knew they were favored and played tight and had a couple breakdowns/fluke plays, and in 90 minutes, that was that. I think the sudden end to the season was jarring for the fan base and entire organization, but credit to them for stepping it up this season and improving in the second season.

For any team to win MLS Cup, you need a combination of competence and luck. At this point, LAFC should win the Supporters’ Shield — if they don’t it will be an epic collapse. But the playoffs are a different beast. In LAFC’s case, it will be a matter of winning one game, then another, then another and so on, not getting caught up in their status in history or resting on the laurels of the regular season. But you never know what will happen in 90 minutes, and when the playoffs roll around, we’ll find out if LAFC have the stuff to win MLS Cup this year.

Are there any call-ups, injuries, or suspensions that will keep players unavailable for selection on Saturday? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?

AR: LAFC are missing a bunch of players. Carlos Vela has the hamstring injury; we’ll see if he even travels to Florida or not. Aside from that, they’ll be missing several players on international duty: Walker Zimmerman (USA), Diego Palacios (Ecuador), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Canada), Eduard Atuesta (Colombia U-23s), Brian Rodriguez (Uruguay) and Peter-Lee Vassell (Jamaica). The biggest concern is midfield, since two-thirds of the starters are out, and LAFC don’t have any real depth beyond Nguyen now.

Projected lineup: Pablo Sisniega; Steven Beitashour, Tristan Blackmon, Eddie Segura, Jordan Harvey; Latif Blessing, Lee Nguyen, Josh Perez; Adrien Perez, Adama Diomande, Diego Rossi

Prediction: 1-0 LAFC win.

That’ll be all for me, big thanks again to Alicia for the in-depth look at LAFC.

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Atletico de San Luis, Leagues Cup: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

The Lions host Atletico de San Luis in their final match of the Leagues Cup’s first phase.

Published

3 hours ago

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August 12, 2026

By

Image of Daryl Dike playing against Club Leon.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to your match thread for a Wednesday night Leagues Cup matchup between Orlando City (1-1-0, 3 points) and Atletico de San Luis (0-0-2, 0 points) at Inter.co Stadium (7:30 p.m., Apple TV). It’s the final match of the first phase of the competition for both teams, and tonight’s game marks the second meeting between the two teams — both in Leagues Cup action.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the match.

History

The Lions are 0-0-1 against Atletico de San Luis, having drawn 1-1 on Aug. 4, 2024, but that was a great result for Orlando City, which was down a man for well over half the game after Kyle Smith was sent off for denial of a goal-scoring opportunity. The Lions then won the postgame penalty shootout 5-4 to claim the extra point in a wild affair. Ramiro Enrique put the Lions ahead 1-0 in first-half stoppage time after being the first to get to a headed down cross from Facundo Torres. Rodrigo Dourado tied the match in the 71st minute, but Orlando held firm to see out the draw. In the shootout, all five Orlando shooters scored — Nico Lodeiro, Duncan McGuire, Wilder Cartagena, Rafael Santos, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. Pedro Gallese stopped Leo Bonatini in the fourth round to help Orlando win the extra point.

Orlando City is 4-3-7 in competitive matches against Liga MX teams in club history.

Match Overview

Orlando City followed a 2-1 win over CF Monterrey a week ago with a 2-1 home loss to Club Leon on Saturday. Orlando City entered the week needing a win and lots of help to reach the knockout rounds. Tuesday’s matches were still underway as of this writing, but the chances were low of the Lions getting through after landing in 15th place among the MLS teams after two rounds. Tyrese Spicer has shone brightly in this competition with a goal and an assist in the opener and an assist on Marco Pasalic’s goal in the Club Leon loss.

San Luis is out of contention after falling 4-2 to Inter Miami and 4-1 to Nashville in the first two match days of the competition. Being outscored 8-3 is not a recipe for success, but San Luis could put the final fork in Orlando City with a win tonight. Rafael Llorente has two of the three goals for San Luis in the tournament, so he’ll be the man to watch for the Lions.

“When we play at home and when we compete we want to do our best to win, so we will try that as always,” Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman said ahead of the match. “We will prepare the game and we will be ready to compete and again to try to win. Despite the probabilities, this club that we represent is huge, and we know our commitment and our responsibility as professionals is always play. We take this game as a very, very good opportunity for us to continue growing as a team.”

Projected Lineups:

Orlando City (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Maxime Crepeau.

Defenders: Adrian Marin, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, Griffin Dorsey.

Midfielders: Ivan Angulo, Joran Gerbet, Luis Otavio, Tyrese Spicer.

Forwards: Justin Ellis, Antoine Griezmann.

Atletico San Luis (5-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Andres Sanchez.

Defenders: Lucas Esteves, Eduardo Aguila, Miguel Garcia, Benjamin Galindo, Roman Torres.

Midfielders: Rafa Llorente, Oscar Macias, Sebastien Salles-Lamonge, David Rodriguez.

Forward: Felipe Mora.

Referees:

REF: Katia Mendoza.
AR1: Sandra Aleman.
AR2: Karen Medina.
4TH: Jesus Valle.
VAR: Marianela Cruz.

How to Watch

Match Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Inter.co Stadium — Orlando.

TV/Live Stream: Apple TV.

Social Media: For rapid reaction and live updates, follow us on Bluesky Social at @themaneland.bsky.social or follow Orlando City’s official Twitter (@OrlandoCitySC) or Bluesky (@OrlandoCitySC) feed.

Enjoy the match. Go City!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/12/26

Orlando City’s Leagues Cup continues, Orlando Pride head to Portland, OCB defeated again, and more.

Published

6 hours ago

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August 12, 2026

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Image of Robin Jansson, Tyrese Spicer, and Ivan Angulo celebrating Spicer's goal against Nashville.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s Leagues Cup match day, and I’m sure you’re as excited as I am, right? Right?!? Despite it being a money grab of a tournament in which the Lions are unlikely to advance, it is at least an opportunity to watch the team we support, and as such, I will be watching. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Hosts San Luis to Close First Leagues Cup Phase

Orlando City faces Atlético de San Luis tonight at Inter.co Stadium in the team’s third Leagues Cup match. If the Lions are to advance, the team will need to win the match and get some help from other teams in the tournament if they are to advance. As I said on The Mane Land PawedCast, I hope Orlando City smartly focuses on the upcoming regular-season match against FC Cincinnati. Sadly, I believe that won’t be the case, so you can expect the team to play a mixture of starters and subs.

Pride Proceed to Portland’s Providence Park

The Orlando Pride travel across the country to take on the Portland Thorns Saturday evening. The Pride are coming off a 3-1 loss to Racing Louisville, and let’s just say that the metrics were not good. As if bad form and traveling across the nation were not enough, the Thorns will be holding a celebration for former Portland and USWNT defender Meghan Klingenberg prior to the match. I don’t think the Thorns needed any extra motivation, but there it is.

Orlando City B Defeated…Again

Orlando City B continued its slide down the MLS NEXT Pro table after losing 3-0 to New York City FC II. With so many Young Lions covering for injuries with the first team, OCB Head Coach Eddie Wilding made five changes to the starting lineup. There were also four academy players who made their professional debuts. NYCFC II scored two goals in the the first 13 minutes and added a third in the second half. OCB will face Chicago Fire FC II on the road Saturday.

NWSL Accolades

If you didn’t watch other NWSL matches after being demoralized by how the Pride played Friday, I won’t blame you. That being said, there were matches played and things happened in those matches. I believe that Kerry Abello should have been up for Goal of the Week, but alas she wasn’t and instead the honor went to Ashley Sanchez from the North Carolina Courage. Don’t get me wrong it was a good goal, but Abello’s shot was better.

Anna Moorhouse was never in the discussion for Save of the Week. Instead it was won by Portland’s Mackenzie Arnold.

Arnold also won Assist of the Week on Pietra Tordin’s second goal.

Finally, Tordin won Player of the Week for her hat trick against Boston Legacy FC. She gets to face the Pride’s defense and Moorhouse on Saturday night.

Leaving her mark ⭐️Pietra Tordin is your Player of the Week presented by AT&T!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-08-11T17:33:02.135Z

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That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/11/26

Leagues Cup preview, Americans in midweek action, open letter addressing Gianni Infantino, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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August 11, 2026

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Good morning, everyone. It wasn’t a particularly pleasant weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, but fortunately, opportunities to change the vibes are right around the corner. Orlando City B plays NYCFC II in a few hours, Orlando City plays San Luis tomorrow and FC Cincinnati on Saturday, and the Orlando Pride are in action against the Portland Thorns on Saturday night as well. We’ve got lots to talk over this morning, so let’s get into it.

Leagues Cup Preview

Leagues Cup will begin its final round of group stage games later today, and there are several storylines to keep an eye on. Most prominent among them is the match between Austin FC and Club America, as each team currently sits first in its respective table. Myrto Uzuni’s hat trick helped Austin bury Puebla in its second match, and the Verde and Black are now in great position to advance. Before we get to that match on Thursday though, FC Cincinnati plays Atlas this evening to kick off the last round of games. Cincy sits fourth in the MLS table and therefore has plenty to play for, while Atlas has no points and has already been eliminated from contention. With Cincy visiting the City Beautiful on Saturday, Orlando fans should be hoping for FCC’s key players to rack up a lot of minutes tonight.

Americans in Midweek Action

Plenty of Americans will be taking part in matches during the working week, so make sure you’ve got everything noted down on your calendar. Tanner Tessmann and Lyon kick things off later today as they try to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit against Sparta Prague in UEFA Champions Leauge qualifying. Things continue with Brenden Aaronson and Leeds playing Manchester United in a friendly on Wednesday, while Malik Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen have a friendly of their own against Nottingham Forest. Things wrap up with some American-on-American violence on Friday, as Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid play Marseille in a friendly, while Folarin Balogun and Monaco face Haji Wright and Coventry in a tune-up game.

Confederations Write Letter Criticizing Gianni Infantino

Concacaf, UEFA, and AFC have written a joint open letter soccer as a whole, in which they accuse FIFA president Gianni Infantino of betraying the trust of the confederations and engaging in deceptive practices. They condemned the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, and called both FIFA’s integrity and Infantino’s running of the organization into question. U.S. Soccer put out its own statement on Sunday in support of Concacaf’s stance. The letter also urged FIFA to conduct an independent review of the proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup, while calling for accountability and openness among Infantino and the rest of FIFA’s leadership.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

There are plenty of transfer rumors to catch up on this morning, so let’s get straight into it. We start in England, where Crystal Palace is reportedly finalizing the signing of Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake. In Spain, Atletico Madrid has reportedly submitted an offer in the area of €35 million to Lille for winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Meanwhile, Endrick will supposedly be staying at Real Madrid this season following discussions between himself, the club, and Head Coach Jose Mourinho. Barcelona ha reportedly rejected a €50 million offer for Ferran Torres from Paris Saint-Germain, as the Catalonian club wants the fee to be structured differently than PSG’s initial proposal. Finally, in a rather unexpected bit of news, Tom Bogert reports that CF Montreal is signing Alexis Sanchez as a Designated Player.

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

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