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Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Houston Dynamo

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6 years ago

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While last week’s draw against the New England Revolution didn’t quite doom Orlando City’s playoff hopes, anything less than all three points at this bite of the apple surely will. With that in mind, the Lions will be traveling to Houston tomorrow for their yearly meeting with the Houston Dynamo.

That meant that I spoke with Derek Stowers, editor of SBNation’s Dynamo Theory, and he was kind enough to give us some wonderful insight into Houston’s 2019 season.

It hasn’t been the easiest of years for the Dynamo with the team currently 11th in the West and nine points out of the last playoff spot. What has the team had trouble with this year? Why has Houston struggled?

Derek Stowers: That has been the million dollar question this year and really there are a lot of reasons for blame.  The Dynamo actually started this season off with their best start as a franchise, which is pretty impressive considering this is a team with two MLS Cups and four MLS Cup appearances. However, a congested schedule to start things off with Champions League and then the U.S. Open Cup making double game weeks a regular thing, followed by international call-ups, made lineup consistency impossible and made legs heavy early.

On top of that, it seemed like former head coach Wilmer Cabrera had doubled down on several conservative tactics which put pressure on a lineup that hadn’t had time to develop chemistry. That meant defending deeper at home after taking a lead while in a system that depends heavily on offense to succeed and defending deeper on the road looking to steal or draw away from BBVA Stadium. Essentially the tactics didn’t work with the squad and with the lack of a consistent XI the side never had the chance to grow into the team Cabrera wanted it to be.

On the other side of the coin, what have been the bright spots for Houston this year? What does this team do well?

DS: As an optimist I love that there is this side of question 1 to answer because there is plenty to be happy about if you’re a Dynamo fan — although the current standing in the table is not one of those. To start things off, I think the front office has done a tremendous job of addressing needs. I understand that there is a huge outcry from Dynamo loyalists that can’t stand the FO, but they also realize they’re hamstrung by the ownership group and the front office has done a good job with the resources they have. Making the defensive line better over the off-season by acquiring Maynor Figueroa, Kiki Struna, and recently Jose Bizama all show their ability to target areas the Dynamo need to improve. With Romell Quioto essentially blacklisted due to his emotional approach to the game (it’s complicated with this guy!), acquiring Christian Ramirez was a huge find.

In addition to these roster changes, interim manager Davy Arnaud has shown growth in a short amount of time. I’m not sure he will lead the club next season, but each game has shown improvement and this is his time to show his worth if he wants the job next year. Even though the last game was a loss, it wasn’t a poor performance by his team, which had an unfortunate (and I will say wrong) penalty decision and a brief switch off and that decided the match despite an overall positive outing. Even with a low payroll budget, this is a quality team that has under performed this season which means there is plenty of room to improve.

What is your key match-up for this game? What positional battle do the Dynamo need to win in order to take the three points?

DS: There are a few battles to focus on but I will be looking to see how well the Dynamo can defend, especially given how well they typically play at home. Houston Dynamo as a franchise has forged a reputation as a tough team to play at home and while some of that has eroded in recent years due to health concerns about playing in the heat, making way for later start times during the summer, and us generally not being as good as we used to be, we’re still a difficult opponent to best at home. I expect our side to come out with a lot of offense in front of our fans to potentially get an early lead.

However, the match-up I’m looking at is our defense against your offense to see how we can defend that lead. Dom Dwyer likes to get into tiffs with Houston so his antics with a center back pairing that isn’t used to him will be something to see. Same thing with the brilliance of Nani over the ball. Will the 36-year-old Figueroa be able to stay in front of him? Will Kiki Struna? That’s what I’ll be specifically be looking to improve with international duty over.

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?

DS: With international duty over we did see some players return last weekend with the rest likely coming back. There are a couple of players that are injured, including 2017 team MVP Juan David Cabezas, who suffered a horrific injury in a midweek game against Minnesota United FC which in my view should have been a red card. Additionally missing out is right back and all around great person A.J. DeLaGarza due to a foot fracture.

My projected XI will be a 4-2-3-1:

Joe Willis;

DaMarcus Beasley, Maynor Figueroa, Kiki Struna, Jose Bizama;

Oscar Boniek Garcia, Matias Vera;

Christian Ramirez, Tomas Martinez, Alberth Elis;

Mauro Manotas

Predicted Score: This is tough because even though I think Elis is arguably one of the team’s best players, he is very one dimensional and hasn’t worked in this offense yet, which has utilized wide players cutting inside to allow space for fullbacks. I think he starts though, and will have the benefit of home field advantage to find success.

We win it 2-1 in a game that looks like the Dynamo are flying ahead before collapsing late, though surviving long enough for the full three points due to the reinforcements from our international players — although a 2-2 draw could certainly be in the works.

Thanks again to Derek for all the great info about the Dynamo.

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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20 hours ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

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

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