Connect with us

Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Houston Dynamo: Final Score 2-1 as Lions Blow Early Lead

Lions’ skid reaches six matches.

Published

6 years ago

on

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Orlando City led early but couldn’t keep the ball in the second half and eventually succumbed to pressure, losing 2-1 to the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Stadium. Dom Dwyer’s early goal was canceled out by strikes by Alberth Elis and Christian Ramirez just three minutes apart in the second half, as Orlando (9-14-9, 36 points) made it six straight games without a win (0-3-3). Houston (11-16-4, 37 points) got its third result in six matches under Davy Arnaud.

Orlando fell to 1-2-2 against the Dynamo in the all-time series and 1-2-0 in Houston. The loss, coupled with New England’s draw, doesn’t quite officially eliminate the Lions from the postseason but a whole lot of chaos would need to ensue for the miracle of a playoff berth to materialize.

James O’Connor’s side played a 4-3-3 with playmakers Nani and Mauricio Pereyra on the wings and Dwyer up top. Will Johnson returned to the midfield with Cristian Higuita and Sebas Mendez. Kamal Miller took over at left back with the three usual starters on the back line — Robin Jansson, Lamine Sané, and Ruan — in front of Brian Rowe.

It didn’t take long for the Lions to get on the board. Orlando City scored its earliest goal from the start of the game all season just six minutes into the game.

Higuita was chopped down by Oscar Boniek Garcia, giving Orlando a free kick to the right side. Pereyra made a gorgeous delivery and Dwyer headed it back across the grain inside the back post to make it 1-0.

It was Dom’s second goal in as many games and both were on headers. It was also the first goal that an Orlando player has scored in this series. Previously, the only goal for the Lions was an own goal by Tyler Deric in 2015. Orlando City had been shut out in each of the last three meetings entering tonight.

There were other actions in the remaining 39 minutes of the first half aside from Houston corner kicks, but it might not have seemed like it. The Dynamo racked up corner after corner, finishing the game with a 13-5 advantage in that category.

Despite that, the Dynamo weren’t very menacing on those corners. One ended up fizzing through the six in the 13th minute and any touch would have put it in the net, but it went out the other side.

Dwyer smashed a shot with power in the 20th from just outside the area that forced a save from Joe Willis. The striker was Orlando’s only real threat all night, firing five of the team’s seven shot attempts and getting all three of the team’s shots on target on the evening.

Rowe’s outlet sprung a 25th-minute counter, with Nani getting down the left flank. He tried to cross into the middle for Ruan, but the defense got a touch on the cross to snuff out the chance. Houston came right back down and Jansson had to block a shot from Mauro Manotas at the other end.

Orlando fashioned a couple of half chances before Houston won a free kick on a soft foul by Sané — and nearly scored on it. A cross to the back post cleared Miller and found Maynor Figueroa, who headed one toward the near corner. Rowe made a good reaction save to keep it out in the 37th minute.

That was the last good opportunity for either side in the opening period and the Lions went into the locker room with their slim lead.

Houston led in shots (5-3), although both team got two on target. Orlando held 53% of the possession, with much of that just taking the air out of the game and kicking it around the back and not really doing much meaningful in the attacking end. The Lions were slightly more accurate in passing (87%-86%).

Bad news came at the break as the television broadcast announced that Higuita was suffering from his tricky adductor muscle and would need to sub off early in the second half.

Orlando tried to double the lead in the 50th as Pereyra was sent on essentially a one-man counter attack. Nani joined him late and Pereyra tried to thread the captain through on goal but a hustling play by DaMarcus Beasley broke up the play at the last second.

Dwyer did some emergency defending in the 55th minute on a set piece, clearing a shot off the line.

Shortly thereafter, O’Connor was forced to make two changes due to fitness. Higuita was replaced by Carlos Ascues and Tesho Akindele came on for Pereyra, as both starters were laboring. But the biggest change was Houston introducing Memo Rodriguez for Tommy McNamara, and the young Dynamo attacker changed the complexion of the game with his quickness and creativity.

The warning signs started before the subs, as Orlando was unable to break out of its own end. Balls were fired forward to an outnumbered Dwyer, Houston recycled, and the Dynamo came forward to apply pressure again and again. It wasn’t sustainable and eventually the breakthrough came.

Elis beat Miller to a cross from Ramirez and headed it home to make it 1-1 in the 70th minute. The play began with a sliding challenge by Sané and the ball pinballed out to Ramirez on the left. His cross was perfect and Elis didn’t miss.

Rowe saved Mendez some embarrassment in the 72nd minute after the Ecuador international turned the ball over in his own end. Rodriguez fired and Rowe was there to stop it. But the Dynamo took the lead a minute later anyway.

Houston had a long clearance that fell perfectly for the Dynamo to break. Manotas made a nice move to lose Ruan, then crossed over to Ramirez for a tap-in while Jansson defended air on the goal line.

Dwyer had the best opportunity to pull Orlando back level in the 77th minute. Nani fed a through ball and the striker had a tough angle — on his weaker right foot — but he smashed one hard at the net to force a save from Willis.

Dwyer then headed the ensuing corner kick cross over the bar but he did well to even get something toward the net on the play.

From there, the Lions just lacked the final bit of quality and Willis came up big. Ascues sent a curling shot through the area that Willis was able to save. The rebound fell for Ruan, who also saw his shot save but that part of the play was ruled offside with Dwyer in front of goal.

Nani sent a free kick toward goal in the 84th but Willis got down to make the save and held on as Dwyer closed in. A minute later Chris Mueller checked in for Mendez but that was too little, too late. In the 89th minute Miller sent a great ball up the left for Akindele, who crossed in for Dwyer, but the pass was just off and the defense recovered. Akindele saw another cross smothered by Willis and Dwyer had a shot blocked and that was that.

Houston out-shot the Lions (15-7), and had more shots on target (6-3). remarkably, Orlando held more of the possession (52%) but little of it seemed to be in the attacking half. Both teams passed at an 86% rate.

Orlando now has to win its final two games and get lots and lots of help. Any point by New England would eliminate City from the playoffs. But I wouldn’t put any money down on the Lions getting through with the team now having gone six straight without tasting victory.

The Lions continue on the road next Sunday when they make their first trip to play FC Cincinnati.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Orlando City

Ranking Orlando City’s MLS Away Kits

Where does the new Sunken Treasure kit rank all time?

Published

12 hours ago

on

February 12, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

With the release of Orlando City’s newest away kit, I thought it appropriate to rank all of the Lions’ MLS-era away kits to see how the new “Sunken Treasure” kit stacks up against those from the past. As I said last year regarding the home kit rankings, I’m no fashion guru, but I do know what I like.

I welcome everyone’s opinions on this topic, but since I’m writing the article, I get final say. Let’s rank Orlando City’s away kits.

Seventh Place

The Heart and Soul kit has the misfortune of coming in last place in the rankings. It is not a bad or ugly kit, I just think the others are better. For me, it’s the stark shoulder separation that I don’t like. It feels disjointed, like the color on the front was an add-on or that someone forgot to extend it up to the rest of the kit. While I don’t mind the three stripes being oriented front to back on just one side, I like the more traditional two-sided Adidas stripes formation.

Sixth Place

The look of the second-ever away kit was so close to being fantastic. First the good. The purple sleeves look great, especially with the gold ring near the cuff. And seeing the original Orlando Health logo certainly brings back memories. Now the not so good. I always prefer to have the Adidas stripes on the shoulder, though they’re not horrible running down the sides. The faux collar is the downfall of this kit. If it had a real collar it would be much higher up the rankings.

Fifth Place

The Sunshine Kit brought the first splash of color other than purple to the away kit. The way it blended into — or more accurately out of — the purple shorts looked very good. It also didn’t have the cutoff shoulder feel of the Heart and Soul kit. In fact, we get the traditional stripes with a ringer around the collar. It’s a nice touch.

Fourth Place

There is definitely something to be said about an almost completely white kit. The Origin Kit was so clean that it only needed two colors. Even the crest is monochromatic purple rather than the usual gold, purple, and white. Purple-accented Adidas stripes, cuff rings and a thin ringer at the V-neck are the only splashes of color to be found. It’s the type of kit you can wear out to a nice dinner. Just don’t order the spaghetti.

Third Place

You never forget your first…away kit. The amount of thought that went into the Inaugural City kit is impressive. It is seemingly simple and straightforward but full of little details. I love the overlapping collar with just a bit of gold. The Adidas stripes in the proper place and the original Orlando Health logo make this the classic it deserves to be. It might be at third place in the rankings, but it will always be the first.

Second Place

The new Sunken Treasure kit is striking. It is the first kit that uses gold as the primary color. The sublimated lion head is picturesque in detail. The Adidas stripes are in the right place, and the triple stripe at the cuffs and neckline are a nice touch. Paired with the purple shirts, I know that this is going to be a sought-after jersey for years to come. My only personal issue is I don’t look good in yellow. However, as I said on The Mane Land PawedCast, I will reserve final judgment on my potential purchase of the kit until I see it in person. I also want to add that the social media release of the kit was very well done.

https://twitter.com/OrlandoCitySC/status/2021252822549807290

First Place

As much as I like the new kit, it will be hard to ever top the Legacy Kit. We have the return of the Three Lions crest and the red color from the USL days. The very light purple used as the primary color is subtle, original, and looks really good. I like the three-color combo and button on the collar. The matching shorts bring the whole thing together like The Dude’s rug. This is such a departure from normal away kits that I literally have it framed on my wall.

There you have it. As for the kits, I’d love to hear how you rank them in the comments below. For now, you can select the spot where you’d place the Sunken Treasure kit in the poll below. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/12/26

Orlando City wins preseason game, Nolan Miller readies for rookie season, Hailie Mace settling in with the Orlando Pride, and more.

Published

15 hours ago

on

February 12, 2026

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a pretty hectic for me so far this week, but it’s nothing some ABBA and baking can’t help with. The return of Orlando soccer is right around the corner and I’m looking forward to seeing our favorite players back in action. Until then though, let’s enjoy today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Wins Preseason Game

Although Orlando City continues to keep most of the details of its preseason results close to the chest, we at least know that the Lions beat FC Cincinnati 3-2 in Tampa. Cincy got the scoring started with a goal from Evander, but Orlando came out swinging in the second half by scoring three goals in just five minutes. Martin Ojeda bagged a brace, with 20-year-old winger Tiago maintaining his solid preseason form with a goal as well. It’s a nice result and the Lions will play their final preseason game Saturday against the Colorado Rapids in a match open to season ticket members.

https://twitter.com/orlandocitysc/status/2021728820445716559?s=46

Nolan Miller Ready for Rookie Season

Drafted by the Lions with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, Nolan Miller spoke on how he fit the profile Orlando’s coaching staff was looking for in a center back in the draft. The 21-year-old can play out of the back and possesses leadership qualities as evidenced by deciding to stay at Michigan to help build the program into a Big Ten championship contender as its captain. Signed to a first-team contract earlier this month, Miller discussed how he’s mentally prepared for his rookie season in the MLS.

“I’ll tell you this, I’m the biggest guy in my mindset,” he said. “If you start thinking, ‘Wow, this is a big jump,’ it will be a big jump. But I tell myself I belong every day. I belong at this level. I know I belong. I’m mentally there, I’m physically there, and if I’m not there today, I’m going to be there tomorrow.”

Hailie Mace Finding Her Footing in Orlando

Orlando Pride defender Hailie Mace is the most notable addition to the Pride’s roster this off-season and she spoke on how she’s settling in with Orlando after a terrific season with the Kansas City Current. Like the Current, the Pride have boasted one of the league’s best defenses in recent years, and Mace fits the team’s defensive mindset. That being said, Head Coach Seb Hines could have her making more of an impact on offense in the City Beautiful.

“Seb wants me to join the attack more and play through the lines and those sort of things,” she said. “So I think he’s challenging me in that aspect. I would have liked to be more involved in the attack last year, but that wasn’t my role on the team. Coming here, having the freedom to join the attack and Seb encouraging me to do it, it’s nice and fun, and I’m excited to be able to do that.”

She also talked about how going up against attackers like Marta and Barbra Banda in training will only make her a better player. It’s hardly the first time Mace is adapting to a new team environment in her career, so hopefully she can be a difference maker for the Pride this season.

NWSL Star Midfielders On the Move

It seems we’re still in the NWSL’s silly season, as the Current made a pair of major trades. American attacking midfielder Croix Bethune is no longer with the Washington Spirit after being traded to the Current in exchange for $900,000 in intra-league transfer funds and $100,000 in Allocation Money. Bethune requested the move according to Spirit President of Soccer Operations Haley Carter and gives the Current a young and talented playmaker.

That’s not all though. The Current also traded defensive midfielder Claire Hutton to Bay FC in exchange for $1.1 million in intra-league transfer funds. The 20-year-old was a finalist for NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and started 22 games for the Current last season, making the NWSL Best XI First Team.

Free Kicks

  • Gustavo Caraballo scored a great goal in Orlando City B’s scrimmage against the U.S. Virgin Islands.
https://twitter.com/orlandocityb/status/2021630146877300739?s=12&t=_WZBNG4ILAyRLdwBeB4mpQ

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/11/26

New Orlando City kit drops, Orlando City and Orlando Pride preseasons, MLS club valuations, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

February 11, 2026

By

Image of Haley McCutcheon scoring the opening goal in Orlando's home playoff win over Seattle.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a bit anxious about the upcoming season. I think it’s because we don’t know much of what is going on. We’re only a few weeks away from the first match for goodness sake. Hopefully, we’ll see some more signings for both clubs, but until then let’s get to the links.

Orlando City’s New Kit

Orlando City dropped the new Sunken Treasure secondary kit yesterday, and it is a stunner. This is the first time the club has used gold as the primary color on a jersey. It looks great with the purple shorts, and the purple stripes. There are some great details like the coin on the collar and sublimated lion head on the chest. This is truly one of the better kits that Orlando City has introduced. The club produced a great reveal video. Check it out.

Orlando Preseasons

There’s not a ton of information to convey regarding Orlando City’s and the Orlando Pride’s preseasons. That seems to be purposeful on the part of the club, but a little news did slip out via social media. New center back Iago is fully participating in practice.

We also learned that goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau is back in training after missing last week. Of course, the Pride got in the action as well with various players trying to run drills. I’ll let you judge how well they did.

MLS Club Valuations

MLS clubs are increasing in value, including Orlando City. Sportico released the list of all MLS club valuations (paywall). Unsurprisingly, the top five were all big market teams with Inter Miami leading the way. When the Wilf family purchased Orlando City, they paid between $400 and $450 million. Now it is estimated to be worth approximately $565 million. That’s pretty good growth.

Chris Mueller’s Lost Year

We missed this last November, but former Orlando City attacker Chris Mueller had a tough time of things in 2025. The player was diagnosed with pericarditis. It meant that he couldn’t sleep laying down, let alone play or practice. He is now on the other side of it and has a new contract. It was a year of lessons for Mueller, and in typical fashion he has bounced back stronger.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today, me hearties. I hope you have a wonderful day. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending