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Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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6 years ago

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James O’Connor decided to keep his 3-5-2 formation and make just the one change to the lineup for Orlando City’s first road game of the season, swapping last week’s Man of the Match Chris Mueller for latest Designated Player signing Nani.

In a game that lacked quality, the Lions nearly earned their first road win since April 29, 2018. Indeed that was the last time the team had picked up any points away from home so it was a blow when 10-men Chicago rescued a draw at the death.

Starters

GK, Brian Rowe, 5.5 — Largely untested by way of Chicago’s ineptitude over Orlando’s solidity, Rowe saw the defense in front of him carved open twice in the opening exchanges and looked helpless to do anything. After that he was only forced into a couple of routine saves, collected a couple of crosses confidently, and was seconds away from banking a first clean sheet in purple until a close-range stoppage-time header caught him flat footed and nestled in the bottom corner. He’s not at fault, but it wasn’t an inspiring dive either. Also a note on his distribution which was wayward from his feet although he did well trying to spring a counter when throwing it out.

D, Kamal Miller, 5 — Orlando set up with a very wide back three to the extent that rookie Miller spent a lot of the game hugging the sideline. Despite the distance and bizarre shape, he kept his line well enough to help catch a couple of offside calls but struggled one on one, only making one tackle and regularly getting burned for pace. His clearances seemed wild and skittish, his 54% pass success rate was only better than an isolated Dwyer and even playing with a man advantage he looked far more unsettled than he did on his professional debut last week as the Lions tried, and ultimately failed, to see the game out.

D, Alex De John, 6 — De John imposed himself on Nemanja Nikolic to keep the Hungarian quiet after an opening few minutes that could have (and should have) seen him score twice, helping clean up after his fellow defenders’ mistakes by playing the sweeper role as the central man in a back three. It wasn’t pretty at times but he did his own job well with a dominant aerial performance and he also made a team-high 10 clearances.

D, Shane O’Neill, 5 — O’Neill went quietly about his job for the most part. His 25% tackle success was disappointing but not costly as he played high and to the right in Orlando’s wide defensive shape. He wasn’t as busy as De John, nor did he struggle as much as Miller…that was until Przemyslaw Frankowski’s cross was fired towards the head of CJ Sapong. At this point O’Neill should have either attacked the ball or at the very least not given Sapong the room to jump, but instead his feet froze, he got caught ball watching a solid foot away from Sapong, and let the forward head in the equalizer unchallenged.

WB, Danilo Acosta, 6 — Acosta had a better day than his right-sided counterpart Kyle Smith, not that that is much of a compliment in itself. He led the team in touches, with 59, and had twice as many crosses as the next highest (four), but none of them connected. Defensively he registered two interceptions and made several good recoveries but the game-tying assist came from his flank, as he didn’t close down, which is disappointing mark on an otherwise promising but unproductive performance.

MF, Sebas Méndez, 7.5 — The Ecuadorian was an effective anchor, doing well off the ball to cut out the passing lanes and making several interceptions from his midfield station that in the first half was all too often merging with the defensive line. He looked more confident, decisive, and expressive in the second half and finished the game leading the team with 45 passes. It’s hard to know where the 21-year-old’s ceiling is, having not really seen much of his playmaking abilities from deep, but I feel O’Connor will just be content to use him in the defensive role he shined in today on the road.

MF, Will Johnson, 7.5 — Johnson had plenty of energy as part of a midfield tandem with Mendez, with whom he shared a near identical average playing position, owing to the fluid nature with which they changed sides and covered for the other when they went to close down the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was given license to roam freely into the Orlando half. He spent a lot of the first half dropping deep into the back line to lend a much-needed hand and level head as Orlando struggled to get a foothold in the game but the early goal in the second half seemed to loosen the team up and they played with more confidence in the middle of the park, as seen in Johnson’s 39 passes at a success rate of 87% — the best in the team.

MF, Sacha Kljestan, 6.5 — I’m struggling to assess Kljestan’s performance in Chicago. It wasn’t good but it certainly wasn’t bad. It just happened. His passing was elegant at times and wayward at others but with 78% successful, increasing to 82% in the final third he was making things tick over even if he wasn’t making things happen. He put himself about defensively, making some good reads but if he didn’t win the first ball he seemed a little too lethargic to continue battling and pressing didn’t seem to be part of O’Connor’s game plan, so he struggled to get into the game at times, ending up being simply passed around. His heat map shows no pattern, with him pretty much floating everywhere as he struggled to find a way into the game and I’ll forgive you if you forgot he was on set pieces as his deliveries looked fine at best but produced nothing by way of chances.

WB, Kyle Smith, 4 — Smith played incredibly high up the right wing and took every invitation to carry the ball forward. On the sole occasion he managed to beat his man, his service was poor. Defensively he looked rattled and pretty much got beat every time, allowing Aleksandar Katai to provide some easy service to Nikolic, who you’d expect to bury such chances. Add to that a first half booking and it wasn’t a surprise to see him hooked off by his former Louisville City boss before the hour mark in a like-for-like switch with Ruan.

F, Nani, 8 (MOTM) — The game’s two big talking points and positives from an Orlando standpoint both came as a product of the Portuguese international. First, he got the assist on Dwyer’s goal, taking the initiative and having the nous to lift the ball over the Chicago back line after a bit of aimless back and forth in midfield. Panic ensued and Dom capitalized. Later, he threaded a beautifully weighted through ball to Ruan, which drew the red card, an event that should’ve confirmed all three points for Orlando and hailed Nani as a hero on his full debut. But, alas, it wasn’t to be. There were promising signs though of what happens when you put actual quality in your side. The one down side is he didn’t have a shot.

F, Tesho Akindele, 6 — Tesho was forced off last week after he scored the equalizer, later citing cramp, so some may have been surprised to see him thrown straight back in to starting lineup against the Fire, with Dwyer once again on the bench and instead Mueller having the make way for Nani. But he must have looked fit enough through the week’s training and he got the nod. Unfortunately, the Canadian lasted 20 minutes before being forced off. In the cameo he flashed his strength with some holdup play and had a good passing exchange with Nani but did little to trouble the Chicago back line, registering six passes and no shots.

Substitutes

F, Dom Dwyer (21’), 8 – Dwyer once again started the game on the bench but was called upon earlier than expected as a replacement for the hobbling Akindele. He immediately made his presence known in the box in true Dwyer fashion, chasing down every ball, but his only chance in the first half was from outside the box. Early in the second half he pounced on some indecisive defending to calmly poke Nani’s testing dink over an onrushing David Ousted. He continued to chase lost causes, hound defenders much more effectively than Akindele, and could have found the net again if he hadn’t hesitated and got the ball stuck under his feet — albeit for a belated offside flag to save his blushes.

WB, Ruan (58’), 7 – Ruan made his Orlando City debut from off the bench, with the Brazilian tagging in for the struggling Smith near the hour mark, and looked a vast improvement. He showed a lightning burst of pace to catch up to Nani’s through ball which invited a last ditch red card challenge from Jorge Corrales and he also made good on his defensive duties, registering two tackles and two interceptions in his 30 minute shift.

F, Chris Mueller (89’), 6 – Last week’s Man of the Match, Mueller surprisingly started on the bench as Nani was drafted into the lineup, but he was called upon on in the final minute of normal time to help see the game out. He didn’t get a chance to get up to game speed but still managed to link up with Dwyer and help drive towards goal, only for the duo to get in each other’s way, ending the chance to put the game away. He did track back and attempt to block the cross for the assist but appeared to hesitate before dangling a futile leg as it whipped past him.

On paper a draw away at Chicago doesn’t seem like such a bad result but when you consider Orlando had a man advantage and came within seconds of walking away with a W, it’s an absolute disaster. I struggled at times to see the game plan: Orlando had a stretched back three that literally spanned the entire width of the pitch but the wingbacks had an average position at the halfway line in a game the Lions struggled to get out of their own half. How does that work? Answers on a postcard!

There were positives, however, namely that the defensive side of the midfield looked good and Nani and Dwyer’s individual talents have shined now in both games. On first glance Ruan looks like a must-start over Smith and I guess it’s also a comfort knowing that Orlando still has the likes of Carlos Ascues and Lamine Sané to fit back into this defense.

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Dom Dwyer20
Nani81
Sebas Méndez25
Will Johnson6
Other5

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

Published

23 hours ago

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April 9, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re neck deep into a busy week of soccer with the USWNT late Tuesday night, Orlando City B playing tonight, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on the Saturday schedule this weekend. Don’t you love this time of the year? I love that there’s almost always a soccer match available to watch. Let’s get to the links.

Focus on Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City continues the Lion’s Den Walk and Talk series of interviewing players with a look at center back Rodrigo Schlegel. This is your opportunity to get to know the Argentinian defender. He speaks of his childhood, his family, and his time with Orlando. My favorite part is when he speaks of the matches that have helped define him.

Citrus Kit Fashion

Since 2022, the Orlando Pride have collaborated with artists to create concept kits from the club’s current kit. This season, the club partnered with Sophie Hird on the Citrus Kit. Hird is a British designer and graduate of London College of Fashion. The result has a western flair seen here modeled by Pride defender Cori Dyke.

Bringing handmade kit art to life 🎨Learn More: orlsoccer.co/SophieHird

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T15:00:16.833Z

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

The Custom Pride Kit Series over the years ✨

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T18:20:45.683Z

OCB Hosts New England Revolution II

Orlando City B welcomes New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park tonight. The Young Lions will try to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Chattanooga FC Saturday. It won’t get any easier against Revs II, who sit just above OCB in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Revs II haven’t conceded any goals so far this season, and have scored just as many goals as the Young Lions. The match start time is 7 p.m. and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.

Brazil Defeats USWNT

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated the USWNT 2-1 Tuesday night scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The U.S. got things started early on a goal in the first minute from Catarina Macario, but was unable to add to that later in the match. The Pride’s Angelina got the start for Brazil, but Emily Sams did not appear for the USWNT. Maybe if Sams in subbed on then Amanda Gutierres doesn’t get that winning goal. We’ll never know.

USMNT Players Abroad

Several USMNT players were in action, including former Lion Daryl Dike, who saw action in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Dike subbed on in the 65th minute for the Baggies. It’s been a month since he returned to action following his second torn Achilles tendon. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United defeated Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough 1-0.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer scored for Mansfield Town in EFL League One in a match against Leyton Orient, extending his goal-scoring streak. Seems he finally wanted to score.

Nice to see Dom Dwyer's back in the goals. He's scored in three consecutive games for Mansfield Town in EFL League One after finding the net tonight against Leyton Orient.

— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-04-08T23:32:43.320Z

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/8/25

Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 8, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City Academy Roundup

The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.

We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.

UEFA Champions League Preview

As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.

Free Kicks

That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/7/25

Lions draw on the road, OCB falls to Chattanooga FC, USWNT beats Brazil, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 7, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road

Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.

OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road

Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.

USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.

MLS Weekend Recap

The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.
  • Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
  • Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.
  • Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
  • Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
  • Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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