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Orlando City vs. KR Reykjavik: Final Score 3-1 as Nani’s Brace Leads Lions to Victory

Benji Michel also scored as a mixed Orlando City side beat the Icelandic champions.

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5 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City got back to scoring goals — and winning — in a 3-1 preseason friendly victory over Icelandic champions KR Reykjavik at Exploria Stadium. Nani scored a first-half brace and Benji Michel also scored in the opening period to lead the Lions.

The Lions improved to 5-1-0 on the preseason, outscoring their opponents, 11-3. Orlando has just one preseason match left before the season opener on Feb. 29 against Real Salt Lake.

Oscar Pareja described the match as “a lot of opportunities to keep growing under competition.”

“Every single (game) just exposes something different manners and we’re happy with what we have achieved so far,” he said. “The purpose is to keep growing and jelling together the group, trying to get the most out of the friendly games, the minutes; exposing the whole roster; giving minutes to everyone; recognizing what we’re doing good and also what are the things we need to get better; get some material on video, so we can work during the week to prepare for the next rivals — so a lot of things to work. We’re going in a good direction.”

Pareja went with a mixed lineup, playing Brian Rowe in goal behind a back line of João Moutinho, Rodrigo Schlegel, Alex De John, and Kyle Smith. The midfield was Nani flanked by rookie Joey Dezart and Uri Rosell. Chris Mueller and Michel flanked rookie Daryl Dike on the forward line.

It didn’t take long for Orlando City to grab the lead. Barely more than a minute had elapsed when Moutinho sent in an inch-perfect cross right onto Nani’s foot and the captain just redirected it into the net to make it 1-0.

Moutinho nearly got a second assist two minutes later. Schlegel sent him up the left flank and he unleashed another good cross that nearly got Dike a goal. The Reykjavik defense did just enough to deflect it away at the last second.

The Lions doubled the lead in the eighth minute when Michel timed his run perfectly and was sent in alone on goal by (I think) Rosell. Benji made no mistake and beat starting goalkeeper Sindri Jensson to make it 2-0.

A Mueller cross was inches from being knocked in for an own goal in the 15th minute as Orlando continued to slice through the KR Reykjavik defense. Two minutes later, Michel got in alone again and beat Jensson to the ball, touching it past the keeper before being taken down just outside the area. Jensson was sent off for denial of a goal scoring opportunity but in the spirit of the friendly, KR Reykjavik was able to proceed with 11 players, sending on Omar Einarsson to mind the net.

In the 20th minute, Schlegel sent a header just wide off a Nani corner kick cross, but then the visitors got on the board. Good pressure on Orlando’s left led to a turnover and a cross into the box that Vladimir Sævarsson headed past Rowe — who could do nothing about it — in the 22nd minute. The lead was cut to 2-1 but the Icelandic side nearly equalized moments later through a shot just wide of the right post by Ægir Jonarsson.

“We spoke about (Reykjavik’s high pressure) in the half with the players,” Pareja said. “It hurts when the other team has one or two chances and they score. Today those couple of moments…it’s something that will come with repetition. The players know. They were mad at themselves and recognize that they needed to do better. But that also just tells us that for the opponents it was a serious game and we’ll take that as a growing pain.”

“Obviously we leaked in a goal today and maybe against D.C.,” De John said. “But you know it’s a very new team with a lot of different backgrounds. We have Spanish, we have Swedish, we have American, so it’s very tough but you have to make do no matter what.”

Orlando settled back into the game and started generating more chances after the near miss. Nani sent a rocket just over the bar in the 31st minute. A minute later, Mueller chipped a defender to himself and then sent a left-footed shot off a defender and out for a corner. Michel set up Rosell for a shot but the Spaniard hit it wide in the 33rd.

Moutinho sent in another great cross for Dike shortly thereafter but the defense again arrived just in time to deny the rookie. Nani scored his second in the 42nd minute to cap a great passing play. Nani slipped behind the defense, took a good diagonal ball from Mueller, and poked it past Einarsson and it trickled into the net to make it 3-1. That’s how the first half ended.

“It’s great to have Luis Nani on the scoreboard,” Pareja said. “He knows how important it is for our team that his presence and his talent is kept in those moments when we need him the most.”

Robin Jansson and Robinho came on at the half for Schlegel and Mueller, respectively, and 15 minutes later, Dike departed for Santiago Patino, but only a few half-chances were generated. One sequence nearly saw both teams score early in the half though. Rowe went down to get a piece of a good cross by Finnur Palmason, which ignited Orlando’s transition. At the other end, Robinho fed Nani, who smashed it on target, but Einarsson made a good save to deny the captain his hat trick. KR Reykjavik then tried to break the other way, but De John did well to get back to prevent a breakaway.

Robinho later had a shot blocked out for a corner kick, but, aside from that, much of the second half was sloppy after both teams had made some substitutions, including Jordan Bender coming on for Michel in the 67th minute and David Loera for Rosell in the 79th.

The Lions saw out the remaining time and held on for the win.

“We have some things that we still need to work on but I think everything’s coming together pretty well so far,” De John said after the match.

“Obviously the competition next week against Salt Lake is the one that’s going to count on points, but for now it just inspires us to keep getting good performances in,” Pareja said.

After the match Pareja spoke positively about his two young starters — Dike and Dezart.

“It’s a positive. Daryl — especially in the first half — showed us what he’s good at. That presence in the box and he got some positive touches too with the players and had connections there. His presence is important. Today I was very happy to see him want so bad to score and get that taste of a first division match.

“Joey looked mature too. He just got a lot of minutes today with Oriol that will help him to grow, and for me it’s great to have players available. They did good.”

Orlando City will close out the preseason schedule Friday night against San Antonio FC in a closed-door friendly at Exploria Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/2/25

Big names leave Toronto FC, hot conditions in Club World Cup match, FIFPRO makes ACL recommendations, and more.

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19 hours ago

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July 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Wednesday, everyone. It already feels like it’s been a long week, as I just got home from being out of town traveling up and down the East Coast for the last few days. The soccer world hasn’t stopped in my absence though, and as usual we have a lot to cover today. Let’s wish a happy birthday to OCB defender Tahir Reid-Brown, and jump into today’s links!

Italians Leave Toronto FC

It’s the end of an era at Toronto FC, as the club has parted ways with both Federico Bernardeschi, and Lorenzo Insigne. The Reds used both of their two buyouts of guaranteed contracts this season in order to get the transactions done, so the club was pretty keen to get them out the door. It’s hard to blame the Reds, as Insigne was the second-highest paid player in the league while Bernardeschi was the fifth highest. They didn’t have much to show for it though, as Bernardeschi had 26 goals and 22 assists in 99 games across all competitions, while Insigne had 19 goals and 17 assists in 76 matches. TFC never made the playoffs while the duo was on the team, and the decision to turn the page is an understandable one.

Difficult Conditions in Juventus vs. Real Madrid

The Club World Cup Round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, with Real Madrid knocking off Juventus 1-0 in afternoon match. Kylian Mbappe made his tournament debut for Madrid as a substitute, but it was Gonzalo Garcia’s 54th-minute goal that made the difference in the game. Juve boss Igor Tudor highlighted the difficult conditions in Miami, saying in his postgame press conference that 10 different players asked to come off the field during the game. Tudor didn’t outright blame the loss on the high heat and humidity during the 3 p.m. kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium, but noted that they were among several factors that made the game a very difficult one for his side.

FIFPRO Makes Recommendations to Curb ACL Tears

Amid a rash of ACL injuries to women’s soccer players, FIFPRO has made some recommendations to cut down on the rate at which they occur. Rather than focusing on things that can’t be controlled, the federation has suggested modifying the calendar, number of games, and the playing surfaces. FIFPRO member Alex Culvin is calling for minimum standards in the women’s game relating to pitch conditions and access to physiotherapists. More research around risk factors is also necessary, as is implementing preventative exercises at the youth levels of the game.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Summer transfer business is in full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the hot rumors currently flying around. First up, Arsenal is said to be in the final stages of signing Viktor Gyokeres to a five-year deal. Staying in the Premier League, Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Paris Saint-Germain. Juventus reportedly is close to signing Jonathan David after his contract with Lille expired. Finally, Bayern Munich is reportedly preparing a formal offer for Liverpool for Colombian winger Luis Diaz.

Free Kicks

Apparently a non -#usmnt drone has crashed the training session. US Soccer staff aiming to identify it.

— Jeff Carlisle (@jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social) 2025-07-01T17:25:12.954Z

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/1/25

Pride signings, OCB draws, both U.S. national teams in action Wednesday, and more.

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2 days ago

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July 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to July, Mane Landers. If you’re like me, you balanced the excitement and dread of the USMNT advancing on penalty kicks the other night. It was one thing watching Guatemala take out Canada but a whole other level of heart palpitating stress while watching the U.S. avoid a similar fate. There’s no time to relax with plenty of soccer to watch as we head towards Independence Day. Before we get to the links, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride/USWNT defender Emily Sams and OCB defender Clovis Archange each a happy birthday.

Orlando Pride Signings

The Orlando Pride announced a pair of transactions Monday. Midfielder Viviana Villacorta and the club have agreed to exercise the midfielder’s mutual option for the 2026 season. Villacorta was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. The Pride also signed midfielder Ally Lemos to a new contract through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028. The Pride selected Lemos with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2024 NWSL Draft. Orlando continues to lock down current players ahead of time. Now, we wait to see if any new players will be added.

OCB Earns a Point on the Road

Orlando City B played Philadelphia Union II to a 1-1 draw in a Monday afternoon match. Unfortunately, the Young Lions lost the end-of-regulation shootout 4-2 and did not get the additional point. Gustavo Caraballo assisted Jackson Platts on the early goal for OCB. Philadelphia equalized early in the second half. Carlos Mercado was the difference maker in the match, recording a career-high 12 saves.

USMNT’s Gold Cup Run Continues vs. Guatemala

The USMNT will face Guatemala Wednesday night in a 2025 Gold Cup semifinal match. The U.S. advanced past Costa Rica on penalties thanks to a stellar performance from goalkeeper Matt Freese. Guatemala stunned Canada with a second-half equalizer and advanced on penalty kicks. Guatemala has been the overachieving underdog of the competition so far. This will be the USMNT’s 17th Gold Cup semifinal appearance.

USWNT Hosts Canada

The USWNT will host Canada in a third friendly of this international window Wednesday at Washington, D.C.’s Audi Field. The U.S. is coming off two 4-0 victories over the Republic of Ireland. Canada should prove a tougher opponent for Emma Hayes’ squad. There is a possibility that the match will feature two Orlando Pride players — Emily Sams for the U.S. and Zara Chavoshi for Canada. Kerry Abello has returned to her club team after picking up a knock.

Free Kicks

Sources: Bayer Leverkusen are finalizing a deal to sign USMNT attacker Malik Tillman from PSV.Deal in region of $40m.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-06-30T20:36:24.359Z
  • Former Orlando Pride midfielder Erika Tymrak has retired from professional soccer.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match against Charlotte FC this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando City

Orlando City Striker Ramiro Enrique Hindered By Inconsistency

Ramiro Enrique’s inconsistent play raises the question if he can be the go-to striker Orlando City desperately needs.

Published

3 days ago

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June 30, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City’s strike force has been inconsistent this season, to say the least. At times, the players up top have looked like they can score at will, but at other times, they struggle on chances they should finish. Nobody displays that inconsistency better than Ramiro Enrique.

Joining the Lions in 2023, Enrique has primarily served in a backup role for Ercan Kara, Duncan McGuire, and Luis Muriel. The young Argentine has had the occasional start, but ultimately ends up back on the bench, entering later in games. 

Orlando City acquired Muriel prior to the 2024 season when it appeared McGuire was on his way to Blackburn Rovers. However, the English side’s struggle with simple paperwork resulted in the Omaha, NE, native returning to Orlando. It left Oscar Pareja with some decisions to make.

The Lions often employ a 4-4-2 formation with a single striker and Muriel playing underneath. As a result, the three forwards all saw plenty of action in 2024.  Enrique started 12 games, Muriel 14, and McGuire was listed 18 times in the starting lineup. However, Enrique’s strong form near the end of the season saw him start 11 of the final 12 regular-season games and all five playoff contests.

Aiding Enrique’s playing time were injuries to McGuire. The 6-foot-1 striker suffered a shoulder injury on Nov. 9 in an MLS Cup playoff game against Charlotte FC, guaranteeing a starting spot for Enrique. As McGuire continued to work towards his return at the start of the year, Enrique took his place.

At times, it looks like Enrique is more than a substitute for Muriel or McGuire and can be the go-to scorer the Lions have struggled to find since Daryl Dike. But his inconsistency eventually returns, making it hard for Pareja to depend on the young attacker. That issue has been most noticeable during the two most recent games.

Putting shots on frame has been a struggle for the Lions this year, but it wasn’t for Enrique Wednesday night in St. Louis. After the Lions lost back-to-back games against Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire, Enrique was inserted into the starting lineup for Muriel. He took advantage of his opportunity in St. Louis, placing three of his five shots on target. He scored a first-half brace, giving his team a commanding three-goal lead after just 22 minutes.

In the seventh minute, Martin Ojeda sent a strong ball across the box that Enrique ran onto with perfect timing. He didn’t try to do too much, tapping the ball in on the slide. After Marco Pasalic made it 2-0, a bad turnover in the 22nd minute gave the striker a second chance. He was in on goal and made no mistake, slamming the ball past Roman Burki to make it 3-0.

The performance had many wondering if the team had finally found the striker it had been looking for since McGuire went down. But it wasn’t to be as Enrique reverted to his inconsistency with a poor performance in Saturday night’s 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati.

The striker was unable to put any of his three shots on target, but that’s only part of the story. It’s how he failed to score that was the bigger problem.

In the 51st minute, Pasalic forced Brian Anunga into a turnover just outside the Cincinnati box. Enrique made a run toward the near post and Pasalic found him. The striker should’ve had no problem putting the shot on target, but he hit the ball with his left foot as his right came through, knocking the ball out of play for a goal kick.

He had a chance to redeem himself in second-half stoppage time with the Lions looking for an equalizer. Rafael Santos played a beautiful ball to the near post that only required a slight touch to beat Roman Celentano. However, the striker sent his header well wide, squandering a golden opportunity to claim a point.

These two games show the inconsistency that has plagued Enrique throughout his Orlando City career. He’ll look to be in excellent form and ready to claim the starting striker role, only to follow it up with a poor performance. It’s something that has held the Argentine back since his arrival and continues to do so this year.

Even more troublesome, it leaves Orlando City without a dependable striker. McGuire can’t seem to get over his shoulder problems, and he is currently on the sidelines again while he recovers from surgery on the opposite shoulder to the one he hurt in last year’s playoffs. Muriel and Ojeda often partner each other up top, but both are more comfortable in midfield positions.

Injuries and players in uncomfortable positions provide Enrique with the perfect situation. Consistent scoring would assure Pareja that he can depend on the 24-year-old to produce the goals his team has been searching for. But the striker can’t seem to put it together over the span of multiple games.

He’ll have plenty of opportunities in the near future to win the position he undoubtedly craves. McGuire’s absence due to injury and Muriel’s preference to play underneath means Enrique will likely get more playing time. However, he needs to show more consistency if he wants to hold onto the starting spot long-term.

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