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Orlando City vs. Montreal Impact: Final Score 1-0 as Lions Go Through to the Quarterfinals on a Tesho Akindele Goal

Orlando was in control for most of the game but struggled to finish in a match that was closer than it should have been.

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5 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Tesho Akindele took advantage of a mistake at the back by Montreal defender Rod Fanni to score the game’s only goal, as Orlando City defeated the Impact 1-0 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Lions are through to the MLS is Back Tournament quarterfinals after dispatching the Impact, improving to 3-0-1 since the restart, although this match won’t count in the league standings.

Orlando improved to 5-6-2 against Montreal in all competitions.

“Tonight’s match was very difficult opponent, different than the ones that we have faced in the first stage of the tournament,” Pareja said after the game. “The boys had the personality to (establish) conditions and set the tempo of the game early on. We should have scored a couple of goals but those things we need to improve.”

Pareja rested Dom Dwyer and Junior Urso and went with a 4-2-3-1 with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese behind a back line of Joao Moutinho, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, and Ruan. The defensive midfield consisted of Uri Rosell and Sebas Mendez, behind an attacking midfield of Nani, Mauricio Pereyra, and Chris Mueller, with Akindele up top.

Orlando City started as the much sharper team and controlled the opening 20 minutes. The Lions, however, squandered multiple opportunities to take the lead in the opening period. The first such chance came in the seventh minute when Ruan found Nani, who back-heeled it to a wide-open Pereyra, but the Uruguayan couldn’t get his shot on target, missing badly from point-blank range.

In the 11th minute, another nice Orlando buildup ended up on Mendez’s foot but he fired a moon shot high into the air without even leaving the field of play, misfiring badly on his shot. Four minutes later, Mueller cut across the top of the box and freed himself up straight out from goal, but rather than ripping a shot on goal, he slipped a pass to Akindele, who was five yards offside at the time.

In the 21st minute, Nani had an exquisite touch on a long ball down the left channel and fizzed a pass into the area. Clement Diop got a finger on it but it came right to Mueller, who couldn’t pull the trigger. It was a similar play to the one Dwyer had in the Miami match, only easier. Somehow he was caught off guard with the ball in front of him and no goalkeeper in sight, and the chance evaporated.

Montreal finally fashioned some danger after that missed opportunity. A free kick conceded by Mendez ended up at the back post for the Impact but Fanni’s foot prevented Romell Quioto from getting to it in the 24th minute. Two minutes later, Quioto sent in a cross from the left that found Samuel Piette and his header was saved by Gallese.

The Lions got back on the front foot after the hydration break and Mendez squandered two more golden opportunities to open the scoring. The first was saved by Diop in the 38th minute, after a great buildup down the right by Ruan and Mueller. The ball was fizzed into the box and fell for Mendez. The Ecuadorian stopped, allowing a sliding defender to glide past, then spun and fired but left his shot too close to the keeper.

Three minutes later, Mueller slipped Mendez a pass and he smashed one just a foot or so over the crossbar.

Mendez again should have scored in the 45th minute. The Lions worked some quick passes down the middle of the box and Mendez put the ball in the net but the flag came up. The assistant referee ruled Akindele offside in the buildup and the video appeared to show him even with the last defender. Because the call on the field was offside, the play was not overturned. Had the flag stayed down — as it should have, and as is the common practice these days — it also would not likely have been overturned. Nevertheless, the call prevented Orlando from taking a deserved lead into halftime.

Orlando led in shots (5-4) with each getting one on target. The Lions held 63.8% of the possession and was the more accurate passing side (90%-81%). Unfortunately, the only AR on the planet who raises his flag on a close play and a few missed golden chances had the sides even at the break.

Thierry Henry made a tactical change at the half, sending Jukka Raitala on for Orji Okwonkwo and going three at the back to try to prevent Ruan and Mueller getting down the right behind Jorge Corrales. It worked for a while until Orlando started figuring out how to break through Montreal’s lines.

“We were sure that they would readjust (at halftime),” Pareja said. “We spoke about that formation and five in the back and trying to get the wingbacks higher, and tried to condense the middle. We didn’t want to move our formation or try to do something different. We just wanted to continue what we had, and it took us five minutes, seven minutes, to adjust to it. I think we did.”

Mendez continued to get the bulk of Orlando’s scoring chances as players continued to put him in good spots, but he failed to play in Akindele in the 55th until Tesho had gotten behind the defense in an offside position and then had a shot blocked out for a corner in the 56th. But the Ecuadorian was partly responsible for the game’s only goal.

In the 60th minute, a ball was played in behind for Mendez but Fanni got there just a split second earlier. But the Montreal defender sent a back pass for Diop who had already come off his line to cut down the angle for a potential shot by Mendez. The touch from Fanni handed Akindele a tap-in and took an offside call completely off the table. Tesho obliged, scoring his second goal of the year.

Following the goal, Orlando looked to stay organized and wait for transition opportunities. Montreal saw a lot more of the ball but could do very little with it, aside from switching sides back and forth around the perimeter.

Pareja used his substitutions to keep his troops fresh as time wound down. Those subs included the MLS debuts of rookies Darryl Dike and Joey DeZart. Dike immediately got on the ball and nearly fashioned himself a scoring chance before being cut off, but he was active and throwing his weight around. He looked strong and has good feet, but he’s very raw and will need to develop some. However, DeZart helped shepherd the Impact’s attack from side to side.

Still, it was just a one-goal game and Montreal soon got its best opportunity of the match, as a cross found Quioto, who had gotten in between the two Orlando center backs. The former Houston Dynamo star headed his effort wide of Gallese’s goal and the Peruvian may have had the post covered anyway.

From there, Orlando employed legal and illegal means of seeing out the remaining minutes and six minutes of stoppage time. Gallese was booked for time wasting, while sub Kyle Smith helped keep the ball down in Montreal’s end for a good chunk of the added time.

Orlando out-shot the Impact, 10-7, and had more shots on goal, although it was a wasteful 2-1 advantage. The Lions finished with 56.6% of the possession and was the more accurate passing team (89%-83%)

Akindele talked about the team’s ability to hold onto the lead after scoring first.

“Yeah, that was really important for us. And I think that over the past few games we’ve shown that we’ve done a good job of doing that,” he said. “We’ve had the lead and we’ve held on to the lead a few times in a row. It shows a strong mentality, it shows good organization from the team, and it just shows dedication to the cause from the front to the back.”

Orlando City moves into the quarterfinals next Friday at 7:30 p.m., when it will face what will be by far the team’s greatest challenge of the tournament — against the winner of the LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders match. That battle will take place in the late match Monday night starting at 11 p.m.

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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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23 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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