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Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls: Final Score 3-1 as Lions Push Unbeaten Streak to Nine Games

Daryl Dike, Junior Urso, and Antonio Carlos scored to lift the Lions past the Red Bulls.

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4 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City’s unbeaten streak is up to nine straight matches (6-0-3) after dispatching the New York Red Bulls, 3-1 at Exploria Stadium. Daryl Dike, Junior Urso, and Antonio Carlos provided the offense as the Lions (8-2-5, 29 points) kept up their torrid pace by beating the red-hot Red Bulls (6-7-2), who had dispatched their last two opponents by 8-2 on aggregate.

The Lions improved to 5-6-1 in the all-time series with the win and climbed to within a point of league-leading Columbus, but will now be without Pedro Gallese and Sebas Medez for the next several games due to international duty, and may be without Mauricio Pereyra, who subbed off at halftime with an injury. Urso also sustained an injury late.

“It’s another important victory against a team who has had recently very good results and has showed a lot of verticality and dynamic in the way they attack,” Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “Today we did a great job in controlling that part for most of the game. We beat a good team. It was a very hard game but I like the performance and we should be proud.”

Pareja was without both starting fullbacks, as well as two starting-caliber defensive midfielders, while starting center back Carlos returned to the game day roster on the bench. Lining up in front of goalkeeper Gallese on the back line were Kamal Miller, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Kyle Smith. Andres Perea slotted into the central midfield with Urso, with Nani, Pereyra, and Chris Mueller as attackers behind Dike.

Neither team did much in the opening few minutes but the Red Bulls fashioned the first great scoring chance just eight minutes in. Brian White got in behind the back line but fired wide.

Pareja said the Red Bulls surprised them a bit with their shape and tactics, and it took his team a few minutes to settle in and show some patience. Orlando didn’t spend much time in the attacking half until after the first 10 minutes had expired, but then the Lions started to settle into the match. Nani won a set piece with a slick move in the 14th minute past Mandela Egbo, who pulled him down and took the yellow card rather than concede a transition opportunity. However, the Lions didn’t do anything with the ensuing set piece.

Urso sent in a good cross in the 21st minute but Aaron Long cleared it out as Orlando City pressed forward and grew more comfortable on the ball. Two minutes later, Orlando had a 2-v-1, but Mueller opted not to play in Pereyra and instead tried to beat his man 1-v-1 but ended up losing possession.

The Lions broke through a minute later, however. Pereyra switched the field from left to right, finding Smith outside on the flank. Smith crossed into the area and Dike finished it with a powerful header to make it 1-0 in the 24th minute.

It was the rookie’s first goal since Aug. 27, after seven matches without one, giving him four on the year. The play also provided Smith’s first MLS assist.

Two minutes later, Mueller should have made it 2-0. Pereyra sent him in behind the defense and he had only goalkeeper David Jensen to beat, but he couldn’t do it. With the defense closing from behind, he opted to take the shot instead of rounding the keeper, and the save kept it a one-goal game.

Urso had a go from the top of the area in the 33rd and Jensen made a diving stop going to his left.

Gallese made a save in the 36th when White bumped Jansson and then got in front of him, sending a header on target. That was it for the chances in the first half and the Lions took their one-goal lead to the locker room.

Both teams fired three shots in the first half, but Orlando got more on target (3-1). The Lions had more corners (3-1), more possession (61.3%-38.7%), and more passing accuracy (83%-74%). Pereyra left with tightness in his hamstring, which Pareja said after the match was “preventative,” and Benji Michel came on to replace the midfield maestro.

New York pushed more players higher up the pitch in the second half to try to get more of the game. It resulted in more possession and shots but not too many more dangerous opportunities in front of goal, as Orlando’s back line and midfield played well.

In fact, it was Orlando doubling the lead five minutes after the restart. Mueller sent Urso racing down the right with only Jason Pendant to beat. Urso shrugged off Pendant like a backpack, took the ball in on goal and beat Jensen to make it 2-0 in the 50th minute.

The Red Bulls pulled one back just four minutes later. Miller made a great play in the corner to break up a New York attack, but then he gave the ball away with a poor pass and the Red Bulls took advantage. Florian Valot played a give-and-go with Daniel Royer and slipped in behind the defense, receiving the return pass and beating Gallese in the 54th minute to make it 2-1.

The game opened up for a few minutes after that with more end-to-end action but the Red Bulls were forced to try a couple of longer shots as they weren’t having any success breaking down the Lions’ defense.

Dike turned and tried to get in behind Tim Parker in the 67th minute, but he was called for a foul. Pareja, who was standing five yards away, was incensed at the call and got booked arguing about it as the Lions should have had another breakaway.

Michel got a partial breakaway in the 70th minute but slipped as he took his shot and sent it way wide of the target. A minute later, Smith sent in a cross but Dike couldn’t quite get onto it. Mueller had a partial break in the 76th and he cut to his right to clear himself for a shot but sent it over the bar as the Lions continued looking for the knockout punch.

New York had an opportunity in the 80th on a set piece with Marc Rzatkowski forcing Gallese into a diving save and Valot then sending a shot wide of goal but the tying goal wouldn’t come.

Smith then made a great open-field play in the 83rd after the Red Bulls tried to counter off an Orlando corner kick.

As time wound down, Urso was hit while trying to win an aerial ball and went down holding his head. Referee Fotis Bazakos did not stop play for the apparent head injury and New York sent a few shots and dangerous crosses into the area. Urso was finally seen to and had to sub off, handing David Loera his MLS debut appearance.

The Lions put it away in stoppage time. Jensen cleared the ball down the field but second-half sub Carlos won it in the air and passed to Nani. The captain appeared to consider trying the long shot to catch Jensen out of the net but instead kept it and played Michel down the left. Michel crossed to Carlos for the goal but the flag came up as the ball went in, cutting the celebration short. Bazakos reviewed the play and overturned the offside call, confirming Carlos’ first MLS goal.

The final whistle came just after the restart and the Lions had all three points.

Orlando was out-shot 11-8 but put more on target (5-3). The Red Bulls took over the lead in corners (5-4), with the Lions holding the final advantage in possession (53.8%-46.2%) and passing accuracy (81%-77%).

“Anyone on our team can play at any time in my opinion,” Smith said of the team’s success despite injuries and rotation over the past nine games. “I have confidence in every single one of our players, and it shows, you know, because if one person isn’t available, the next man steps up, and I think we’ve proven that all year.”

“The opposition wanted to try to press higher or put more numbers forward,” Dike said. “I think we each kind of, no matter what, no matter what they kind of threw at us, we just kind of wanted to be the dominant factor in the game.”

The Lions will go on the road to face Atlanta United on Wednesday and they’ll need to get some bodies healthy with Gallese and Mendez off to play for their countries in FIFA qualifiers.

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over Toronto FC Saturday at home?

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3 hours ago

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April 25, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

After a successful, four-point road trip, Orlando City returns from Montreal to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium to face one of the other Canadian clubs, Toronto FC. The Lions are hoping to add to a four-match unbeaten streak. A win offers the opportunity to take another step up the standings.

What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against Toronto FC?

No Early Mistakes

In the last three matches, Orlando City has conceded the first goal of the match. Worse than that, each of those goals happened within the first 21 minutes. Yes, coming from behind for two draws and one win is good, but not giving up those early goals may have meant three wins instead.

Last season, Orlando City’s defense was good. We didn’t see nearly so many mental mistakes by the defense, especially so early in the match. What is frustrating is that these mistakes were seemingly preventable. The back line, the defensive midfielders, and Pedro Gallese need to tighten up in the early going so that the Lions are not chasing the match so early on.

Take Advantage of Tired Legs

Toronto FC played a match against Simcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship tournament on Wednesday. I’m in no way saying that Toronto trotted out their first choice lineup for the match, but even if only some of the players got a run out, that could create some tired legs for the match against Orlando. Add in the travel from Canada to Florida on short rest and it could be good news for the Lions.

If the Lions can possess the ball and make Toronto FC chase them, or if Orlando can get the first goal (see above) so that Toronto is chasing the match as well, it might pay dividends in the second half. Orlando City is good enough in the passing game to do so, though it will be interesting to see whether Martin Ojeda rejoins the starting lineup or if Nico Lodeiro gets the nod again.

One Down, Two to Go

Facundo Torres was the first of Orlando City’s three Designated Players to score a goal in the regular season. While it didn’t come in the run of play, it might still spark him to add some more since he usually starts slow and then catches fire at about this point in the season. Of course, both Luis Muriel and Ojeda contributed to the scoring against Montreal. Muriel drew the penalty that Torres took, and Ojeda provided the assist to Ivan Angulo.

Now it is time for either Muriel or Ojeda — or both — to join Torres on the scoreboard. Standing in their way will be a good keeper in Sean Johnson. So far this season, he has allowed seven goals and has 22 saves, with three clean sheets. Muriel seems to be getting closer to scoring with each shot taken, and Ojeda has missed some close ones. If all three of Orlando City’s Designated Players can start scoring regularly, this team will become dangerous quickly.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/25/24

Duncan McGuire is an Olympic frontrunner, Orlando Pride get ready for the Washington Spirit, Colin Guske signs with Orlando City B, and more.

Published

6 hours ago

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April 25, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this work week hasn’t been too stressful for you as we get ready for another weekend packed with Orlando soccer. All of the European soccer this week has been enjoyable as well, as teams fight for silverware and survival. It should be a fun next few days, although most of my match following will be digital. I’m hoping to get out to the stadium for a game or two over the next couple of months as well. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Duncan McGuire Likely to Play in Olympics

Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire was listed as one of the frontrunners to join the U.S. for this year’s Olympics. It won’t be much of a shock if McGuire is in Paris this summer, as he’s been impressive in the time since being drafted sixth overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by the Lions. The 23-year-old has followed up a strong rookie year with three goals and an assist so far this season. It will be interesting to see who McGuire could compete with for minutes in the Olympics, with Ricardo Pepi noted as another possible option up top for the U.S. Overall, it’s nice to see McGuire is doing what’s needed to stay in the contention for Paris. I think that staying in Orlando rather than going to England has definitely helped his case.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are riding a five-game unbeaten streak and will take it to the nation’s capital for a difficult road match against the Washington Spirit Friday night. The Pride have won their past two games and will face a Spirit side that has won four of its five games this season. Both teams have been defensively sound, each conceding just four goals, so it may come down to moments of individual brilliance to make the difference. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about the difficulty of the matchup, Orlando’s grit this season, and the impact Barbra Banda had in her debut last weekend.

Orlando City B Signs Colin Guske

Midfielder Colin Guske, who joined Orlando City’s academy back in 2020, signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B through this 2024 season. The 17-year-old made his OCB debut in the team’s season opener this year and scored the game-winning goal. He’s carved out a spot in OCB’s midfield this season, starting in four of the team’s five games. Guske has two brothers who have also gone through the club’s academy and played with OCB. A solid year with the Young Lions from Guske could result in a Homegrown Player contract for the senior team.

Columbus Crew SC Wins First Leg Against Monterrey

The Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals are here and the Columbus Crew are the only MLS team still in the tournament. They came up with a big 2-1 home win in the first leg of their matchup against Monterrey. Cucho Hernandez gave the Crew the lead in the first half and 21-year-old Jacen Russell-Rowe scored the winner in the second. An away goal by Monterrey could prove crucial though due to the tiebreakers, and the second leg will take place on May 1. The winner of this matchup will take on either Club America or Pachuca in the final on June 2.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer is reportedly headed out west to sign with Oakland Roots SC in the USL Championship.
  • Toronto FC traded away $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) to Atlanta United in exchange for winger Derrick Etienne Jr. The 27-year-old has not received much playing time this season, and Atlanta could earn another $175,000 in GAM if performance-based metrics are met.
  • The San Jose Earthquakes have reportedly signed Hernan Lopez from Godoy Cruz. It would give a-needed boost to the team, which has just three points from nine games this season.
  • St. Louis City winger Celio Pompeu won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his great strike from outside the box in his team’s 3-3 draw with Sporting Kansas City.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/24/24

Orlando City and Orlando Pride power rankings, USMNT player news, USWNT will host Costa Rica, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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April 24, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s that time of the week for some tasty links. Two seven-point weekends for Orlando’s soccer teams is nothing to sneeze at, unlike the pollen that coats my hometown of Tallahassee. It’s the time of the year that I make my money back with the unlimited car wash next to my work. Enough with my weather-related car issues, let’s get to the links.

Lions Move Up (and Down) in Power Rankings

There’s nothing that shows the value of “power rankings” better than when you can compare two different ranking lists for the same week for any given club. We all know Orlando City is undefeated in its last four matches thanks to the late heroics of Ivan Angulo to draw CF Montreal over the weekend. But, did you know that was both good and bad?

In ESPN‘s MLS power rankings, Orlando City dropped a spot from 16th to 17th despite “treading water” with a point on the road in Montreal. Meanwhile, the Lions roared ahead three spots from 21st to 18th in MLSsoccer.com’s power rankings. So, do you like that Orlando is 17th in the ESPN piece despite the drop? Or do you prefer the positivity of a three-spot jump to 18th in the MLSSoccer.com rankings?

Orlando Pride Rise in Power Rankings

Forget everything I wrote up there regarding power rankings — at least as far as the Orlando Pride are concerned. After starting the season with three draws, the Pride now have two wins in a row. As such, ESPN moved the Pride up three spots from eighth to fifth in its NWSL power rankings. Their move up the list is entirely deserved and the writer was correct in their assessment. Of course, I’m kidding but it’s still nice to see the Pride get recognized for their results. Now, we just need the Pride to continue the winning streak.

Keeping Up With USMNT Players Abroad

As we shared yesterday, Sergino Dest will likely miss this summer’s Copa America thanks to a knee injury suffered during PSV Eindhoven training. That means the USMNT has a right back situation to address and there are quite a few well known candidates to step in for Dest.

Meanwhile, Weston McKennie has reportedly rejected Juventus’ latest extension offer. I can understand his decision given it doesn’t include any additional salary. McKennie has been very good for Juve, with 10 assists on the season. He’s not the only American making a difference, as Tim Weah provided the assist on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal to send Juventus to the Coppa Italia final.

USWNT Olympic Send-Off Match

The United States Women’s National Team will play a match against Costa Rica at Audi Field on July 16. It will be the final match for the USWNT prior to the Olympics that start nine days later against Zambia. New coach Emma Hayes will join the team on June 1, which isn’t a ton of time before the Olympics start, but she has been a part of the process for months.

Free Kicks

  • The New England Revolution have acquired veteran defender Xavier Arreaga from the Seattle Sounders for a 2025 international roster slot, and up to $75,000 in General Allocation Money depending on performance.
  • Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba will be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. Fortunately, he is expected to be back in time for the match against Orlando City on May 15. Where did I put the sarcasm font?

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s match against the Washington Spirit this Friday, and Orlando City’s match against Toronto FC on Saturday. Vamos Orlando!

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