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Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Five Takeaways

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5 years ago

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Orlando City hosted the New England Revolution in the team’s second-ever playoff match, with a spot in the Eastern Conference final on the line. In the end, it was a frustrating, ill-disciplined game that saw Orlando’s incredible season come to its conclusion. Here are my takeaways from the Lions’ final match of 2020.

Unlucky In The First Half

Out of the gate, Orlando City was on the front foot. The Lions dominated possession for much of the first half, especially the first 20 minutes, but they couldn’t capitalize on their early success. They never really asked much of Matt Turner, and got caught on the counter and conceded a penalty for an early goal completely against the run of play. The second goal was more of the same, Orlando held the ball, created a few half chances, but weren’t threatening enough before getting caught on the counter, although they’ll feel hard done by for not getting a foul call at the other end when Nani was dispossessed. 

For all of their positive possession play, they lacked the quality in the final third to make things happen. Nani was sloppy at times, while Daryl Dike and Chris Mueller were largely ineffective for stretches once again. Nani made up for his mistake with a brilliant ball that created Junior Urso’s goal, and things looked solid. 

It was a good first half. Orlando had chances and possession, and was unlucky that New England was more clinical in the final third. There was no reason to expect Orlando couldn’t win this game, but that’s not how things went down.

Moutinho And Ruan Were Desperately Missed

Orlando City hasn’t been the same team without Joao Moutinho at left back, and losing Ruan in this game was another huge blow. Not having that offensive threat from fullback hurt this team. While I like Kamal Miller and Kyle Smith a lot, they have provided next to nothing offensively. Both Ruan and Moutinho provide a real threat out wide with their quality on the ball and ability to cross. They also provide more in transition with their pace, especially Ruan. Without that pacey outlet, Orlando struggled at times to push the game and expose the Revolution in transition. Without help from deep, Nani and Mueller were basically on an island, and they couldn’t muster enough individual brilliance to compensate. 

If Orlando had a healthy Moutinho and not-suspended Ruan, this is a complete team, and losing one of the best fullback pairings in all of MLS severely handicapped the Lions.

Frustration Got to Orlando 

The second half was downright embarrassing at times. The discipline issues that plagued the second half last week — namely Ruan completely losing his cool — came back to bite Orlando in a big way against the Revolution. It started early, with yellow cards against Dike and Antonio Carlos, and while carding those players felt a little unfair, the energy of Orlando City wasn’t good.

There was an obvious frustration and anger that was largely unchecked from this point on that put a nasty stain on the match. With Matt Polster running in transition, Mauricio Pereyra made a late, reckless challenge that caught Polster’s leg with his studs. While it didn’t seem malicious, it was undeniably a red card and an uncharacteristically poor play from Pereyra. It was a sloppy tackle that was completely unnecessary and ended up costing his team dearly.

Nani could’ve been sent off in the fallout of Mauricio’s red card as well, with his badgering of the official going beyond what should be acceptable. I understand how frustrating it is to have an officiating decision have such a big impact on the game. I understand that Orlando has felt hard done by the referees really their entire existence. But this level of dissent and immaturity was hard to watch. 

The Lions weren’t rejuvenated from this point on, making more mistakes, though nothing as frustrating, and weren’t able to create any real chances, except a penalty kick. Somehow someway, New England threw a spiraling Orlando team a bone by fouling Dike in the box, setting up a Nani penalty. Unfortunately, it was a lackluster strike from Nani — credit to Turner for a nice save, but it was still a poor spot kick — and the chance was gone. 

Orlando was on the front foot for most of this game, but it was a lack of composure or discipline that did the Lions in. When your best players are making mistakes like this and the overall energy of the game is that negative, it’s impossible to get anything going. New England played a good game with relatively few mistakes and great contributions from their best players, but Orlando lost more than the Revolution won.

Strikers Fail To Impress

As the game wound down and Orlando was running out of time to equalize, Oscar Pareja threw the kitchen sink at New England, subbing on two strikers, Benji Michel and Tesho Akindele, to compliment Dike in attack. While it was a noble move putting on extra forwards, it did very little. The two substitutions combined for one shot on target in their near 20 minutes of game time, and while their pace was a welcome addition, they didn’t contribute much in the way of possession or chances. None of the strikers, including Dike, who went the full 90, completed more than six passes, and nobody registered a shot on target.

There were positives, with Dike making several nice moves, including drawing the penalty, but it was a poor display from a forward group who had played well for much of the season.

Brian Rowe Was Solid

It was a big story coming into the match, but the goalkeeper situation for Orlando City was a non-factor. Brian Rowe stepped in for the suspended Pedro Gallese and put in a solid shift. He only made three saves and allowed three goals, but the saves were good and the goals weren’t all on him. He nearly made a catastrophic mistake while being pressured on the ball, but he had the quality to escape the press and keep Orlando in the game. 

This isn’t really a surprise given how well he’s played in the past, but it’s nice to know that Orlando has a viable second option between the pipes. Hopefully next season it’ll be a unit of Gallese and Rowe once again.

What takes did I miss from a frustrating end to the year? Comment your takes from Sunday’s game below.

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Orlando City

Orlando City at Charlotte FC: Three Keys to Victory

What do the Lions need to do to earn all three points on the road in Charlotte?

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14 minutes ago

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July 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City travels to North Carolina to take on Charlotte FC in an important Eastern Conference match. The Lions need to get back on the winning side following their home loss to FC Cincinnati. Orlando City has been good on the road lately, so perhaps that is a positive. Despite Charlotte missing some players on international duty, it will still be a tough match. What does Orlando City need to do to bring home all three points from Charlotte?

Left Side Puzzle

Orlando City’s attack has been lacking on the left side. Ivan Angulo has not been great so far this season. He has taken 23 shots, putting eight on target, and has not scored. Additionally, Angulo only has three assists. David Brekalo has been the first choice at left back for most of the season, but he’s not the most adept at getting into the attack. He has no completed crosses and only two assists.

The reason Brekalo has been starting is because Rafael Santos has been poor defensively. Of course, he’s a better crosser than Brekalo, meaning if Oscar Pareja did start Santos, it might help the attack on the left. I don’t know that there is an ideal lineup. Brekalo is better on defense, Santos is better on offense, and Angulo is fast. All three won’t be on the left side, so does Pareja prioritize the attack or the defense? I say the attack, given Orlando’s scarcity of goals in recent matches — the St. Louis match notwithstanding.

Defense Central

Charlotte has a very good attacking midfield with Wilfried Zaha, Pep Biel, and Liel Abada. The three have combined for 16 goals and 15 assists. Even if Charlotte is missing Patrick Agyemang due to his being with the USMNT, there is still plenty of firepower for Cesar Araujo and the back line to deal with on Saturday.

I expect we’ll see a back line consisting of Brekalo, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. I’m also expecting Angulo and Eduard Atuesta in the midfield. It will be essential for all six to contain Charlotte’s attack. A return to form from Pedro Gallese might be in order as well.

Finally Finishing

In the St. Louis match, Orlando City scored four goals on 23 shots with 12 on target. Last match, the Lions took 17 shots with only three on target, totaling one goal. Orlando City will need to do better against Charlotte if the club is to keep pace or climb the standings in the Eastern Conference.

Ramiro Enrique and Marco Pasalic won’t have to deal with Tim Ream, who is also away with the USMNT, but they will need to get the ball past Charlotte keeper Kristijan Kahlina, who is a good keeper. And you can bet the defense will be looking at Enrique and Pasalic. That is why I want Martin Ojeda and Luis Muriel to get back to scoring some goals in this match.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/3/25

Orlando Pride loan five players out, Orlando City academy players selected for All-Star Team, USMNT beats Guatemala, and more.

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4 hours ago

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July 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a weird week for me so far, as it’s felt simultaneously like it’s flying by and taking forever for the weekend to get here. All of the soccer has been nice at least, and I’ve been able to get some reading and painting done when not swamped. But enough about me, let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando Pride Loan Multiple Players Out

The Orlando Pride loaned out five players for the rest of the 2025 season, with four of them joining USL Super League teams. Forward Amanda Allen, who was loaned to Lexington SC last year and injured her shoulder in December, is headed to her home country of Canada to join Halifax Tides FC in the Northern Super League. As for the players headed to the USL Super League, right back Brianna Martinez will join Carolina Ascent FC, goalkeeper Kat Asman and forward Mariana Larroquette were loaned to Lexington, and Aryssa Mahrt was sent to Spokane Zephyr FC. These loans should provide solid opportunities for minutes for these players, so hopefully they can make some noise with their respective teams.

Orlando City Academy Players Make All-Star Team

The rosters for the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game are out and Orlando City B midfielders Gustavo Caraballo and Dylan Judelson were both selected for the event. The East All-Stars will be coached by Orlando City SC Academy Director Javier Carrillo, who also coached Orlando’s U-18 team to victory in the Generation Adidas Cup this year. Caraballo was named MVP of that tournament’s U-18 age group and scored 16 goals over the course of the MLS NEXT season. Judelson appeared in 32 games for Orlando this season and could factor into Canada’s U-17 World Cup plans come November. The MLS NEXT All-Star Game will take place on July 21 and can be viewed on the MLS YouTube channel.

USMNT Takes Down Guatemala in Gold Cup

The United States Men’s National Team secured a spot in the Concacaf Gold Cup final after winning 2-1 against Guatemala in St. Louis. The Yanks got off to a hot start thanks to Diego Luna’s brace in the first 15 minutes of the match. The offense wasn’t able to extend the lead beyond that though, and a late goal by Olger Escobar made the match a bit more tense the U.S. would have liked. Regardless, the U.S. got the job done in the end and will play in Sunday’s final in Houston.

USWNT Breezes Past Canada in Friendly

The United States Women’s National Team beat Canada in convincing fashion, shutting out its northern rival 3-0 in a friendly. Sam Coffey and Claire Hutton scored in the first half to give the USWNT a nice lead, and Yazmeen Ryan came off the bench to put the nail in the coffin with a late goal. The defense did well to claim its third clean sheet of this series of summer friendlies. Emily Sams didn’t make an appearance for the U.S., and Zara Chavoshi didn’t come off the bench for Canada either.

NWSL Announces Layout For 2026 Schedule

The 2026 NWSL regular season will kick off on March 13 and finish on Nov. 1 according to the league’s announced framework for next year’s action. Although there will be 16 teams next year, the playoff format remains the same and the top eight teams in the standings will qualify, with the 2026 NWSL Championship set for Nov. 21. There will once again be a balanced schedule, with each team playing 30 matches over the course of 27 weeks. The league will also notably be on break for a majority of June due to the FIFA World Cup, citing expectations to accommodate stadium demands in markets where World Cup games will take place

Free Kicks

  • Boston Legacy FC signed American midfielder Annie Karich as its first player ahead of its inaugural season next year. Karich spent the past two seasons with SC Freiburg in Germany and joins Boston as a free agent.
  • San Diego FC forward Anders Dreyer was named MLS Player of the Month after recording three goals and six assists in June. He leads the league with 23 goal contributions this season and is a major reason behind San Diego’s rise to the top of the Western Conference standings.
  • Atlanta United bolstered its defense by signing Albanian center back Enea Mihaj to a contract through 2028. The 26-year-old joins as a free agent after spending the past three seasons with FC Famalicao in Portugal top flight.
  • The 2025 Women’s European Championship kicked off in Switzerland, with Finland beating Iceland 1-0 in the first match of the tournament. Switzerland struck first against Norway, but Ada Hegerberg scored an equalizer and an own goal by Swiss defender Julia Stierli gave Norway the 2-1 win.
  • It seems the Concacaf co-hosts for next year’s World Cup will be able to serve suspensions in friendlies rather than missing out on the World Cup.

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

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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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1 day 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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