Orlando City
2020 Orlando City Season in Review: Robin Jansson
Orlando City signed Swedish defender Robin Jansson on March 12, 2019 and he became a steady starter in his first MLS season. It wasn’t a perfect first year in Orlando by any means, but Jansson did help improve the Lions defensively and grew more comfortable throughout the season a season ago.
In 2020, Jansson had to adjust to a new central defense partner, in front of a new goalkeeper, with none of the three players having the same primary language. But Jansson, Antonio Carlos, and Pedro Gallese formed a solid triangular alliance at the back for Orlando and continued the improvement defensively that the club started last year, cutting the goals-against per game from 1.53 in 2019 to just 1.09 this season. Only three teams in the Eastern Conference and five teams in all of MLS conceded fewer goals than Orlando City’s 25 in 2020.
At some point last year, I started calling Jansson “The Beefy Swede” as a term of endearment, because of the way he threw his body around with authority, either to block an incoming shot or to out-muscle opposing attacking players. Now it’s just common parlance around these parts, although it hasn’t caught on universally (yet), but I still think it’s an appropriate moniker for a guy who literally throws his weight around and does whatever it takes to get the job done.
Let’s take a look at his 2020 season.
Statistical Breakdown
The Trollhattan, Sweden native appeared in 22 of Orlando City’s 23 regular-season matches in 2020 — all starts — playing a total of 1,980 minutes. He didn’t record a goal or assist in the regular season, attempting just four shots all season, getting one on goal (his first in MLS play!). He passed at an 88.8% rate in 2020 (up from last year’s 83.1%) and created two scoring chances in the regular season.
Discipline-wise, Jansson committed just nine fouls, while drawing a surprising 16 from the opposition. That’s a big improvement from 2019, when he committed 17 fouls, while drawing 11. He earned three yellow cards but was not sent off, just one year after earning six yellow cards and one red. On the defensive end, Jansson contributed 12 tackles, 17 interceptions, 97 clearances (4.41 per game), 19 aerials won, and 20 blocked shots.
Jansson also started both of Orlando City’s playoff games, playing 210 minutes without a goal or assist and just one shot attempt. He was a 90.8% passer and made six tackles, seven clearances, and five interceptions, but surprisingly did not block a shot. He committed one foul and was fouled twice. The Beefy Swede earned one postseason yellow card for stepping up and quieting Maxi Moralez’s yapping with a firm shoulder bump.
In the MLS is Back Tournament knockout stages, Jansson appeared in all four matches (all starts), playing 345 minutes — he was subbed out a few minutes early against both LAFC and Minnesota United. He didn’t score, but he recorded an assist with a perfect long ball for Nani to run under and finish against the Loons. I mean, look at this thing of beauty:
He attempted two shots in the knockout stages but didn’t get either on target. He completed 123 of 137 passes (89.8%) and he created one scoring chance. He sustained two fouls but didn’t commit any, so he saw no cards in that stage of the competition. Defensively, Jansson contributed a tackle, six interceptions, 13 clearances, an aerial won, and four blocked shots over those four games.
Best Game
Jansson’s best performance of 2020 likely came in Orlando City’s 1-1 playoff draw with New York City FC on Nov. 21, which was followed by the now-famous, dramatic, penalty shootout win. The 29-year-old got his highest individual match grade of 7.5 in that one from, well, me, and he also got his highest score at WhoScored.com for 2020. As I wrote after the game:
The beefy Swede led all Lions in clearances (6), adding four tackles and three interceptions. His 82.9% passing accuracy led all Orlando City starting defenders and he hit on three of his five long ball attempts. He even scored on his penalty attempt in the sudden death portion of the spot kick shootout. His work rate was outstanding, as in the 38th minute, when he blocked a pair of crosses in rapid succession, winning a goal kick to ease the pressure. He also hustled back to break up a potentially dangerous counter-attack after a set piece.
It was an outstanding match from Jansson, who was only overshadowed by Pedro Gallese’s — and, improbably, Rodrigo Schlegel’s — goalkeeping heroics.
2020 Final Grade
The Mane Land staff gave Jansson a composite grade of 7 for his second MLS season, which is up a half point from last year’s 6.5. While his individual match grade average was 6.2 — and allowing for some individual match evaluators being tougher than others, particularly after a loss — Jansson graded out as a 7 multiple times and had a high score of 7.5, so the staff consensus is that Jansson’s season score tracks with his improvement this season over last. Some of that is having a full year with the Lions under his belt and a full preseason camp with the team. Some of it is better chemistry with Antonio Carlos beside him and better defensive midfield play in front of him. But it’s safe to say Jansson was an important player for Orlando City in 2020 and his performances were good.
2021 Outlook
Jansson had his contract option exercised by the club and so he is set for a return in 2021. With two seasons in Orlando under his belt, one can reasonably expect more of the same reliable play from the Beefy Swede. He and Carlos may build more chemistry with another preseason together. If so, that would be excellent news for Orlando City fans, because he’s been a solid center back since his arrival. Jansson will continue to show his good footwork and long passing ability, provide good coverage in front of goal, and make life difficult for opposing attackers.
Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)
- Jordan Bender (12/2)
- Alex De John (12/3)
- Kamal Miller (12/4)
- Matheus Aias (12/5)
- Alexander Alvarado (12/6)
- Antonio Carlos (12/7)
- Joey DeZart (12/8)
- Dom Dwyer (12/9)
- Kyle Smith (12/10)
- Tesho Akindele (12/11)
- Santiago Patino (12/12)
- Robinho (12/13)
- Rodrigo Schlegel (12/14)
- Sebas Mendez (12/14)
- Brian Rowe (12/15)
- Benji Michel (12/15)
Orlando City
Orlando City Signs Colombian Winger Nicolas Rodriguez
The Lions add a skilled young winger ahead of the 2025 season.
Orlando City has announced the previously reported signing of Colombian forward Nicolas Rodriguez from Fortaleza CEIF through 2027 with a club option for 2028. Rodriguez, 20, will occupy an MLS U22 Initiative slot.
“We’re very excited to have Nico join us here in Orlando. With the characteristics he has as a player, he’s someone that we feel really fits our model and culture at the club,” Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi in a club press release. “Nico has a skilled left foot that makes him a challenge to defend, likes to take defenders on one-on-one, and has a promising future. We’re excited for all he’ll achieve here during his time in purple.”
Rodriguez made 19 appearances (all starts) in the 2024 Primera A Clausura season with Fortaleza, compiling 1,607 minutes, scoring five goals, and adding three assists.
“It’s an honor and a point of pride to be able to wear this kit, to be able to represent this badge, and it’s very important to me and to my family,” Rodríguez said in the club’s press release. “I’m excited about this next step along my journey.”
The San Jose del Guaviare, Colombia native joined Fortaleza’s youth team in 2021, making his debut in the Categoria Primera B against Boyaca Chico. After rarely appearing in his first two years, the 5-foot-8 winger became a regular starter in 2023, appearing in 44 matches and scoring eight times, helping the club earn promotion to Primera A. He played in 42 games in all competitions for Fortaleza in 2024, scoring eight goals.
What It Means for Orlando City
The Lions get a talented, young offensive-minded player who can help the club while developing. If things go well, Orlando City will be able to move him in the future for a great deal more than what the club is investing in him now, which is good business, but not at the expense of the team on the field. Rodriguez isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Facundo Torres — at least not yet — but he doesn’t have to be. The Lions could play Martin Ojeda or Luis Muriel opposite Ivan Angulo, allowing Rodriguez time to develop with minutes off the bench and spot starts during heavy fixture congestion. And, with an open Designated Player slot, there may still be a forward or winger brought in before the 2025 season starts.
In addition to playing right wing, Rodriguez can also play the right side in a three-man midfield and even the No. 10 spot. In Oscar Pareja’s system, he would likely project as the right attacking midfielder in the 4-2-3-1.
Rodriguez will occupy an international and U22 Initiative slot for the Lions. He’s a player with a lot of upside and with the financial investment of the transfer fee, coupled with the reports that Fortaleza will retain as much as 30% of a future sale, the club must feel good about his future. Fans should as well after seeing the video below, which shows Rodriguez has plenty of confidence and finishing ability, even from outside the box.
Opinion
Likes and Dislikes from the First Week of Orlando City’s Preseason
Here are a few things that stood out from the first week of preseason — some good and some bad.
The 2024 Major League Soccer season has barely had time to breathe, but Orlando City opened preseason training on Monday. If it feels like time has flown by, that’s because it has. Hell, we’ve already got a whole working week’s-worth of practices in, and things are only going to pick up from here. With that being the case, I wanted to stop and reflect on a couple things that I liked, and a couple things that I disliked from the first week of the Lions’ preseason.
Likes
The Boys Are Back in Town
First and foremost, it’s good to be back in soccer mode. Its always nice to reflect on fond memories from the most recent season — particularly when its a successful one like the Lions just had, but reminiscing only takes you so far. But now we’re getting daily looks at OCSC’s preseason work and are able to check in with the familiar faces we know and love while also getting to know a few new ones. Videos like this one are always nice and help build excitement for the games to come.
Games Just Around the Corner
Speaking of games, we aren’t too far from Orlando’s first game of 2025. The Lions will play a preseason match a little over a week from today on Jan. 25, when they take on Atletico Mineiro at home in the FC Series. It may be only a preseason game but it still provides us with our first glimpse of what Orlando City will look like during the 2025 season. We’ll presumably get to see some of the team’s draft picks in action and should get some clues as to how the positional pecking order is starting to shape up.
Dislikes
The Wait for Reinforcements
It isn’t out of the norm for Orlando City to take its time making off-season signings when compared to its fellow MLS teams, and that’s been the case once again this year. Granted, there are plenty of teams that have more spots to fill than the Lions and some teams are in the midst of outright rebuilds. Still, OCSC has several spots that are in need of strengthening, depth, or both, not to mention a Facundo Torres-sized hole out on the right wing. There’s absolutely work to be done, and while I’m all for taking the time to make sure you sign the right players, there’s also something to be said for giving those players as much time in preseason as possible to adapt to their new teammates and unfamiliar surroundings. Here’s hoping that some moves start getting made soon.
The Departure of Mason Stajduhar
I won’t lie to you guys, when the news came through on Wednesday afternoon that the Lions had traded Mason Stajduhar to Real Salt Lake for General Allocation Money and a draft pick, it was a tough blow and one that I’m still having trouble coming to terms with. Professional soccer is a business, and I understand that, but it’s tough to see a guy like Mason head out the door. The team’s fourth Homegrown Player had been around since 2015 and beat cancer, made his MLS debut, got his first MLS wins and shutouts, helped OCSC hoist the club’s first silverware as an MLS team, and got engaged and then married — all while wearing Orlando purple. As our editor Michael Citro put it, we watched him grow up from a teenager into a young man, and it’ll always be tough to watch someone leave who has been around for 10 years and has been a consummate professional for each one of them. I’ll miss him but wish him all the best.
What did you guys make of the first week of the 2025 preseason? Are there any things that you’re keeping a particularly close eye on as we begin building towards the match against Atletico Mineiro? Be sure to have your say down in the comments, and I’ll see you next week. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/17/25
Orlando Pride loan out Mariana Larroquette, USMNT gets ready for Venezuela, MLS transfer news, and much more.
Happy Friday! Maybe it’s just because I’m a San Jose Sharks fan when it comes to hockey, but I sure do miss being able to watch Orlando City and the Orlando Pride win games. Thankfully it won’t be much longer until Orlando’s soccer teams are back in action, although I wish the Lions would make some moves to get us excited for 2025. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Mariana Larroquette Heads to Argentina on Loan
The Pride have loaned forward Mariana Larroquette to Newell’s Old Boys Women in Argentina. The loan lasts through July 1, so Larroquette may still provide some attacking depth for the Pride later in the season. This should be a good opportunity for her to get some minutes in her home country after only making four appearances for the Pride last season. Larroquette joined the Pride back in July of 2023 on a contract through 2025, so this is a solid chance for her to get some consistent playing time to showcase her talent before her current contract ends.
USMNT Prepares for Friendly Against Venezuela
The United States Men’s National Team will play its first game of 2025 when it takes on Venezuela Saturday at 3 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale. This is just the seventh meeting between the two nations, with Venezuela winning the most recent match 3-0 back in 2019. Goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez started for Venezuela in that shutout and is expected to get the nod in goal again, with Orlando City’s Javier Otero backing him up. The Yanks will be without multiple players who were called up, as Jesus Ferreira, John Tolkin, Jalen Neal, and Drake Callender will no longer be available. The USMNT will be back in action on Tuesday for a friendly against Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium.
Catching Up On MLS Transfer News
Every MLS team apart from Orlando City seems to be making major moves in preparation for the 2025 season. Austin FC is reportedly signing Albanian forward Myrto Uzuni as a Designated Player, which would trigger a $12.3 million release clause in his contract with Granada. Uzuni has scored 14 goals in 18 appearances for the Spanish club this season. Austin also added midfielder Nicolas Dubersarsky from Instituto in Argentina’s top flight. He will be a U22 Initiative Player and signed a five-year contract with the club.
New York Red Bulls left back John Tolkin was officially transferred to Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga for a reported $3 million transfer fee. The New England Revolution continued to strengthen their attack, signing veteran forward Maxi Urruti to a one-year deal with an option for 2026. Atlanta United and Middlesbrough have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a deal for forward Emmanuel Latte Lath, although Atlanta still has to finalize personal terms with him.
Chelsea Reportedly Leads Race for Naomi Girma
One of the biggest questions this NWSL off-season is whether or not San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma will remain with the club. The 24-year-old is under contract through 2026, but European teams are reportedly willing to pay up to secure her talents. Chelsea is the reported frontrunner, with Arsenal and Lyon also in the mix to sign her. Girma is one of the best defenders in the world and was a major reason behind the United States Women’s National Team winning Olympic gold last year. Speaking of Girma, she will not be in attendance for the USWNT training camp in Florida due to a minor injury.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter followed through on her promise to dye her hair after a historic season.
- In news that impacts Orlando City duo Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena, Jorge Fossati is no longer Peru’s head coach. Peru only won one of its six CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with Fossati at the helm and is last in the standings.
- Former Lion Chris Mueller spoke on the importance of mental health and the resources available to help.
- You’ll need to use a translation tool for the full details, but Brazilian forward Kerolin is reportedly set to join Manchester City.
- Amad Diallo scored a hat trick to help Manchester United come back and win against Southampton.
That’s all I have for you this Friday. I hope you all have a fantastic day and rest of your weekend!
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City is Often Late to the Transfer Party
-
Opinion6 days ago
Three Questions on the Eve of Orlando City’s 2025 Preseason Camp
-
Orlando City7 days ago
Evaluating How Orlando City May Fill Its Open Designated Player Spot
-
Lion Links5 days ago
Lion Links: 1/13/25
-
Orlando City B1 week ago
Orlando City B Signs Goalkeeper Tristan Himes
-
Orlando Pride5 days ago
Orlando Pride Sign Defender Zara Chavoshi to One-Year Deal
-
Orlando Pride1 week ago
Orlando Pride Re-Sign Marta through 2026 Season
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride Need to Address Center Back Depth This Off-Season