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Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati: Final Score 3-0 as Lions Pick Up First Win of the Season

Tesho Akindele, Nani, and Junior Urso gave the Lions more than enough offense for a dub and El Pulpo kept a clean sheet.

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5 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Tesho Akindele, Nani, and Junior Urso provided the goals and Pedro Gallese wasn’t called on to make a single save, as Orlando City dominated FC Cincinnat 3-0 at Exploria Stadium. The Lions (1-0-2, 5 points) turned in a good performance to get their first win of the season and remain unbeaten (2-0-1) in the all-time series against FCC (0-2-1, 1 point).

“Very good game for us, very solid performance,” Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “The best part of the game was that we found the net — something that we were missing in the last two games, where we did a very good performance also but we were missing that final touch. In today’s game we did it. We were more precise and that makes us happy.”

Pareja’s lineup included Gallese in his customary spot between the sticks behind a back line of Kyle Smith, Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, and Ruan. Mauricio Pereyra slotted into the midfield with Urso and Sebas Mendez behind an attacking force of Nani, Akindele, and Chris Mueller.

It took just over 30 seconds for Orlando to take the lead. Akindele was the first to reach a wayward back pass and slotted home to score the fastest goal in Orlando City’s MLS history. The only other first-minute goals in the club’s history came in the USL days, as both Dom Dwyer and Kevin Molino accomplished the feat in 2013.

“It’s super important for sure,” Akindele said of scoring early. “I mean, think of it from their point of view. They just lost last week, a big loss, and then they come out this week and they’re down right away. It’s tough. I’ve been in that position where something like that’s happened. I know it’s tough mentally. So, we knew that we had a mental edge right there. We had the fans behind us, we have momentum, we’re feeling good. They’re playing in the heat. So I think at that point we kind of have a lot of things on our side.”

“It meant a lot, especially because I felt the boys in the locker room trying to come up with intensity and and setting the tone of the game,” Pareja said of the early goal.

The Lions’ bright start continued with Urso heading just over the bar three minutes in. Akindele nearly had a brace in the 15th when a deflected cross from Smith just cleared the Cincinnati defense but the ball took a big bounce right in front of Tesho, who bodied it to himself, but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Nani doubled the lead in the 19th minute with a vintage Nani moment. He faked right, shedding Cincinnati’s Yuya Kubo, then came left again and fired a screamer past Przemysław Tytoń to make it 2-0.

The second goal seemed to wake Cincinnati up and the visitors fashioned a chance off a free kick conceded near the right corner. The cross came in and found Nick Hagglund, who headed just wide in the 22nd minute.

A minute later, Nani nearly made it three for the Lions, getting his head to a Mueller cross but hitting the left post with it. Pereyra nearly slipped in behind in the 26th minute but the play was broken up from behind and the Uruguayan needed a visit from the trainers, although he did continue.

That broke Orlando’s momentum and Cincinnati started playing more directly, trying to lob balls over the defense for well-timed runs by Brenner. A corner in the 36th minute found Tom Petterson’s head at the back post, but again the free chance was nodded wide.

Cincinnati should have scored in the 38th minute when a long ball sprung Álvaro Barreal, who made a nice run. Gallese charged off his line but couldn’t get close to Barreal, but El Pulpo’s presence forced an errant shot by the Cincinnati man.

Orlando settled down a bit after that and fashioned some opportunities. Mueller cleared himself on the left and fired for the back post but couldn’t get enough curl on his shot in the 42nd minute in the final decent look for either side in the opening period.

“Oscar told us the last two games to score the goal. If we have one or two chances we have to score, and we missed that,” Urso said. “So, we talked about that last game. We said when we play against Cincinnati they have to pay the bill. Of course, we respect all teams in the league, but that’s the football. That’s the soccer. So we had talked about that. Today we have to win so today Cincinnati paid the bill. We scored the goals — more than one. That’s important too. I think today Oscar…he’s happy, I think.”

Orlando City attempted more shots (9-4), shots on goal (2-0), and held a slight edge in possession (51.1%-48.9%) in the first half. Both teams earned two corners, and Cincinnati was a bit sharper passing (87.8%-84.2%) but had very few pass attempts in the final third.

The Lions tried to get back on the front foot immediately after the break, with Mueller ripping a shot that was blocked behind for a corner in the 47th. Schlegel headed a shot on target off the ensuing set piece but it was right at Tyton.

Brenner nearly pulled a goal back out of nowhere in the 50th, sending a long range shot just wide of Gallese’s far post.

A minute later, Mueller again let ‘er rip, this time on the volley, sending his screamer just wide of the far post at the other end.

Nani smashed a gorgeous shot in the 63rd to force a good save by Tyton. Mendez ripped a shot just wide moments later. Ruan cut inside and fired a shot that Tyton saved in the 74th as the Lions continued to generate most of the game’s attack and looked to put the game to bed.

Orlando did just that in the 80th minute. Nani sent a back-post cross that second-half sub Andres Perea headed back across the box. It fell for sub Benji Michel, who turned, but he put the ball right on Urso’s foot and the Bear slipped a shot inside the left post to make it 3-0.

Hagglund headed wide on a corner shortly thereafter, but the visitors didn’t cause too much of a fuss for the rest of the match. Joao Moutinho subbed on late, seeing his first game action since last August. After a late shot attempt just wide by Silvester van der Water, the game was over.

Orlando attempted more shots (22-7), got more on target (5-0), and held more possession (52.5%-47.5%). Both teams earned four corners and Cincinnati maintained a slight edge in passing accuracy (88.5%-87.6%).

With his second clean sheet of 2021, Gallese now has five as a Lion, tying Tally Hall for third on the team’s all-time list since joining MLS. El Pulpo trails just Brian Rowe (8) and career leader Joe Bendik (13). But it was the offense that stole the show on this night.

“Just getting that first win and especially getting a win with a few goals, it feels really good, Akindele said. “Maybe kind of takes some pressure off of the team, maybe the forwards especially. So that was huge from us.”

“Congratulations to the group. Congratulations to the fans as well, for the first win of the year and hopefully can can do many more,” said Pareja.

The Lions remain at home for their next game, hosting New York City FC next Saturday at 6 p.m.

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Orlando City vs. Minnesota United: Three Keys to Victory

What do the Lions need to do to earn all three points on the road against Minnesota United?

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25 minutes ago

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August 27, 2026

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Image of Tyrese Spicer rounding the goalkeeper against Cincinnati.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Orlando City faces Minnesota United Saturday at Allianz Field. Orlando City have climbed into the playoff hunt, but as I mentioned last week, points are hard to come by on the road in MLS. With only 13 matches left in the season, this is an opportunity to keep pace or potentially move up the table. What must the Lions do to earn all three points against Minnesota United?

Pour on the Goals

With the exception of the San Jose match, Orlando City’s defense has been inconsistent at best, and if not for Maxime Crepeau, the limited points earned since the World Cup would be even fewer. As such, in Martin Perelman’s preferred style of play, it is contingent upon the offense to score enough goals to overcome the defense.

I think Antoine Griezmann is finally taking to heart he will sometimes just need to score the goals rather than making the extra pass. As for the others, Daryl Dike is finding his feet again in MLS, Tyrese Spicer and Griffin Dorsey are good from the edges, and Justin Ellis is plenty dangerous. Minnesota is solid, if not spectacular, on defense. The Loons can be scored on, having given up 29 goals this season. Orlando City will also need to beat Minnesota goalkeeper Drake Callender to score the needed goals. It can be done, but the Lions will need to be clinical to score multiple goals.

Reap the Rest Rewards

For the first time in what feels like forever, Orlando City will have a normal match week. The Lions will have to travel to Minnesota, but that’s only a one-hour time zone difference, and there’s no extra match midweek. The potential for legs to rest and for knocks to heal is not to be underestimated. I know that Minnesota will have the same rest, but given the attacking style of play the Lions prefer, I think the rest will be beneficial.

The normal week allows Perelman to put out a mostly first-choice lineup. So I’ll be curious to see what that looks like. I think the rest will help Griezmann the most. He plays smart, but he also plays hard, puts in plenty of miles, and is 35 years old. All players need rest, let alone a “more experienced” guy like him, even if it just comes in the form of a normal match week.

Defensive Midfielders Unite

With the Lions getting that full week of rest, I’m hopeful we’ll see the defensive midfield pairing of Wilder Cartagena and Joran Gerbet. Cartagena has started looking like his old self, and Gerbet was a game changer when he came on against Real Salt Lake. It’s been a while since Orlando City had a good defensive midfield pairing, and I’m hopeful that these two could be it.

The pair will need to deal with Joaquin Pereyra, Wil Trapp, and Owen Gene in the midfield. Ideally, they’re stopping attacks by Kelvin Yeboah and Marcus Caldeira if Orlando City’s lines are high enough. If so, that plays into the opportunities created for the offense much like the second half against Real Salt Lake.

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

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Orlando City Acquires Brazilian Left Back Vinícius Nogueira on Loan

The Lions have picked up the services of Vinícius Nogueira on loan through the 2027 Sprint Season with an option to buy.

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2 hours ago

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August 27, 2026

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Image of the Orlando City flag.
Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Orlando City addressed an area of need ahead of the transfer window closing by acquiring left back Vinícius Nogueira on loan through the end of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season. The 24-year-old Brazilian arrives from a stint with PFC Ludogorets in Bulgaria’s top flight, with the Lions holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the loan period. Nogueira’s availability is pending the receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“Vinícius is a dynamic left back with the pace, technical quality, and work ethic to impact the game on both sides of the ball,” Orlando City General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira said in a club press release. “He comes from a top academy and has further developed in competitive environments in both Brazil and Europe. His versatility makes him an excellent fit for our group, and having a new left-sided player will also provide more options and flexibility to the first-team lineup. We believe he can contribute right away while continuing to develop within our environment, and we’re excited to welcome him to Orlando.”

Nogueira came up through the Palmeiras academy system in Brazil, and also spent time in the Atletico Minero and Ponte Preta youth systems. The Penápolis, Brazil, native has made a combined 139 appearances at the U-20 and senior levels, scoring four career goals and adding 16 assists. He made 20 appearances for Swedish club Varberg in 2023, before Halmstad BK bought him ahead of the 2024-2025 season. He made 29 appearances with Halmstad and was loaned to Norwegian side Vålerenga in 2025, where he played in 25 more games, scoring two goals. He joined Ludogorets in 2026, where he was part of a club that won the 2025-2026 Bulgarian Super Cup.

He will wear jersey No. 27 for Orlando, worn by previous Lions Rafael Ramos, R.J. Allen, Kamal Miller, and Jack Lynn.

What It Means for Orlando City

If left back hadn’t already been one of the team’s biggest, most glaring needs, a recent thigh injury to Homegrown Bernardo Rhein just as he was surpassing on the depth chart the inconsistent (at best, and ineffective at worst) Adrian Marin, who also sustained a recent knock, and the trade of Tahir Reid-Brown to St. Louis City would have made it so. It’s been a problem spot for Orlando for a while. Center back David Brekalo played that spot most of 2025, although Kyle Smith was also tried there. Luca Petrasso and Rafael Santos were unable to lock down the position during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The last reliable player Orlando had at left back was João Moutinho from 2019-2022, but his health was far less reliable.

At just 24 years old, Nogueira is entering his prime. On video, his closing speed and ball skills stand out. These are traits that will suit him well in Major League Soccer. But it’s difficult to know how (and how quickly) his play will translate to MLS. By making the loan through the 2027 Sprint Season, the Lions look to believe they have a player that they can develop and integrate into the team, and if they’re happy with him, they can make the move permanent. However, the loan is short enough that if things don’t work out, it won’t be a long-term gamble.

Being Brazilian, he’ll have teammates who can help him get acclimated to the culture, and having played abroad in Sweden, Norway, and Bulgaria, he’s had experience with that part of professional life before.

Orlando City has recently deputized Homegrown right back Zakaria Taifi at left back in the wake of injuries to Rhein and Marin, and while the energy and desire is there, it’s unclear if Taifi is even ready for major minutes on his natural right side, let alone on the left, where he’s been victimized by attacking players the last two games against the Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake. A remedy has been necessary in that spot for multiple seasons, and only time and minutes will tell if Nogueira could be that remedy.

Below is a 2023 highlight film. As always, highlight films don’t/can’t tell the whole story, and this one is a few years old, but it at least provides glimpses of the kinds of skills the player has.

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Lion Links: 8/27/26

Orlando City prepares for Minnesota United, Dylan Judelson loaned to Genoa CFC, Americans abroad roundup, and more.

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4 hours ago

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August 27, 2026

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Image of Tiago and Zakaria Taifi celebrating Tiago's first MLS goal vs. the Red Bulls.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been having a bit of a hectic week, but the rest of it should be fairly smooth sailing as we get ready for another weekend of Orlando soccer. Apart from the errands and work, I’ve been working on perfecting a buffalo chicken dip as summer nears its end. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for Minnesota United

The Lions are back in action on Saturday with a road match against Minnesota United to close out what has been a busy month for the team. This will be Orlando’s eighth match in August, but the Lions have at least been able to get some rest this week after winning 2-1 at home against Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Minnesota is also entering this match after a win, beating the San Jose Earthquakes 5-1 thanks to four goals in the second half. Orlando City defender Zakaria Taifi spoke on Orlando’s preparations for this away trip after a long string of games at home.

Dylan Judelson Loaned to Genoa CFC

Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson was loaned to Genoa CFC in Italy’s Serie A through June of 2027. The loan includes an option to buy, with Orlando receiving undisclosed financial compensation and retaining a sell-on fee if Genoa exercises that option. Judelson helped the academy’s U-18 team win the Generation Adidas Cup in 2025 and participated in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game as well. The Canadian has also played internationally at the youth level, including at the Concacaf U-20 Championship this summer. Best of luck in Italy, Dylan!

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

American defender Naomi Girma scored in Chelsea’s 5-2 victory over Real Sociedad in Women’s Champions League qualifying. She captained the squad and Alyssa Thompson started for Chelsea as well. In men’s soccer, the EFL Cup third-round matchups were unveiled and Americans may clash when Chris Richards and Crystal Palace play against Middlesbrough, which has a trio of Yanks in Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter, and Max Arfsten. Speaking of Middlesbrough, it’s reportedly close to signing American midfielder Rokas Pukstas from Hajduk Split as well. The club might have to start calling it soccer if this keeps up.

UEFA’s Boycott Reportedly Set to End

UEFA’s members are meeting today and are reportedly expected to end the confederation’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The possibility of a boycott has loomed over the sport due to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes of the World Cup to private investors, but UEFA has reportedly received assurances that the failed scheme won’t be revived. This news comes at an important time as six UEFA nations are set to take part in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off in Poland on Sept. 5.

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy this crazy goal courtesy of Ivan Angulo’s left foot in Orlando City’s training. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was inspired by Marco Pasalic constantly making that move.

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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