Connect with us

Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

Published

4 years ago

on

Happy Friday everyone! The international break has finally come to an end and Orlando City will be back in action tomorrow. The first game in several weeks is technically an away game against Toronto FC, but with the Canadian team using Exploria Stadium as its temporary home, the Lions will be playing in the purple palace’s familiar confines.

A match-up against Toronto means I spoke with Aasim Hashim, one of the writers over at SBNation’s Waking the Red, and he did a superb job of helping get us caught up with Toronto.

Alejandro Pozuelo made his first appearance of the year off the bench against the Columbus Crew in TFC’s last game before the international break. Obviously having a player of his caliber back should be hugely important. Do you think his return will change the way the team wants to play? If so, how?

Aasim Hashim: TFC Head Coach Chris Armas has been adamant about pressuring the opposition and trying to win the ball higher up the field. So off-the-ball we may not see a ton of changes on that side. However, Pozuelo’s return will have a big impact on what the Reds are able to do when they successfully force the opposition into turnovers. There have been far too many instances where once the Reds recover the ball, the quality of the final pass has been lacking. Pozuelo’s inclusion should have an immediate impact on that part of the Reds’ game.

Ayo Akinola got his first goal of the year in that game, but so far no one on TFC has scored more than a lone goal, and the team as a whole has eight goals through seven games. Do you think Pozuelo’s return will be enough to get the offense firing or are there other things that need to happen to help facilitate that?

AH: The sense is that Pozuelo is the missing piece of their offense, and being the game changer that he’s proven he can be, it is a good bet that he can revive this offense single-handedly. The Reds have struggled to get into prime goal-scoring positions and have quality shots on target without last season’s MVP, which isn’t exactly shocking, and even when they do so, they haven’t taken their chances. Pozuelo being available to start will automatically increase the level of quality in the side both in open play and from set pieces. At the end of the day, the Reds’ strikers are going to have to take their chances and find the back of the net.

What do you think Toronto needs to do in order to get the win tomorrow? Would you alter any strategies from the last time the two teams played?

AH: With help in offense arriving, the more troublesome side of the game so far this season has been the team’s off-the-ball play. The Reds have conceded 12 goals through the first seven games. That puts them in the bottom three of that category in the Eastern Conference. They’ve also spent way too much time chasing games as the club has gotten into a bad habit of conceding early goals, including in their match-up with Orlando last month. Chris Armas has talked about his team’s positional play off the ball and making sloppy mistakes in the lead-up to this match. Cleaning that up will go a long way in coming away with a positive result on Saturday.

Are there any injuries, call-ups, or suspensions that will keep players unavailable for selection? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?

AH (Pre-injury report): TFC looks to finally be turning a corner on the injury front after having a lengthy list of injuries to start the season. While players are getting healthy, the Reds will still be without one of their stars in Yeferson Soteldo. TFC’s newest DP was ruled out for 4-6 weeks prior to the international break and missed the club’s last match against Columbus. He’s likely still a couple weeks away from returning to action. Other players who are going to be out include Ifunanyachi Achara (ACL surgery), Julian Dunn (Hip Osteochondral Injury), and Erickson Gallardo (Groin). While not injured, Jozy Altidore will more than likely not feature in Saturday’s match-up after falling out with Armas and has been training on his own.

Projected starting lineup: Alex Bono; Richie Laryea, Eriq Zavaleta, Chris Mavinga, Kemar Lawrence; Michael Bradley, Jonathan Osorio; Mark Delgado, Alejandro Pozuelo, Jacob Shaffelburg; Ayo Akinola.

Score Prediction: 2-1 TFC. A three-week break and getting healthy bodies back might be enough for TFC to pick up their second win of the year.

Big thanks again to Aasim for the great info on Toronto. Vamos Orlando!

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

20 hours ago

on

June 5, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

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

Continue Reading

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.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 4, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

June 3, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending