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Orlando City vs. CF Montreal: Five Takeaways

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3 years ago

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Orlando City failed at home in spectacular fashion Wednesday night against a CF Montreal team that sat at .500 even though it had gone 2-1-2 in its previous five matches. The 4-2 loss was troubling, but it’s not panic time just yet. Teams go through ups and downs over the course of a 34-game season and Orlando came out of a seven-game unbeaten run prior to these last couple of subpar performances.

Let’s take a look at Wednesday’s match to see what we can glean.

Seeing Red

Two Lions were sent off, which means not only did the club have to play shorthanded on Wednesday, but Orlando City will also do so this Sunday in Philadelphia. Nani and Andres Perea hit the showers early for different reasons against Montreal and that’s not great for Sunday either. Nani’s marching orders came on a pair of first-half yellow cards. The first of those was due to a set piece miscue. A soft and seemingly unexpected pass forced him to try to reach a ball before Montreal could pounce and break with the Lions’ defense forward for the free kick. The second was his own doing, as he got caught in possession, gave away the ball, and then compounded the problem by fouling from behind on a Montreal transition.

Perea’s foul was an intentional attempt to prevent a 1-v-1 scoring chance but the young midfielder was banking on getting a yellow with teammate Antonio Carlos racing down the middle of the pitch in an effort to get back. Referee Rubiel Vazquez was of the opinion that Carlos was not in a position to potentially get involved in the play and therefore Perea denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity, so the red was shown. Carlos has pretty good wheels, so I’m not sure I agree with Vazquez’s assessment, but it’s a judgment call.

Neither of these would likely be overturned on appeal, so Orlando City should just swallow them and move on.

Counter Punched

Both red cards for Orlando and a couple of the Montreal goals were created by something the Lions did all night — give the ball away. The Lions were fine in their own end but struggled to connect passes in the attacking half. The team was simply too sloppy. Passes were often telegraphed or sent at improper angles or were poorly weighted. Sometimes two players simply weren’t on the same page, such as when Mauricio Pereyra picked out a vertical pass, only to see Daryl Dike make a diagonal run. All of these things led to Montreal collecting the ball and quickly creating trouble in transition. The Lions took turns starting the counter attack for Montreal — Emmanuel Mas, Pereyra, Perea, Junior Urso, Nani, Dike, etc. Montreal’s quickness in transitioning from defense to offense was a problem for Orlando all night but if the Lions had been less careless with the ball, it could have been avoided entirely.

Adding Injury to Insult

Usually the saying is the other way around, but in this case Wednesday night’s match added injuries to the insults that Montreal’s goals heaped on the Lions. In addition to losing Nani to two yellows in the first half, Orlando lost two wingers in a 10-minute span. Silvester van der Water felt something amiss and asked to come off. His replacement, Chris Mueller, was only on for four minutes plus stoppage time but then had to come out of the game at halftime for tweaking an ankle. Losing two hard-working players who can create certainly hindered Orlando’s chances in the match and now we’ll have to wait to see if either or both are unavailable for Sunday. Additionally, Pedro Gallese seemed to have a groin issue after having to change directions quickly to try to prevent a corner kick. The team was down to just Sebas Mendez, Alexandre Pato, and Mason Stajduhar on the injury report and now the list might start growing again.

We didn’t get an opportunity to ask Pareja after the game about Joao Moutinho, who wasn’t in the match day lineup. It’s possible that was just to manage Moutinho’s minutes, but it’ll bear watching on Sunday.

Fool’s (Purple &) Gold

Oscar Pareja liked the fight that his team showed in tying the match while down a man after going behind by two goals. Many Orlando City fans likely felt the team was back in the game and had a chance to get a result after Robin Jansson and Ruan scored to tie the match at 2-2. But it was false hope for Orlando. Montreal had been kicking the ball around the pitch prior to Ruan’s goal and didn’t seem terribly interested in attacking or taking on players in space. The visitors were content to play the ball to open teammates while they didn’t need any goals to get the win. Once Orlando tied the score, Montreal went back into attack mode, won several set pieces, took on defenders, scored, and took back control of the game.

Agent of Chaos

One of my favorite sayings this season has been that Ruan is an agent of chaos. Whatever he does on the pitch, the Brazilian Bullet is always involved in some way — for good or bad. The right back was so far inside on Montreal’s first goal that he couldn’t recover and prevent Romell Quioto from picking out his spot with the entry ball. Ruan was also part of the set piece gaffe that led to Nani’s first yellow card. In addition, the speedster went down too easily in the box on one occasion, trying to draw a penalty — he often tries harder to win a foul than he does to beat his man. On that play, he should have played a cross to a teammate who looked to be in a good position to score if he’d received a pass. He can feel free to fall down after the pass and have just as good a chance to win the foul in that situation.

But, on the other hand, Ruan did stray inside to score the second Orlando goal. He also made some good runs down the right and on one of them his cross hit traffic in front and fell for Dike, who inexplicably missed the empty net from about eight yards out with the goalkeeper lying on the ground. Ruan sometimes ignores opportunities to get to the end line, opting to circle back and make a negative pass or to cut inside and pick out a teammate, only to then come to a stop and not be available when that teammate is closed down. He’s exceedingly dangerous when he gets to the end line. Even if he’s not the best crosser, sending in a hard, low pass into traffic in the box from there accomplishes the same thing that Ruan does — it creates chaos.

Bonus Takeaways!

  • Slow Mo — Pereyra may be playing through a knock right now — whether he is or how severe it is, we’re not sure — but even when at 100%, it appears he may no longer possess the speed he needs to be as effective in MLS as we’d all like. He’s a fabulous passer and, when given time and space, can turn a game with one kick of the ball, but he often is caught and dispossessed or gets pressured into a mistake by a faster opposing midfielder closing him down, and being a step slow is the reason why he gets most of his yellow cards.
  • Please Stand Up — Mueller was on the pitch for four minutes of regular time and five minutes of stoppage time and he fell down at least three times. But Cash wasn’t the only one. Mas and others had trouble maintaining their feet in the match. Montreal didn’t seem to have the same issue, so I’m ruling out the pitch conditions. I don’t know if it was the wrong boots, concentration, or something else, but the slipping definitely impacted some promising plays.
  • Orlan_o City — Suddenly, there’s no D in Orlando. The four goals shipped Wednesday make nine in the past three matches, which is an unprecedented number in the Pareja era. The Lions scored two of those nine on themselves, which they at least were able to avoid on Wednesday. But the team has also conceded off of set pieces and/or restarts four times in the last two matches and that trend must stop.
  • Another Streak Ends — The Lions were an impressive 7-0-0 in 2021 when scoring more than one goal in a match. A win was almost guaranteed whenever Orlando put more than one ball in the net. That came to a screeching halt in the 4-2 loss to Montreal. That statistic helps illustrate how good the defense usually is since Pareja took over.

That’s what I saw from the Lions’ second straight loss. I thought the attitude was better than last Friday at Atlanta, but the execution was certainly poor, and once Nani was sent off, the outcome seemed inevitable despite Orlando’s brief rally. Here’s hoping the lads can gather themselves and get a result on Sunday but being shorthanded might contribute to extending this current skid to three matches.

What stood out to you against Montreal?

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Lion Links: 2/5/25

Marta to be featured on Prime Video, USWNT prepares for the SheBelieves Cup, MLS transfers, and more.

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3 hours ago

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February 5, 2025

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Michael Citro, The Mane Land

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! Less than two weeks ago, I had a snow day from work up here in Tallahassee. Two days ago, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter. Today, I’ll probably wear shorts since Florida is evidently exempt from rodent-based weather predictions. I don’t really have a point to all of this other than I’d like to be able to wear sweaters and jackets for a little while longer, but that’s obviously not meant to be.

We also want to wish a happy birthday to both Duncan McGuire and Rafael Santos. Let’s get to the links.

Marta to be Featured on Prime

Prime Video is producing a four-part series entitled “For the Win: NWSL” that will provide an immersive look at the NWSL. The series will feature four of the league’s biggest stars, including the Orlando Pride’s Marta. The other players featured are Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman, and Croix Bethune. No word on when it will be released, but we know it will likely end by showing Marta lift the trophy, and that is something I’ll watch over and over again.

Hayes Prepares the USWNT for SheBelieves Cup

Emma Hayes knows that defending the SheBelieves Cup title will be a challenge. With many of her players just starting the NWSL preseason, she will need to use all 26 players available if the USWNT is to win yet again. Of course, while the SheBelieves Cup is important, ultimately it is a stop along the way to the the Women’s World Cup. Unlike the her last major tournament, Hayes has plenty of time to prepare for the World Cup.

MLS Transfer Updates

I’m not sure why we keep telling you about all the stuff other clubs are doing to improve their teams for 2025, but here we go again. Atlanta United has signed Middlesbrough FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath for a reported MLS record fee of $22 million. Bringing in quality strikers is a good thing, or so I hear. Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Union signed Homegrown defender Neil Pierre to a four-year deal. The Portland Thorns brought in Jimer Fory from Colombian side Independiente Medellín through 2028. Carlos Gruezo is headed to Ecuadorian club LDU Quito after he and the San Diego Earthquakes mutually terminated his contract. Of course, clubs can now also employ the cash-for-player system for selling players to other clubs within MLS.

MLS Clubs are Selling

Orlando City supporters are familiar with the idea that MLS is a selling league. Young players — particularly South American players — are brought into the league by clubs to develop and sell on for a profit. We saw that with Facundo Torres recently. There are some who bemoan the loss of talent, but there’s always more behind it. Overall, for where MLS is at this point, it is a good thing for the league. It’s also a good thing for individual clubs, assuming they continue to bring in additional talent — preferably sooner than later, Orlando City front office.

Free Kicks

  • The growth of the game is a good thing. Congratulations to the NWSL Denver expansion side for setting a league record for the fastest team to reach 5,000 ticket deposits. 
  • Finally, Jon Stewart Concacaf’ed Concacaf. You love to see it.

That will do it for today. Perhaps the club will surprise us with a massive signing or two. What? I can hope, can’t I?

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/4/25

MLS transfer roundup, Americans in midweek action, court sides with USSF and MLS, and more.

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1 day ago

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February 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you’ve had a better start to the week than me, as I’ve been fighting an illness and have been in the trenches big time. Before we get into the news of the day, let’s all wish Orlando Pride forward Simone Charley a happy birthday. We have lots of things to discuss this morning, so let’s jump right into today’s links.

MLS Transfer Roundup

As is usual for this time of year, there are a number of MLS transfer items that we need to catch up on. We start with a huge move, as the Columbus Crew have sold striker Cucho Hernandez to Real Betis for a fee that Tom Bogert says was for $16 million plus add-ons.

Sporting Kansas City had a busy Monday, as the club completed a pair of deals to start the week, signing midfielder Manu Garcia from Aris Thessaloniki, who will occupy a Designated Player slot. SKC also signed winger Shapi Suleymanov from Aris Thessaloniki, with the Russian under contract through 2026 with additional option years for 2027 and 2028. Finally, the Houston Dynamo sent $2.1 million in cash to the Philadelphia Union in exchange for midfielder Jack McGlynn.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar. Paxten Aaronson and Utrecht will travel to face Heracles in the quarterfinals of the KNVB Cup later today. Wednesday continues the theme of cup action, as Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan host Roma in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia. Thursday brings yet more cup action as Cade Cowell and Chivas will travel to the Dominican Republic to face Cibao in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Things then wrap up on Friday with Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus traveling to play Como in Serie A.

MLS & USSF Win Lawsuit

A federal jury has sided with MLS and the U.S. Soccer Federation in the antitrust lawsuit brought against them by the North American Soccer League. The NASL brought the suit against the two parties back in 2017 when the USSF denied the NASL’s application to be recognized as a Division 2 league. The USSF’s division structure provides a set of requirements that a league must meet in order to be classified as part of a certain division, and the NASL alleged that the USSF constantly modified those requirements in order to avoid awarding the NASL a Division 1 and, later, a Division 2 classification. Despite the ruling, the NASL is likely to lodge an appeal, which means that we probably haven’t heard the last of this.

European Deadline Day Roundup

The winter transfer window is now closed in the vast majority of Europe’s leagues, so let’s catch up on the moves that happened on the final day of business. Manchester City made a big splash by signing Nicolas Gonzalez from FC Porto for a fee believed to be around $62 million. Tottenham Hotspur signed Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich, with the deal including an option to make the loan permanent at the end of the season. Aston Villa signed Marco Asensio on loan from Paris Saint Germain until the end of the season. Ben Chilwell has joined Crystal Palace on loan for the rest of the season. Finally, USMNT defender Caleb Wiley has joined Watford on loan until the end of the season.

Free Kicks

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/3/25

Orlando City reportedly nears deal for Marco Pasalic, Eduard Atuesta transfer reportedly stalls, Orlando Pride sign Prisca Chilufya, and more.

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2 days ago

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February 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It’s hard to believe it’s February already, but we’re only a few weeks away from Orlando City’s home opener on Feb. 22. To stay busy over the past week, I’ve been covering high school swimming, basketball, and hockey. Let’s all wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta, who turned 26 years old on Sunday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Reportedly Finalizing Deal for Marco Pašalić

According to Tom Bogert, Orlando City is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Croatian winger Marco Pašalić from HNK Rijeka. A week ago, Orlando reportedly looked set to move on from signing the 24-year-old to focus on other targets as Pašalić was undecided on his future. However, Pašalić will reportedly join the Lions for a $5 million transfer fee, along with add-ons, and will be a Designated Player. He made 26 appearances for HNK Rijeka, scoring six goals and adding three assists.

Eduard Atuesta Transfer Talks Reportedly Stall

Orlando City is reportedly close to finalizing the signing of midfielder Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras as well, according to Bogert. However, another report from Globo.com states that Orlando City sent a proposal to sign Atuesta, but Palmeiras was not pleased with the terms and has reportedly halted negotiations. You’ll need a translation tool for the full details, but the reported holdup is that the Lions prefer a loan move for Atuesta with Palmeiras paying part of his salary. Atuesta recorded four goals and added two assists in 41 appearances across all competitions while on loan with LAFC last season.

Orlando Pride Sign Zambian Forward Prisca Chilufya

The Orlando Pride signed Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya Friday on a three-year contract through the 2027 NWSL season. Chilufya joins the Pride from FC Juarez in Mexico, where she scored 14 goals in 48 appearances. Chilufya is the third Zambian player the Pride have signed within the last year, joining Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda. By adding another attacker in Chilufya, the Pride added depth to the roster after Adriana’s move to the Saudi Women’s Premier League.

Latest MLS Transfer Roundup

We had some big transfer moves across Major League Soccer to catch you up on from the weekend. The Houston Dynamo have reportedly acquired midfielder Jack McGlynn in a cash-for-trade deal from the Philadelphia Union for $2 million. The Union will also retain a sell-on percentage. In another cash-for-trade move, Sporting Kansas City has reportedly acquired forward Dejan Joveljic from the LA Galaxy for a fee of $4 million. Joveljic will be a Designated Player on a three-year deal through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028. Minnesota United signed midfielder Hoyeon Jung from Gwangju FC, while Inter Miami FC added defender Maximiliano Falcon from Chilean side Colo Colo. The New York Red Bulls are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for center back Tim Parker to return to his former club after he played for the New England Revolution and St. Louis City last season.

Sources confirm Sacha Klejstan’s report: New York Red Bulls finalizing a deal to sign center back Tim Parker.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-02-02T01:21:44.511Z

Crystal Dunn Signs With Paris Saint-Germain

After announcing her departure from NJ/NY Gotham FC last week, United States Women’s National Team defender Crystal Dunn has signed a deal to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. It will be Dunn’s second stint abroad in Europe, as she previously played with Chelsea in 2017-2018. She was part of the squad that won the Women’s Super League title in 2018. Dunn spent the 2024 season with Gotham FC, scoring one goal and adding two assists in 23 matches across all competitions. She had previously played for the Portland Thorns, North Carolina Courage, and the Washington Spirit in the NWSL as well. Paris Saint-Germain is third in the Division 1 Feminine, eight points behind league leader Olympique Lyon.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City wrapped up its preseason training camp in Mexico. The Lions’ next preseason match will be a closed-door scrimmage on Wednesday against Atlanta United.
  • Barcelona has requested an extension to the lease at the Olympic Stadium through the end of May to cover its final two home matches for the La Liga season against Real Madrid and Villarreal.
  • United States Men’s National Team forward Ricardo Pepi has agreed to extend his contract with PSV Eindhoven through 2030.
  • Arsenal crushed Manchester City 5-1 on Sunday and is now six points behind Liverpool.
  • Heerenveen manager Robin van Persie was upset after match officials mistakenly allowed Fortuna Sittard to field 12 players late in the second half while leading 2-1. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
  • Former Real Madrid and Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos is reportedly set to join Liga MX side Monterrey.
  • Marcus Rashford has agreed to join Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season. The deal includes an option for Aston Villa to make the transfer permanent.
  • Adidas announced the official match ball to be used this summer for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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