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Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Intelligence Report

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3 years ago

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It’s been a rough few weeks for Orlando City, and the team is badly in need of some points if it wants to avoid sinking beneath the waves in the Eastern Conference standings.

Unfortunately for the Lions, a weekend trip to the Northeast looms large, with Orlando set to take on the New England Revolution tomorrow night. Ahead of this one, I spoke to Jake Catanese, senior editor for SBNation’s The Bent Musket. As usual, he gave us a fantastic update on how the Revolution have been since we last saw them. I also answered a few of his questions which you can find over at their place.

Diego Fagundez left the Revolution in the off-season after making a boatload of appearances with the team. What was the reaction to his departure and who has filled his role in the team?

Jake Catanese: I think there was a lot of disappointment but also a lot of understanding in Diego moving on. I think he’s found a solid home in Austin and he’s been getting a lot of playing time and is easily in line for his best season since 2018, which was the last time he was a fulltime starter in New England. Diego is an enigmatic genius, he clearly has talent but I think with the Revs at times he lacked a consistent position or support on the field or any number of things that never got him over the hump into legit league stardom. He’ll always be remembered as one of the great New England Homegrowns and hopefully will have a great career in MLS and beyond as he’s only 26 and clearly has the ability to play overseas.

As for who took his place, look no further than MLS cult hero Tommy McNamara. A versatile midfielder, Tommy Mac is more of a support/defensive type midfielder rather than an attacker and is able to fill just about every role in the Revs’ midfield, whether it’s a 4-2-3-1, a flat four midfield, or the more recently preferred diamond midfield. The fact that a talented TAM-filled midfield roster in New England can’t keep Tommy Mac off the field just adds to his legend in the league and perhaps some silverware for the Cult of McNamara. Andrew Farrell also just surpassed the club record for most games played with the team after being the number one overall pick back in 2013. 

The Revolution have quite obviously been stellar this season. What do you believe is the biggest reason for the team’s success?

JC: Team depth. This is one of the deepest rosters in the league from three stellar DP signings, a stable of TAM-level midfielders to rotate around, MLS veterans, and a starting back line of defenders from the SuperDraft. Oh, and Matt Turner, who was an undrafted rookie free agent signing. 

But if you look at the best teams in the league, the path to success is paved by hitting at all of the levels of roster building. The Revs long struggled with major DP and international signings but the groundwork for a strong roster has been around for years. The Revs nearly broke through in 2014 with this model with just Jermaine Jones as a DP midfielder and an MVP season from Lee Nguyen. But the overall investment in the roster was lacking until the Bruce Arena era officially started and for the first time ever the Revs were able to deploy three Designated Players. This season, when you have the league leader in assists in Carles Gil and two DP strikers in Adam Buksa and Gustavo Bou with double digit goals, you should be one of the top teams in the league. Add in significant contributions from Matt Polster, Tajon Buchanan, McNamara, Turner, and fullbacks Brandon Bye and DeJuan Jones as regular starters, and the recipe for success is finally coming to fruition.

Tajon Buchanan is a hugely exciting young player. How important has his continued growth been this year?

JC: Tajon Buchanan’s calendar year and his rise from his playoff run as a right back last year to breakout star winger for the Revs and Canada was nothing short of meteoric. Buchanan had shown flashes of talent and certainly had the raw speed and ability to play in MLS but it has all come together this year. He is brimming with confidence at both the club and international level and in a few short months will be off to Belgium and Club Brugge. His development is the final piece of the Revs’ entry into the MLS 3.0 era (or whatever we call the three-DP era) as New England has never been a selling club, with only Clint Dempsey as a notable departure from the team abroad. With New England set for a few sales in the near future (Buksa/Turner), the Revs are finally turning the corner and rejoining the league’s top organizations…just need to get the stadium situation sorted.

I have to ask about this rumored rebrand that seems likely to come to pass. What have been the feelings and reactions within the fanbase?

JC: I hate it, and will defend the Crayon Flag to the last. I think overall the feeling is one of indifference — there are certainly a number of fans who dislike the current branding and will take any upgrade but what’s been presented so far is underwhelming. The league already has too many Euro-centric circles/shields/badges and I fear this will only add to the generic-ness of the individual team brands. Right now, we only have the potential badge/logo to look at and perhaps with other branding, and especially jerseys and merchandise at a proper launch event might help boost the perception of the rebrand but I have doubts. At least the team kept the name the same which is the only positive thing I will say about the situation. Long live the Crayon Flag.

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

JC: The Revs have a ton of players listed on the injury report: Bou, Jonathan Bell, Emmanuel Boateng, Gil, Edward Kizza, and Maciel. Of that group, four (Bell, Bou, Gil, Kizza) either started or played midweek and only Maciel and Boateng were not listed on the subs bench. Depending on squad rotation, there’s a lot of ways the Revs can deploy against Orlando but a few players like Adam Buksa, Matt Polster, and the back line should be starting on mostly full rest as only Kessler started midweek.

Lineup (4-4-2 Diamond): Matt Turner; DeJuan Jones, Henry Kessler, Andrew Farrell, Brandon Bye; Matt Polster, Tommy McNamara, Tajon Buchanan, Carles Gil; Gustavo Bou, Adam Buksa.

Tajon Buchanan is not the same attacking force as a shuttling center midfielder but he can get the job done. Ideally, this lineup as a 4-2-3-1 with Buksa up top and an attacking midfielder/winger line of Bou-Gil-Buchanan is not impossible either and might fit the personnel a little better. The Revs are rested and coming off an exciting late win on the road, and they’re playing at home. You have to like their chances here, but as always, we must mention the likelihood of a 2-2 draw as a matter of principle.

I’ll take the Revs 3-1, with Bou, Buksa, and Buchanan finding the scoresheet and Gil adding two helpers.

Thank you to Jake for the great information on the Revs. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over FC Cincinnati Saturday at home?

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3 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City looks to bounce back from the disappointing 2-1 loss to Toronto FC Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. Cincinnati has twice as many points as Orlando City and more than twice as many wins. FCC has only scored one more goal than Orlando City, but with only nine goals conceded compared to Orlando City’s 17, it’s easy to see why Cincinnati is sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference.

What I’m trying to say is that the task doesn’t get any easier this weekend. What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against FC Cincinnati?

Accost Acosta

Cincinnati’s attack revolves around Luciano Acosta. The attacking midfielder has four goals and five assists so far this season. To put that into perspective, Duncan McGuire — Orlando City’s leading scorer — also has four goals but only one assist. If we look at the Lions’ attacking midfielders, Facundo Torres has one goal and one assist, Ivan Angulo and Nico Lodeiro both have one goal and two assists, and Martin Ojeda has zero goals and only one assist. Luis Muriel is still at double zeroes.

The defensive midfield and the back line must do everything possible to mark him out of the match. It’s not enough to keep him from scoring, they must also keep him from setting up chances for his teammates. Most importantly, the defense must do that for 90 minutes plus stoppage time. There is no room for the mental lapses we’ve seen throughout the first part of this season.

Break Through

Cincinnati is stingy on defense. As I mentioned above, the club has only allowed nine goals this season. The back line is formidable with the likes of Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson, and Ian Murphy. On the wings are DeAndre Yedlin and Luca Orellano. This is a tough defense, and whether it is McGuire or Muriel who gets the start, they must find the spaces in between.

Just as importantly, Torres, Angulo, Ojeda, and Lodeiro — depending on who is in at any given moment — must be able to thread the passes in for McGuire, Muriel, or each other to create quality chances. On top of that, the Lions must convert on those chances, which is not something that has been a strength so far this season. If the Orlando City defense continues to give up cheap goals, then the offense will need to one-up the competition when it comes to scoring.

Deal with an Unknown

FC Cincinnati recently signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk. Kelsy comes in as an MLS U22 Initiative player and is eligible to play against Orlando City. Even though Kelsy is only 19, he has 68 professional appearances, including UEFA Champions Leagues matches. At 6-foot-3, he can be a challenge for defenders, especially in the air.

Kelsy hasn’t had much time with the team, but he could be a second-half substitution for Cincinnati. Given that Orlando City just gave up two late headers against Toronto FC, the back line will need to be careful that Kelsy doesn’t hurt the Lions in the same manner — especially if he comes on late when legs and minds are tired.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

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7 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

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1 day ago

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May 1, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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