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Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Final Score 2-2 as Lions Blow Two-Goal Lead

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5 years ago

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Orlando City continues throwing away points at Exploria Stadium like they’re junk mail. This time the Lions (12-8-11, 47 points) blew a late two-goal lead at home against Supporters’ Shield winners New England Revolution (21-4-7, 70 points) after an excellent 80 minutes of soccer and lost two vital points in the playoff race.

Nani and Daryl Dike staked the Lions to a 2-0 lead but no one could handle the size of Adam Buksa, who scored in the 81st and 93rd minutes to turn a two-goal lead into another unsatisfying home draw. Both of Orlando’s home games this week end up with a bad taste in the Lions’ mouths after four points dropped from a winning position.

Orlando did manage to run its unbeaten streak to five matches (2-0-3) but the last two draws felt more like losses than wins for a team trying to clinch a spot in the postseason.

“We’re disappointed, obviously, with giving up those two goals at the end and not accomplishing the objective, which is no less than those three points that we were pursuing tonight,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “Difficult as well just to recognize we did such good things today that we could put the game away very early again. And then at the end we just finished with a very tight game with them, sending in crosses, and that’s the way they scored the goals.”

Pareja’s lineup was nearly a first-choice starting XI. Pedro Gallese started behind a back line of Joao Moutinho, Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, and Ruan, with Robin Jansson reportedly suffering from a stiff neck. Junior Urso and Sebas Mendez slotted into the central midfield, with Chris Mueller and Mauricio Pereyra facilitating the attack to Nani and Daryl Dike.

Orlando dominated play in the first half much like Wednesday against Montreal but — also like Wednesday against Montreal — had only a 1-0 halftime lead to show for it. Orlando’s first opportunity came nine minutes in when a fantastic cross from Nani was heading for Dike’s head but Jonathan Bell arrived at the last second to head it away. Nani tried his luck from just inside the top of the box three minutes later but his effort was blocked by the defense.

Mueller tried his luck from just outside the area in the 18th minute but got under the wet ball and hit it well over Matt Turner’s goal. Moutinho got up into the attack in the 28th and fired from the top of the box but his shot skipped right at Turner for the easy save.

The Lions could have opened the scoring in the 34th minute. Urso collected the ball on the left and sent in a cross to Dike but his header was straight at Turner for the save.

On a corner played short, the ball was played around the top of the box and eventually Urso ran it down in the left corner. He passed back to Moutinho, who curled in an inch-perfect cross for Nani to head home to make it 1-0 in the 39th minute. It was the captain’s 10th goal of the season and first since Aug. 7 at FC Cincinnati.

“This is our game. We need to cross the balls, we need to have the players in the box,” Nani said. “The more we cross, the more we have players in the box, we have a chance. We’ve been scoring a lot of goals like that. I think the first half was a great performance from the team. We controlled the game. We were on top of the New England team.”

Nani was shaken up on the play and got a nosebleed but was able to continue.

Orlando had a promising buildup three minutes after the goal that ended on Urso’s foot but the midfielder hit his shot over the bar.

New England won a late corner but committed a foul during the service and the first half ended with the Lions up a goal.

Orlando City led in shots (7-2), shots on target (3-0), possession (67.4%-32.6%), passing accuracy (90.2%-79.9%), and corners (3-2).

Bruce Arena sent Designated Players Buksa and Carles Gil on to start the second half, but unlike the last couple of matches, the Lions didn’t allow their opponents to dictate the game at the beginning of the second half. They did concede a set piece but nothing came of it. Instead, it was Orlando doubling the lead moments later.

Nani was fouled in the box by AJ DeLaGarza, who he had a spirited battle with all evening. Referee Chris Penso pointed to the spot, giving Orlando its third penalty against the Revs in the last three meetings between the teams. Pereyra appeared to be handing the ball to Mueller when Nani got involved and Dike ended up stepping to the spot.

“We players on the field, we are not sure who is going to take it. The players take the ball and ask the others (if they want to take it),” Nani said. “So, what I was telling them in that moment, I said, ‘Just take it. Don’t ask the others if they want to take it.’ Daryl (made) the decision and it was good for us.”

The big forward stepped up and slotted home past Turner just inside the right post to make it 2-0 in the 50th minute. It was Dike’s seventh goal of the season and the second-year player is now two-for-two on penalties.

Four minutes later, Orlando nearly made it 3-0 when a set piece delivery from Nani fell for Mueller at the near post. Mueller redirected it but Turner was able to make a diving save. In the 58th, Dike got to the end line and sent a ball toward the back post that was cleared off the line. It fell near Mueller, who swept it inches wide of the right post.

Just past the hour mark, New England sent on Designated Player Gustavo Bou and Tajon Buchanan to get more attackers on the field.

Orlando helped out the visitors by being more cautious in the attack, not wanting to allow the Revs a dangerous counter. Fewer players made runs in the attack and multiple players passed up opportunities to shoot when presented the opportunity and were eventually closed down after trying to work into a better position. Mendez did make a run to get forward in the 73rd minute and fizzed a cross through the 6-yard box, but no one made a back-post run.

“It’s not that we want to sit back and wait,” Pareja said of the late-game play tonight. “We wanted to control the game and when we have those opportunities, we want to just obviously put the game away.”

New England’s comeback started suddenly. Bou slowed play, lulled Orlando to sleep, and sent in a cross to Buksa who timed his run perfectly and got in behind, heading past Gallese in the 81st minute. The play was close, but looked to be onside.

“He’s a very strong player that’s really strong in the area, and we knew that coming into this game,” Gallese said of Buksa. “It caused problems for us tonight, so we know that we had issues, but we’re going to take a look at it, we’re going to fix it and get stronger moving forward.”

Michel got down the left side in the 83rd but didn’t shoot with his left and tried to dance around a defender. Instead, he ended up losing the ball and New England countered, ending in a shot by Buchanan that went just wide. DeJuan Jones then nearly equalized in the 86th minute but Gallese made a huge stop to preserve the lead for the moment.

Another ball up the left found Michel on the left in the 90th minute with Turner out of his goal. Rather than trying to chip the keeper from out wide, the winger carried into the box and got his shot blocked. The tying goal came three minutes later.

Jones got down the left and sent in a cross. Buksa made a run in between the center backs and got airborne before Schlegel could react. The much larger forward easily flicked in the cross to tie the game at 2-2 in the 93rd minute.

Buksa got another header opportunity in the 95th but missed the target or else the end could have gotten even more sour for Orlando.

The Lions finished with more shots (15-13) and shots on target (5-3), more possession (59.4%-40.6%), and better passing accuracy (88.2%-81.6%), while New England’s late flurry had the Revs ahead on corners (8-5).

“We faced a very strong team tonight,” Gallese said. “We came into those last 15 minutes and weren’t fully up to the task to take them on. In those last 15 minutes they were very direct, and we can learn from a few errors that cost us two points tonight. But moving forward, the thing that we need to realize is that this team is still very good. This team is still very strong. And we move on to the next one.”

“The proximity of the game doesn’t let us get too down,” Pareja said. “We have to move on and try to get the points in the three games that we have left.”

Orlando City will hit the road for the penultimate time in the regular season as the Lions head to Ohio to play the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.

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Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati

Get up to speed on FC Cincinnati, courtesy of some people who know the team best.

Published

15 hours ago

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August 14, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City endured a fairly disappointing Leagues Cup campaign over the past week and a half, but given how things went after making a run in the tournament last year, I can’t say I’m too upset about that. The Lions have a chance to get back to winning ways Saturday, but in order to do so they’ll need to avenge the 6-2 walloping they received at the hands of FC Cincinnati back in May.

A visit from Cincy means I spoke to the good people at the outstanding Cincinnati Soccer Talk. As always, they did a great job of helping us get up to speed on how things have been going for the Knifey Lions, and we appreciate their help.

FC Cincinnati has been scoring for fun this year, and its 45 goals scored is joint-most in the league alongside Miami. What has made the offense so potent?

Cincinnati Soccer Talk: Through 18 league play matches, these 45 goals translate into 2.5 per match, the highest in the league alongside Miami. A big reason is the influence of Evander, who leads the club with 11 goals and 10 assists through 17 matches. Other contributors have been Kevin Denkey with 11 scores, substitute Tom Barlow with six, Pavel Bucha and Kenji Mboma Dem with four (each), and several others. Essentially this means that while Evander has provided the creativity, drive, and orchestration, there have been other contributors that last year were just not present. Also, Evander, Denkey, and Bucha have now played together for at least a year and fully understand their roles and tactical positioning.   

In a nutshell, what stands out tactically is that Cincinnati can hurt opponents in multiple ways:

  • Quick transition attacks.
  • Aggressive wingback play (which is only now starting to bear fruit).
  • Dangerous service into the box.
  • Midfield progression through players like Evander and Bucha.
  • A willingness to commit numbers forward. 

The 6-2 victory over Orlando earlier this season was a perfect example. FCC repeatedly exploited space behind Orlando’s defense and punished mistakes in transition. 

The irony is that many of the same traits that make FCC dangerous offensively also contribute to the team’s defensive issues. There is no one reason why this has been a huge headache for Pat Noonan but a combination of injuries, underperforming of players such as Teenage Hadebe, aging players (e.g., Nick Hagglund), a midfield that left too much space and gave the ball away in dangerous situations (e.g., Obi Nwobodo not starting due to injury or other reasons), and wingbacks that either didn’t cover back fast enough or were exploited because of their lack of defensive skills relative to other wingbacks in the league, have contributed to the poor form of the back line.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t check in on Kyle Smith, who was a cult favorite in Orlando for a long time. How has he been doing this season?

CST: Kyle has been a substitute for the most part but has started when the team had to plug holes due to injury or congested schedules that forced rotation. He has played in 14 matches, logging 768 minutes (54.9 minutes per match). He is more of a veteran (in a) rotational role rather than an automatic starter. He plays one of three center backs in Nonna’s system (his preferred tactical lineup) and is seen as someone who can provide veteran leadership and dependability. Even if FCC has struggled defensively, he does bring experienced depth, but his lack of speed at times has been a liability. The bottom line is that he does his job but many don’t see him as the solution to FCC’s back line problems.

This is a team that both scores and concedes a lot of goals, Cincinnati games are never boring! Based on what you’ve seen up to this point, what should the minimum expectations be for the rest of the year?

CST: Minimum is making the playoffs. FCC sits sixth in the Eastern Conference and is already in a playoff spot. Missing the postseason from this position would not only be a major disappointment but would trigger all manner of questions around roster, talent, coaching, and front office. A lot of money has been spent on the roster (not all of it has resulted in expected performance from certain players and injuries have also added to that lack of performance) and ownership (not to mention the fan base) would want answers. 

A realistic expectation is at least one home playoff match, but we are also cognizant of the fact that this could disappear unless improvements are made in the back line. The attack is strong enough to push the team into the upper half of the Eastern bracket, possibly challenging for a top-four finish nut only if defensive performances improve. This version of FCC has only had two clean sheets in league play, which compares to five last year at this stage of the season. 

If FCC can become just average, defensively speaking, and that is a big if at the moment without new acquisitions, the attack is good enough to make them a dangerous playoff team that nobody may want to face.

Will anyone be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

CST: As of today, only Dado Valenzuela won’t be available because of a two-match ban due to a red card in the Hell is Real match against the Columbus Crew on July 25. No injuries have been reported, so Noonan should have the full roster (other than Valenzuela) to form his lineup. 

Possible lineup would be: Roman Celentano; Samuel Gidi, Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson; Bryan Ramirez, Ender Echenique, Pavel Bucha, Obi Nwobodo, Evander; Kevin Denke, Kenji Mboma Dem.

We’d like to think Andrei Chirila, who has been performing well as a left center back, would get the call, but with Antoine Greizmann in the lineup, Noonan may decide for experience, especially given the porous back line FCC currently has.

This could be a high-scoring match or both teams, knowing their defensive weaknesses, might decide to play it safe and not risk too much. We believe a draw is very possible, either 2-2 or 3-3 (but we wouldn’t be surprised if FCC loses).

Thank you to the good people over at CST for the excellent refresher on Cincinnati. Vamos Orlando!

Image of the famous "The more you know" graphic from TV.
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Lion Links: 8/14/26

Tahir Reid-Brown traded to St. Louis City, Orlando City unveils new kit, Lions host FC Cincinnati Saturday night, and more.

Published

19 hours ago

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August 14, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a hectic week, but we’ve thankfully reached the tail end of it and there’s plenty of Orlando soccer awaiting us tomorrow. Beyond working and keeping every finger crossed for Orlando’s teams on Saturday, I plan on catching up on the new season of Ted Lasso. But for now, let’s get to the links!

Tahir Reid-Brown Traded to St. Louis City

Orlando City traded defender Tahir Reid-Brown to St. Louis City in exchange for $150,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money, with another $300,000 in GAM heading Orlando’s way if conditions are met. The 20-year-old climbed the ranks of Orlando’s academy over the years and was signed as the club’s 15th Homegrown Player in January of 2024. Bernardo Rhein’s rise to the first team limited Reid-Brown’s playing time, so hopefully he’ll be able to get more minutes and continue to improve in St. Louis.

Orlando City Reveals New Third Kit

Orlando City unveiled its new “Orlando Original” kit, which is the club’s first third kit since joining MLS. The design is a nice mix of elements from Orlando’s USL days and the city’s hosting of 1994 FIFA World Cup games, while paying tribute to the original Orlando Lions. I didn’t expect it to be quite as red as it is, but I like it, along with the soccer ball pattern that mirrors the match ball from that World Cup. The logo is a bit odd and the sponsor being on the lower back of the kit even odder, but I’m excited to see what it looks like when the Lions wear them on Saturday. Speaking of which…

Orlando City Hosts FC Cincinnati on Saturday

The Lions are back in action on Saturday with a home game against FC Cincinnati in one of the more enticing MLS matchups this weekend. Both teams have conceded goals like a sieve this season, setting up a potential shootout given the talented attacking players expected to take the field. Antoine Griezmann has improved the Lions since joining this summer and hopefully forwards like Marco Pasalic, Justin Ellis, and Daryl Dike can step up and give Orlando an edge against a Cincinnati offense that boasts Evander, Kevin Denkey, and Pavel Bucha.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The Houston Dynamo are reportedly set to transfer Ezequiel Ponce to Elche in La Liga. Houston signed Ponce for a club-record transfer fee in 2024 and he led Houston with 10 goals last season. However, he has yet to score this season despite starting in 17 games. His departure should open the door even wider for former Lion Duncan McGuire to make an impact.

🟠 Sources: Elche finalizing a deal to acquire forward Ezequiel Ponce from the Houston Dynamo.Dynamo acquired Duncan McGuire earlier this summer, the current starter at center forward.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-08-13T17:21:04.138Z

Elsewhere in the league, the New England Revolution bolstered their defense by adding Tylon Smith on loan from Queens Park Rangers, LAFC signed 23-year-old forward Armando Sieb from Bayern Munich, and midfielder Aziel Jackson is already back in MLS on loan with Minnesota United from Jagiellonia Bialystok. Rangers reportedly made a $10 million bid for Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy, who has scored nine goals so far this season.

🇻🇪 Sources: Rangers submit a bid in the region of $10m for Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy.Timbers aren't looking to sell and Kelsy isn't pushing to leave. The 22-year-old Venezuela int'l has 9g/2a in 994 mins this season.Rangers not the only club tracking him.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-08-13T22:41:05.904Z

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That’s all I have for you this time. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Atletico de San Luis: Five Takeaways

Here’s what we learned from Orlando City’s draw with San Luis.

Published

2 days ago

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August 13, 2026

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Image of Tiago celebrating a goal with Justin Ellis against Atlanta.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper.

Orlando City hosted Atletico San Luis in the third Leagues Cup match at Inter.co Stadium Wednesday night. The match ended in a 2-2 draw with the Lions winning the shootout 5-3. It was a match between a team that was already eliminated and one that was all but eliminated. Naturally, that meant multiple goals scored. Here are my five takeaways from the match.

Everyone Gets a Start

If you’ve been starting regularly for Orlando City, then you get a break because this starting lineup was full of youngsters, the recently returned, and the positionally displaced. Given that the Lions needed to win by at least four goals and get help from other results to advance in the tournament, resting the regular starters was probably the best decision interim head coach Martin Perelman has made since taking over. It’s no secret I’m not a fan of Leagues Cup — U.S. Open Cup for life — so I’m not heartbroken that the Lions get to focus on the regular season and the Open Cup.

Dike Strikes

It had been1,723 days (or about four years, eight months, and 20 days) since Daryl Dike last scored a goal for Orlando City. It’s also been that long since his last start for the Lions. That all changed when he started Wednesday’s match and then put in the first goal of the night. In the 31st minute of the match, Tiago’s header was spilled by the keeper right to the feet of Dike, who calmly put it in the back of the net. It’s the type of goal that a prototypical striker like Dike gets in position to make. It was his 20th goal as a Lion with many more hopefully to come.

El Capitan Cartagena

Wilder Cartagena was given the captain’s armband to start the match and he did his usual good job as a defensive midfielder, making things difficult for the opposition, stopping attacks before they could develop. When needed, his was in his own box blocking shots, or on the other end putting in service for the offense, such as the cross to Tiago that eventually resulted in Dike’s goal. He was also six inches from a banger of a goal in the first half, but the goalkeeper got a piece and it deflected off the outside of the left post.

Terrific Tiago

Tiago was everywhere on the left side of the attack for Orlando City. He was causing all kinds of problems for the San Luis defense. The Brazilian youngster made end line runs to put in crosses, provided passes into the box, and had the header that Dike put into the back of the net. He also provided the assist to Justin Ellis for the second goal of the match. He made a run down the left into the box, turned, found Ellis coming across from the right, and put the ball right on his head. It was an excellent match for the Brazilian.

Griezmann Needs to be Greedy

Antione Griezmann should not have been on the pitch. There was no good reason for him to make an appearance in this match other than he probably wanted to do so. Sadly, he had two opportunities to score after coming on but was decidedly too unselfish. I get that he is trying to raise the level of play for his teammates, but this is Orlando City not Atletico Madrid. The level of his teammates is not the same. The first instance he had a one on one with the keeper on the left and tried to square it to Ellis who had defenders around him rather than taking the shot himself. The second time was when Gustavo Caraballo forced the keeper to come almost all the way out to midfield to stop a breakaway. Griezmann followed up the challenge and had the opportunity to put in a long distance shot over the retreating keeper. Instead, he squared the ball to absolutely nobody, turning it over, which ended with the equalizer from San Luis. Hopefully, it’s a lesson learned for the veteran.

That is what I saw in Orlando City’s draw with Atletico de San Luis. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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