Connect with us

Orlando City

Top 10 Moments of 2021: Orlando City Rallies Twice in Comeback Win vs. Atlanta United

Published

3 years ago

on

As we count down to the new year of 2022 — which will be Orlando City’s eighth in MLS and the Orlando Pride’s seventh in the NWSL — and say goodbye to 2021, it’s time to look back at the club’s 10 best moments of the year.

It was July 30 and the hated Five Stripes of Atlanta United were visiting Exploria Stadium to take on Orlando City. The Lions were coming off a humiliating 5-0 loss at New York City FC. It was the team’s worst loss under Oscar Pareja and the worst defeat since 2017. To make matters worse, starting goalkeeper Pedro Gallese picked up a knock in the game that had him out for the rivalry match-up against Atlanta United.

The Lions were also missing Sebas Mendez to injury and Daryl Dike to Gold Cup duty.

Atlanta had gotten off to a poor start in 2021 and had just fired manager Gabriel Heinze 12 days earlier. Former USL Lion Rob Valentino was the interim coach and in fact was partly responsible for the Five Stripes turning their season around enough to reach the postseason.

With Gallese unavailable, Homegrown goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was tabbed for his first MLS start. Stajduhar’s career path to his first start was a long and arduous one. The club’s fourth Homegrown signing back in November of 2015, the academy product and Salem, MA native has been buried on Orlando’s depth chart and has dealt with not only lengthy injury absences, but also battled a 2017 diagnosis of a form of bone cancer called Localized Ewing Sarcoma. It seemed incredible that Stajduhar was finally getting his chance after all that he’d been through.

It was hardly a storybook beginning for Stajduhar in his first start.

A wayward cross by Ruan was cut out by the visitors, who broke the other way in transition. The ball ended up on the foot of Brooks Lennon on the right. Lennon crossed to Josef Martinez outside the area and the Atlanta Designated Player smashed a shot off the right post that caromed just inside the left post for a goal in the game’s first minute. There was nothing Stajduhar could do about it.

Orlando should have pulled that goal back two minutes later but Ruan could not deliver an accurate cross to Benji Michel who had shaken free in the box and needed only to get a touch to tap home the equalizer. Unfortunately, Ruan’s cross had too much pace on it and it skipped past the front of the charging Michel.

Stajduhar made a big save on Erik Lopez in the 16th minute to keep Atlanta from doubling its lead. Five minutes later, Alec Kann denied Michel with a sprawling one-armed save. The back-and-forth first half continued over the next several minutes with each side missing a free header off a set piece. Michel had a couple more opportunities but struggled with his touch in the match, wasting a couple of good scoring chances.

But the Lions got on level footing in the 43rd minute. Ruan forced a save from Kann from a tight angle that won Orlando a corner. Nani delivered a good ball to the penalty spot. Kyle Smith shook free of his mark, ducked low to meet the cross, and headed home for his first MLS goal, tying the match at 1-1.

Chris Mueller nearly gave Orlando the lead at the death of the first half but Kann made a vital save and the teams went to the break knotted at one goal apiece.

Orlando had the better of the play in the first half but couldn’t make the final ball count and that continued to start the second half. The Lions won some early set pieces and Mauricio Pereyra had an open look but couldn’t get his effort on target.

Atlanta regained the lead against the run of play in the 66th minute. The Lions turned over the ball in the midfield when Pereyra let a ball run through for Nani but the captain wasn’t far enough up the pitch to get to it in time and Atlanta regained possession and went on the attack. Working up the left side, then crossed to Marcelino Moreno at the top of the box. Nani couldn’t close him down in time to prevent a shot and Moreno scorched a blast into the upper right corner to make it 2-1.

Oscar Pareja got some offensive substitutes on the field shortly after the Moreno goal, sending on Silvester van der Water and Tesho Akindele — who had played in a Gold Cup match in Texas the night before — in the 74th minute and withdrawing Uri Rosell and Mueller. The subs paid dividends quickly.

Just five minutes after being introduced, van der Water equalized. Pereyra gathered the ball in the middle of the pitch just outside the area and chipped a pass to his left over the defense to Michel. The Homegrown winger headed across the front of goal and van der Water dove low to head the ball past Kann to make it 2-2 in the 79th minute.

Atlanta withdrew Martinez in the 83rd minute as part of a double change and perhaps the visitors were willing to settle for the road point, but the Lions had other ideas.

Just moments later, it was van der Water again impacting the game, as he cut back to the top of the box on the left and sent in a cross. Nani timed his run well, got in behind his defender, and headed home to make it 3-2 in the 87th minute.

Orlando City saw out the final couple of minutes and five more in stoppage time and claimed the victory.

It was just Orlando’s second home win over Atlanta in the all-time series and it carried with it a much-needed three points. But the look on Martinez’s face when Nani scored was perhaps the most satisfying part of all.

Stajduhar was mostly well-shielded by his teammates on the night, having only had to make one save in the match, although it was a good one. The two goals were too well-placed to do much of anything about. After a long and difficult road to his first MLS game, and the roaring start Atlanta got off to, it was satisfying to see the young Homegrown goalkeeper get the win.

The victory kicked off a seven-match unbeaten run in league play (3-0-4), with just a 1-0 Leagues Cup loss in the mix during that span. It was an important (and gutsy) victory, a rivalry win, an emotional one for Orlando’s young goalkeeper, and a worthy moment of being ranked No. 3 in our countdown.

Come back through New Year’s Eve as we count down the remainder of Orlando City SC’s top 10 moments of 2021.

Previous Top 10 Moments of 2021

10. Orlando City takes part in the club’s first international competition against Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the Leagues Cup.

9. Orlando Pride get only their second win ever against Portland as Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux lead the way.

8. Orlando City opens the 2021 MLS season with a club-record six-match unbeaten streak.

7. Orlando Pride start the 2021 NWSL season with a club-record seven-game unbeaten run.

6. Orlando City gets late Daryl Dike goal to beat D.C. United in the 97th minute to end slide and restart playoff push.

5. Orlando Pride end slide and rekindle their playoff hopes with 2-0 road win over the Chicago Red Stars, giving interim coach Becky Burleigh her first NWSL win.

4. Lions smash San Jose Earthquakes 5-0 to equal their most lopsided MLS win behind braces from Benji Michel and Daryl Dike.

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

22 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