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Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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3 years ago

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Orlando City was completely outplayed by the New York Red Bulls this weekend in a 3-0 loss. It was the team’s third loss in six home games this year, and the worst performance by the team this season.

Here’s how I saw Orlando City’s individual performances.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 5.5 — The Peruvian international has had an excellent season so far this year, recording five clean sheets. This game was the second time he’s given up at least three goals, with the other being a 4-2 loss to LAFC. One of Gallese’s three saves occurred just before the half on Ashley Fletcher’s effort that appeared to be going in. It was an excellent stop that kept the game at 1-0, but a poor defensive and offensive effort resulted in the Red Bulls running away with the game. In terms of distribution, Gallese had 27 passes at an 81% success rate and was accurate on five of his 10 long balls. The goals weren’t all Gallese’s fault, but conceding three times is not a game Gallese will want to remember.

D, Joao Moutinho, 5 — While Moutinho wasn’t at his best, he did get involved in the attack. He completed 76.5% of his 34 passes, including a key pass, and completed one of his two crosses. However, too often Moutinho pulled the ball back after beating a man, forcing him to beat the same player again. That resulted in the team losing possession on multiple occasions in a bad position. Defensively, the left back had six tackles, one blocked shot, and committed one foul.

D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 5.5 – Schlegel was the most active of the Orlando City defenders in this game. He led the team with three interceptions, two blocked shots, and 12 clearances while also adding four tackles. Additionally, Schlegel was second on the team with 80 touches, completed 80.7% of his 57 passes, had a key pass, and even got a shot off late that went just wide of goal. However, he and Jansson were at fault for the second goal, losing their men on the counter.

D, Robin Jansson, 5 — A regular starter for Orlando City, Jansson wasn’t quite as effective defensively as Schlegel but was better attacking. The Swede had one tackle, three interceptions, five clearances, and one blocked shot. He was also good going forward, completing 92.2% of his 51 passes, including an excellent long ball late in the game. However, he lost his man on the second goal, largely being at fault.

D, Ruan, 4.5 — Ruan is often one of the most effective players for Orlando City but wasn’t as involved in this one. He only completed 71.1% of his 38 passes and one of his two crosses. Defensively, Ruan didn’t have any tackles, blocked shots, or interceptions, and only had two clearances. Overall, it was one of the least impactful games for the Brazilian since joining Orlando City.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 5.5 (MotM) — Araujo lined up in his usual position right in front of the back four. He was involved in the defensive effort, recording three tackles, one interception, two clearances, and one blocked shot. Going forward, the Uruguayan had a team-high 83 touches and completed 95.3% of his 64 passes, although he didn’t have any key passes.

MF, Junior Urso, 4.5 — Urso is usually a key part of the Orlando City attack, providing a link between the defense and midfield. He wasn’t as involved in this game as he usually is, completing 78.3% of only 23 passes. He didn’t have much of a defensive impact either, ending his 45 minutes of action with one tackle, one interception, and two clearances.

MF, Facundo Torres, 4 — Like many Orlando City players, Torres wasn’t very effective in this game. The attacker completed 80% of his 30 passes and failed to complete his lone cross. He also didn’t take any shots and didn’t have any key passes.

MF, Mauricio Pereyra, 4 — The Orlando City attack usually goes through the team’s captain, but Pereyra wasn’t very good in this one. He only completed 72.7% of his 55 passes and didn’t have any key passes. He attempted three crosses but none reached their target. Like Torres, Pereyra didn’t have any shots in the match.

MF, Alexandre Pato, 4 — It’s hard to give Pato such a low grade, but this was unquestionably his worst game this year. Usually one of the Lions’ biggest threats offensively, Pato was non-existent in this one. The Brazilian only had 22 touches and completed 42.6% of his 13 passes in 45 minutes of play. His one cross was quality but didn’t connect with Ercan Kara and he didn’t take any shots. Pato did have one interception and clearance but it was an overall poor performance.

FW, Ercan Kara, 4.5 — The role of a striker is to create chances and score goals. Kara did neither in this game. He has one of the team’s three shots and didn’t come close to scoring. The Austrian only completed 64.3% of his 14 passes and none were considered key passes. He did help out a little defensively, recording two tackles and a clearance, but it was a rough showing by Kara.

Substitutes

DF, Thomas Williams (46’), 5 — The 17-year-old Homegrown Player played the whole second half. It was the most MLS minutes for Williams since joining the first team. Williams’ only defensive statistic was one tackle. He completed 79.2% of his 24 passes but none were key passes. He had one poor turnover while trying to take on a man 1-v-1 near midfield that could have cost Orlando a goal.

MF, Benji Michel, (46’), 4.5 — Michel came on at halftime to provide some speed and spread out a New York defense that was clogging the middle of the field. However, he found it difficult to get into the game, completing 90% of just 10 passes, recording 15 touches, and not taking any shots.

MF, Sebas Mendez (82’), N/A — Mendez came on late to help stabilize the team, though the result was pretty much guaranteed. Mendez did nothing defensively and didn’t create anything offensively, but did complete all 11 passes, which accounted for all of his touches. With only eight minutes of playing time (plus stoppage) there wasn’t enough time for him to earn a grade.

FW, Silvester van der Water (82’), N/A — Like Mendez, Van der Water came on late as the Lions looked to get something from the game. However, like pretty much everyone else, he was unsuccessful. The forward completed his only pass and had one unsuccessful cross. But he didn’t get any shots off and committed a foul in his limited appearance.

FW, Jack Lynn (88’), N/A — This game gave Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja an opportunity to give Lynn his senior team debut. The rookie was drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft and has been playing this year for OCB. He was only on for a few minutes and only had two touches.

This is how I saw Orlando City’s 3-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls. Let us know what you thought of the players and make sure to vote for your Man of the Match below.

Polling Closed

PlayerVotes
Pedro Gallese2
Cesar Araujo9
Rodrigo Schlegel12
Other (Let us know who in the comments)5

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/14/24

MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.

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4 hours ago

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November 14, 2024

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions

Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.

Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.

Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50

ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.

Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year

The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.

USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/13/24

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.

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1 day ago

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November 13, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions on International Duty

Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.

The NWSL Playoffs Continue

The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.

NWSL Award Voting Open

The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.

Pepi is Ready

The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.

Free Kicks

  • In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
  • England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
  • The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
  • Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
  • We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
  • We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
  • Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/12/24

Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.

Published

2 days ago

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November 12, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City’s Playoff Path

It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.

What to Watch For With the USMNT

It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.

Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States

The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.

Free Kicks

  • NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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