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Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC: Five Takeaways

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3 years ago

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Orlando City hosted Charlotte FC for the first-ever match between the two clubs. It was Orlando City’s last MLS home match before an upcoming three-match road trip in league play, sandwiched around a May 10 home U.S. Open Cup game vs. the Philadelphia Union.

With the Lions coming off a difficult loss to the New York Red Bulls, the 2-1 victory over their Eastern Conference opponent was just what the doctor ordered. Here are our five takeaways from the match.

The Flash Factor

Ruan is known as one of the faster players in MLS and he showed that off in more ways than one against Charlotte FC. He was a menace on the right side of the pitch for the opponents, and ultimately made them pay with a goal and an assist. His assist could have been a second goal, but he smartly and generously passed the ball over to Facundo Torres instead.

He still needs work on his crosses, as the two he put in the air went right to Charlotte’s keeper, Kristijan Kahlina. However, the crosses that stayed on the ground were more effective and caused trouble for the Charlotte defenders. It was his best match of the season, and one of his best as a Lion.

The Beefy Swede Attacks

Ruan wasn’t the only Orlando City defender to get in on the attack. Robin Jansson made his presence known, pushing forward, creating chances and ultimately getting an assist. On the first goal, Jansson moved up through the midfield, provided the pass to Benji Michel on the left, maintained his run, and re-directed the cross to Ruan for the goal. He also had a shot of his own from a set piece, though he wasn’t able to convert the chance. Jansson’s ability to provide accurate long balls, and also press forward into the attack on the ground adds another attacking dimension for the Lions.

Tons of Torres

Torres brought a bunch of good stuff to the match against Charlotte FC, and honestly I don’t think it was close to all he can potentially do. Of course, the Uruguayan kept up with the speedy Ruan to score the second goal of the match. He also provided chances for his teammates, helped out on defense, and ranged all over the pitch in his efforts. This is how he plays best, and is why Pareja brought him in. They knew what type of player he is, and his style is being integrated into Pareja’s attack. He always seems to be on the ball, or moving to a good space to receive it. All that is needed now is more time for him to get even better.

Seeing Yellow

The Lions received three yellow cards in the match. I use the word received as I don’t think all of them were earned. After scoring the first goal of the match, Ruan made his way to the Orlando City bench, took out a costume Flash mask and put it on to celebrate his goal. He was booked for doing so. In a league where if a supporter gives you a cowboy hat or sunglasses to celebrate, or if your head is wrapped in a bandage and you act like a mummy, providing your own props is evidently worthy of a yellow card. Fortunately, the card didn’t come back to haunt Ruan in this match, though it does add to his count.

The second yellow was Rodrigo Schlegel’s penalty that wasn’t a penalty and gave Charlotte FC its only goal of the match. It was at worst a soft foul that Alan Franco sold, but I don’t think it was worthy of a foul, a penalty, or a yellow card. Obviously, that one hurt, taking away Orlando City’s clean sheet. Jansson’s card late in second half stoppage time also hurt as he will now miss the next match at CF Montréal and came at the end of a play that should have resulted in an Orlando free kick in the attacking third, as Torres was held back by a defender who he’d beaten. Get ready to see what Thomas Williams can do for 90 minutes.

A Tale of Two Halves

Orlando City did well to weather Charlotte’s initial energy in the match, taking control and scoring the two goals. The Lions looked like the protagonists that Óscar Pareja wants his players to be. The passing was much improved from the previous match, three of the four shots were on target, and the Lions did what was needed on defense.

In the second half, Charlotte looked more lively, and was able to pressure Orlando City more effectively. Orlando City only managed one shot on target out of three attempts in the second half, and didn’t look quite as crisp. Regardless, the Lions were able to see it out in the end.

That is what I took away from the win over Charlotte FC. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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19 hours ago

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June 5, 2025

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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.

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

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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.

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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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.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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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.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

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

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