Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Five Takeaways
After a brutal loss in Montreal a week ago and a midweek home U.S. Open Cup win against the Philadelphia Union, there was plenty of uncertainty what kind of Orlando City team would show up for a regular-season road match against Toronto FC. Prior to the Open Cup match, the Lions had a forgettable three-game stretch in which they lost twice, attempted only 12 total shots, and managed to get just five on target.
But Orlando controlled just about the entire match in Toronto during Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Reds. The goal didn’t come until stoppage time, but at least it did come.
Here are my takeaways from the match:
The Shots Returned
After attempting three, seven, and two shots in the matches against the New York Red Bulls, Charlotte FC, and Montreal, respectively, Orlando City fired 17 times, putting six of them on target. That was more shot attempts and more shots on target in one match than the Lions had in their previous three league games combined. The quality of some of those shots can certainly be debated, but it’s clear that there was a concerted effort by Orlando to send more balls at goal. Mauricio Pereyra, Junior Urso, and Joao Moutinho each attempted three shots in the match.
Suspect Crossing Quality
While it was good to see the Lions attempting more shots, that was somewhat to be expected as they controlled most of the tempo and possession. The quality of the chances created, however, was a bit suspect at times and that’s because the crossing left a lot to be desired. Orlando City attempted 22 crosses in the match, but only five of them were accurate. Fullbacks Ruan and Moutinho combined to attempt five crosses without a single connection. Facundo Torres wasn’t much better, connecting on only one of five attempts. Three of the team’s five accurate crosses came from Pereyra, who attempted seven — not a bad rate, but the wide players must be better to generate chances for Ercan Kara, who is a big, active target in the box. Kara only managed one shot attempt, owing largely to a failure to get him the ball. The Designated Player managed only 17 touches in more than an hour. Some of that is on him, but a lot of it is his teammates not getting him the ball.
The best cross of the match was the last one, when Alexandre Pato set up Kyle Smith’s winning goal with a dangerous, low ball with pace off a corner kick.
Corner Kick Follies
For some reason, Orlando City is in love with the short corner. Whether that owes to a height discrepancy in the box (aside from Kara) or some other reason, I’m not sure, but the team has been comically bad at short corners. At Toronto on Saturday, there was one short corner where the team didn’t even complete the first pass of the play and Toronto was gifted a counter-attack opportunity. I semi-jokingly rant about short corners on Twitter often (#BanShortCorners). There are certain times and opponents when they make more sense than a traditional delivery into the area. However, until the Lions get better at them, they should be shelved. Perhaps they’re coming off well in training? If so, the team has to start showing that on the pitch against opposing competition. Corner kicks should be scoring chances for your team, not the opposition. Height isn’t the only requirement to succeeding on a corner kick. Smith wasn’t the tallest Lion on the pitch for the winning set piece but he got himself free and executed, and Pato sent him a great ball. More of this, please.
Tired Bear?
I was shocked to see Junior Urso go the full 90 minutes because he was a bit off all game long after playing an outstanding full game in the midweek win over Philadelphia. For the second game in a row, Oscar Pareja deployed Urso as a winger — at least to start. The Bear still turned in his usual hard-working performance and did a lot of useful things, but his touch was off all day and it wrecked several outstanding scoring chances. One heavy touch prevented him from finding teammates during a 3-v-1 transition opportunity. Another heavy touch ruined a great buildup that started with Robin Jansson’s lung-busting run through the entire TFC squad. Urso also failed to get a sitter on target with no goalkeeper in front of him on a nice pass from Ruan. Instead of coming off, Urso instead was moved into the central midfield box-to-box role when Jake Mulraney replaced Andres Perea.
Unusual Substitution Pattern Works
Pareja’s sub pattern was a bit different in this one, but it ultimately worked well. Mulraney entering for Perea was essentially like-for-like because he took up a wing spot and Urso moved from wing to the No. 8 role. After that, things got a little less conventional. In the 76th minute, Pato and Smith came in for Kara and Torres. This was somewhat like-for-like with Ruan pushing up into a winger role, but not precisely. Pato is a much different forward than Kara and dropped deeper to get involved in the match. Ruan didn’t become a conventional winger, however. as Smith served as a de facto third center back and the two fullbacks moved up into wingback roles, changing the team’s shape. This served to calm down a game that had become more open at the start of the second half when Toronto subbed Ayo Akinola on for Ralph Priso. Other than that, not too much changed, although Pato and Smith combined on the match-winning play.
The final sub was definitely not like-for-like as Sebas Mendez came on for Pereyra. Without a true backup No. 10 on the team, that role was filled by a combination of Pato and Urso. It was unconventional, but it worked, and credit to Pareja for thinking a bit outside the box.
Those are the things that stuck out to me in the win in Toronto. What did you see? Let me know in the comments.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/14/24
MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.
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.
- According to The Athletic ($) MLS is investigating an incident involving Taylor Twellman in which he allegedly made physical contact with an audio engineer earlier this month.
- Hector Herrera was fined and suspended for an additional two matches for spitting at an official. The Houston Dynamo declined his contract option, so we’ll see if that suspension ever gets served if he returns to MLS.
- This week’s AFC World Cup qualifying action is highlighted by a pivotal match between Saudi Arabia and Australia.
- For some reason, a Real Madrid theme park has opened in the United Arab Emirates. It includes 40 rides themed after Real Madrid, including the Middle East’s first wooden roller coaster.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/13/24
Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.
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.
- Jude Bellingham’s younger brother, Jobe, may make a move to La Liga giant Real Madrid.
- The USMNT’s Gio Reyna is still nursing a mystery injury at Borussia Dortmund.
- 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!
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.
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.
- The U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team battled Argentina to a scoreless draw at the Deaf Pan American Games on Monday, but fortunately advanced in the tournament due to a coin flip tiebreaker. The U.S. will play either Brazil or Mexico in the semifinal.
- Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended due to a social media video that seemed to show him making negative marks about Jurgen Klopp.
- Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who wants to bring in his own assistants.
- Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are among a whopping eight players who have pulled out of England’s UEFA Nations League squad due to injury.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
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