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Orlando City vs. Inter Miami: Five Takeaways

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3 years ago

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Well that was fun! It might haven taken a bit more time to become fun than we were hoping for, but it wouldn’t be an Orlando City victory without some late drama (especially late, thanks to the weather delay). What follows are my five takeaways from last night’s 1-0 victory over Inter Miami.

A Bit Anticlimatic…at First

After a weather delay that lasted for nearly two-and-a-half hours due to storms in the area, the assembled masses inside Exploria Stadium were ravenous when the 10:25 p.m. kickoff finally rolled around. The atmosphere remained excellent for the rest of the match, but the play on the field itself couldn’t quite match it. It was wide open at times, with plenty of spaces in midfield for both teams to exploit, but each team couldn’t work more than two great chances on the night. Miami’s came early, and only Pedro Gallese’s face prevented the Lions from being in another early hole. Orlando’s best opportunity was in the 58th minute, but Benji Michel couldn’t make a solid connection on Ruan’s cross. Other than that, it was a mostly anticlimactic affair until the dying embers of the match.

Physicality Ruled the Night

Part of the reason for the slightly underwhelming product on the pitch was the high level of physicality that took place during the match. There were 31 fouls committed on the night, with Orlando responsible for 12 and Miami supplying the other 19. Mauricio Pereyra, in particular, took a beating from the Miami players, and it was pretty clear that he was not only being man-marked, but was the target of intentionally rougher play. Credit to Miami, because it helped stop Orlando from generating good looks at goal and the Herons never had to stop because only one yellow card was given to them — to Bryce Duke for fouling Rodrigo Schlegel. The visitors had the better of the opening minutes of play largely due to their physicality, but once Orlando adjusted and responded in kind the game evened out more.

Trouble in the Final Third

Once the Lions settled in, they were able to create some good passages of play. A lot of the attacking threat came down the right hand side, but Orlando also enjoyed multiple spells of possession with the ball in the attacking third of the field. The problem is that OCSC wasn’t able to generate good chances from that possession. The final ball either didn’t find its intended target or was never played at all, and while Orlando took eight shots on the night, only three came from inside the box and only Benji’s attempt from Ruan’s cross can be considered a truly good opportunity. Something still isn’t quite right in attack, and it looks like the team could really use another piece or two.

Araujo Shines

Cesar Araujo was excellent in this game. He passed with 84% accuracy, including a key pass, and made a whopping eight tackles — five more than the next closest player, Schlegel. He also drew nine of the 19 fouls Miami committed on the night, many of which were due to his craftiness and clever body positioning. On more than one occasion he had the awareness to put his body in the right place to win a foul and alleviate pressure for the hosts in the process. He was everywhere and was absolutely spectacular in the process. His signing continues to look like a better piece of business with every passing second, and if he somehow adds even a whiff of a goal-scoring dimension to his game, then watch the hell out.

Cardiac Cats Find a Way

As time ticked down in this one I was not expecting an Orlando City victory. The good guys simply hadn’t created enough danger and a draw seemed inevitable. Then Damion Lowe bundled home Jake Mulraney’s cross and the Lions got a massively needed three points at home. There were still roughly two minutes of stoppage time to see out as well, and Orlando did so professionally. Seeing young Mikey Halliday win the ball in midfield, look up and spot Araujo ahead of him and instead calmly play the ball back to his fellow defender was absolutely wonderful to see. It wasn’t a game Orlando outright deserved three points from, but sometimes you just have to find a way to get the job done, and that’s what happened late Saturday night.

For a few quick closing thoughts…Junior Urso looked much better to me last night than he has in recent games. The two scything runs through the defense he made were nothing short of spectacular, and it’s a shame he couldn’t get a goal to round one of them off. It also felt like Orlando finally got some luck to go its way this year. Between the injury to Gaston Gonzalez, the phantom handball in Chicago, questionable officiating in Austin and more, it’s sometimes felt like the Lions simply can’t catch a break. Saturday night, OCSC finally had a lucky bounce go its way, and it feels nice to be on the other side of things.

That’s how I saw this one. What did you make of last night’s match? Be sure to have your say down in the comments. Vamos Orlando!

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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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20 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

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

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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