Orlando City
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Player Grades and Man of the Match
Orlando City hosted the New England Revolution Saturday night in Exploria Stadium. The Revolution were riding a six match winless streak, and the best cure for that is playing Orlando City. Despite having more possession and more shots, the Lions were once again unable to find the back of the net, whereas New England finished three of their five shots on goal.
Let’s take a look at how each Lion performed individually in the 3-0 loss.
Starters
GK, Pedro Gallese, 6.5 — One thinks that a keeper has a bad match when giving up three goals. I’ll grant it’s not great, but when the defensive positioning allows runs in between defenders on all three of the goals, the keeper is not at fault. The only goal he even had a chance of stopping was the third one, and he got a hand on it, but it wasn’t enough. Gallese had to make a big save in the fifth minute of stoppage time on a long distance shot to prevent things from getting worse.
D, João Moutinho, 6 — Joao did well getting into the attack and not giving up much on the defense in the first half, though he did have a giveaway in Orlando’s defensive third in the 10th minute but nothing came of it for New England. He was good on his crosses with nine total on the night, though none were converted. Defensively, he only made one clearance, but was active up and down the right wing. Of course, the Revolution’s attack did come up his side of the pitch.
D, Robin Jansson, 6 — Jansson was his normal steady self for most of the game. Throughout the match he made his usual runs into the offense and completed four of six long balls in the match. He also had three tackles, one interception, and two clearances. It was a typical match for the Beefy Swede.
D, Antônio Carlos, 5.5 — This was definitely not one of Carlos’ better outings for Orlando City. Like Jansson, he wasn’t able to clog up the middle of the box to defend the scoring runs of New England. He also earned a yellow card in the sixth minute of play, though that didn’t seem to hamper his play. In the second half his failed clearance attempt resulted in the corner that produced New England’s third goal. This was not a great one from Orlando City’s best center back.
D, Ruan, 5.5 — Ruan did Ruan things in the first half. He made fast runs up the right side, and had some crosses that mostly were not great. There was a one-time cross he made that wasn’t too bad, but that’s probably because he didn’t have time to think about it. On the defensive side, he wasn’t able to close down the cross on New England’s first chance, but it didn’t hurt the Lions. He wasn’t able to recover when Matt Polster ran in behind Mauricio Pereyra with the two Orlando center backs pulled to the left by an overload on that side.
MF, César Araújo, 7 (MOTM) — Araujo had the most difficult job on the pitch — keeping Carles Gil in check — and for the most part he did. He was like a shadow on Gil the entire first half, making life difficult for one of the league leaders in assists. He drew two fouls, had a tackle, and an interception. He finally earned a yellow card in the 85th minute, despite getting away with plenty of close calls throughout the match. The yellow was deserved, but many of his other defensive plays were timed perfectly. Playing against Gil is tough, and that is why he earns our Man of the Match.
MF, Júnior Urso, 5.5 — Urso was not his most crisp in the first half. He wasn’t bad, but like others there were some forced passes that didn’t work, and neither of his shots were on target. When I say his passing wasn’t crisp, I mean he had a 79.2% passing rate. Part of that can be attributed to how compact New England was in defense, but Urso is one of the players who needs to make the adjustment and be better.
MF, Mauricio Pereyra, 6 — Pereyra was his usual self in the midfield. He directed everything, though he did have a few forced passes that didn’t work out. None of his three shots were on target. New England’s shape stopped up things inside their box, making it tough to work the ball inside. Still, he did have three key passes and looked good after going off injured in the last match against D.C. United.
MF, Facundo Torres, 6.5 — Torres played well off of Pereyra in the attack. He also did well on the left side with Moutinho, though he wasn’t able to get a shot off in the first half. That did change shortly into the second half as he got a shot off in the 49th minute, though it went wide right. He added another shot that hit the woodwork in the 60th minute, perfectly encapsulating the futility that is Orlando City’s offense. Still, with two key passes and four crosses, the Young DP was a bright spot in Orlando City’s lackluster offense.
F, Benji Michel, 6 — I thought Michel had an okay match. He was slightly more dangerous than usual, putting in a nice ball to Pato in the 31st minute that Pato should have finished. He earned a corner in the 36th on a nice run from a Jansson long ball, and he had a header that went wide right in the 63rd minute. It wasn’t a spectacular appearance either in a good or bad way, and for Michel that isn’t a bad thing. Unlike so many of his teammates, he did actually get a shot on target.
F, Alexandre Pato, 6 — Pato was a mixed bag in the first half. He gave up too many balls per usual, but also made some silky smooth passes into teammates that should have resulted in better chances. He had a particularly nice ball into Torres in the box in the seventh minute, but like others it amounted to nothing. His best opportunity came in the 33rd minute when he took a ball off of Urso’s foot for a great shot that was his only one on target out of six total attempts. His 90th-minute free kick went well over the crossbar.
Substitutes
MF, Iván Angulo (58’), 5 — Angulo came on for Urso and only had 16 touches, completing 84.6% of his 13 passes and recorded one interception. The new winger didn’t register a shot attempt or a key pass in more than half an hour, although we can cut him some slack given it was his first appearance with the club.
D, Kyle Smith (76’), 6 — Smith came on for Ruan. He had 14 touches, including two crosses (neither accurate), one tackle, and one interception. El Soldado didn’t play badly, but he wasn’t able to spark any type of opportunity for his club either. He completed all eight of his pass attempts.
F, Nicholas Gioacchini (76’), 6 — The young USMNT player came on for Pereyra, though not in a like-for-like situation. Gioacchini did manage to get a shot off, and made one interception on defense. He completed all four of his pass attempts.
F, Tesho Akindele (76’), 6 — Akindele came on for Michel, and repeated what his teammate was able to do by getting a shot on target and winning an aerial. That is all on just nine touches in the match.
That’s how I saw the individual performances in a very forgettable outing for the Lions. Let me know your thoughts in the comments and be sure to vote for your Man of the Match below.
Polling Closed
| Player | Votes |
| Alexandre Pato | 1 |
| César Araújo | 17 |
| João Moutinho | 0 |
| Mauricio Pereyra | 1 |
| Someone else (tell us in the comments) | 6 |
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! We’re into the thick of the World Cup group stage, and so far it’s been undeniably entertaining. My only complaint is that I’m not independently wealthy and still have to work during the day rather than travel to and pay the stupid ticket prices to watch whichever matches I want. Oh well, until that happens let’s get to the links, but not before we wish Orlando Pride midfielder Summer Yates a happy birthday.
Griezmann Signing Graded
There were plenty of big signings this summer transfer window, including Orlando City securing the services of Antoine Griezmann. Unsurprisingly, the Lions earned top marks for bringing the Frenchman to the City Beautiful. You might not know all there is to know about Orlando City’s newest Designated Player and may want more information on him and why he isn’t with France at the World Cup. Obviously, he retired from international football. Fortunately, he didn’t retire from club football.
USMNT vs. Australia
The USMNT plays Australia in the second match of the group stage this Friday at 3 p.m. The U.S. is coming off a dominating win over Paraguay, but Australia managed a pretty good win over a tough Türkiye team. There has been a lot of talk by U.S. pundits before the tournament about Mike Grella’s remark that Australia would be a “layup,” and the Socceroos are using that as bulletin board material. It’s an intriguing matchup since Australia, like Paraguay, favors a low block and attacking on the counter. The U.S. effectively shut down Paraguay when it tried the same thing. Can the U.S. replicate its performance from the first match on Friday? That is why they play the game. If you’re looking for somewhere to watch the match in the Orlando area, here is your guide.
Even More USMNT News
It’s all too often that we get over-hyped after a win like the USMNT over Paraguay, but is that the case this time, or can the team make a deep run into the tournament? With Australia up next, U.S. supporters are concerned about the health of Christian Pulisic. According to Mauricio Pochettino, he’s all good. Meanwhile, Haji Wright remembers scoring a brace against the Aussies when the teams met in a friendly. Wright was an unused sub in the first World Cup match, but perhaps he’ll have a chance on Friday. Wright says that Türkiye came into the match too confident, but the U.S. knows how dangerous Australia is and won’t make that same mistake.
World Cup Results
The two early matches on Tuesday were enjoyable even if the results were a little more what we expected. Kylian Mbappé scored a brace in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal. Bradley Barcola scored France’s second goal and Ibrahim Mbaye scored Senegal’s lone goal. In the second match, Erling Haaland also scored a brace in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq. Aymen Hussein scored Iraq’s only goal. Unfortunately for him, he also scored an own goal for Norway. It is nice that Mbappé and Haaland wanted to emulate Folarin Balogun. Thankfully, the Argentina versus Algeria match was late enough that I did not have to write about it or that Lionel Messi guy.
Free Kicks
- Tyler Adams just seems like a good dude, and it’s stuff like this that proves it. He is working with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build mini pitches in areas of need across the country.
- England hasn’t played a match in the World Cup and the team has already had to replace Tino Livramento, who has been ruled out due to a calf injury. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is his replacement.
- Remember during the opening match between Mexico and and South Africa, when Fox aired commercials during the hydration break? Remember how they didn’t come back until play had already resumed? FIFA could have punished the network but has decided not to do so. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again.
- The Chicago Stars signed Spain national team defender Leila Ouahabi to a three-year contract through the 2028 NWSL season.
- We know that Mauricio Pochettino won’t be heading to AC Milan, since the club appointed Ruben Amorim to the head coach post.
- Are Scotland supporters drinking all the beer in Boston? I’m betting that the Tartan Army is giving it a try.
- There’s nothing quite like getting called out by your middle school teacher as an adult.
That will do it for today. We’re only two days from the USMNT versus Australia, and I’m ready to run through a brick wall — metaphorically speaking. We also have OCB this weekend, so make time to watch the Young Lions. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/16/26
Alex Freeman’s impact, World Cup results roundup, Tunisia makes coaching change, and more.
Good morning, everyone! I write to you from Seattle, where I touched down last night ahead of attending the United States Men’s National Team’s second group game against Australia on Friday. I’ll spend the early part of this week getting out into some nature with my family, before returning to the city on Thursday to cheer on our boys against the Aussies. We’ve got lots to talk about today, so let’s get into the links!
Alex Freeman’s Impact
By now, I’m sure you know that the USMNT opened its time at the World Cup with a rousing 4-1 shellacking of Paraguay. What you might not know is the role that former Orlando City fullback Alex Freeman played in the victory. He continued his meteoric rise since debuting for OCSC’s senior side last season, as he went the full 90 minutes against Paraguay and racked up an assist, two interceptions, and five recoveries. He also pushed forward and took up positions in the half spaces that cause plenty of problems for the opponent’s defense and was mostly sharp with his positioning defensively. Here’s hoping he continues that sort of form!
World Cup Results Roundup
It was another engrossing day of World Cup action on Monday, and things got off to a very strong start. Debutants Cape Verde played Spain to a scoreless draw in Atlanta, as the 64th-ranked team in the world picked up its first World Cup point in its first-ever match. The second game of the day saw Egypt take a surprising lead over Belgium before the introduction of Romelu Lukaku off the bench forced an own goal that leveled the score and saw the game end 1-1. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia made it three draws in three games, as the underdogs once again took the lead before Uruguay fought back well in the second half. The final game of the day between Iran and New Zealand concluded after our editorial deadline.
Tunisia Fires Head Coach
It only took four days of games for this World Cup to get its first managerial change, as Tunisia fired head coach Sabri Lamouchi on Monday morning. Tunisia wrapped up Sunday’s action by being on the wrong end of a 5-1 hammering against Sweden to open tournament play on a less-than-ideal note. The loss meant Tunisia has won just one of its last eight games, and the team has given up five goals in two straight games after slumping to a 5-0 loss to Belgium in its final pre-tournament friendly. Mondher Kebaier will take over as interim head coach and has a lot to fix before Tunisia faces Japan in its second group game on Saturday.
Global Transfer Summary
Under cover of the World Cup, transfers are still flying thick and fast around the world. We begin with Real Madrid, which announced the signing of fullback Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on Monday morning. Elsewhere, former Lens manager Pierre Sage was named Oliver Glasner’s successor as the head coach of Crystal Palace. Moving into the realm of rumor, winger Ismael Saibari is reportedly close to joining Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven, with a medical the only thing left standing in the way from putting pen to paper. Finally, new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is said to be keen on signing midfielder Felix Nmecha from Borussia Dortmund, but he will likely face stiff competition from Premier League sides and Dortmund itself.
Free Kicks
- Cape Verde’s goalkeeper was superb in the team’s draw against Spain and has seen his online popularity explode as a result.
- FIFA found no evidence of a racist gesture by video assistant referee Shaun Evans before Germany’s match against Curacao.
- There have been some entertaining moments both on and off the field at the tournament.
- Bukayo Saka says he’s ready for England’s opening match, despite fears over an Achilles tendon that bothered him off and on during the club season.
That’s all I’ve got for you today. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/15/26
OCB beats Huntsville City, OCB signs Parker Amoo-Mensah, USMNT defeats Paraguay in World Cup, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work but tried to catch as many World Cup matches as possible. I did get to check out the Mumford & Sons and Rufus Du Sol concerts at Wrigley Field up here in Chicago. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
OCB Defeats Huntsville City FC on the Road
Orlando City B completed the comeback, overturning a 1-0 deficit to beat Huntsville City FC 2-1 at Wicks Family Field Saturday. Huntsville struck first to take a 1-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Matthew Belgodere buried the equalizer for the Young Lions. Jacob Ramirez scored the final goal of the match for OCB to seal the win on the road and extend its winning streak to four games. That result lifts the Young Lions to third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference table with 28 points. OCB will return home to face Philadelphia Union II Sunday at Osceola County Stadium.
OCB Signs Parker Amoo-Mensah
Orlando City B has signed academy defender Parker Amoo-Mensah to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. The club announced the signing Friday with the deal running through the 2028 season. Amoo-Mensah has made 12 appearances for the Young Lions during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, starting eight matches, and has one assist.
USMNT Defeats Paraguay in World Cup Opener
The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, to win its opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Former Lion Alex Freeman played a full 90 minutes and recorded an assist in the match, while Orlando City midfielder Braian Ojeda was on Paraguay’s bench but did not play. The USMNT’s opening goal was an own goal from Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla to give the Yanks the lead in the first half. Falorin Balogun scored twice for the U.S to take a 3-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Paraguay pulled one back, but Gio Reyna added the insurance goal. The USMNT will face Australia in its second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday.
2026 FIFA World Cup Recap
On Friday, Canada drew Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1. Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau started the match and had two clutch saves while former Lions Cyle Larin and Richie Laryea were also in action. Larin scored the equalizer for the Canadian Men’s National Team, securing a draw and earning its first-ever point in a World Cup match. On Saturday, Qatar and Switzerland played to a 1-1 draw, Brazil and Morocco settled for a 1-1 draw, Scotland secured its first World Cup win in 36 years with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, and Australia defeated Turkey 2-0. On Sunday, Kai Havertz scored twice for Germany in a 7-1 win over Curacao, Japan trailed twice and fought back for a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, Amad Diallo scored a late winner for Ivory Coast in a 1-0 win over Ecuador, and Sweden and Tunisia kicked off late. Today’s matches will feature Spain facing Cape Verde, Belgium taking on Egypt, Saudi Arabia facing Uruguay, and Iran taking on New Zealand.
Free Kicks
- Charlotte FC is reportedly close to signing RC Lens winger Allan Saint-Maximin to a Designated Player contract.
- The Chicago Fire are reportedly pursuing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka while holding talks with former FC Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski.
- Real Madrid has reportedly reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign defender Marc Cucurella.
- Somali referee Omar Artan will receive full payment from FIFA after being denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup due to visa issues.
- Two men have been charged in connection with the theft of England’s World Cup training equipment as the national team was moving its base camp from West Palm Beach to Kansas City, MO.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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