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Orlando City vs. Sacramento Republic FC, U.S. Open Cup: Final Score 3-0 as Lions Win First Major Trophy of Club’s MLS Era

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3 years ago

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Orlando City won its first major trophy since the club joined Major League Soccer, beating Sacramento Republic FC 3-0 at Exploria Stadium to claim the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Facundo Torres scored two second-half goals and set up Benji Michel’s insurance goal to lead the Lions to victory.

The Lions struggled to break down the visitors from California but eventually forced a turnover in a dangerous area and once Torres provided the lead, the Lions stomped on the Republic’s throats.

“I think it’s important to recognize that Orlando has won the first title here and we are very proud of the community, of the club, the fans, the players,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after winning his second USOC title as a head coach. “And having this opportunity to bring this trophy means a lot against a very tough rival.”

Pareja’s lineup featured Pedro Gallese in goal behind a back line of Joao Moutinho, Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, and Ruan. Cesar Araujo played in central midfield with deep-lying playmaker Mauricio Pereyra behind an attacking line of Ivan Angulo, Junior Urso, and Torres, with Ercan Kara up top.

The first half was a nervy, choppy, back-and-forth game that was exactly what the visitors wanted. Sacramento gummed up the field, wasted time whenever possible, and played a physical game that referee Ramy Touchan allowed. Pereyra was knocked down several times in the opening period without a call and Angulo was pulled back while in possession in the final third and no call was made. Touchan even allowed Orlando to play on after one foul and although the Lions lost the ball almost immediately, he didn’t pull it back for the foul.

Neither team even got into the opposing third of the field in the opening five minutes. The game’s first shot attempt came eight minutes in when Torres fired from outside the area but it was always going over the bar.

A minute later, Jack Gurr crossed a ball into Orlando’s area but Gallese came off his line to claim it.

Orlando was at its best when it moved the ball quickly and accurately. Ruan got a cross into the area in the 17th minute for Angulo but it was headed away at the last second. Three minutes later, the Lions worked a long-distance set piece that ended up on the left with Moutinho. His cross into the box found Carlos’ head but he could only direct it toward the post. Kara had a bead on it but Angulo cut across him and in the confusion the ball went out for a goal kick.

Sacramento’s best chance came in the 22nd minute when Pereyra was knocked down with no call and the Republic came forward in transition. Maalique Foster fired a shot that was just wide of the post to Gallese’s left.

Torres got a couple more shot attempts blocked down the stretch and the half ended scoreless.

Orlando finished the half with more possession (55.7%-44.3%), shots (6-1, but neither side got one on frame), passing accuracy (84%-81.3%), and corners (1-0).

The second half began much like the first half went. Orlando probed for ways through but couldn’t string together enough sharp passes to break through what was essentially a 5-4-1 formation in defense at times. Sacramento won more set pieces in the second half but Orlando was able to withstand them.

The Lions continued to press forward and had an opportunity in transition in the 53rd minute but Torres’ layoff for Ruan was a little heavy and by the time the right back got to it, he had to lunge on his cross and he overcooked it.

Urso fired a shot that was blocked in the 63rd and there were shouts for handball but none was given. Urso followed his initial shot but hit it over the bar on the second try.

Sacramento’s best chance of the second half came in the 75th minute when a cross in found Douglas Martinez, who got in front of Moutinho and headed the ball on target. Gallese was able to get over and make the save.

Seconds later, the Lions finally broke through.

Angulo won the ball in the corner with pressure, taking it from Dan Casey. Second-half sub Michel picked up the loose ball and found Torres cutting into the top of the box. The Uruguayan smashed it home to make it 1-0.

“I was really happy with everything that the guys had done to that point, but when you play against world class players, you make a mistake and you get punished,” Sacramento manager Mark Briggs said. “And unfortunately, we learned the hard way.”

“They have a defense of three that is very difficult to break,” Pareja said when asked about the decision to bring on Michel. “We knew that Ercan will give us presence in the box but there was a time in the game that we stuck (Michel) in there because we needed to stretch the field. Benji gave us that possibility to run in behind, to help us with the presence too. It was a good job by Ercan but at that point we needed more energy. And I thought Benji changed (the energy) tremendously.”

Sacramento had to open up and pursue the game at that point and it helped the Lions find space and transition chances. Michel was first to a ball over the top and gathered it in the box for a shot but he was taken down and a penalty was given in the 79th minute. One minute later, Torres fired home from the spot to double the lead.

“Very happy for the production that Facu has gave us, especially in the last month and a half when we need it the most,” Pareja said of his Young Designated Player. “I think those players that change the games and take their teams on their shoulders are difficult to find. In Facu we have found that already.”

Torres had a good opportunity for his hat trick in the 82nd minute on the counter but he fired just inches wide of the right post.

Sacramento’s Rodrigo Lopez fired just wide of the right post from long range in the 87th minute.

The fourth official signaled eight minutes of stoppage time, but the Lions didn’t dig in and absorb pressure. Instead, they moved the ball quickly and tried to possess it and stuck an insurance goal on the board.

Torres sent a ball into the area for Michel, who was making a run from left to right. Michel gathered the ball and the Homegrown and Orlando native sent a shot just inside the far post to put the game away in the 96th minute, celebrating with his signature back flip.

Moments later, the whistle blew and the Lions were USOC champions. Orlando finished with more possession (52.1%-47.9%), shots (15-5), shots on target (3-2), and passing accuracy (82.0%-79.1%). Sacramento had more corners (2-1).

“I’m really happy, I’m really proud of this team,” Pereyra said. “I said many times when we lose here in this (press) conference that I was really proud to be the captain of this team. They show a lot of energy and a lot of commitment during the whole season. And in this cup, I think we deserve to be the champions and now we are.”

The team will celebrate its U.S. Open Cup championship on the steps of City Hall on Thursday at 12 p.m. and it is open to the public at no cost. Orlando City is back to regular-season play on Saturday night when the Lions visit the first-place Philadelphia Union.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/2/25

Big names leave Toronto FC, hot conditions in Club World Cup match, FIFPRO makes ACL recommendations, and more.

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18 hours ago

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July 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Wednesday, everyone. It already feels like it’s been a long week, as I just got home from being out of town traveling up and down the East Coast for the last few days. The soccer world hasn’t stopped in my absence though, and as usual we have a lot to cover today. Let’s wish a happy birthday to OCB defender Tahir Reid-Brown, and jump into today’s links!

Italians Leave Toronto FC

It’s the end of an era at Toronto FC, as the club has parted ways with both Federico Bernardeschi, and Lorenzo Insigne. The Reds used both of their two buyouts of guaranteed contracts this season in order to get the transactions done, so the club was pretty keen to get them out the door. It’s hard to blame the Reds, as Insigne was the second-highest paid player in the league while Bernardeschi was the fifth highest. They didn’t have much to show for it though, as Bernardeschi had 26 goals and 22 assists in 99 games across all competitions, while Insigne had 19 goals and 17 assists in 76 matches. TFC never made the playoffs while the duo was on the team, and the decision to turn the page is an understandable one.

Difficult Conditions in Juventus vs. Real Madrid

The Club World Cup Round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, with Real Madrid knocking off Juventus 1-0 in afternoon match. Kylian Mbappe made his tournament debut for Madrid as a substitute, but it was Gonzalo Garcia’s 54th-minute goal that made the difference in the game. Juve boss Igor Tudor highlighted the difficult conditions in Miami, saying in his postgame press conference that 10 different players asked to come off the field during the game. Tudor didn’t outright blame the loss on the high heat and humidity during the 3 p.m. kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium, but noted that they were among several factors that made the game a very difficult one for his side.

FIFPRO Makes Recommendations to Curb ACL Tears

Amid a rash of ACL injuries to women’s soccer players, FIFPRO has made some recommendations to cut down on the rate at which they occur. Rather than focusing on things that can’t be controlled, the federation has suggested modifying the calendar, number of games, and the playing surfaces. FIFPRO member Alex Culvin is calling for minimum standards in the women’s game relating to pitch conditions and access to physiotherapists. More research around risk factors is also necessary, as is implementing preventative exercises at the youth levels of the game.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Summer transfer business is in full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the hot rumors currently flying around. First up, Arsenal is said to be in the final stages of signing Viktor Gyokeres to a five-year deal. Staying in the Premier League, Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Paris Saint-Germain. Juventus reportedly is close to signing Jonathan David after his contract with Lille expired. Finally, Bayern Munich is reportedly preparing a formal offer for Liverpool for Colombian winger Luis Diaz.

Free Kicks

Apparently a non -#usmnt drone has crashed the training session. US Soccer staff aiming to identify it.

— Jeff Carlisle (@jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social) 2025-07-01T17:25:12.954Z

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/1/25

Pride signings, OCB draws, both U.S. national teams in action Wednesday, and more.

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2 days ago

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July 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to July, Mane Landers. If you’re like me, you balanced the excitement and dread of the USMNT advancing on penalty kicks the other night. It was one thing watching Guatemala take out Canada but a whole other level of heart palpitating stress while watching the U.S. avoid a similar fate. There’s no time to relax with plenty of soccer to watch as we head towards Independence Day. Before we get to the links, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride/USWNT defender Emily Sams and OCB defender Clovis Archange each a happy birthday.

Orlando Pride Signings

The Orlando Pride announced a pair of transactions Monday. Midfielder Viviana Villacorta and the club have agreed to exercise the midfielder’s mutual option for the 2026 season. Villacorta was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. The Pride also signed midfielder Ally Lemos to a new contract through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028. The Pride selected Lemos with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2024 NWSL Draft. Orlando continues to lock down current players ahead of time. Now, we wait to see if any new players will be added.

OCB Earns a Point on the Road

Orlando City B played Philadelphia Union II to a 1-1 draw in a Monday afternoon match. Unfortunately, the Young Lions lost the end-of-regulation shootout 4-2 and did not get the additional point. Gustavo Caraballo assisted Jackson Platts on the early goal for OCB. Philadelphia equalized early in the second half. Carlos Mercado was the difference maker in the match, recording a career-high 12 saves.

USMNT’s Gold Cup Run Continues vs. Guatemala

The USMNT will face Guatemala Wednesday night in a 2025 Gold Cup semifinal match. The U.S. advanced past Costa Rica on penalties thanks to a stellar performance from goalkeeper Matt Freese. Guatemala stunned Canada with a second-half equalizer and advanced on penalty kicks. Guatemala has been the overachieving underdog of the competition so far. This will be the USMNT’s 17th Gold Cup semifinal appearance.

USWNT Hosts Canada

The USWNT will host Canada in a third friendly of this international window Wednesday at Washington, D.C.’s Audi Field. The U.S. is coming off two 4-0 victories over the Republic of Ireland. Canada should prove a tougher opponent for Emma Hayes’ squad. There is a possibility that the match will feature two Orlando Pride players — Emily Sams for the U.S. and Zara Chavoshi for Canada. Kerry Abello has returned to her club team after picking up a knock.

Free Kicks

Sources: Bayer Leverkusen are finalizing a deal to sign USMNT attacker Malik Tillman from PSV.Deal in region of $40m.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-06-30T20:36:24.359Z
  • Former Orlando Pride midfielder Erika Tymrak has retired from professional soccer.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match against Charlotte FC this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando City

Orlando City Striker Ramiro Enrique Hindered By Inconsistency

Ramiro Enrique’s inconsistent play raises the question if he can be the go-to striker Orlando City desperately needs.

Published

3 days ago

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June 30, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City’s strike force has been inconsistent this season, to say the least. At times, the players up top have looked like they can score at will, but at other times, they struggle on chances they should finish. Nobody displays that inconsistency better than Ramiro Enrique.

Joining the Lions in 2023, Enrique has primarily served in a backup role for Ercan Kara, Duncan McGuire, and Luis Muriel. The young Argentine has had the occasional start, but ultimately ends up back on the bench, entering later in games. 

Orlando City acquired Muriel prior to the 2024 season when it appeared McGuire was on his way to Blackburn Rovers. However, the English side’s struggle with simple paperwork resulted in the Omaha, NE, native returning to Orlando. It left Oscar Pareja with some decisions to make.

The Lions often employ a 4-4-2 formation with a single striker and Muriel playing underneath. As a result, the three forwards all saw plenty of action in 2024.  Enrique started 12 games, Muriel 14, and McGuire was listed 18 times in the starting lineup. However, Enrique’s strong form near the end of the season saw him start 11 of the final 12 regular-season games and all five playoff contests.

Aiding Enrique’s playing time were injuries to McGuire. The 6-foot-1 striker suffered a shoulder injury on Nov. 9 in an MLS Cup playoff game against Charlotte FC, guaranteeing a starting spot for Enrique. As McGuire continued to work towards his return at the start of the year, Enrique took his place.

At times, it looks like Enrique is more than a substitute for Muriel or McGuire and can be the go-to scorer the Lions have struggled to find since Daryl Dike. But his inconsistency eventually returns, making it hard for Pareja to depend on the young attacker. That issue has been most noticeable during the two most recent games.

Putting shots on frame has been a struggle for the Lions this year, but it wasn’t for Enrique Wednesday night in St. Louis. After the Lions lost back-to-back games against Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire, Enrique was inserted into the starting lineup for Muriel. He took advantage of his opportunity in St. Louis, placing three of his five shots on target. He scored a first-half brace, giving his team a commanding three-goal lead after just 22 minutes.

In the seventh minute, Martin Ojeda sent a strong ball across the box that Enrique ran onto with perfect timing. He didn’t try to do too much, tapping the ball in on the slide. After Marco Pasalic made it 2-0, a bad turnover in the 22nd minute gave the striker a second chance. He was in on goal and made no mistake, slamming the ball past Roman Burki to make it 3-0.

The performance had many wondering if the team had finally found the striker it had been looking for since McGuire went down. But it wasn’t to be as Enrique reverted to his inconsistency with a poor performance in Saturday night’s 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati.

The striker was unable to put any of his three shots on target, but that’s only part of the story. It’s how he failed to score that was the bigger problem.

In the 51st minute, Pasalic forced Brian Anunga into a turnover just outside the Cincinnati box. Enrique made a run toward the near post and Pasalic found him. The striker should’ve had no problem putting the shot on target, but he hit the ball with his left foot as his right came through, knocking the ball out of play for a goal kick.

He had a chance to redeem himself in second-half stoppage time with the Lions looking for an equalizer. Rafael Santos played a beautiful ball to the near post that only required a slight touch to beat Roman Celentano. However, the striker sent his header well wide, squandering a golden opportunity to claim a point.

These two games show the inconsistency that has plagued Enrique throughout his Orlando City career. He’ll look to be in excellent form and ready to claim the starting striker role, only to follow it up with a poor performance. It’s something that has held the Argentine back since his arrival and continues to do so this year.

Even more troublesome, it leaves Orlando City without a dependable striker. McGuire can’t seem to get over his shoulder problems, and he is currently on the sidelines again while he recovers from surgery on the opposite shoulder to the one he hurt in last year’s playoffs. Muriel and Ojeda often partner each other up top, but both are more comfortable in midfield positions.

Injuries and players in uncomfortable positions provide Enrique with the perfect situation. Consistent scoring would assure Pareja that he can depend on the 24-year-old to produce the goals his team has been searching for. But the striker can’t seem to put it together over the span of multiple games.

He’ll have plenty of opportunities in the near future to win the position he undoubtedly craves. McGuire’s absence due to injury and Muriel’s preference to play underneath means Enrique will likely get more playing time. However, he needs to show more consistency if he wants to hold onto the starting spot long-term.

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