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Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union: Five Takeaways

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2 years ago

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Well. That one got a little out of hand, now didn’t it? A healthily rotated Orlando City side got blasted 5-1 by the Philadelphia Union up in Pennsylvania, bringing an end to a five-game winning streak for the Lions. While the result isn’t all that surprising, it was still a difficult one to watch, so kudos to you if you stuck with it for the full 90 minutes. What follows are my five takeaways from a tough night on the road.

Papi Rings the Changes

As expected after a Wednesday victory in the U.S. Open Cup and with two important home games looming, Oscar Pareja was not shy about rotating his team and getting guys some rest. The exact manner of the rotation was a bit surprising in places though. One of the bigger surprises was Mason Stajduhar stepping in for Pedro Gallese in goal, as El Pulpo wasn’t even on the bench. The other changes were Wilder Cartagena, Andres Perea, Nicholas Gioacchini and Benji Michel all named to the starting lineup as Papi seemed to be prioritizing next week’s games rather than a road match against the first-place team in the East.

End-to-End Stuff Early

Orlando wasn’t without some opportunities as the game started. The Lions worked a good set piece just a couple minutes into the game, but Antonio Carlos missed a bicycle kick and nothing came of it. After 10 minutes, Mauricio Pererya fired a fierce drive towards goal after Andre Blake punched a Jake Mulraney cross, but it was blocked on its way through. After a quarter of an hour Michel was as close as you can get to getting onto a through ball that would have put him in on goal, only for the Union to take the ball down the other end and put it in the net courtesy of Julian Carranza. While that goal was disallowed for offside, it was a warning sign of things to come, and one that Orlando unfortunately didn’t heed.

Another Facial in Philly

Fans still fuming about the elbow Rodrigo Schlegel took to the face from Kacper Przybylko last year at Subaru Park — which wasn’t called — must have had a case of deja vu Saturday night when Jose Martinez threw a headbutt at Wilder Cartagena early in the match. As it was behind the play, it’s understandable that the referee didn’t see it. The play supposedly went through the review process with the video assistant referee in the booth but nothing was given to Martinez. As the camera angle available via the broadcast came from behind, the only logical explanation for there not being a straight red is that the back of Martinez’s head blocks out video evidence of contact being made. However, just the attempt of a head butt should have drawn…something.

The hot-headed Martinez is no stranger to suspension, but got nothing for it, nor for a reckless, clumsy, from-behind challenge moments later on Andres Perea in transition. It’s fair to say that Orlando had a better chance of taking something from the game had the Lions been up a man for 70+ minutes and it stings that this has happened on two straight trips to Philly. Perhaps the league needs to mandate a few more camera angles at Subaru Park.

Slim First-Half Margins

As mentioned in the above section, Benji was oh so close to getting in behind the defense with a chance to go 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, but it was not to be. The Union’s opening goal was a result of similarly skinny margins as an Olivier Mbaizo shot deflected off Joao Moutinho and just over a leaping Mason Stajduhar at the far post. It looked like Mason might have had time to maybe take a couple steps before jumping to try and save, but as crazy as the carom was, it would be tough to nitpick too much. Stajduhar did get a leg on Mikael Uhre’s goal but it just wasn’t enough to keep it out of the net. Just like that, the Lions found themselves 2-0 down going into the half and things were not about to improve after the break.

When it Rains it Pours

Once the first two goals happened in quick succession, there was always a danger of things getting out of hand. It was imperative that Orlando come out of halftime, start well, and get some sort of foothold in the game to prevent things from really getting out of hand. Initially things looked to be going well in that direction, as OCSC started the half with plenty of energy and made inroads in Philly’s final third. Unfortunately, the Union were awarded a rather soft penalty just eight minutes after the restart, and once Daniel Gazdag dispatched it, the risk of a blowout became very real. That specter came to fruition once Alejandro Bedoya’s diving header found the back of the net, although a rocket from Perea made the scoreline slightly more palatable…until Jack Elliott got another with two minutes to play. The Union have been racking up big scorelines on most teams they play these days, and unfortunately for Orlando it was no different on Saturday night.

This result absolutely stings. It’s tough to go from as high a high as the cup final victory on Wednesday to getting bashed 5-1. But at a point in the season when matches are coming thick and fast, you have to prioritize some over others. This just happened to be one that wasn’t as high on the totem pole, and as long as the Lions can go get the results this week, I can accept that. Onward and upward, and vamos Orlando.

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over FC Cincinnati Saturday at home?

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5 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City looks to bounce back from the disappointing 2-1 loss to Toronto FC Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. Cincinnati has twice as many points as Orlando City and more than twice as many wins. FCC has only scored one more goal than Orlando City, but with only nine goals conceded compared to Orlando City’s 17, it’s easy to see why Cincinnati is sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference.

What I’m trying to say is that the task doesn’t get any easier this weekend. What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against FC Cincinnati?

Accost Acosta

Cincinnati’s attack revolves around Luciano Acosta. The attacking midfielder has four goals and five assists so far this season. To put that into perspective, Duncan McGuire — Orlando City’s leading scorer — also has four goals but only one assist. If we look at the Lions’ attacking midfielders, Facundo Torres has one goal and one assist, Ivan Angulo and Nico Lodeiro both have one goal and two assists, and Martin Ojeda has zero goals and only one assist. Luis Muriel is still at double zeroes.

The defensive midfield and the back line must do everything possible to mark him out of the match. It’s not enough to keep him from scoring, they must also keep him from setting up chances for his teammates. Most importantly, the defense must do that for 90 minutes plus stoppage time. There is no room for the mental lapses we’ve seen throughout the first part of this season.

Break Through

Cincinnati is stingy on defense. As I mentioned above, the club has only allowed nine goals this season. The back line is formidable with the likes of Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson, and Ian Murphy. On the wings are DeAndre Yedlin and Luca Orellano. This is a tough defense, and whether it is McGuire or Muriel who gets the start, they must find the spaces in between.

Just as importantly, Torres, Angulo, Ojeda, and Lodeiro — depending on who is in at any given moment — must be able to thread the passes in for McGuire, Muriel, or each other to create quality chances. On top of that, the Lions must convert on those chances, which is not something that has been a strength so far this season. If the Orlando City defense continues to give up cheap goals, then the offense will need to one-up the competition when it comes to scoring.

Deal with an Unknown

FC Cincinnati recently signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk. Kelsy comes in as an MLS U22 Initiative player and is eligible to play against Orlando City. Even though Kelsy is only 19, he has 68 professional appearances, including UEFA Champions Leagues matches. At 6-foot-3, he can be a challenge for defenders, especially in the air.

Kelsy hasn’t had much time with the team, but he could be a second-half substitution for Cincinnati. Given that Orlando City just gave up two late headers against Toronto FC, the back line will need to be careful that Kelsy doesn’t hurt the Lions in the same manner — especially if he comes on late when legs and minds are tired.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

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8 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

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1 day ago

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May 1, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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