Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Minnesota United: Final Score 2-1 as Lions Come from Behind in Road Win
The Lions got their first regular-season win against the Loons, beating Minnesota’s stingy defense twice after falling behind.
Orlando City fell behind in the second half but goals by Ivan Angulo and Duncan McGuire brought the Lions back for a 2-1 win over Minnesota United at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN. Orlando (3-2-2, 11 points) stayed unbeaten on the road at 2-0-1 on the young MLS season and got its first regular-season win against Minnesota United (3-2-2, 11 points).
The home side was the more likely to win for most of the game, but after falling behind, Orlando showed plenty of fight and worked two excellent team goals to steal all three points from former OCSC manager Adrian Heath and the Loons in Minnesota.
“Very, very good victory, and the credit for this group of players who overcame this moment,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “Coming to Minnesota and getting this win is very important for for our group. But the most important part was when we were losing one-zero, and the courage of the players just brought it back into the game, tied it up, and then after that, just with the same ambition go and look for the three points, and that’s what what I highlight the most — that effort — and we’re very proud of them.”
Pareja changed the team’s shape for this match-up, starting Pedro Gallese in goal behind a back line of Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, and Rodrigo Schlegel. The midfield consisted of Angulo and Gaston Gonzalez outside, with no true fullbacks on the pitch. Cesar Araujo and Mauricio Pereyra played centrally, with an attacking line of Facundo Torres, Martin Ojeda, and Ramiro Enrique.
The first half was one to forget for the Lions, as they looked like a team not used to playing in the shape they were in. The Loons got a golden opportunity in the opening minutes as a result. A simple ball over the top was misplayed by Jansson, who allowed Mender Garcia to get in behind him down Minnesota’s right side. Garcia found a wide-open Bongokuhle Hlongwane in front of goal but his first touch was terrible and the ball skipped harmlessly off his feet and out for a goal kick in the second minute.
The Loons racked up six first-half corners and didn’t do much with them, although the ball did ping around dangerously a few times. At least three of those corners were preventable but poor touches on clearance attempts by Schlegel and Gonzalez gifted those set pieces to the hosts. Multiple attacks that ended in corners were set up by careless Orlando passes in the attacking third that the Loons turned into transition opportunities.
One of those set pieces fell to Kervin Arriaga at the top of the box but the central midfielder fired his shot wide.
Gallese made a near-post save on Hlongwane in the 18th minute and DJ Taylor volleyed well off target off a corner moments later.
“The first 15 minutes we suffered a little until we settled in the game, and then after that I thought we dominated in many, many parts in the match. And we created situations and we contained them as well in the moments they attacked us,” Pareja said.
Orlando got a half chance of its own in the 25th minute when Angulo fizzed in a cross that Enrique went down to get but he couldn’t hit the target. In the 32nd minute, Ojeda had an opportunity from the top of the box but missed high as the Lions continued to waste the few chances they had in the opening half. Three minutes later, Gonzalez had it at the top of the box but he took too long to shoot and it was easily blocked.
The biggest save of the half came in the 41st minute when a shot by Jeong Sang Bin took a deflection. Gallese was able to make the sprawling save.
Orlando City held more of the possession (53.1%-46.9%) but did little with it. The Loons out-shot the Lions (9-5) and had more shots on target (2-0), and corners (6-3). OCSC had a slight edge in passing accuracy (82.2%-81.9%) but that’s deceiving because a lot of that was passing around between defenders and central midfielders. In the attacking third, the Lions were simply poor.
Pareja made no changes at the break and Hlongwane continued to be a threat down Minnesota’s left, overpowering Angulo or simply beating him out wide. The first chance of the half nearly came in the 49th minute but Hlongwane hit the outside netting and the play was offside anyway.
Orlando had a good buildup in the 53rd minute that ended with the ball on Enrique’s foot at the top of the area. The U22 Initiative striker took an extra touch, however, and that allowed Michael Boxall to get back and deflect his shot out for a corner.
Five minutes later, the hosts broke through. Hassani Dotson got down the right side and just managed to beat Jansson to get his cross through the top of the six. Hlongwane beat Angulo to the goal line and just tapped it over the line to make it 1-0 in the 58th minute.
Less than 10 minutes later, the Lions responded with a beautiful team goal that started in the back. Antonio Carlos switched play from the right to Gonzalez on the left. The young Argentine cut inside and passed off to Ojeda, who in turn dropped it back for Pereyra. The captain sent a diagonal ball to send Gonzalez down the left flank toward the end line and his cross fizzed through the box to Angulo on the other side. Angulo smashed it past Dayne St. Clair for his second goal of the season, leveling things in the 66th minute.
“I think just looking for those connections and the natural movements that we can help with,” Pareja said of the difference in the attack tonight. “Positioning the players is not an easy job but we understand that we have urgency to get those things done. If we have the willingness of the players as they showed today one more time, I think that we’re going to get there.”
Hlongwane again created some danger in the 81st minute, beating Angulo to the end line and cutting a pass back for Robin Lod. The Minnesota winger got under his shot and it sailed over the bar. Three minutes later, Taylor found space and smashed a shot into the stands.
Gallese made the save of the game in the 85th minute. Luis Amarilla fed a ball through for Franco Fragapane, who got behind the defense. The shot was hard but Gallese came out a bit and made himself big, blocking it with his midsection.
It was a vital stop because the Lions took the lead three minutes later. Substitutes Luca Petrasso and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson worked the ball smartly up the touchline on the left side and the Icelandic midfielder eventually slipped Torres toward the end line. Torres sent a cross that was over McGuire in the middle but it fell for Angulo on the far side. This time Angulo tried to chip St. Clair but his effort hit the crossbar. It fell into the path of the waiting McGuire, who nodded home the winner in the 88th minute.
“It was a great team buildup,” McGuire said of the goal. “Ball went slightly over my head on the cross. Angulo, I saw him flick it up and I didn’t know if it was going to off the crossbar or over the goal or in the goal. I just decided to get myself in a good position to where I thought a bounce could be, and it luckily came right to my head and I tucked it away, which was nice.”
“He wants to fight for every single ball,” Pareja said of McGuire. “That brings us energy and we appreciate a lot those characteristics and that willingness of the players. He understands his weaknesses and he’s trying very hard by training on correcting them and improving, but his heart is always there.”
Pareja said he had been considering bringing Ercan Kara into the match instead of McGuire, as the Austrian has finally recovered from his thigh injury and was on the substitute’s bench. But he went with McGuire after Angulo tied the match.
“At that moment when we tied the game, we needed just that explosion from Duncan and the help that he can give us without the ball,” Pareja said.
Orlando City survived a late free kick from just outside their defensive penalty area and held on for all three points.
The Lions finished the match with more possession (55.7%-44.3%) and passed more accurately (82.2%-81%), but the hosts had more shots (17-12), shots on target (4-2), and corners (8-6).
In the end, the Lions were slightly more clinical, which is not something that has often been written about the team this season through seven matches. Orlando got some big saves from Gallese, which helped keep the Lions in it until the attack could string together a couple of brilliant passing sequences that created the goals.
The Lions return home next Saturday when they welcome D.C. United to Exploria Stadium.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/8/25
Orlando City primed for moves, Emily Sams’ USWNT call-up, MLS transfer news, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Was it cold enough for you this morning? I know in Tallahassee it was quite chilly, but I’m not complaining. Remember to bring in your plants unless you want to replace a bunch after they freeze. Despite the chill, there are still things going on in the Orlando soccer-sphere. Let’s get to the links.
Lions on the Hunt
I know everyone is wondering why news around potential Orlando City signings is so lacking, but that’s par for the course with this club. That being said, the nice sum of cash from the Facundo Torres deal means that the Lions have the resources to find the right high quality player (or players) to improve the squad. I know it’s frustrating that nothing has happened yet, but there’s still plenty of time for Luiz Muzzi and company to get some business done.
Pride Defender Emily Sams Called Up to USWNT Camp
The 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year has received another call-up by Emma Hayes to the USWNT’s January training camp in Los Angeles. Sams will be one of 26 players on the camp roster. Of note, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Rose Lavelle will not be in attendance as each is recovering from injuries or surgery. The list of defenders besides Sams includes Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnet, and Jenna Nighswonger among others. We wish Sams good luck and a safe, healthy return.
Berman Wins Innovator of the Year
If you’re not familiar with Jessica Berman, you should take the time to do some research. Since taking over as NWSL Commissioner in the spring of 2022, the league has improved its visibility and made some sweeping changes — like eliminating the draft. As a result, Berman was named SI’s 2024 Innovator of the Year. Berman’s impact as commissioner mirrors Haley Carter’s impact with the Orlando Pride. The league was dealing with scandals, brought in Berman, and now things have improved. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
MLS Signings and Transfers
Orlando City might not be making much news, but other MLS clubs are making moves. CF Montreal has acquired Giacomo Vrioni from the New England Revolution.
The Colorado Rapids have signed homegrown midfielder Sam Bassett through 2025 with options for 2026-2028. San Diego SC signed 29-year-old Argentinian defender Franco Negri after adding him during Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. The San Jose Earthquakes sent goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa to Liga MX side Cruz Azul. The New York Red Bulls will be adding Poland youth international Wiktor Bogacz from Polish second division 1 Liga club Miedz Legnica
Finally, Boca Juniors made a bid to sign Alan Velasco from FC Dallas.
Free Kicks
- Emma Hayes isn’t just focusing on the senior USWNT side. She is determined to develop the next generation of Under-23 players.
- The Washington Spirit have exercised the mutual 2028 option on Tara McKeown’s contract.
- Welsh club The New Saints are still waiting on the transfer fee for Brad Young after selling the player to Saudi Pro League team Al-Orobah. FIFA is looking into the matter.
- Speaking of FIFA, Bonita Mersiades is a FIFA whistleblower with the inside scoop on soccer’s governing body’s culture of bribery and corruption. I’m sure you’re totally surprised.
- San Diego Wave FC appointed Jonas Eidevall as the new head coach for the club. Eidevall was previously manager of Arsenal Women and joins on a three-year deal.
- Costa Rica has hired former Mexico coach Miguel Herrera as its new manager. You’ll be able to see him and the rest of the Costa Rican team later this month when they play the USMNT at Inter&Co Stadium.
- Several NWSL team stadiums are going green with sustainable initiatives and features. However, I’m a little skeptical of Shell Energy Stadium if I’m being honest.
- I am not a violent person by my nature, but I don’t know what I’ll do if this happens. Ugh. Musk is the opposite of the values of the city and people of Liverpool. We couldn’t publish my actual reaction.
That will do it for today. Stay warm out there.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/7/25
MLS transfer happenings, USMNT January camp roster announced, Christian Pulisic stars for AC Milan, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! I returned to work after a nice little break for the holidays and frankly, I’m struggling. I don’t mind being back, it’s just difficult getting back into a routine after being away for so long. Alas, I’ll survive somehow. We have plenty to discuss in today’s American-heavy edition of Lion Links, so let’s get into the news.
MLS Transfer Happenings
There are a lot of MLS moves we need to get caught up on, starting with Austin FC’s signing of Brandon Vazquez as a Designated Player from CF Monterrey. Vazquez joins on a four-year deal after Austin sent $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to the San Diego Earthquakes to jump to the top of the league’s waiver order. We then move to the New England Revolution, which sent midfielder Emmanuel Boateng to San Diego FC in exchange for $200,000 in 2025 GAM. The Revs have also recalled midfielder Noel Buck from his loan with Southampton. The Chicago Fire have signed Danish winger Phillip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge, with his contract running through the end of the 2028 season. Finally, CF Montreal has reportedly traded $650,000 in GAM and an international roster spot to the LA Galaxy in exchange for center back Jalen Neal.
January Camp Roster Announced
The United States Men’s National Team has announced the 24-man roster for its annual January camp. The team will convene today in Ft. Lauderdale with a squad primarily made up of MLS players, as is usually the case. Zack Steffen is easily the most experienced of the four goalkeepers, with Patrick Schulte the only other one to be capped. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman make up the veteran core of defenders, while none of the four midfielders have more than one cap to their name. Jesus Ferreira is the most seasoned of the seven forwards, with Brian White the only other one to have earned a cap.
Christian Pulisic Stars in Supercoppa Final
AC Milan erased a 2-0 second half deficit in the Italian Supercoppa final on Monday, roaring back to win the trophy with Christian Pulisic taking on a starring role. The American winger snuck into the box in the 80th minute and executed a great turn and finish to level the game at 2-2 in the 80th minute.
He then helped create Tammy Abraham’s game-winner, playing an outstanding ball to release Rafael Leao down the right wing, who squared it for Abraham to tap home and win new boss Sergio Conceicao his first trophy with the club after just two games.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are several other American players who will take part in games this week, so get them all marked down on your calendar so you don’t miss anything. We start on Wednesday, when Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic will play host to Dundee United in Scottish Premier League action. Thursday sees Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Watford in the third round of the FA Cup, and things wrap up on Friday with Cole Campbell, Giovanni Reyna, and Borussia Dortmund facing off against Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga action.
Free Kicks
- The NWSL has announced the competition calendar for the upcoming 2025 season.
- Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, and Anna Moorhouse have been nominated for the EA Sports FC 25 Team of the Year.
- The oldest living person in the world is now believed to be a soccer-loving nun from Brazil.
- Numerous fan groups have called for Joan Laporta to resign as president of Barcelona, following the team’s failures to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the season.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/6/25
Orlando City reportedly bids for Alejandro Zendejas, Antonee Robinson named U.S. Male Player of the Year, Americans abroad, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour and Wrigley Field this past week, but I got a chance to watch some soccer over the weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Transfer Bid for Alejandro Zendejas Rejected
Liga MX side Club America has reportedly rejected a bid from Orlando City for American winger Alejandro “Alex” Zendejas. Talks have stalled as Club America sorts out manager Andre Jardine’s future with the club, as he has been linked to Brazilian side Botafogo. Zendejas has four goals and five assists in 19 matches so far this season for Club America. Orlando City has an open Designated Player spot after the club sold Facundo Torres to Palmeiras last month. The Lions will reportedly prioritize other targets during the winter transfer window.
Antonee Robinson Named U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year
On Sunday, Fulham and United States Men’s National Team defender Antonee Robinson was voted the 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. Robinson won 55% of the vote and was also a finalist for the award in 2022. He started 11 matches for the USMNT and had an assist in its 1-0 win against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Robinson had a solid year at Fulham, recording 10 assists in 37 matches, and won the club’s 2023-2024 Player of the Year award. Robinson beat out AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, and Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream. He’s the first defender to win the award since Oguchi Onyewu won it in 2006.
Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad
We had another busy weekend featuring several Americans in action in Europe. Cristian Pulisic returned to AC Milan for Friday’s Italian Super Cup semifinal matchup against Juventus that also included Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Yunus Musah. Pulisic scored the equalizer from the penalty spot to tie the match in the second half, helping AC Milan overcome a 1-0 deficit to defeat Juventus 2-1 and book a spot in the Italian Super Cup final against Inter Milan later today. Gianluca Busio played a full 90 minutes for Venezia as his side fought to secure a 1-1 draw against Empoli in Serie A action. Auston Trusty scored his first goal for Celtic as his side defeated St. Mirren 3-0.
Premier League Weekend Roundup
There are plenty of results in the Premier League to catch you up on from the weekend. Former Lion goalkeeper Brandon Austin made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur. Unfortunately, his side fell to Newcastle United 2-1. Manchester City defeated West Ham United 4-1 to get back-to-back Premier League victories, Bournemouth defeated Everton 1-0, Aston Villa edged past Leicester City 2-1, and Brentford dominated Southampton with a 5-0 win. Crystal Palace and Chelsea battled to a 1-1 draw, while Brighton and Arsenal also played to a 1-1 draw. On Sunday, Raul Jimenez scored twice as Fulham fought back for a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town. The Liverpool and Manchester United match also ended in a 2-2 draw. We have one Premier League matchup later today, as Wolverhampton faces Nottingham Forest.
Free Kicks
- The Houston Dash have hired former North Carolina Courage assistant coach Fabrice Gautrat as its next head coach. Fabrice is married to Orlando Pride midfielder Morgan Gautrat.
- The San Diego Wave and former Orlando Pride midfielder Emily van Egmond have reached a mutual agreement to part ways. She spent three seasons with the Wave, scoring two goals and adding two assists in 70 matches across all competitions.
- Charlotte FC is reportedly finalizing a deal to re-sign Pep Biel on a loan deal from Olympiakos.
- Toronto FC is reportedly trying to move forward Lorenzo Insigne before the 2025 MLS season begins.
- PSV Eindhoven has reportedly rejected an offer from Club America for American right back Richy Ledezma.
- Major League Soccer’s official match ball for the upcoming 2025 season features the league’s original colors.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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