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Orlando City vs. New York City FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions rate in Orlando City’s 1-1 draw at home against New York City FC?

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

After a difficult series of road games, Orlando City returned to Exploria Stadium and drew 1-1 against New York City FC. The Lions got out to an early lead thanks to a goal from Ercan Kara, but faded later in the first half. The defense did well to keep the Pigeons at bay until Gabriel Segal scored his first MLS goal to equalize late. It was a disappointing result when three points were so close to being secured. Here’s how each Lion individually performed in the match.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 7.5 (MOTM) — Gallese proved yet again why signing him to a new contract was Orlando’s best move this off-season. El Pulpo came up with five saves in this match, with each seemingly getting more difficult as the match went on. From denying a header from Maxime Chanot off of a free kick to laying out and saving a long-range shot from Gabriel Pereira, Gallese worked hard to maintain Orlando’s lead. His clean sheet was ruined late in the match on a goal he couldn’t do much about due to the speed on the skipping cross. As far as his distribution, he completed 69.6% of his 23 passes and was accurate on three of his 10 long balls. He’s our Man of the Match for keeping Orlando in front for a majority of the match. He also injured his right hand during the match, but carried on.

D, Kyle Smith, 6 — As NYCFC lacked a clear center forward, it often tried to stretch Orlando’s back line and Smith struggled at times to defend in open space. He picked up a yellow card by taking Pereira down after being beaten and had a few nervy moments. However, Smith did well enough and led the team with three tackles, adding a clearance as well. Although he didn’t have any crosses, Smith completed three of his five long balls and had 44 passes at a 90.9% success rate. He was subbed off in the 84h minute for some fresher legs in Rafael Santos.

D, Robin Jansson, 6.5 — The center back served up a patented long ball to set up Orlando’s goal, finding Gaston Gonzalez out wide in a threatening area. The Beefy Swede connected on three of his five long balls and finished with 53 passes at a strong 88.7% success rate. Jansson anchored Orlando’s defense alongside Antonio Carlos and had four clearances, two blocked shots, and a tackle. Unfortunately, his night was marred a bit by not marking Segal’s run in the box well enough to stop him from equalizing.

D, Antonio Carlos, 7 — Carlos looked right at home in the center of defense at Exploria Stadium, finishing the match with four clearances and an interception. He was particularly dominant in the air, winning all three of his defensive aerial duels. Of his seven long balls, three were accurate and he was successful on 89.4% of his 47 passes. He nearly scored off of a corner kick in the second half by Spartan kicking a bouncing ball in front of goal, but Luis Barraza came up with the save.

D, Michael Halliday, 6 — His crossing could have been better overall, particularly when on the attack, but the right back also served up two key passes in this one. Only one of his four crosses was successful, as he completed 84.9% of his 33 passes on the right side of the field. He also delivered a fantastic long ball that coasted along the touchline for Martin Ojeda. There were a few defensive lapses, but he often recovered well enough to help put out the fire. Halliday had three clearances, an interception, and blocked a shot as well. He could’ve done better on NYCFC’s goal by heading away the danger more cleanly or stopping Talles Magno’s cross, but it’d also be a bit unfair to pin too much of the blame on him for a goal that seemed like a longtime coming from the opposition.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6.5 — The 22-year-old had a busy night, leading the Lions with 78 touches and also completing 82.8% of his 58 passes. Araujo completed three of his six long balls and had a shot blocked late in stoppage time following a corner. Defensively, he had two tackles and a clearance to help limit NYCF’s chances. It was a solid outing from him and the ninth game in a row in which he’s played all 90 minutes.

MF, Wilder Cartagena, 7 — The Peruvian set a single-game club record by committing seven fouls throughout the match, all without receiving a booking. His 70 touches were second only to Araujo, and he had a team-high 60 passes at an impressive 90% completion rate. Cartagena had two clearances and a tackle to help out defensively as well. He put his only shot on target, although it was fired directly at Barraza, and was accurate on two of his five long balls. It was a strong performance from Cartagena and I wouldn’t mind seeing him taking more shots when the ball falls to him at the top of the box during attacking sequences.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 6 — Angulo had 31 touches in 65 minutes and led the team with three shots, although he only put one of them on target. That effort earned a corner from a tight angle, with another attempt blocked and a third sent into the stands. He was successful on two of his four dribbles and gave the team some needed speed on both sides of the ball. One of his two crosses found their mark and he was successful on 85.7% of his 21 passes. It wasn’t a bad night from Angulo by any means, but he wasn’t as dynamic as he’s proven to be in other matches.

MF, Facundo Torres, 6 — Although he didn’t have a shot, he did contribute to Orlando’s goal thanks to some combination play alongside Gonzalez that earned him an assist on the stat sheet. His presence at the top of the box and opportunity to surge towards goal opened up space for Gonzalez to cross once Torres played it back to him. NYCFC had him in his crosshairs throughout the match, and that helped open avenues for other Lions to attack. Still, it was a fairly quiet night from the Young Designated Player, even if his movement off the ball is worth noting. In 58 minutes of action before being subbed off for Mauricio Pereyra, the Uruguayan had 20 passes at an 85% success rate and completed one of his five crosses.

MF, Gaston Gonzalez, 7 — The winger received great service throughout the match and made it count in the seventh minute. He whipped in a cross with enough speed and bend on it that only an expectant Kara could get to it, giving Gonzalez his second assist of the season. There were times, especially early on, when he looked like Orlando’s best attacking option, as he won set pieces in good areas. But as the game wore on and Mitja Ilenic came on to defend him, he lost some of his sharpness. Gonzalez missed a golden opportunity for the Lions to double their lead by dribbling into traffic rather than playing the ball to an open Duncan McGuire. His lone shot of the match was off target and he was successful on just one of his four crosses. The Argentine winger had 25 passes at an 84% success rate and his only long ball was unsuccessful. Although he couldn’t maintain it for the entire match, Gonzalez displayed why the Lions were eager to bring him to Orlando.

F, Ercan Kara, 7 — The Austrian forward scored his third goal in four matches by getting on the end of a great cross into the box by Gonzalez. Orlando’s finishing this season has been lackluster, so it was nice to see Kara cap off some great team play with his strong header. His goal was also his only shot of the game, as he didn’t receive much service and had just 16 touches in 65 minutes. His hold-up play was a mixed bag. While he completed all six of his passes, he also turned the ball over a few times and was successful on one of his three attempted dribbles. Kara remains in good form and his goal proved how he can excel up top when given good service.

Substitutes

MF, Mauricio Pereyra (58′), 6.5 — In his first match since April 22, Pereyra came off the bench and gave needed life to Orlando’s offense. The Uruguayan led the Lions with three key passes, was accurate on both of his long balls and both of his crosses, and completed all but two of his 25 passes for an excellent 92% success rate. He set up Ojeda at the top of the box in stoppage time but his teammate rushed a shot on the half volley when he may have been able to take a touch to split the defense. Although he wasn’t able to extend Orlando’s lead or give the team a late winner, this was a great performance as he eases back into action.

F, Duncan McGuire (65′), 6.5 — He may have only had eight touches and five passes, but McGuire was active while on the field. The rookie made good runs and his only shot of the game was blocked. Center backs Chanot and Thiago Martins gave him difficulty at times, but he was far from neutralized. McGuire’s positioning continued to put him in good spots, but the service was lacking to really capitalize on it.

MF, Martin Ojeda (65′), 6 — Ojeda played with hunger, but didn’t see all too much of the ball. He had 14 touches and completed 90.9% of his 11 passes while connecting on his lone long ball. His only shot was a difficult one on the half volley in the box that he scuffed and sent off target. With some more rest under his belt now, hopefully he can provide more of an impact in the upcoming matches.

MF, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson (84′), N/A  — The Icelandic midfielder had three touches and completed both of his passes during his cameo. He could’ve closed down Magno a bit better on NYCFC’s goal considering Halliday was preventing the angle at the near post. Thorhallsson had a tackle in the match as well.

D, Rafael Santos (84′), N/A  — The left back completed three of his four passes and had five touches in his brief appearances. Although neither his one cross or one long ball found their target, they were decent efforts. He didn’t play long enough to earn a grade from us this time around.

That’s how I saw each performance from the Lions in their 1-1 draw at home against NYCFC It’s tough seeing the Lions drop points at home, but hopefully they can turn it around against their rivals. Who was your Man of the Match? Make sure to vote in our poll and let us know what you think in the comments!

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Lion Links: 2/5/25

Marta to be featured on Prime Video, USWNT prepares for the SheBelieves Cup, MLS transfers, and more.

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February 5, 2025

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Michael Citro, The Mane Land

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! Less than two weeks ago, I had a snow day from work up here in Tallahassee. Two days ago, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter. Today, I’ll probably wear shorts since Florida is evidently exempt from rodent-based weather predictions. I don’t really have a point to all of this other than I’d like to be able to wear sweaters and jackets for a little while longer, but that’s obviously not meant to be.

We also want to wish a happy birthday to both Duncan McGuire and Rafael Santos. Let’s get to the links.

Marta to be Featured on Prime

Prime Video is producing a four-part series entitled “For the Win: NWSL” that will provide an immersive look at the NWSL. The series will feature four of the league’s biggest stars, including the Orlando Pride’s Marta. The other players featured are Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman, and Croix Bethune. No word on when it will be released, but we know it will likely end by showing Marta lift the trophy, and that is something I’ll watch over and over again.

Hayes Prepares the USWNT for SheBelieves Cup

Emma Hayes knows that defending the SheBelieves Cup title will be a challenge. With many of her players just starting the NWSL preseason, she will need to use all 26 players available if the USWNT is to win yet again. Of course, while the SheBelieves Cup is important, ultimately it is a stop along the way to the the Women’s World Cup. Unlike the her last major tournament, Hayes has plenty of time to prepare for the World Cup.

MLS Transfer Updates

I’m not sure why we keep telling you about all the stuff other clubs are doing to improve their teams for 2025, but here we go again. Atlanta United has signed Middlesbrough FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath for a reported MLS record fee of $22 million. Bringing in quality strikers is a good thing, or so I hear. Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Union signed Homegrown defender Neil Pierre to a four-year deal. The Portland Thorns brought in Jimer Fory from Colombian side Independiente Medellín through 2028. Carlos Gruezo is headed to Ecuadorian club LDU Quito after he and the San Diego Earthquakes mutually terminated his contract. Of course, clubs can now also employ the cash-for-player system for selling players to other clubs within MLS.

MLS Clubs are Selling

Orlando City supporters are familiar with the idea that MLS is a selling league. Young players — particularly South American players — are brought into the league by clubs to develop and sell on for a profit. We saw that with Facundo Torres recently. There are some who bemoan the loss of talent, but there’s always more behind it. Overall, for where MLS is at this point, it is a good thing for the league. It’s also a good thing for individual clubs, assuming they continue to bring in additional talent — preferably sooner than later, Orlando City front office.

Free Kicks

  • The growth of the game is a good thing. Congratulations to the NWSL Denver expansion side for setting a league record for the fastest team to reach 5,000 ticket deposits. 
  • Finally, Jon Stewart Concacaf’ed Concacaf. You love to see it.

That will do it for today. Perhaps the club will surprise us with a massive signing or two. What? I can hope, can’t I?

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Lion Links: 2/4/25

MLS transfer roundup, Americans in midweek action, court sides with USSF and MLS, and more.

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1 day ago

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February 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you’ve had a better start to the week than me, as I’ve been fighting an illness and have been in the trenches big time. Before we get into the news of the day, let’s all wish Orlando Pride forward Simone Charley a happy birthday. We have lots of things to discuss this morning, so let’s jump right into today’s links.

MLS Transfer Roundup

As is usual for this time of year, there are a number of MLS transfer items that we need to catch up on. We start with a huge move, as the Columbus Crew have sold striker Cucho Hernandez to Real Betis for a fee that Tom Bogert says was for $16 million plus add-ons.

Sporting Kansas City had a busy Monday, as the club completed a pair of deals to start the week, signing midfielder Manu Garcia from Aris Thessaloniki, who will occupy a Designated Player slot. SKC also signed winger Shapi Suleymanov from Aris Thessaloniki, with the Russian under contract through 2026 with additional option years for 2027 and 2028. Finally, the Houston Dynamo sent $2.1 million in cash to the Philadelphia Union in exchange for midfielder Jack McGlynn.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar. Paxten Aaronson and Utrecht will travel to face Heracles in the quarterfinals of the KNVB Cup later today. Wednesday continues the theme of cup action, as Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan host Roma in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia. Thursday brings yet more cup action as Cade Cowell and Chivas will travel to the Dominican Republic to face Cibao in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Things then wrap up on Friday with Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus traveling to play Como in Serie A.

MLS & USSF Win Lawsuit

A federal jury has sided with MLS and the U.S. Soccer Federation in the antitrust lawsuit brought against them by the North American Soccer League. The NASL brought the suit against the two parties back in 2017 when the USSF denied the NASL’s application to be recognized as a Division 2 league. The USSF’s division structure provides a set of requirements that a league must meet in order to be classified as part of a certain division, and the NASL alleged that the USSF constantly modified those requirements in order to avoid awarding the NASL a Division 1 and, later, a Division 2 classification. Despite the ruling, the NASL is likely to lodge an appeal, which means that we probably haven’t heard the last of this.

European Deadline Day Roundup

The winter transfer window is now closed in the vast majority of Europe’s leagues, so let’s catch up on the moves that happened on the final day of business. Manchester City made a big splash by signing Nicolas Gonzalez from FC Porto for a fee believed to be around $62 million. Tottenham Hotspur signed Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich, with the deal including an option to make the loan permanent at the end of the season. Aston Villa signed Marco Asensio on loan from Paris Saint Germain until the end of the season. Ben Chilwell has joined Crystal Palace on loan for the rest of the season. Finally, USMNT defender Caleb Wiley has joined Watford on loan until the end of the season.

Free Kicks

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

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Lion Links: 2/3/25

Orlando City reportedly nears deal for Marco Pasalic, Eduard Atuesta transfer reportedly stalls, Orlando Pride sign Prisca Chilufya, and more.

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2 days ago

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February 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It’s hard to believe it’s February already, but we’re only a few weeks away from Orlando City’s home opener on Feb. 22. To stay busy over the past week, I’ve been covering high school swimming, basketball, and hockey. Let’s all wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta, who turned 26 years old on Sunday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Reportedly Finalizing Deal for Marco Pašalić

According to Tom Bogert, Orlando City is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Croatian winger Marco Pašalić from HNK Rijeka. A week ago, Orlando reportedly looked set to move on from signing the 24-year-old to focus on other targets as Pašalić was undecided on his future. However, Pašalić will reportedly join the Lions for a $5 million transfer fee, along with add-ons, and will be a Designated Player. He made 26 appearances for HNK Rijeka, scoring six goals and adding three assists.

Eduard Atuesta Transfer Talks Reportedly Stall

Orlando City is reportedly close to finalizing the signing of midfielder Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras as well, according to Bogert. However, another report from Globo.com states that Orlando City sent a proposal to sign Atuesta, but Palmeiras was not pleased with the terms and has reportedly halted negotiations. You’ll need a translation tool for the full details, but the reported holdup is that the Lions prefer a loan move for Atuesta with Palmeiras paying part of his salary. Atuesta recorded four goals and added two assists in 41 appearances across all competitions while on loan with LAFC last season.

Orlando Pride Sign Zambian Forward Prisca Chilufya

The Orlando Pride signed Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya Friday on a three-year contract through the 2027 NWSL season. Chilufya joins the Pride from FC Juarez in Mexico, where she scored 14 goals in 48 appearances. Chilufya is the third Zambian player the Pride have signed within the last year, joining Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda. By adding another attacker in Chilufya, the Pride added depth to the roster after Adriana’s move to the Saudi Women’s Premier League.

Latest MLS Transfer Roundup

We had some big transfer moves across Major League Soccer to catch you up on from the weekend. The Houston Dynamo have reportedly acquired midfielder Jack McGlynn in a cash-for-trade deal from the Philadelphia Union for $2 million. The Union will also retain a sell-on percentage. In another cash-for-trade move, Sporting Kansas City has reportedly acquired forward Dejan Joveljic from the LA Galaxy for a fee of $4 million. Joveljic will be a Designated Player on a three-year deal through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028. Minnesota United signed midfielder Hoyeon Jung from Gwangju FC, while Inter Miami FC added defender Maximiliano Falcon from Chilean side Colo Colo. The New York Red Bulls are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for center back Tim Parker to return to his former club after he played for the New England Revolution and St. Louis City last season.

Sources confirm Sacha Klejstan’s report: New York Red Bulls finalizing a deal to sign center back Tim Parker.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-02-02T01:21:44.511Z

Crystal Dunn Signs With Paris Saint-Germain

After announcing her departure from NJ/NY Gotham FC last week, United States Women’s National Team defender Crystal Dunn has signed a deal to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. It will be Dunn’s second stint abroad in Europe, as she previously played with Chelsea in 2017-2018. She was part of the squad that won the Women’s Super League title in 2018. Dunn spent the 2024 season with Gotham FC, scoring one goal and adding two assists in 23 matches across all competitions. She had previously played for the Portland Thorns, North Carolina Courage, and the Washington Spirit in the NWSL as well. Paris Saint-Germain is third in the Division 1 Feminine, eight points behind league leader Olympique Lyon.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City wrapped up its preseason training camp in Mexico. The Lions’ next preseason match will be a closed-door scrimmage on Wednesday against Atlanta United.
  • Barcelona has requested an extension to the lease at the Olympic Stadium through the end of May to cover its final two home matches for the La Liga season against Real Madrid and Villarreal.
  • United States Men’s National Team forward Ricardo Pepi has agreed to extend his contract with PSV Eindhoven through 2030.
  • Arsenal crushed Manchester City 5-1 on Sunday and is now six points behind Liverpool.
  • Heerenveen manager Robin van Persie was upset after match officials mistakenly allowed Fortuna Sittard to field 12 players late in the second half while leading 2-1. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
  • Former Real Madrid and Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos is reportedly set to join Liga MX side Monterrey.
  • Marcus Rashford has agreed to join Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season. The deal includes an option for Aston Villa to make the transfer permanent.
  • Adidas announced the official match ball to be used this summer for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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