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Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions perform in a difficult 3-1 loss on the road against the New England Revolution?

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

It might not have been a particularly surprising result for Orlando City to lose 3-1 on the road against the New England Revolution, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable to see. The Lions’ six-game unbeaten run and modest two-game winning streak came to an end in a game where OCSC didn’t offer very much threat going forward until it was already too late.

Here’s how I rated the Lions’ individual performance during a soggy loss in Gillette Stadium.

Starters

GK, Mason Stajduhar, 5 — It was a difficult night for Mason, and while he was largely helpless for all three Revolution goals, if three balls go in the net, then the score isn’t going to be a high one. New England put four shots on target and Mason made one save, while passing with 56% accuracy and flashing his rocket of an arm with a throw in the second half that easily cleared the center circle. Other than that, it was a night to forget, but he holds little blame for the final scoreline.

D, Rafael Santos, 5 — Santos had a busy night defensively, and recorded five tackles, four clearances and won an aerial duel. He also passed with 77% accuracy and completed a key pass. However, Gustavo Bou found it far too easy to get inside him onto his left foot for the Revs’ second goal, so he loses points for that. He also wasn’t able to do much when getting forward into the attack and he was guilty of putting more than one cross directly into the arms of Earl Edwards Jr. Overall, it was not the kind of performance he’ll want to look back on, although he did make a nice 1-v-1 defensive play in the 29th minute to dispossess Brandon Bye in the open field.

D, Robin Jansson, 5.5— All things considered, it was one of the Swede’s quieter performances. He had two tackles, two blocks and six clearances, which was the most of anyone on the team. He passed with 77% accuracy, but wasn’t able to do as much with his three completed long balls as we’ve seen at times. He suffered one foul, but managed to keep himself away from the yellow cards, which is always a nice bonus with him.

D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 5.5 — Stepping in for the suspended Antonio Carlos, Schlegel also had a fairly quiet night. He finished with one interception, three clearances and was fouled once. He passed with 78% accuracy and completed four long balls. It wasn’t a bad outing, but it wasn’t an especially good one either.

D, Mikey Halliday, 5.5 — It was a mixed bag from Mikey. He did some good things, like notching an assist, winning an aerial duel, and finishing with a successful tackle. Aside from one early occasion where he wasn’t making the run up the wing that Ercan Kara thought he would be, he was more than willing to get forward into the attack. The problem for much of the night was his passing, particularly his crossing of the ball. On several occasions he was in a good area but could only send his cross straight to Earl Edwards Jr. or out of play entirely. His decision to cross directly into a group of defenders when presented with a look at goal in second-half stoppage time was maddening. With that being said, he did put in a great ball to Duncan McGuire for Orlando’s goal, and was smart to not pick up another booking after receiving a yellow card early in the first half.

MF, Felipe Martins, 5 — Felipe got the start next to Cesar Araujo in defensive midfield with Wilder Cartagena on international duty. He was plenty involved and ended the night with one clearance and four shots, putting two on target, one off target and having the other one block. However, he was dispossessed twice, and dribbled five times, which is never a stat you love to see. He also drew three fouls and completed two long balls while passing with 79% accuracy.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6 — The 22-year-old picked up a yellow just minutes into the game but showed good poise to toe the line for the rest of his time on the field. He ended with two tackles, one interception, two completed dribbles, one foul drawn and took two shots, with both going off target. He also passed with 91% accuracy but committed four fouls, including the aforementioned yellow card offense, which I frankly thought was a little soft.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 5.5 — Lively and energetic as usual, Angulo was plenty willing to track back and help defend. He stopped a mazy run from Gil in the box 10 minutes into the first half. He made two tackles, two key passes, one cross, completed one long ball and drew two fouls while passing at an 82% clip. He was also dispossessed twice, dribbled three times, committed one foul and put both of his two shots off target from promising areas. It was a performance with moments of promise but ultimately not enough precision and composure when it was needed.

MF, Mauricio Pereyra, 6 — His rust was evident during the first half as he had more than one moment of sloppiness. However, he did get going, particularly on the offensive end. His night finished with one foul drawn, two completed dribbles, three complete long balls and five key passes while distributing the ball with 75% accuracy. He was also guilty of being dispossessed twice and dribbled once. He ultimately wasn’t able to have the kind of impact Orlando needed him to, although he’s far from the only one in purple who that was true of in this game.

MF, Martin Ojeda, 5.5 — As we’ve come to expect, Ojeda was not shy about shooting the ball, but the problem is that he only put one of his five shots on target, with the other four going wayward. The lone effort he put on goal was an excellent one though, and he was only denied a goal by a superb stop from Edwards Jr. He passed with 83% accuracy while completing two key passes and a long ball, won an aerial duel, made one tackle and was dispossessed once. He’s willing and works hard, but it still isn’t quite clicking for him yet.

F, Ercan Kara, 5.5 — It was a mostly quiet night for the Austrian target man. He often found himself isolated up top with New England having so much of the ball, and while he put in a good shift, particularly with his hold-up play, he was never able to really get going. He passed with 67% accuracy, won an aerial duel and a corner, but that was mostly it for him on the night.

Substitutes

F, Duncan McGuire (46′) 6.5 (MotM) — Brought on at halftime to give the Lions a different look. For most of the half he wasn’t able to provide too much, although he worked as hard as he always does. His moment came with just under 10 minutes remaining though, and he did a great job to put power on his header to score, giving the Lions fleeting hopes of stealing a point. He finished with two shots, one of which was on target and the other blocked, one tackle, and one corner won. He continues to be able to make an impact during limited minutes on the field and his header was an impressive piece of work. He takes Man of the Match honors for this one.

MF, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson (79′) N/A — The Icelandic midfielder entered the game with a little over 10 minutes left as a replacement for Pereyra. He took one shot, which he put over the bar, passed with 100% accuracy and committed one foul.

D, Luca Petrasso (79′) N/A — Brought on to replace Felipe with just over 10 minutes remaining, Petrasso wasn’t super involved, as he only had seven touches of the ball. However, he passed with 83% accuracy and recorded a key pass.

MF, Juninho (90′) N/A — Brought on during stoppage time for his first appearance with the senior side, Juninho passed with 50% accuracy during his brief time on the field but did well to create a shooting opportunity for himself and flashed the ball just wide.

F, Ramiro Enrique (90′) N/A — Another stoppage time substitute, Enrique had one touch of the ball but didn’t record any other statistics during his brief time on the field.

That’s how I saw the performances in a pretty dispiriting road loss against the Revs. The absences of several key starters certainly didn’t help Orlando’s cause in this one, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. Make sure to cast your vote for this game’s Man of the Match in the poll below, and tell us your thoughts about this one down in the comments.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/10/25

Orlando City’s transfer needs, Orlando Pride get ready for the Seattle Reign, Orlando City B wins at home, and more.

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3 hours ago

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April 10, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Yesterday was the anniversary of adopting my cat, so I spent most of the day giving him whatever he wanted. Thankfully, that turned out to just be quite a bit of napping for both of us. It’s been nice to just hang out with him and enjoy some soccer throughout the week. We have even more soccer to look forward to this weekend, but let’s get this Thursday started with today’s links!

Transfer Priorities for Eastern Conference Teams

The current transfer window is open until April 23 and Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport dove into what MLS Eastern Conference teams should focus on this window and in the summer. While he noted that adding some depth at center back would be nice, for Orlando City, he chose re-signing midfielder Cesar Araujo as the biggest priority before his contract expires at the end of the year. The 24-year-old has been an integral part of Orlando City’s turnaround under Head Coach Oscar Pareja, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks around in the City Beautiful after this season.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Seattle Reign

With the international break now over, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Seattle Reign on Saturday. The Pride have won their first three matches of the year, conceding just once in the process. Meanwhile, the Reign will aim to right the ship at home this weekend after a 2-1 loss on the road against Angel City FC last month. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how winning in Seattle is difficult, even if the team is undergoing a rebuild of sorts.

Pride midfielder Summer Yates, who is a Washington native and played collegiate soccer in Seattle, also spoke on what it will be like to return to her home state for this match. She also discussed the team’s depth, which is a strength for the Pride as players return from international duty.

Orlando City B Beats New England Revolution II

Orlando City B picked up a win at home Wednesday night, beating New England Revolution II 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Shak Mohammed. Great passing sent Mohammed in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, and he handed New England its first conceded goal of the season. That goal proved to be the difference, as the Young Lions did well defensively to secure their third win and second clean sheet this season. OCB’s next game will be Tuesday against Inter Miami II at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

Philadelphia Union Reportedly Trading Daniel Gazdag

Despite a strong start to the season, the Philadelphia Union are reportedly set to trade away one of their best players to a fellow Eastern Conference team. Designated Player Daniel Gazdag will reportedly be traded to the Columbus Crew for cash. I don’t entirely hate the trade. Trading away a 29-year-old on the last guaranteed year of his contract while undergoing a rebuild makes sense. It also opens the door for Cavan Sullivan or David Vazquez to earn valuable minutes, with Indiana Vassilev available as well. However, Gazdag is the club’s all-time leading scorer and already has two goals and two assists this year. Trading him within the conference to an unbeaten Crew team this early in the season feels a bit like a white flag in regards to Philadelphia’s aspirations this year.

Free Kicks

  • The Europa League quarterfinals kick off today, with Manchester United taking on Lyon and Tottenham facing off against Eintracht Frankfurt. Bodo/Glimt, which leads the tournament so far with 24 goals, will play Lazio, and Rangers will host Athletic Club in Scotland.
  • Following talks with its fan advisory board, Manchester City announced that it will freeze ticket prices for next season.
  • Fabio Cannavaro was fired by Dinamo Zagreb after just 14 competitive matches. The Italian soccer legend was Zagreb’s third coach this season and won five of his 10 league matches at the helm in Croatia.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 9, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re neck deep into a busy week of soccer with the USWNT late Tuesday night, Orlando City B playing tonight, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on the Saturday schedule this weekend. Don’t you love this time of the year? I love that there’s almost always a soccer match available to watch. Let’s get to the links.

Focus on Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City continues the Lion’s Den Walk and Talk series of interviewing players with a look at center back Rodrigo Schlegel. This is your opportunity to get to know the Argentinian defender. He speaks of his childhood, his family, and his time with Orlando. My favorite part is when he speaks of the matches that have helped define him.

Citrus Kit Fashion

Since 2022, the Orlando Pride have collaborated with artists to create concept kits from the club’s current kit. This season, the club partnered with Sophie Hird on the Citrus Kit. Hird is a British designer and graduate of London College of Fashion. The result has a western flair seen here modeled by Pride defender Cori Dyke.

Bringing handmade kit art to life 🎨Learn More: orlsoccer.co/SophieHird

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T15:00:16.833Z

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

The Custom Pride Kit Series over the years ✨

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T18:20:45.683Z

OCB Hosts New England Revolution II

Orlando City B welcomes New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park tonight. The Young Lions will try to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Chattanooga FC Saturday. It won’t get any easier against Revs II, who sit just above OCB in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Revs II haven’t conceded any goals so far this season, and have scored just as many goals as the Young Lions. The match start time is 7 p.m. and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.

Brazil Defeats USWNT

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated the USWNT 2-1 Tuesday night scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The U.S. got things started early on a goal in the first minute from Catarina Macario, but was unable to add to that later in the match. The Pride’s Angelina got the start for Brazil, but Emily Sams did not appear for the USWNT. Maybe if Sams in subbed on then Amanda Gutierres doesn’t get that winning goal. We’ll never know.

USMNT Players Abroad

Several USMNT players were in action, including former Lion Daryl Dike, who saw action in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Dike subbed on in the 65th minute for the Baggies. It’s been a month since he returned to action following his second torn Achilles tendon. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United defeated Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough 1-0.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer scored for Mansfield Town in EFL League One in a match against Leyton Orient, extending his goal-scoring streak. Seems he finally wanted to score.

Nice to see Dom Dwyer's back in the goals. He's scored in three consecutive games for Mansfield Town in EFL League One after finding the net tonight against Leyton Orient.

— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-04-08T23:32:43.320Z

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/8/25

Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 8, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City Academy Roundup

The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.

We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.

UEFA Champions League Preview

As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.

Free Kicks

That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!

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