Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Real Salt Lake: Final Score 4-0 as Lions Fall Apart in Utah
After conceding a pair of goals on first-half set pieces, the Lions never mounted any kind of challenge.
Horrific set piece defending was costly as Orlando City fell 4-0 to Real Salt Lake at America First Field. The Lions (9-6-7, 34 points) gave up first-half set piece goals to Cristian Arango — on his RSL debut — and Justen Glad. Jefferson Savarino and Anderson Julio added insurance late for the hosts, providing a comfortable win for Real Salt Lake (9-7-6, 33 points), a club that had been previously struggling at home.
The loss snapped a four-match unbeaten run by Orlando City and ruined an opportunity to climb higher in the Eastern Conference Standings.
“Obviously a difficult experience today to solve at this moment where we are getting our confidence higher and coming from a good stretch of games,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “But today we found a team that was very effective going forward when they had their chances. I think we had ours too, but we didn’t have that capacity to finalize our opportunities.”
Despite playing a third game in eight days and crossing the country to play at altitude, Pareja’s lineup had no rotation whatsoever from the side that began Tuesday’s 4-0 win vs. Toronto FC. Pedro Gallese started in goal behind a back line of Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, and Kyle Smith. Cesar Araujo and Wilder Cartagena played central midfield behind an attacking line of Ivan Angulo, Maurcio Pereyra, and Facundo Torres, with Duncan McGuire up top.
Orlando City started brightly and had a chance right off the opening kickoff. The ball was sent forward to McGuire, who lost it momentarily but quickly won it back and smashed a shot just 12 seconds in that fizzed inches wide of the left post.
Moments later, Torres cut across the top of the box and smashed a left-footed shot that Zac MacMath did well to save. The rebound came out to the right and a Smith shot was on target but MacMatch kicked it away.
Despite the quick start by Orlando, RSL quickly settled into the match. Damir Kreilach got his head to a cross in the 11th and sent it just wide of the right post.
The breakthrough came 12 minutes later. McGuire did a great job tracking back and won the ball from Braian Ojeda but then he showed too much of the ball and lost it back. The rookie then compounded the problem by committing an unnecessary foul near the right sideline. RSL took advantage on the set piece as Cartagena left Arango alone in the middle and the new Designated Player easily headed it inside the right post to open the scoring in the 23rd minute.
Whether the goal rattled Orlando City or inspired the home side, the rest of the first half was almost all one-way traffic for the hosts. The Lions repeatedly turned the ball over in their own end and failed to connect or break lines as the half wore on.
An attempt by Santos from outside the box was easily blocked and nearly ignited a breakaway for Arango in the 32nd minute if not for some vital emergency defending by a sliding Jansson.
Savarino shot just wide in the 37th minute as the hosts kept coming. A telegraphed pass in the attacking half was easily cut out by Glad and Cartagena was forced to take a yellow card for a tactical foul.
The Orlando deficit doubled in the 41st minute. The Lions gave up a corner and again failed to mark properly. Glad rose above the crowd and scored a goal that looked nearly identical to the first.
“We felt bad just conceding two goals at points in our control and we work a lot on it,” Pareja said of the set pieces that allowed RSL to take command of the match. “It hurt us a lot.”
The Lions had two late chances to get on the board before halftime. Angulo set up McGuire in the 44th minute with a nice run up the field and a through ball, but the rookie’s shot was deflected, making it an easy save for MacMath. Seconds later, Angulo was alone on the right and the ball came to him, but the Colombian badly mishit his first-time shot attempt and it went nowhere near the goal.
Real Salt Lake held only a slight edge in possession (50.4%-49.6%), although it seemed like much more. Each team fired eight shots and got three on target. RSL had more corners (2-1) and Orlando City passed slightly more accurately (80.7%-80.1%) in the opening 45 minutes.
Pareja made no changes at the break despite the situation and the first 15 minutes of the second half were fairly uneventful. A promising Orlando attack in the 56th minute ended with Smith sending either a poor cross too close to the goalkeeper or a weak shot from distance right at him.
Moments later, Martin Ojeda, Ramiro Enrique, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson came on to spell Angulo, Cartagena, and Smith.
Not much changed after the subs, with Enrique missing the net badly from distance and Ojeda sending an easy shot right at MacMath from distance.
Ercan Kara came on shortly after that for McGuire.
Orlando had a golden opportunity in the 71st minute when a Santos cross deflected in front to Torres but his shot was blocked in front. A few minutes later, he was subbed off for Luca Petrasso.
Having two left backs on the pitch didn’t help at all in the 78th minute. A simple cross from left to right found Savarino on the right and no one closed him down. Savarino chested it down and blasted the third goal past Gallese to seal the game.
Julio tacked another one on late and completely undid Tuesday night’s excellent goal-differential game against Toronto. The Lions went from +5, to +9 after Tuesday, and back to +5 after tonight.
RSL had the advantage in possession (51.9%-48.1%), shots (15-11), shots on target (6-4), corners (5-2), and passing accuracy (85.7%-82.4%).
“We are going to absorb it,” Pareja said of the loss. “I think we are intact. Our mentality keeps going. We have no excuses. Salt Lake was much, much effective and obviously the score reflects it.”
“Difficult moment after this loss and this result, but in this moment is when in my case as a captain I belive in the team and I trust in the team more than ever,” Pereyra said. “We have to love each other more than ever because we know how hard they are working. Today it was a difficult night for us as a team. We were not the best after we beat Toronto 4-0 and now we are not the worst, so we have to keep working, knowing that we have a game against Atlanta that is very important for us.”
After all the fixture congestion, Orlando City will get a normal work week before heading north to play Atlanta United next Saturday night. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/15/26
Daryl Dike’s potential return, Orlando Pride prepare for Boston, World Cup news, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Oh boy, do we have some news for you today. Between the Orlando Pride match tonight, the World Cup this afternoon, and some potential big signings, we have a lot to get to. We also want to wish a very happy birthday to Orlando City B goalkeeper Tristan Himes. Now, let’s get to the links.
The Return of Dike(?)
Forget “It’s coming home,” rather he’s coming home! Per Tom Bogert, Daryl Dike is set to return to Orlando City after his multi-year stint with West Bromwich Albion. Dike had a rough go of it in England, mainly due to injuries he sustained. I figure he just needs some Florida sunshine and the team at Orlando Health to help find the form that made him a terror to Orlando City’s opponents.
It also seems that the departure of Marco Pasalic is not a done deal. There has not been an official bid as of yet, and if Orlando City’s valuation isn’t met, then he may be staying. If he stays, he bolsters the attack. If not, well that’s what Dike is coming back to do and it would supply the Lions with plenty of coin to bolster the roster.
Orlando Pride Set for Boston Legacy
The Orlando Pride host expansion side Boston Legacy FC at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The Pride will look to avenge a 2-1 loss earlier this season in Boston. After defeating the Kansas City Current over the weekend, Seb Hines’ squad will want to keep the home winning streak going. This may be Barbra Banda’s last match before heading out for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament later this month, so take the opportunity to head to the match if you are in the Orlando area.
World Cup News
France was unable to keep things going as Spain defeated Les Bleus 2-0 on Bastille Day. La Roja now wait to see whether Argentina or England will be the opponent in the final. As they have done so many times this World Cup, the Spanish did not allow a goal and did enough offensively to advance. Lamine Yamal earned a penalty that Mikel Oyarzabal slotted home to give Spain a lead in the 22nd minute. Pedro Porro added another in the second half and France was unable to muster any magic.
Later today, England and Argentina square off to see which team will play the Spaniards. The amount of history between these teams at World Cups is enough to make most watch the match. I think the bigger question is which team does Gianni Infantino want to win, and will we see the same shenanigans we’ve seen in previous matches featuring these two teams? Don’t worry, England. I’m sure it’ll be fine.
USMNT Reflections
There’s been a bit of space and time for all of us to process the USMNT’s performance at the World Cup and it isn’t all doom and gloom. None other than Carli Lloyd said that despite the way it ended, it was a successful outing for the U.S. Matt Freese is trying to see the positives even though he made a costly mistake that gave up a goal to Belgium. Folarin Balogun said what I was thinking in that a certain phone call about his red card did affect the USMNT’s nerves heading into the match against Belgium. Lastly, the future could be bright thanks to these five USMNT prospects.
Free Kicks
- Atlanta United has signed Chilean defender Paulo Diaz on a free transfer. I didn’t realize a team could improve the defense with signings.
- As I alluded to above, Ismail Elfath will lead an all-U.S. Soccer referee crew for the match between Argentina and England. I’m curious to see how it plays out.
- If you want to watch the Bundesliga, you may need to get another streaming service as the U.S. rights are moving from ESPN to USA Network & Fandango.
- Charlotte FC is ending the practice of charging Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) in an effort to stem declining attendance and slower ticket sales. I’m glad that was an experiment that failed in MLS even if it is standard in other American professional sports.
- The New England Revolution have signed 18-year-old Peyton Miller to a contract extension through the 2028-2029 season.
- Former Orlando City B defender Nabi Kibunguchy has signed with USL Championship side Indy Eleven. We wish him luck with his new team.
That will do it for today. Check back later for our coverage of the Orlando Pride’s match against Boston Legacy FC. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for updates. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/14/26
Marco Pasalic transfer rumor, Marta up for weekly award, MLS transfer roundup, and more.
Good morning, everyone. I write to you from Texas, specifically Dallas, as I was in Austin to see friends over the weekend and decided to pop up the road to take in the energy of the World Cup semifinal that will be played in the city later today. I won’t be attending the game, since I don’t wish to sell one of my kidneys but am looking forward to mingling with some of the fans who have traveled here for it. We’ve got a lot to talk about this morning, so let’s get into the links.
Marco Pasalic Transfer Rumor
There have been some quiet rumblings for awhile now that Marco Pasalic may leave Orlando City during the summer transfer window. We now have a more concrete report regarding a potential departure, as the streets are saying that the winger is set to sign for newly promoted Hull City, with a price tag of at least €7 million.
If the move does come to pass, it would reunite him with manager Sergej Jakirovic, who he briefly played for during his time at HNK Rijeka. Jakirovic also stated in a recent interview that he wants to sign Pasalic, so this is a rumor that could have some legs.
Marta Up for Weekly Honors
The Orlando Pride picked up an excellent win on Friday by knocking off the Kansas City Current 3-0, and Marta has been rewarded for her efforts in the victory with a nomination for the NWSL Player of the Week. The Brazilian legend bagged the team’s first goal shortly after halftime, when she found herself in space well outside the box and unleashed a low left-footed drive into the bottom corner for her 50th goal as a Pride player. For some reason, she was snubbed in the Goal of the Week voting despite her impressive strike, so make sure you go vote for her for Player of the Week!
MLS Transfer Roundup
With the MLS summer transfer window opening on Monday, we’ve got a slew of moves to get caught up on. We begin with confirmation of an item that we covered in Monday’s Links, as Nathan Ordaz has officially moved to D.C. United in exchange for up to $2.875 million. The New England Revolution have extended Matt Turner’s loan from Lyon, with the new deal lasting through December. It also has an option to extend the loan again until December 2027, after which the Revs have a purchase option. Atlanta United has signed Paraguayan center back Junior Alonso on a free transfer, with his deal running through the 2028-2029 season. Finally, Charlotte FC has announced the signing of forward Allan Saint-Maximin as a Designated Player. He will occupy the DP slot vacated by Wilfried Zaha.
USWNT Announces Fall Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team has announced that it will play a pair of October friendlies against Spain in a matchup of the reigning World Cup champions against the reigning Olympic champions. The USWNT will face the top-ranked team in the world on Oct. 10 at Audi Field in Washington D.C., and again on Oct. 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. The Oct. 10 match will also have a pregame retirement celebration for USWNT defender Crystal Dunn. This will be just the fourth time that the two teams have faced each other, with the U.S. winning two of the three previous meetings. The two friendlies will be the last games that the USWNT plays before beginning World Cup qualifying.
Previewing France vs. Spain
The World Cup semifinals begin today, with France and Spain set to throw down in Dallas. For France, the stars are too many to count, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise all taking turns lighting up both the field and the scoreboard for the team that has made back-to-back appearances in the final. As far as Spain goes, all the focus is on Lamine Yamal, as the young winger has been key to Spain’s success despite scoring just one goal. If Nico Williams is able to start on the opposite wing, the French won’t be able to key so heavily on Yamal, and it could open up more space for him in which to operate. The matchup between the youngster and Lucas Digne will be key, as will the ability of either Mikel Oyarzabal or Ferran Torres to be effective up top for Spain.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Daryl Dike is leaving West Bromwich Albion. We know a team that just traded a striker.
- Debinha has signed a contract extension with the Kansas City Current.
- Hydration breaks will reportedly be a key element in future negotiations for soccer media rights.
- Manchester United is reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
- Pau Cubarsi has pushed back on comments made by Spain’s former prime minister Mariano Rajoy, in which he claimed that France “don’t have any French players.”
That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/13/26
Pride and OCB win, Maxime Crepeau to compete in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, Latest MLS transfer roundup, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work, but I look forward to watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals and final this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Pride Shut Out Kansas City Current at Home
The Orlando Pride defeated the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium Friday night, bouncing back from a tough outing at Angel City the previous week. After a scoreless first half, Marta scored the opener from long distance to give Orlando the lead. Hannah Anderson and Barbra Banda added a goal apiece as the Pride have won three out of their last four league matches. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse earned a clean sheet in her 100th appearance for the club. Orlando remains eighth in the NWSL table with 20 points. The Pride will be back in action at home Wednesday, taking on Boston Legacy at Inter&Co Stadium.
OCB Wins at FC Cincinnati 2
Orlando City B beat FC Cincinnati 2 by a 2-1 scoreline at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, KY on Sunday. Issah Haruna’s goal gave the Young Lions the lead in the first half. In the second half, Cincinnati leveled the match, but Matthew Belgodere scored the winner on the road. That result pulls the Young Lions into third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 33 points, just one point off leaders Chattanooga FC. OCB will be away for another road test Saturday against Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium.
Orlando City Reportedly Submits Transfer Offer for Alex Moreno
Orlando City has reportedly submitted a transfer offer to sign Girona defender Alex Moreno. No agreement has been reached between the two sides, and conversations remain ongoing, according to reports. Moreno made 31 appearances for Girona last season in La Liga and recorded three assists. The 33-year-old left back remains under contract with Girona through 2027, but the club was relegated from La Liga to La Liga 2 last season. Several European clubs have also expressed interest in signing Moreno, including La Liga sides Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano.
Crepeau to Compete in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge
Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau will compete in the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Truist Field in Charlotte on July 28, the club announced Friday. The competition will feature top players from Major League Soccer and Liga MX competing to test their soccer skills on the pitch. Five skills challenge competitions are featured, including the All-Star Goalie Wars, All-Star Crossbar Challenge, and the MLS vs. Liga MX Relay Challenge. Each competition will crown its own champion this year, switching from the traditional MLS-versus-opponent format used in previous years.
Latest MLS Transfer Roundup
According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Sporting Kansas City has emerged as a potential option to sign former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
D.C. United has reportedly acquired forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders have reportedly traded defender Cody Baker to the New England Revolution.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Silvester van der Water has signed with Cambodian Premier League side Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC.
- Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, who plays Dani Rojas in the show, made his professional debut for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive over the weekend.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the organization will examine expanding the men’s World Cup from 48 to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament concludes.
- Senegal has fired manager Pape Thiaw following its Round of 32 defeat to Belgium in the 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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