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Orlando City vs. Atlanta United: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions perform in a 2-1 win on the road against Atlanta United?

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City went on the road and beat Atlanta United 2-1 to capture a big win before the Leagues Cup. Atlanta United took the lead in the first half, thanks to a goal from Caleb Wiley, but Orlando immediately responded with a rare set piece goal, courtesy of Antonio Carlos’ head. Duncan McGuire then scored his eighth goal of the season to give Orlando the lead, and the defense held on for all three points. It was a physical rivalry match that featured 31 fouls and eight yellow cards.

Here’s how each Lion individually performed in Orlando’s fifth road win of the season.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 6.5 — Gallese’s pair of saves weren’t until late in the match, with one of the biggest in his Orlando career coming late in stoppage time. On a free kick from Thiago Almada in a dangerous area, Gallese initially stepped to his right and then quickly shifted course to dive in the opposite direction and parry it away. El Pulpo wasn’t able to make the save on Atlanta’s goal, but it’s hard to pin much blame on him considering the awkward bounce the shot took to hop over his leg. Antonio Carlos swept it off the line but Gallese had no chance of stopping Wiley’s follow-up shot. Gallese completed 57.9% of his 19 passes and seven of his 15 long balls were successful. He also did his part in burning time off the clock, although he was booked for wasting time while organizing his defense right before making that memorable save.

D, Rafael Santos, 5.5 — The left back was caught in no man’s land on Atlanta’s goal. He came inside to help defensively but then at the last second he left the loose ball for Cesar Araujo. That left Santos out of position and too far from Miguel Berry to stop his pass, while being totally absent from his area of responsibility, where Machop Chol put the initial shot on goal. Santos simply stopped at the top of the box and became a spectator as it all unfolded. His only cross was inaccurate, although he did complete five of his eight long balls. Regardless, he only completed 69.7% of his 33 passes and wasn’t able to get much going with his 52 touches. He had a chance to break up the buildup to Atlanta’s goal but left it for Cesar Araujo to deal with even though he had the better angle to knock it away. He was defensively solid with two tackles, two interceptions, and two clearances.

D, Robin Jansson, 6.5 — The Beefy Swede locked in following Atlanta’s goal, finishing the match with six clearances to help the Lions take all three points back to Orlando. He seemed to get better as the match wore on, using his size to head away the danger. Along with Carlos and Rodrigo Schlegel, Jansson did well to keep Giorgos Giakoumakis quiet once he came on in the second half. Jansson had 32 passes at a 78.1% success rate and completed three of his seven long balls. He was booked for dissent before going to the tunnel for halftime, so hopefully this isn’t the return of that habit from him.

D, Antonio Carlos, 7.5 (MotM) — Carlos scored his first goal of the season with a powerful header, connecting with a free kick from Pereyra to beat Brad Guzan. It was great to see the center back score off of a set piece after watching him come close all season long. His goal came just minutes after Atlanta’s goal, in which Carlos hustled to clear the ball off the line only for Wiley to put away the rebound. Carlos was indomitable on defense, putting out fires from start to finish and ending the game with six clearances, an interception, and two blocked shots. He was accurate on 90.6% of his 32 passes and connected on two of his four long balls. Carlos picked up a yellow card late in the match that gave Atlanta a free kick, but he certainly deserves Man of the Match honors for keeping Orlando alive on both ends of the pitch.

D, Kyle Smith, 4.5 — The right back was tough to watch. Smith was often in a poor position and just did not have the speed to contend with 18-year-old Caleb Wiley for most of the match. On Atlanta’s goal, Smith was far too slow to react to the rebound and Wiley had no issue at all beating him to the rebound. Smith’s four tackles were the most on the team, and he had a clearance as well. On offense, he tended to drift towards the middle of the field to provide space for Torres on the right wing, but several of his pass attempts were poor efforts easily cut out by the defender in front of him. Smith led the team with 62 touches and 42 passes, completing 76.2% of the latter. His lone cross was unsuccessful, as it was too low and easy to clear, and he was accurate on one of his three long balls. He and Wilder Cartagena combined to turn the ball over on a routine throw-in, which led to Atlanta’s only goal. He also had a shot that was off target, but a good effort from distance that just needed to dip.

MF, Wilder Cartagena, 6 — It wasn’t pretty by any means, but the Peruvian put in another decent shift in the midfield, keeping a dangerous opponent mostly quiet. A yellow card right before halftime may have prevented him from playing as physically as he did in the first half, but Cartagena was an important part of Orlando’s defensive stand and blocked a shot from Almada that could’ve spelled trouble late in the match. Cartagena also had two tackles, an interception, and 36 passes at an 83.3% success rate. However, he was partially at fault on the throw-in turnover that eventually led to Atlanta’s goal due to his soft back pass to Smith. While he didn’t have a shot, he had two key passes and was accurate on two of his four long balls. Cartagena was fouled five times and committed three fouls himself.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6 — The midfielder was all over the pitch in this one, racing back to break up a play in the nick of time one moment and crashing the box to put a header on target the next. That header was his only shot of the match, and didn’t have much on it to trouble Guzan. Araujo’s passing wasn’t awful, but could have been a bit better considering he had 35 passes at a 74.3% success rate, and he was accurate on two of his six long balls. Araujo won the foul from Santiago Sosa that set up Orlando’s goal off the ensuing free kick. However, he was also part of the defending confusion on the Atlanta goal. He was trailing the play, but close enough that Santos pulled out of a seemingly easier challenge, leaving it for Araujo. Berry was quicker than the Uruguayan and beat Araujo to the ball, which was a key part of the sequence that led to Atlanta’s goal. Apart from that, he was defensively sound, contributing three clearances and two tackles to help Orlando secure the win on the road. Like Cartagena, he was fouled five times and did well doing the gritty things to close out the game.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 6 — Angulo’s only shot was a good strike from distance following some skilled dribbling and a one-two with Pereyra. It was a good effort but skipped just inches wide of the post. Although he didn’t end up with a goal or an assist, Angulo kept defenders on their toes and was successful on three of his four attempted dribbles. The winger completed 83.3% of his 18 passes and didn’t have any crosses. His quickness was useful as Atlanta pushed harder to score, but the Lions had a hard time heaving the ball up field for him all too much. He was booked for booting the ball after a foul was called, and was subbed out for Felipe in stoppage time.

MF, Mauricio Pereyra, 7 — The captain provided the assists on both of Orlando’s goals and led the team with three key passes. On Orlando’s first goal, Pereyra did well to put the ball in a spot where Carlos could reach it in traffic. Pereyra then slipped a great ball past Atlanta defenders after drawing attention, finding McGuire’s run for him to score the winner. The Uruguayan wasn’t perfect, completing 74.3% of his 35 passes, but was exactly what the doctor ordered to mend the offense after last week. Both of his crosses found their mark, he was accurate on two of his three long balls, and he had some deft touches and good movement to keep the offense running smoothly. His only shot of the match came within the first minute, after some nice passing between him, McGuire, and Torres. It was on target, but a heavy touch before the shot allowed Guzan to come off his line to cut down the angle and he wasn’t able to make the most of the chance. Still, it was a good outing from Pereyra, who was subbed out for fresher legs in the 73rd minute.

MF, Facundo Torres, 6.5 — Atlanta kept Torres pinned to the right wing for a majority of his time on the field, wasting little time to close down his options once he had the ball. As a result, Torres had to provide most of his service from awkward positions out wide and was successful on just one of his five attempted dribbles. Although less effective, he still did well and completed all 20 of his passes. Torres also had a pair of key passes and completed two of his three crosses. His most notable contribution was in the second half when he whipped in a venomous cross on his weaker right foot that was met by Ramiro Enrique’s diving header, which smacked the post. His only shot of the match was an attempt from outside of the box that went into the stands. Defensively, Torres applied plenty of pressure and helped out with three tackles.

F, Duncan McGuire, 7 — McGuire scored the winner with a nice finish into the bottom left corner with a defender breathing down his neck. It was one of many great runs from the rookie, as he utilized strength and elusiveness to get past Atlanta players and into open space while on the field. His goal was one of two shots in the match, the other a daring try from midfield that lacked some oomph and accuracy to punish Guzan for being off his line. In his 64 minutes of action, McGuire completed six of his nine passes and had a key pass early on to set up a solid chance for Pereyra. He received his second yellow card of the season right before being subbed off. It was another strong performance from McGuire, and a nice response following last week’s shutout.

Substitutes

F, Ramiro Enrique (65′), 6.5 — Enrique nearly made an immediate impact, diving to get his head on the end of a cross from Torres and hitting the post. It was Enrique’s only shot of the match, coming off the bench shortly after Orlando took the lead. He contributed in other ways, winning seven of his nine aerial duels despite his size. He had 15 touches and 12 passes, albeit at just a 33.3% success rate.

MF, Martin Ojeda (74′), 5.5 — Ojeda didn’t see much of the ball while on the field, ending up with only five touches and three passes, completing two. He was successful on his only long ball attempt and helped out defensively with an interception and blocked a couple of passes that could have led to something dangerous. Although he wasn’t able to get the Lions an insurance goal, his fresh legs and hustle helped Orlando hold on.

D, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson (75′) 6 — Thorhallsson came on to replace Smith as right back and had his share of difficulties against the opposition as well. But he settled in and wound up with three tackles and two clearances. He had 10 touches and completed one of his two passes. With Michael Halliday out and Smith struggling, Thorhallsson’s versatility was useful to shore up the defense.

D, Rodrigo Schlegel (75′) 6.5 — The center back came in and did his job, making two tackles and three clearances to maintain Orlando’s lead. He also got under Giakoumakis’ skin, with the Greek forward earning a yellow card for shoving Schlegel down. He had eight touches and completed his only pass. Once again, Schlegel showed the value of having a more-than-capable center back on the bench to come in and make the defense that much harder to beat.

MF, Felipe (92′) N/A — The midfielder came on for Angulo to further fortify things with the game winding down and to help waste a few seconds. However, he didn’t have any touches and wasn’t on the field long enough to warrant a grade.

That’s how I saw each player’s performance in the road victory. Many Lions did well in this one, so be sure to vote for who you think deserves the title of Man of the Match. Let us know what you think in the comments below as well.

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Orlando City

2025 Orlando City Season In Review: Iván Angulo

The left winger contributed defensively but struggled offensively during his fourth season in Orlando.

Published

15 hours ago

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November 6, 2025

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Image of Ivan Angulo playing the ball against D.C. United.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City acquired midfielder Ivan Angulo on a 12-month loan from Brazilian Serie A side Palmeiras on July 25, 2022. The Lions accepted the option to extend the loan for six more months on June 22, 2023, before working out a permanent transfer for the winger on Jan. 3, 2024. That contract was through 2025 with a club option for 2026, and as of this writing, the club has yet to announce if it will pick up that club option.

Let’s take a look back at the winger’s fourth season with the Lions.

Statistical Breakdown

After a 2024 season when he was an iron man for Orlando City, starting nearly every game in all competitions and playing more than 3,500 minutes, Angulo found himself on the bench a little more frequently in 2025, though he was still the team’s primary starter out on the left wing.

In MLS regular-season play, Angulo appeared in 33 of Orlando’s 34 matches, starting 30 and playing a total of 2,317 minutes. Unlike in 2024, when he scored five goals, he went goalless, but he contributed seven assists, tied for third most on the team. He attempted 34 shots and put 11 on target. Angulo completed 84% of his passes with 36 key passes and six successful crosses. On the defensive side, he compiled 30 tackles, 18 interceptions, 17 clearances, and four blocks. He committed 20 fouls and suffered 26 and received four yellow cards.

The Colombian started the wild card game in his customary left wing spot but only played 56 minutes before coming off for Tyrese Spicer. He took one shot, putting it on target, and completed 78% of his passes. He added two tackles and two clearances on defense. He neither committed nor drew any fouls and was not booked.

Angulo was not heavily used during the U.S. Open Cup, coming off the bench during both games and playing a total of 35 minutes. He did not take any shots, but he assisted on one goal and completed 84% of his passes. Defensively, he made two tackles but did not have any other contributions.

The winger was at his best during the Leagues Cup, starting all six games and playing 534 of the 540 possible minutes. He scored his one goal of the season and added two assists in the competition. Angulo took seven shots, putting three on frame, and completed 86% of his passes with six key passes. He was an active defender, making 13 tackles, intercepting three passes, and adding two clearances and one block. He committed seven fouls, drew six on the opposition, and received one yellow card.

Best Game

Angulo’s one goal of the season came against Atlas in the Leagues Cup, but his best game of the season was against Columbus during the MLS regular season, when he recorded two assists and was a menace defensively in a 3-1 victory over the Crew. The winger led the team in tackles with five and made great plays to assist on both of Ramiro Enrique’s goals, helping the Lions come from behind to take the lead.

Angulo also was fouled in the box and would have drawn a penalty had the referee called the foul, but even without that possible goal-creating action the Colombian still contributed all over the field against Columbus, earning the Man of the Match in our player grades.

2025 Final Grade

The Mane Land awarded Angulo a composite rating of 6 out of 10 for the 2025 season, which is a slight decrease from the 6.5 out of 10 that we gave him for the 2024 season. He was one of the best defensive wing players in the league but did not offer enough offensively, leading to a reduction in minutes played as compared to 2024 and frequent offense-for-defense substitutions with Angulo coming off for Spicer late in the game.

2026 Outlook

As menioned above, Angulo is waiting on the club’s decision on whether or not to pick up his option for 2026, and with the acquisition of Spicer the Lions have a younger and cheaper player on the roster who plays the same position. Angulo is in the prime of his career at age 26 and is a better defender than Spicer, but his offensive output declined noticeably from 2024 to 2025, and it will be a difficult call for the front office on whether he is worth keeping at an increased salary or to decline the option and renegotiate or say goodbye.

If the club chooses to keep him, he will once again operate out on the left, and his minutes will likely decrease again in 2026 as he platoons with Spicer. The Colombian has one of the best work rates and sprint speeds in the entire league, so it is possible that the coaching staff also would give him a look at left back in the mold of former Lion Ruan. I expect that the club declines his option but negotiates a new deal and he is back again in purple next season.

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Orlando City

2025 Orlando City Season in Review: Dagur Dan Thórhallsson

The versatile Icelandic international lost the starting role at right back but still found ways to contribute.

Published

17 hours ago

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November 6, 2025

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Dagur Dan Thorhallsson plays the ball against the Chicago Fire.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City signed Icelandic midfielder Dagur Dan Thórhallsson on Jan. 31, 2023. The then-23-year-old was signed to a two-year deal with two additional option years for 2025 and 2026, but on July 18, 2024, the club announced that they had re-signed him to a new contract, which runs through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027. Unlike last season, when he was the starting right back, Thórhallsson was mainly a bench option after Alex Freeman’s emergence as the new starter. Despite that, he found ways to contribute in multiple ways this season.

Let’s have a look back at Thórhallsson’s third season with Orlando City.

Statistical Breakdown

Thórhallson participated in three of the four competitions Orlando City played in during 2025 — mostly as a substitute with the occasional start — logging total 1,334 minutes. Since he wasn’t the consistent starter that he was last season, Thórhallson played the role of super sub at right back and in the midfield in 2025. Even though he played fewer minutes, he played in more positions on the field, making him a valuable depth player for the Lions.

In MLS regular-season play, Thórhallson appeared in 31 matches, starting 11 and playing 1,104 minutes. He scored three goals — the most he’s scored in one season with Orlando — but didn’t record any assists. He took eight shots, putting three on target, and he completed 88% of his passes with 10 key passes, four successful crosses, and seven completed long balls. On the defensive side, he recorded 20 tackles, 10 clearances, seven interceptions, and seven blocked shots. He committed 10 fouls, suffered 16 fouls, and received three yellow cards.

Thórhallson played in both of Orlando City’s U.S. Open Cup matches, starting both and playing 174 minutes. He scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on his only shot in the Lions’ 5-0 win on May 7 and added an assist. He completed 93% of his passes, including two key passes. Defensively, he tallied one tackle, three interceptions, and one clearance. He suffered one foul in the tournament.

During Leagues Cup play, Thórhallson started one match and came on as a substitute in another, playing a total of 56 minutes with no goals, assists, or shots. He completed 96% of his passes with two crosses. He added two interceptions, and he committed one foul and drew none. He did not receive any cards.

Best Game

Often we give Best Game when a player — especially a mostly defensive player — scores a goal, but that isn’t true for Thórhallson in 2025. His best game came in Orlando City’s 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City. Thórhallson went the full 90 minutes, getting the start at right back and then moving to the midfield at halftime. He did well in the first half, but once he moved to the midfield Orlando City came to life.

Thórhallson was all over the place, sniffing out threats, intercepting the opposition, and generally being an awesome menace. He had 70 touches, two successful dribbles, won six of his nine duels, suffered one foul, and passed at a 94% rate with one key pass. Defensively, he made three clearances, three tackles, and six recoveries. Despite not getting Man of the Match in the Player Grades, he did earn Man of the Match from both Michael Citro and myself on The Mane Land PawedCast.

2025 Final Grade

The Mane Land awarded Thórhallsson a composite rating of 6 out of 10 for the 2025 season, which is lower than the 6.5 rating we gave him for the 2024 season. Of course, none of us are attributing the lower grade to his being less effective, but his overall consistency wasn’t as high, likely owing to playing less regularly. Despite playing less than half the minutes he did in 2024, Thórhallsson was able to contribute at multiple positions. He never gave less than 100% when he did make the field.

2026 Outlook

I think 2026 may look a little different than 2025 for the Icelandic international, as a lot will depend on whether Alex Freeman returns and what the midfield looks like. I think Oscar Pareja likes his versatility, though in a similar way to how he likes Kyle Smith. If Freeman moves on, and if Orlando City doesn’t bring in a more experienced right back to replace him, Thórhallsson could regain that starting position he had in 2023. He could also replace Smith as a backup in multiple spots if The Accountant isn’t re-signed.

The other possibility is that Orlando City moves on from any of or all of Cesar Araujo, Wilder Cartagena, and Eduard Atuesta. If so, Thórhallsson could possibly earn a starting role in the midfield, though I find this less likely. I suspect the most likely outcome is that he will be used much as he was this season, and that is not a bad thing for the Lions. Good depth players are necessary to win trophies.

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Lion Links: 11/6/25

Alex Freeman named to 2025 MLS Best XI, Orlando Pride prepare for the playoffs, U.S. wins U-17 World Cup opener, and more.

Published

21 hours ago

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November 6, 2025

By

Image of Alex Freeman celebrating after scoring the tying goal at Cincinnati.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the week is treating you well as we get ready for the Orlando Pride’s playoff game and other soccer over the next few days. It’s about that time of the year where I start trialing Thanksgiving dish ideas, which means my oven is being put through its paces. My apartment has been smelling nice at least. But enough about that, let’s get to the links!

Alex Freeman Makes 2025 MLS Best XI

MLS announced its Best XI of the 2025 season to celebrate the top players at each position, and Orlando City right back Alex Freeman became the first Lion to ever receive the honor. Freeman had a breakout year for the Lions, recording six goals and three assists as a regular starter. The 21-year-old was already named MLS Young Player of the Year and is the youngest player to make the Best XI since Brenden Aaronson’s inclusion in 2020.

Freeman is joined on the Best XI’s back line by Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon and Philadelphia Union duo Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner. Those three were the finalists for 2025 MLS Defender of the Year, with Blackmon winning, so it’s pretty good company for Freeman. Forward Denis Bouanga, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair are a few of the other players who made this year’s list.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Playoff Match

The Orlando Pride will host the Seattle Reign on Friday in the quarterfinals of this year’s NWSL playoffs. There will be a bit of déjà vu going on, as the two teams just played to a 1-1 draw in Orlando on Decision Day. The Pride have done well to bounce back in recent weeks after a rough stretch in the second half of the season, so hopefully they can get a win on Friday. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the pressure Orlando faces as the defending champions, as well as the importance of securing home-field advantage for this match.

U.S. Wins First U-17 World Cup Game

The U-17 United States Men’s National Team won 1-0 against Burkina Faso in its first match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. American winger Mathis Albert created chances throughout the match and it paid off in the 79th minute when one of his crosses fell for Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan to score the winner. Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes had four saves, and the defense did well to secure the clean sheet. The U.S. will be back in action on Saturday with a match against Tajikistan.

Analyzing the USWNT Roster

Although the United States Women’s National Team still has a pair of friendlies against Italy this year, we’re starting to get a clearer look at how the roster is shaping up under Head Coach Emma Hayes. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams is likely to be called up until further notice, although Jordyn Bugg’s ascent and Naomi Girma’s health may determine her chances at starting. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has seemingly locked up the starting job while the forward position is filled with talented players who give Hayes different ways of attacking defenses. There’s still a year before the Concacaf W Championship that will serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so it will be interesting to see if there are any major changes on the roster between now and then.

Free Kicks

  • Luis Suarez was suspended for Inter Miami’s deciding playoff match in the best-of-three series against Nashville SC on Saturday for kicking Andy Najar last weekend. Whoever writes his apologies for violent conduct must have one of the most secure jobs in the world at this point.

Can confirm @tombogert.bsky.social's report. Luis Suárez will miss Game 3 of Inter Miami's playoff series against Nashville SC for this off-the-ball kick on Andy Nájar. No foul was called in the game, MLS DisCo has deemed it rises to the level of violent conduct.

— Ben Wright (@benwright.bsky.social) 2025-11-05T16:42:59.720Z
  • Real Salt Lake signed both Sporting Director Kurt Schmid and Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni to new contracts, while Tony Beltran was promoted to assistant sporting director. These moves come a week after former Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis was named Real Salt Lake’s president of soccer operations.
  • Victor Osimhen is now the leading scorer in this year’s UEFA Champions League after his hat trick in Galatasaray’s 3-0 win over Ajax.
  • According to Wrexham Chief Executive Michael Williamson, the filming of Welcome to Wrexham played a role in Christian Eriksen choosing not to play there.
  • Here’s what to watch for across the many Europa League matches today, with Roma’s road game against Rangers likely to be a good one.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a great day as we look forward to the weekend!

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