Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Santos Laguna, 2023 Leagues Cup: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
The Lions have some work to do in order to advance in the competition.

Welcome to your match thread for a Saturday night Leagues Cup group stage matchup between Orlando City (0-0-1, 2 poins) and Santos Laguna (0-0-1, 1 point) of Liga MX at Exploria Stadium (7:30 p.m., MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+). It’s the second meeting ever between the teams and the final match in group play for the South 2 group.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the match.
History
The Lions have met Los Guerreros once before — also in Leagues Cup play — on Aug. 12, 2021. Santos Laguna captured that meeting 1-0 at Exploria Stadium in the 2021 iteration of Leagues Cup on a controversial goal by Juan Ferney Otero. The Lions felt Antonio Carlos was fouled in the buildup to the goal but no call was made and that essentially decided the match. That was a quarterfinal game and Santos went on to face the Seattle Sounders.
Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja has also coached in the Leagues Cup before arriving in Orlando, with his Tijuana side bowing out to the LA Galaxy in penalties following a 2-2 draw in California in 2019.
Overview
Orlando City is coming off a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo in its first match of this competition a week ago. The Lions were incensed at a soft penalty awarded to Houston that allowed the Dynamo to claim a point but at least Orlando managed to win the post-game penalty shootout to claim a second point.
Santos Laguna played at Houston on Tuesday and fell behind 2-0 before rallying to get a 2-2 draw. However, the Dynamo won the penalty shootout, so Houston leads the group with three points. Tonight’s game is vital. If either team wins, it will win the group and travel to Inter Miami for the Round of 32. If tonight’s match is a draw, things get more complicated.
If Orlando City draws and wins the penalty shootout, but the score is 2-2, 1-1, or 0-0, the Lions will go through but finish second to Houston in the group. Why? Because apparently Leagues Cup isn’t using the head-to-head shootout result in the tiebreaking mechanism, and the next tiebreaker would be goals scored (which would favor Houston if lower than 2-2 and be equal if it finishes 2-2). The next tiebreaker is fair play and Houston has received fewer yellow cards — mostly due to arguing the highly questionable penalty awarded to the Dynamo last week.
If the Lions draw Santos Laguna 3-3 or with a higher score, they would finish first if they win the penalty shootout and go to Miami in the Round of 32. If they lose the shootout after such a score, they’d finish second in the group and host Pachuca.
Orlando City would be eliminated with a loss or a shootout loss if the tie score is 2-2 or lower.
The Lions are 0-1-2 against Liga MX competition, losing the first meeting against Santos Laguna in 2021 and drawing Tigres twice earlier this season in Concacaf Champions League play. The away-goals rule allowed Tigres to advance in that tournament. Orlando City has yet to win a non-MLS match in 2023 (0-1-3), with the two draws against Tigres and a loss in the U.S. Open Cup at Charlotte prior to last week’s draw vs. Houston.
This is only the third iteration of the competition, which was won in 2021 by Club León over the Seattle Sounders, 3-2, and in 2019 by Cruz Azul over fellow Liga MX side Tigres, 2-1. The event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
If the Lions are going to be successful, they’ll have to take care of the ball in possession and not be hesitant to play over the top when Santos presses high. The visitors will try to win the ball back high up the pitch and look for opportunities to score on quick transitions. In possession, the visitors will try to work the ball in from the wings. Santos is dangerous on set pieces, with big, physical Brazilian center back Matheus Dória and Colombian forward Harold Preciado offering tempting targets. Argentine attacking midfielder Juan Brunetta is another player to keep an eye on.
“It’s a great opportunity to compete against a good rival like Santos Laguna,” Pareja said. “Obviously, it’s going to increase this rivalry between the leagues of Mexico and the United States. [Our] mission is to continue [in Leagues Cup] and advance to the next round. The players are good, we are optimistic, and we are looking forward to a good game.”
Orlando City will continue to be without Gaston Gonzalez (thigh) and Michael Halliday (thigh). Starting goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo is the only known injury for Santos Laguna, but backup Gibran Lajud provides a quality alternative.
Match Content
- Our Intelligence Report provides more info about Santos Laguna from FMF State of Mind contributor Eugene Rupinski.
- Our most recent episode of the PawedCast features our key matchups and score predictions for tonight’s match.
- David Rohe gives you his three keys to victory for Orlando City.
Official Lineups
Orlando City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese.
Defenders: Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, Kyle Smith.
Defensive Midfielders: Cesar Araujo, Wilder Cartagena.
Attacking Midfielders: Ivan Angulo, Mauricio Pereyra, Facundo Torres.
Forward: Duncan McGuire.
Bench: Mason Stajduhar, Adam Grinwis, Luca Petrasso, Thomas Williams, Rodrigo Schlegel, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Felipe, Juninho, Shak Mohammed, Martin Ojeda, Ramiro Enrique, Ercan Kara.
Santos Laguna (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Gibran Lajud.
Defenders: Omar Campos, Matheus Dória, Felix Torres, Raúl López.
Defensive Midfielders: Alan Cervantes, Aldo López.
Attacking Midfielders: Duvan Vergara, Juan Brunetta, Emerson Rodríguez.
Forward: Harold Preciado.
Bench: Santiago Ramirez, Hector Holguin Perez, Jesus Gomez, Ismael Govea, Hugo Rodriguez, Diego Medina, Ronaldo Prieto, Pedro Aquino, Jair Gonzalez, Salvador Mariscal, Jesus Ocejo, Santiago Munoz.
Referees
Ref: Victor Rivas.
AR1: Jair Sosa Garcia.
AR2: Jesus Soto.
4th: Kwinsi Williams.
VAR: Rosendo Mendoza.
How to Watch
Match Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Exploria Stadium — Orlando.
TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
Twitter: For rapid reaction and live updates, follow along at @TheManeLand, as well as Orlando City’s official Twitter feed (@OrlandoCitySC).
Enjoy the match. Go City!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/2/23
The Pride sign a new keeper, the MLS playoffs continue, the USWNT is in action, and more.

Salutations on this satisfactory Saturday, Mane Landers. We’re heading for the home stretch of 2023, and what a year it has been. Make sure that you are catching all of our Season in Review articles for both the Orlando City and Orlando Pride players. Things tend to happen personnel-wise in December, so be prepared. Until then, let’s check out today’s links. But first, let’s wish a happy 26th birthday to Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar.
Pride Sign a New Keeper
The Orlando Pride signed Finnish goalkeeper Sofia Manner from FC Honka of Finland’s top flight, the Kansallinen Liiga. With the addition of Manner, the Pride have four keepers on the roster heading into 2024. Manner is expected to compete for the starting job, though the same could be said of both Anna Moorhouse and Carly Nelson. It is unlikely all four netminders will be on the Pride once the season starts. Manner has international experience and was the best keeper in the Kansallinen Liiga.
MLS Conference Finals Tonight
I wouldn’t blame you if you decided not to watch the remainder of the MLS playoffs after last weekend’s disappointing result. However, if you are going see how it all sorts out, you might want to study up on the matches. We’re all too aware that the Columbus Crew will be facing FC Cincinnati to see which club wins the Eastern Conference. Over on the other side, LAFC will take on the Houston Dynamo to determine the Western Conference champion.
MLS Player Moves
As the playoffs come to a close, the signings and transfers around the league are ramping up, but who will stay and who will go? New York Red Bulls midfielder Dru Yearwood is heading to Nashville SC as reported by The Athletic (paywalled) since Dax McCarthy is out of contract there and won’t be returning.
The Philadelphia Union have signed midfielder Jesus Bueno to a new three-year contract through 2026 with an option for 2027. Meanwhile, Gustavo Bou won’t be returning to the New England Revolution. So, um…maybe he’d like to come south and score goals for Orlando City rather than against the Lions? Before anyone gets too crazy, it should be on a non-DP deal.
USWNT Hosts China
The USWNT is back in friendly action against China this afternoon in Ft. Lauderdale at 3 p.m. and then on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. in Frisco TX. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore will be in charge since newly-named Head Coach Emma Hayes doesn’t start until the 2023-2024 Women’s Super League season in England is over. Hayes is the current head coach of Chelsea FC Women’s. This is the first match between the two teams since 2018, and a lot has changed. The USWNT has been very solid on defense in 2023, allowing only two goals back in the SheBelieves Cup.
Free Kicks
- If you want to see the USMNT play either Mexico or Argentina in the Copa America, you’d better hope that the USMNT makes it to the final, otherwise you will be disappointed.
- Canadian legend Christine Sinclair received a special message from Wrexham AFC co-owner Ryan Reynolds during an interview. Who knew Sinclair likes gin?
- If you haven’t heard of a “sin bin,” think of it like a penalty box in hockey. The idea has been getting a runout in lower league matches in English football by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) with some good results. It’s not yet confirmed, but MLS may institute the change in 2024. The idea is to reduce dissension by having a player sit for 10 minutes during a match. Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken out against the idea. What do you think of the concept?
- Real Salt Lake has promoted Kurt Schmid to sporting director and interim chief soccer officer.
- Cristiano Ronaldo will have to deal with a $1 billion class-action lawsuit for his role in promoting NFTs for Binance. Maybe that’s why he signed for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League?
- Speaking of the Saudi Pro League, it looks like Mohamed Salah may not be leaving EPL side Liverpool anytime soon. The prolific striker is looking for a new contract to stay at Anfield.
- I’ll take things Pedro Gallese would not do for $400, Alex.
That will do it for today. Please go forth and enjoy your weekend!
Orlando City
2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Kyle Smith
Let’s look back at The Accountant’s fifth MLS season.

Fullback Kyle Smith was originally signed on Dec. 21, 2018 when James O’Connor was Orlando City’s head coach. He proved to be a valuable Swiss Army knife-type player and earned a new contract on March 29, 2021 through the 2022 season with a 2023 club option. Orlando City picked up his 2023 option at the end of the 2022 season but then signed Smith to a new one-year contract for 2023 just weeks later with an option for 2024.
Let’s have a look back at The Accountant’s fifth MLS season.
Statistical Breakdown
Smith appeared in 25 matches during the 2023 regular season, starting 17 times and logging 1,501 minutes. It was his third-most appearances but his second-most minutes since making the jump from Louisville City to MLS ahead of the 2019 season. He scored one goal and assisted on three others, setting a new career high in the latter category. Smith attempted seven shots, putting two on target. He passed at a 78.7% clip, including nine key passes, five successful crosses, and 36 successful long passes. Defensively, Smith recorded 35 tackles, 16 interceptions, 40 clearances, and two blocked shots. He drew eight fouls while committing 20 and was booked five times on the year.
The 31-year-old appeared in all three of Orlando City’s three playoff matches — both off the bench — and logged 65 minutes. He did not score a goal or assist on one, attempting one shot, which he put on frame. He passed at an 82.5% rate in the postseason. He posted two tackles and a clearance defensively. He did not commit a foul or draw one and he wasn’t booked.
In the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, Smith came off the bench in the first leg at Tigres, playing minutes, passing at just a 25% rate (small sample size), did not attempt a shot, did not draw or concede a foul, and was not booked.
During Leagues Cup play, Smith appeared in all three of Orlando’s matches (all starts), logging 150 minutes. He did not contribute to a goal or attempt a shot in the tournament, committing four fouls and earning two yellow cards. Smith did not play in Orlando City’s lone U.S. Open Cup match.
Best Game
Smith’s best match of 2023 came in Orlando City’s 1-1 home draw against Atlanta United on May 27, and not only because that’s when he scored his lone goal of the season, although that doesn’t hurt. El Soldado started and went the full 90 minutes. He fired two shots on the night, putting one on target (and in the net), and passed at an exceptional 90.3% rate on 31 attempts, which was his third-best passing night of the season. He completed two successful long balls on two attempts, chipping in four clearances (second only to Antonio Carlos), a tackle, and an interception on the night. His big moment came in the 30th minute, when a well-worked attack up the left kicked out to him on the right side. Smith was perfectly positioned and made no mistake in putting the Lions ahead 1-0.
Although the match was spoiled by a late equalizer, Smith turned in one of his best performances since joining Orlando City and if not for his goal, the outcome might have been a lot more somber than a 1-1 draw.
2023 Final Grade
Smith received a composite score of 6 out of 10 for his 2023 performance from The Mane Land staff. This is an improvement over the 5.5 he earned last year but slightly below the 6.5 he earned for the 2021 season. Previously, Smith was given a 5.5 in 2020 and he got the same score after the 2019 season. The staff awarded Smith for his effort, versatility, and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. He is the quintessential team player. But beyond all of the above, he simply played well most of his minutes on the pitch. At his age, he’s going to struggle to contain the league’s speediest wing players, particularly when playing on his weaker left side, but his ability to adapt is unquestioned. The perfect example of that was when he was tucking inside from his fullback spot earlier in the season to add an additional player to the midfield and freeing Facundo Torres up to have more space in which to operate on the right side.
2024 Outlook
Smith’s return may ultimately rest with whether or not Oscar Pareja stays on with the Lions, although a decision might need to be made earlier than that, as the club must make a decision on his option. Pareja has valued Smith’s versatility and work ethic over the last few years, and with more competitions and matches than ever before, it’s always good to have a depth player who can plug and play in multiple positions. He played his second-most MLS minutes in 2023, so he’s still seeing the field plenty.
If I had to guess, and this section is for exactly that, I’d say the club will either exercise his option or sign him to a new one-year deal with an option year for 2025. However, what complicates matters is that Smith is over age 24 and has played five MLS seasons, which means he’s eligible for free agency. If he’s back in 2024, I would expect him to again be a key backup at both fullback positions, getting some spot starts in U.S. Open Cup or when fixture congestion is heavy.
Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)
- Alex Freeman: (11/29/23)
- Abdi Salim (11/30/23)
Orlando City
2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Abdi Salim
We continue our Orlando City player retrospectives with a look at one of the Lions’ 2023 draft picks.

Orlando City used its third pick of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft to select Abdi Salim with the 17th overall pick. Salim played his college soccer at Syracuse and the Lions picked up the center back to help with depth at a position that didn’t really have a ton of established bodies behind Antonio Carlos, Robin Jansson, and Rodrigo Schlegel. He was then signed to a one-year deal in February that contained three option years for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons.
Let’s have a look at Salim’s first season as a professional.
Statistical Breakdown
Salim made his Major League Soccer debut at home against FC Cincinnati on March 4. It was Salim’s only start of the year and he went the full 90 minutes as the Lions drew 0-0 against the eventual Supporters’ Shield winners. He made two other appearances in away games against D.C. United and Charlotte FC, both of which ended as 1-1 draws as he finished with 148 MLS minutes on the year.
Defensively he recorded four tackles, four interceptions, three clearances, a block, and won two aerial duels. He did not record any offensive statistics, but was solid with his distribution as he averaged 87.3% passing accuracy and completed one cross and one long ball each.
Given that it was only his first season as a professional, he spent the bulk of his time in MLS NEXT Pro with Orlando City B. With the Young Lions he played in 16 matches, starting 14 of them and racking up 1,162 minutes. He finished with 11 interceptions and a tackle while committing seven fouls and drawing 11 and picking up one yellow card. Salim took nine shots, put two of them on target, and scored a goal on each one he got on frame. He passed very well, finishing with a 90.2% success rate, two key passes, and 18 long balls.
Best Game
The honor of his best game goes to his first ever professional appearance, when he started and played the whole game in the aforementioned 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati. Salim finished with three tackles, three clearances, and an interception while passing with 87% accuracy, completing a long ball on his only attempt, and helping the Lions keep a clean sheet at home. He was a bit shaky at first, as he was deployed as the third center back in a three-man back line, but he settled down in the second half and finished with a grade of 5.5 out of 10 from Nic Josey.
2023 Final Grade
Given that Salim didn’t crack 200 minutes and we require a minimum of 450 to award a grade for the season, he receives an incomplete for the 2023 season. He did some good things when down with Orlando City B, and filled in well enough with the senior side when called upon, but we simply need to see more of him in order to figure out what he’s really able to do.
2024 Outlook
It’s likely that Salim will spend more time with Orlando City B next season, but with no one seemingly laying claim to the fourth center back position, he should have a chance to show what he’s capable of during preseason. He seemed to be in competition with Thomas Williams for the back up spot not occupied by Rodrigo Schlegel, but he may have moved past him in the pecking order as he made more appearances than the Homegrown signing, both with OCSC and OCB. Regardless, as an inexpensive young player with potential, there’s no reason to think he won’t be here next year.
Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)
- Alex Freeman: (11/29/23)
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Final Score 2-0 as 10-Man Lions Fall at Home in Extra Time
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride Announce Roster Decisions Following 2023 NWSL Season
-
Lion Links2 weeks ago
Lion Links: 11/22/23
-
Lion Links4 days ago
Lion Links: 11/29/23