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

How did your favorite Lions perform in Orlando’s 3-2 home win over the New England Revolution?

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2 years ago

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Orlando City finished off its home campaign with an exciting 3-2 victory against a New England Revolution squad that has too often enjoyed joyful results at the expense of the Lions. The Revs came into town five points behind Orlando City but ended the night eight points adrift of the Lions, who secured the second seed in the postseason — the highest finish in club history.

Here’s how I saw each individual performance in Orlando’s win over the former poster boys of the Eastern Conference.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 5.5 — This is a rare departure from the regular match grade for El Pulpo. The Peruvian number one uncharacteristically spilled a goal from distance, allowing the Revolution a sliver of hope before giving up a second on a redirection that he could not do about about in the final seconds of stoppage time. Neither goal ultimately affected the outcome of the game, but they certainly could have if Orlando hadn’t outscored its competition. Gallese did well to deny Carles Gil from point-blank range with an acrobatic save before New England found its garbage time goal. He completed 62.9% of his 35 passes, including only one accurate long ball out of 14 chances.

D, Rafael Santos, 7 — The Brazilian left back put in another solid performance. Santos recorded 62 touches on the night and completed 95% of his 40 passes. He logged two key passes and was accurate on three of his four long balls. On the offensive side of the pitch, Santos logged four shots, which all missed the mark but did include a howitzer that just missed the top of the crossbar. Santos also recorded one successful dribble. His best moment of the night came when he earned the assist setting up Ivan Angulo for a goal giving Orlando a 3-1 lead.

D, Robin Jansson, 6.5 — The heart and soul of the Orlando back line put in another strong effort against numerous efforts from New England especially in the beginning of the match. Jansson completed 86.9% of his 61 passes and recorded 65 touches on the night. He also completed five of his 10 long ball attempts. On defense, Jansson was credited with two clearances, one interception, and an aerial duel won but did not record a tackle on the night. He picked up two fouls and ultimately both goals that New England scored were of the fluky nature and the center back could do little to stop either one.

D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 6.5 — We talk at length about what a luxury it is to have such a quality third center back on the roster and Schlegel has done admirably filling in as Antonio Carlos continues to work his way back into the lineup. Schlegel had 56 touches on the night, and completed 91.3% of his 46 passes and one of three long ball attempts. Schlegel blocked two shots and recorded two clearances while committing one foul. City fans also got a rare Schlegel shot as the defensemen recorded one shot on the night which failed to find the target.

D, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, 7.5 — Thorhallsson found himself back in the starting lineup after coming off the bench during the midweek fixture. The converted defender truly opens up options on the right side of the field that were lacking earlier in the season. The Icelandic international enjoyed a team-high 76 touches and completed 94.7% of his 57 passes. Thorhallsson filled the defensive stat sheet by winning two aerial duels and logging one interception, one blocked shot, and one successful tackle, as well as a team-high three clearances. He completed one of two crosses and also logged a key pass. Offensively, Thorhallsson completed two successful dribbles, and he picked up the first assist of the game on a cross that found Duncan McGuire. He also logged two shots which were not on target.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 7 — Araujo directed traffic throughout the match and did a solid job of keeping New England out of rhythm offensively — in the second half especially. Araujo recorded one successful aerial, and also recorded a shot during the match. He completed 94% of his 50 passes on the night and two key passes while successfully completing three long balls on four attempts. Araujo chipped in with two interceptions and one tackle while suffering four fouls.

MF, Wilder Cartagena, 7 — Cartagena and Araujo just work seamlessly together in the defensive midfield. Against the Revs, Cartagena completed 94.4% of his 54 passes, including both of his long ball attempts. Defensively, Cartagena picked up a team-high four tackles with one interception and a clearance. Cartagena also committed a team-high three fouls on the night. Offensively, the Peruvian put his lone shot attempt on target.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 8 (MotM) — Angulo may have just enjoyed his best game as a Lion. The Colombian was all over the pitch and made his presence known throughout the match. Angulo completed 81.5% of his 27 passes and logged three key passes on the night. He used his speed to frequently get in behind the New England back line and successful completed one of his three crossing attempts. The lone successful cross led to the second goal for Orlando as Angulo crossed the ball to the far end of the box to Facundo Torres in the 37th minute, earning an assist. Angulo later found the goal himself, scoring just before halftime on a strong pass from Santos. He also completed one successful dribble and chipped in with two tackles on the night.

MF, Mauricio Pereyra, 7 — The captain enjoyed a bounce-back performance for a mundane outing in Nashville. Pereyra completed 93.3% of his 45 passes and was successful on four of six long balls and one of four crosses. Pereyra was credited with a team-high five key passes as he often found himself unlocking the New England defense. He attempted one shot, which was blocked just in front of goal by the Revs. Defensively, the captain contributed two tackles. Pereyra was subbed off in the 66th minute for Junior Urso.

MF, Facundo Torres, 7.5— Torres has lived up to the lofty expectations of fans and pundits throughout the second half of the season and Saturday’s performance continued his great run of form. Torres completed 92.3% of his 26 passes, including one successful cross on two attempts, while failing to complete his lone long ball attempt. Torres added to his team-high goal total on the season by smashing a shot past former Orlando City keeper Earl Edwards Jr. in the 37th minute to put Orlando up 2-0. Both of Torres’ shot attempts on the night were on target. After three matches in eight days, Torres was fortunate to get some much-needed rest after a solid 66-minute shift.

F, Duncan McGuire, 7.5 — At this point in the season, there is not a single defensive center back pairing who should be surprised by McGuire’s presence on the field and yet the rookie continues to find space to score. McGuire opened up the scoring in the 31st minute, finding a quality cross from Thorhallsson and calmly heading it into the back of the net. It was McGuire’s 11th goal on the season. McGuire won two aerial duels and completed 70% of his 10 passes. Defensively, McGuire chipped in with a clearance. He was part of the triple sub in the 66th minute, when he was replaced by Ramiro Enrique.

Substitutes

MF, Martin Ojeda (66′), 6.5 — Ojeda came off the bench with Orlando up 3-1 and did his part in keeping Orlando City on the front foot. Ojeda won one aerial duel and completed 90% of his 10 passes. He completed both long ball attempts and two of his five cross attempts. In a little over a half hour the DP also racked up four key passes. Defensively, he contributed two clearances. Ojeda attempted two shots while on the field but both were off the mark.

F, Ramiro Enrique (66′), 6 — Enrique came on to provide energy. He completed all eight of his passing attempts and three dribbles, and he attempted three shots, which were all off target.

MF, Junior Urso (66′), 6 — The Bear came on to replace Pereyra and provide some additional defensive presence as Orlando looked to close out the match. He completed all of his 17 passing attempts and logged two tackles and a clearance. In limited time, Urso also attempted two shots, which failed to find the mark, and completed one dribble.

MF, Gaston Gonzalez (85′), N/A — The winger continues to work his way back into game shape and got a quick run-out to close out the match. He completed all four of his passes but was unsuccessful in his lone crossing attempt.

MF, Felipe (85′), N/A — Felipe replaced Araujo in the defensive midfield and racked up a significant amount of touches and passes in limited minutes. He was credited with 20 touches and comleted all 19 of his passes. Defensively, Felipe failed to register any stats.

That’s how I saw the individual performances by the Lions. Let me know where you agree and disagree in the comments below and make sure to vote for your Man of the Match in our poll below.

Who was your Orlando City Man of the Match in the Lions' 3-2 home win over the New England Revolution?
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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.

Published

23 hours 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.

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

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.

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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/7/25

Lions draw on the road, OCB falls to Chattanooga FC, USWNT beats Brazil, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 7, 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. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road

Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.

OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road

Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.

USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.

MLS Weekend Recap

The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.
  • Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
  • Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.
  • Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
  • Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
  • Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.

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

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