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Orlando City vs. Nashville SC: Five Takeaways

What did we learn from Orlando City’s 1-0 win over Nashville SC in the first game of the playoffs?

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City rode its luck at times, but was largely in control of its first game of the 2023 playoffs. The Lions vastly outshot Nashville SC but couldn’t find a second goal following a spectacular opener from Wilder Cartagena. Regardless, OCSC got the win and now holds an important 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three, first-round series. What follows are my five takeaways from Orlando’s first playoff win in regulation time.

Early Chance Apiece

The two teams traded big chances inside the opening 20 minutes. The first one fell to Orlando City when a ball pinged around in the box and fell to Facundo Torres. It ended up on his weaker right foot though and he could only fire directly at Joe Willis. Nashville’s came just inside 20 minutes as Sam Surridge was left all alone on the doorstep but could only manage a weird touch on the ball that sent it over the bar. They were two signs that the game had goals in it, and the Lions displayed some worrying defending on the Surridge chance.

Cartagena Comes Up Big

“Wilder Cartagena” and “prolific goalscorer” aren’t a combination of words you often see in the same sentence, unless they’re separated by the words “is not a”. It was the Peruvian who provided the breakthrough though, and he did so in some style. As the clock ticked over 40 minutes, the ball fell to him around 30 yards from goal, and as he strode forward with no one contesting him, he unleashed a curling, dipping missile that left a diving Joe Willis completely helpless. It was a goal that was well deserved and brought back memories of Sebas Mendez’s absurd, dipping half-volley against CF Montreal on Decision Day of the 2021 season — another important and magnificent goal from an unlikely source in defensive midfield.

Second Goal Won’t Come for Lions

During the second 45 minutes, OCSC continued the statistical and on-field dominance that the team displayed in the first half. The Lions dominated possession and kept getting the ball into dangerous areas and putting in crosses and shots left, right, and center. They were unable to find the all-important insurance goal despite a close call from Rodrigo Schlegel, and good chances for Ivan Angulo and Mauricio Pereyra. It made for an increasingly stressful finish, as the visitors were able to do some dangerous things with the ball when they did have spells of possession. Around the 85th minute OCSC shut up shop and looked to just keep the ball and run the clock, but if the Lions had been more clinical it wouldn’t have mattered, particularly when considering the home team finished with 25 shots, five of which were on target. Some credit should go to Nashville, who blocked a whopping 11 efforts, but on the whole, the game didn’t need to be as close as it was in the end.

Pedro Plays His Part

The razor-thin margins meant that it was always likely that Pedro Gallese would have a big part to play in the game and that proved to be the case. He foiled Hany Mukhtar twice, starting in the first half when the German uncorked a wicked drive from distance that El Pulpo was just able to tip onto the crossbar, although he paid the price and needed attention from the athletic training staff for his left index finger. He again stopped Mukhtar in the second half after Dagur Dan Thorhallsson turned the ball over in a bad area, and the Peruvian saved OCSC’s bacon once again. His best trick of the night came on a play that ultimately didn’t count, as he stonewalled Surridge in the 80th minute before the big striker was eventually called offside roughly 10 minutes later. El Pulpo remains immense for this team, and he was cool and calm when it came to commanding his box as the clock ran down.

Clean Bill of Availability

There were moments of injury-related concerned sprinkled throughout the match. There was Gallese’s finger in the first half, Cartagena was substituted after going down with what looked to be a muscular issue, and Duncan McGuire went off after suffering cramps. Despite those scares, everyone seemed to end the game healthy as Cartagena was able to walk off under his own power and was moving well after the game ended. With the second match in Nashville not taking place until next Tuesday, that gives anyone carrying little knocks plenty of time to get healthy.

The Lions also mostly kept their noses clean when it came to discipline. Cesar Araujo and Rodrigo Schlegel both picked up yellow cards, but played smart and controlled in order to avoid picking up additional bookings.

Those were my five big thoughts from a hard fought win over Nashville SC. What did you notice in this one? Be sure to have your say down in the comments.

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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16 hours ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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