Orlando City

2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Ivan Angulo

Ivan Angulo was a key part of Orlando City’s 2023 season, playing every game.

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11 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City initially acquired Ivan Angulo on July 25, 2022, signing him to a 12-month loan from Brazilian side Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, with an option to extend the deal for six months. After a successful half season for the Lions, the club exercised the option to keep him in Orlando through the end of the 2023 season. The midfielder played in every game in all competitions this season, being a critical part of the team’s success.

Let’s take a closer look at Angulo’s 2023 season.

Statistical Overview

Angulo took part in all 34 MLS regular-season games (29 starts) and recorded 2,499 minutes. The Colombian put 15 of his 45 shots on target (33.3%) and scored five goals. He completed 642 of his 776 pass attempts (82.7%), which included 19 key passes and eight assists. Defensively, Angulo had 29 tackles, 12 clearances, 17 interceptions, and three blocks. He drew 30 fouls, committed 20 fouls, and was booked five times.

The midfielder started all three playoff games, playing 238 minutes. He put four of his 10 shots on target (40%), scoring one goal. While he didn’t record any assists, Angulo completed 89 of his 97 pass attempts (91.8%), including five key passes. The attacking player contributed three tackles and one interception defensively, drew one foul, and committed two fouls but wasn’t booked.

Angulo started both Concacaf Champions League games against Tigres UANL, recording 137 minutes. He only took two shots, putting one on target (50%), and didn’t score any goals. He completed 12 of his 19 pass attempts (63.2%) without any key passes or assists. He drew seven fouls, committed two, and wasn’t issued any cards.

In the first year of the redesigned Leagues Cup, Angulo started all three games for 250 minutes of action. Three of his five shots were on target (60%), but he didn’t score. He completed 68 of his 81 passes (84%) without any key passes or assists. He drew three fouls and committed five fouls with one booking.

A regular starter in the other competitions, Angulo came off the bench in the team’s lone U.S. Open Cup game against Charlotte FC, playing the final 29 minutes. He took three shots without putting any on target and completed 16 of his 17 pass attempts (94.1%) without any assists. He also didn’t commit or draw any fouls.

Best Game

Angulo’s best game came on Oct. 7 against the New England Revolution at Exploria Stadium. Fighting for the second seed in the Eastern Conference, the team took away a critical 3-2 win. Angulo started the game and played 85 minutes. In the 37th minute with the Lions up 1-0, Angulo sent an aerial ball across the box. Facundo Torres got on the end of it, putting his shot into the opposite corner of the goal to give Orlando City a 2-0 lead.

Just before halftime, Angulo got a goal for himself. Finding space just inside the New England box, the midfielder received a pass from Rafael Santos and shot on goal. The attempt was deflected, helping it get past Earl Edwards, Jr., and giving the Lions a 3-1 lead. A second-half injury time goal by Carles Gil made Angulo’s strike the game winner.

Apart from his goal contributions, Angulo completed 22 of his 27 passes (81.5%), including a season-high three key passes. He took two shots and his goal was his lone shot on target. Our Nic Josey gave Angulo a rating of 8 out of 10 for his performance and named him Orlando City’s Man of the Match.

2023 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Angulo a composite rating of 6.5 out of 10 for the 2023 MLS season. The midfielder was frustrating to watch at times, especially when he was unable to convert on breakaway opportunities or tried to take on too many defenders in the box. But his impact on the team’s success this season can’t be denied. These impactful moments are why he gets such a high grade.

2024 Outlook

Angulo’s loan expired following the 2023 MLS season, so it’s unclear whether he’ll return next year. However, he’s become a key player in the Lions’ attack and the club has announced it was looking to make a deal with Palmeiras to extend his stay in purple. If a deal is agreed upon, expect Angulo to start in the Orlando City midfield again next season.

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