Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Minnesota United: Final Score 3-2 as Lions Not Sharp Enough at Either End in Loss
The Lions wasted chances galore and allowed three poor goals at the other end to remain winless in MLS play.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s goal off a routine goal kick deep in stoppage time snapped a 2-2 deadlock and lifted Minnesota United to a 3-2 win over a wasteful Orlando City side in front of an announced crowd of 23,025 at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions (0-1-2, 1 point) got a brace from Duncan McGuire but conceded twice to Teemu Pukki on goalkeeping errors and despite pulling level, allowed the Loons (2-0-1, 7 points) to escape with all of the points.
City created a ton of clear-cut chances throughout the match but repeatedly blew them by either firing them straight at the goalkeeper or missing the target entirely. Even McGuire who scored a goal for the ages to tie the match late, missed a wide-open net on a sitter of a chance.
“(I’m) trying to calm down this point with a game that brought us a lot of emotions, and obviously just dealing with the disappointment of not getting the result,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “The volume (of chances) that we had during the game deserved much more than that (result).”
Pareja rotated his lineup a bit from the squad that drew Tigres on Tuesday night. Pedro Gallese started in goal behind a back line of Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. Cesar Araujo was paired with Felipe in central midfield behind an attacking line of Ivan Angulo, Martin Ojeda, and Ramiro Enrique with Duncan McGuire up top. Facundo Torres did not make the matchday squad, as he was questionable with what the club is calling an upper extremity injury.
The Lions wasted no time getting on the scoreboard after being shut out in two straight matches to start the MLS season for the first time. Santos intercepted a pass and carried it up the field before releasing a pass that put McGuire in behind. The big striker slotted home just inside the left post to make it 1-0 just 14 seconds after kickoff, beating Tesho Akindele’s club record of 31 seconds. It also equaled the fifth-fastest goal in MLS history.
Gallese gave the goal back just a few minutes later. Taking a back pass from Santos, the goalkeeper knew Pukki was was charging at him but opted to take a touch before trying to get rid of it. That extra touch allowed Pukki to get close enough to put a foot to it, knocking it down. With Gallese out of his goal, it was an easy play for Pukki to tie the match in the fourth minute.
McGuire nearly scored a second in the 18th minute. Enrique laid off a pass for the striker just in front of foal. McGuire tried to poke it past Dayne St. Clair but didn’t get much on his shot, allowing the Minnesota goalkeeper to make the save.
Two minutes later, Gallese had to be alert to catch a shot from distance by Jeong Sang-Bin.
In the 23rd minute, McGuire got into the box again and St. Clair charged off his line, trying to reach the ball first. McGuire appeared to chip the ball up and the goalkeeper’s foot caught the forward on the follow-through. The ball deflected weakly toward goal, allowing the defense to collect it. Orlando players called for a penalty, and it did look like St. Clair caught McGuire pretty good, but there was no call and at the next stoppage there wasn’t even a delay for a look.
Enrique had a chance to get in on goal in the 26th minute but took too many touches trying to free himself from the defense and lost control of the ball. St. Clair was able to beat him to the loose ball.
Angulo should have had a breakaway three minutes later off a Minnesota corner that was cleared by the defense. With a step on the defense, the speedy Colombian took a wayward touch and that allowed the Loons to dispossess him and prevent a scoring opportunity.
Moments later, Araujo won a free kick and nearly benefitted from it when Ojeda’s cross cleared the goalkeeper on the fly. The midfielder couldn’t get his head on it and bundled it off the ground in front of goal. It popped up and onto the roof of the net.
Two minutes later, Araujo went down without any contact and the trainers came out to look at his knee. The Uruguayan could not continue and was replaced by Wilder Cartagena.
However, while the team was playing with 10 men, Pukki scored again. Picking the ball up near the top left corner of the box, he sent a shot inside the near post and Gallese was too slow to cover it, giving the Loons a 2-1 lead in the 38th minute.
Pukki nearly got his hat trick in the 43rd minute, volleying a cross over the crossbar.
Ojeda had a go with his right foot from the left side but he couldn’t get his shot to curl enough to hit the top right corner in the first minute of first-half stoppage time.
The Lions closed the half with two horrible misses from point-blank range. On the first, Thorhallsson sizzled a cross through the six that just needed a touch. Felipe got to it but somehow couldn’t direct it into the gaping net.
A minute later, McGuire laid off a pass for Ojeda near the penalty spot. The Argentine had time to pick out his spot but sent his shot straight at St. Clair, wasting the opportunity.
The whistle blew shortly after the Ojeda miss on a half that should have seen the Lions put about four on the scoreboard.
Orlando City held the halftime edge in possession (51.3%-48.7%), shots (7-6), and passing accuracy (80.2%-79%). Minnesota earne more first-half corners (2-1), while each team put three shots on target. The difference at the break was the two mistakes by Gallese and a few egregious missed chances by Orlando.
Nico Lodeiro replaced Felipe at halftime with the Lions chasing the game.
Moments after the restart, it was Angulo’s turn to fire right at St. Clair from a good position. The Colombian winger took a pass with his back to goal inside the area, turned and fired his shot straight at the goalkeeper. Lodeiro then sent a one-hopper at St. Clair moments later. Enrique finished the hat trick of missed opportunities early in the half when he got to a ball in the box and sent a shot five yards wide of goal in the 54th minute.
Gallese got away with another mistake just before the hour mark. A corner kick cross came straight to him, but the Peruvian opted to punch it away instead of making what appeared to be an easily catchable ball. The Loons were offside on the recycle, nullifying a secondary attack.
Pareja sent Michael Halliday and Luis Muriel into the match for Thorhallsson and Angulo.
The moves came close to paying off immediately. A back-post ball nearly found Halliday in the 60th minute but was just inches out of the fullback’s reach. In the 64th minute, Muriel made a slick move to beat a pair of defenders and sent a cross in for McGuire, who only had to turn it on goal to even the score. Instead, he redirected it inches wide of the left post.
Muriel went for goal on a free kick won by Enrique near the top left corner of the box in the 71st minute, but he couldn’t get any dip on his shot and it sailed well over the bar. Two minutes later, Santos smashed a near-post effort that St. Clair fought off. The ball was gathered by Orlando and sent in for Lodeiro in the box. The Uruguayan redirected the pass but again it skipped wide of goal as the wasted chances continued.
Minnesota nearly put the game to bed in the 80th minute. Halliday stepped up on a ball that he couldn’t get close enough to win in the air and the ball was headed onward. Schlegel tried to shepherd it out of play but Hlongwane abused the Argentine defender, keeping the ball in play, beating Schlegel to it, and then getting in alone on goal. Gallese made the save, knocking it behind for a goal kick.
Three minutes later, McGuire tied the match. Ojeda won a 50/50 ball in the midfield and sprayed it out right to McGuire. With a defender in front of him, McGuire stopped, found a hole, and smashed it inside the far post to tie the game in the 83rd minute. It was McGuire’s second career brace.
“It was a great interchange from Martin and I, switching positions,” McGuire said. “He had his head up and put the ball right where I needed it. I saw the goalie cheating a little bit too hard to the near post, so I saw the back post wide open and let it fly. Luckily, it worked out.”
As the game wound down, Orlando appeared the more likely team to find a winner. Halliday fired off target off a corner kick play in stoppage time, and Cartagena had a half chance moments later. But then the roof caved in on Orlando on a routine play.
St. Clair took a goal kick and Jansson was beaten in the air near midfield. The ball was flicked forward to Tani Oluwaseyi, who then pushed it ahead to Hlongwane, who got in behind Halliday and Schlegel and beat Gallese to make it 3-2 in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
It was a stunning moment in a game that seemed like it would only go the other way or end in a draw at the time.
“We did not match well the first ball,” Pareja said. “And our covering was incorrect. I understand that at that point when you still have a few minutes and you feel the energy and you know that you can win the game, you still have to do your duty and we did not coordinate well. We lost the first ball and the ball got into our right back and center back. We have to have the tools to control that.”
Hlongwane was booked for removing his shirt and stunting in front of The Wall.
Orlando City won a few late corners but couldn’t make them pay off and Mercado blew the full time whistle before the Lions could take a third.
Orlando City dominated the stat sheet, finishing with the advantage in possession (58.9%-41.1%), shots (22-9), shots on target (6-4), corners (9-4), and passing accuracy (80.6%-71.6%).
Cartagena and Minnesota’s Joseph Rosales were both shown red cards after full time following video review by match referee Wilmer Pino Mercado. That means the Lions will be without Cartagena in the next MLS match, and it may be a few days before we get an update on Araujo’s injury. It seems likely Orlando will head to Atlanta without either of its starting defensive midfielders.
“The word that comes to mind is sadness,” Ojeda said. “We created a lot of chances at goal. We scored goals. But at the end of the day, gootball is a game of details, and those details tonight were costly for us.”
Orlando City has another quick turnaround with a trip to Monterrey looming against Tigres on Tuesday night. The next league game is a week from Sunday at Atlanta United.
Orlando City
Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls: Three Keys to Victory
What do the Lions need to do to secure a victory at home Saturday?
Orlando City returns to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday night. For the second week in a row, the Lions close out the regular-season series with an Eastern Conference opponent. This time it is the New York Red Bulls. Orlando City is coming off its first clean sheet of the season but also the first time the club did not score a goal. Ideally, the Lions repeat the former but change the latter. Here’s what Orlando City needs to do to earn all three points against the New York Red Bulls.
Break on Through (Part Deux)
When these two teams last met I wasn’t sold on the Orlando City offense, particularly against a stubborn Red Bulls defense. Of course, I did manage to include this little nugget:
“On paper this looks like a low-scoring match, so it will probably be a barn burner.”
The resulting 2-2 draw told me that Orlando City could indeed score goals, and it was the beginning of four matches unbeaten, so far. Following last week’s anemic showing, I want the Lions to find their scoring boots once again.
It won’t be easy with Carlos Coronel in goal for the Red Bulls and a stout defense in front of him. New York has only allowed seven goals so far this season, though two of those came against Orlando City. Defenders like Tim Parker and Noah Eile are difficult to break down. They also have Dylan and Sean Nealis — I know “Nealii” is not the plural for referring to the pair, but it is in my heart.
To match the previous multi-goal output against the Red Bulls, Orlando City needs the three Designated Players to return to getting goal contributions. We know this team knows how to score, given it still leads the league despite not scoring last week. I want at least one goal (and preferably more) from Luis Muriel, Martin Ojeda, or Marco Pasalic.
Return of the Midfield
Last match, both Cesar Araujo and Eduard Atuesta were kept out as a precautionary measure due to experiencing tightness during training late in the week. Hopefully, things have loosened up and we can have them back on the pitch. I’m not saying anything about the performances of Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and Joran Gerbet. Those two were a big part of why Orlando City held the Philadelphia Union scoreless, but I think Araujo and Atuesta are better able to facilitate the ball from the defense to offense, thus increasing scoring opportunities.
As of now, we’re not sure who will be available, but I expect the starters to return. Hopefully, there aren’t any lingering knocks that make them less effective. That goes double for Araujo, as he is the enforcer that is tasked with shutting down transition opportunities for the Red Bulls.
Another Clean Sheet
Orlando City earned the first clean sheet of the season last week and I want the team to do it again. The Red Bulls have a pair of attackers who are very dangerous in Emil Forsberg and Eric Choupo-Moting. Each have contributed three goals so far this season, and each has contributed one assist. Shutting them down will go a long way to stopping the Red Bulls’ attack.
I expect we will once again see a back line consisting of Robin Jansson and Rodrigo Schlegel in the center with Alex Freeman at right back, and David Brekalo at left back. This allows Oscar Pareja to feel better about Freeman moving up the field into the attack while having three of his best defenders in front of Pedro Gallese.
That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/10/25
Orlando City’s transfer needs, Orlando Pride get ready for the Seattle Reign, Orlando City B wins at home, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? Yesterday was the anniversary of adopting my cat, so I spent most of the day giving him whatever he wanted. Thankfully, that turned out to just be quite a bit of napping for both of us. It’s been nice to just hang out with him and enjoy some soccer throughout the week. We have even more soccer to look forward to this weekend, but let’s get this Thursday started with today’s links!
Transfer Priorities for Eastern Conference Teams
The current transfer window is open until April 23 and Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport dove into what MLS Eastern Conference teams should focus on this window and in the summer. While he noted that adding some depth at center back would be nice, for Orlando City, he chose re-signing midfielder Cesar Araujo as the biggest priority before his contract expires at the end of the year. The 24-year-old has been an integral part of Orlando City’s turnaround under Head Coach Oscar Pareja, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks around in the City Beautiful after this season.
Orlando Pride Prepare for the Seattle Reign
With the international break now over, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Seattle Reign on Saturday. The Pride have won their first three matches of the year, conceding just once in the process. Meanwhile, the Reign will aim to right the ship at home this weekend after a 2-1 loss on the road against Angel City FC last month. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how winning in Seattle is difficult, even if the team is undergoing a rebuild of sorts.
Pride midfielder Summer Yates, who is a Washington native and played collegiate soccer in Seattle, also spoke on what it will be like to return to her home state for this match. She also discussed the team’s depth, which is a strength for the Pride as players return from international duty.
Orlando City B Beats New England Revolution II
Orlando City B picked up a win at home Wednesday night, beating New England Revolution II 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Shak Mohammed. Great passing sent Mohammed in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, and he handed New England its first conceded goal of the season. That goal proved to be the difference, as the Young Lions did well defensively to secure their third win and second clean sheet this season. OCB’s next game will be Tuesday against Inter Miami II at IMG Academy in Bradenton.
Philadelphia Union Reportedly Trading Daniel Gazdag
Despite a strong start to the season, the Philadelphia Union are reportedly set to trade away one of their best players to a fellow Eastern Conference team. Designated Player Daniel Gazdag will reportedly be traded to the Columbus Crew for cash. I don’t entirely hate the trade. Trading away a 29-year-old on the last guaranteed year of his contract while undergoing a rebuild makes sense. It also opens the door for Cavan Sullivan or David Vazquez to earn valuable minutes, with Indiana Vassilev available as well. However, Gazdag is the club’s all-time leading scorer and already has two goals and two assists this year. Trading him within the conference to an unbeaten Crew team this early in the season feels a bit like a white flag in regards to Philadelphia’s aspirations this year.
Free Kicks
- Real Salt Lake is reportedly in talks to sign Slovakian forward Robert Bozenik as a Designated Player. Bozenik has recorded 19 goals and four assists in his past three seasons with Boavista in Portugal’s top flight.
- Philadelphia center back Ian Glavinovich underwent successful surgery after tearing his meniscus in the Union’s draw with Orlando City.
- The International Olympic Committee announced some changes for soccer at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The women’s soccer tournament has expanded and will feature 16 teams, while the men’s tournament has contracted and will include just 12.
- Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona breezed through their first legs in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Robert Lewandowski had a brace in Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund, while PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put Aston Villa defenders on skates to score a great goal in his team’s 3-1 victory.
- The Europa League quarterfinals kick off today, with Manchester United taking on Lyon and Tottenham facing off against Eintracht Frankfurt. Bodo/Glimt, which leads the tournament so far with 24 goals, will play Lazio, and Rangers will host Athletic Club in Scotland.
- Following talks with its fan advisory board, Manchester City announced that it will freeze ticket prices for next season.
- Fabio Cannavaro was fired by Dinamo Zagreb after just 14 competitive matches. The Italian soccer legend was Zagreb’s third coach this season and won five of his 10 league matches at the helm in Croatia.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/9/25
Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.
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
- The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will feature ref cams providing additional footage to broadcasters. Referees wearing body cams. What could go wrong?
- NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said she expects that the league will continue to play matches during the 2026 World Cup. Some stadiums will not be available during the World Cup, necessitating work-arounds for some clubs.
- Orlando City jumped up to No. 9 in the oh-so-important and totally scientific MLSSoccer.com power rankings.
- We’re not the only ones noticing Gustavo Caraballo’s potential.
- 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!
Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls: Three Keys to Victory
Lion Links: 4/10/25
Orlando City B vs. New England Revolution II: Final Score 1-0 as Young Lions Stay Unbeaten at Home
Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union: Final Score 0-0 as Lions Extend Unbeaten Run to Four Games
Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union: Five Takeaways
Orlando City B vs. Chattanooga FC: Final Score 2-0 as OCB Suffers First Loss of 2025
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