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Orlando City

Three Lions Poised to Help Orlando City Claw their Way Back

Who can Orlando turn to as the club starts to hunt for victories?

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1 year ago

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Orlando City has had a less-than-ideal start to the season. Competing in both the Major League Soccer regular season and the Concacaf Champions Cup, meant that the team had to navigate the beginning of the year through heavy schedule congestion and a league record of 0-1-2 as well as an exit in the round of 16 in the CCC is what Orlando has to show for its efforts.

A loss to Inter Miami, as well as a subsequent heartbreaking loss in the match against Minnesota United FC, has left a foul taste in fans’ mouths, it should be acknowledged that it was nearly impossible to truly gauge what the team was capable of while the Lions were competing in both formats.

Nonetheless, Orlando is desperate to start turning in results and there are several key pieces of the roster who are poised to help break the team out of its slump. Here are my picks for the top three players that can help right the ship as Orlando heads into the meat and potatoes of its regular season.

David Brekalo

Heading into the start of the year, Orlando City’s back line had the ability to be one of the most sound units throughout MLS. Allowing eight goals through three matches has left folks scratching their heads as to what the issues may be and what needs to be done to fix it. Enter off-season signing David Brekalo. Debuting in the home opener against CF Montreal, Brekalo looked the part of an athletic center back who has the ability to complement Robin Jansson across the back line. In the next two subsequent matches against Miami and Minnesota, Brekalo failed to feature and his absence was notable, as in those two matches the opposition scored eight goals.

With less schedule congestion to deal with, Brekalo will likely become a regular starter. His presence will be a welcomed one as he continues to gel with Jansson and the defensive midfield. Not only should his athletic ability help Orlando significantly in marking players on the defensive end during set pieces, it is also just a matter of time before he makes a difference on set pieces for Orlando offensively as well. I expect the defense to improve. Frankly, there are too many quality pieces for it to not, however, the key to unlocking this unit’s full potential lies in Brekalo’s ability to command the starting role next to Jansson for the rest of the season.

Ivan Angulo

Orlando needs Angulo to unlock even more chaos than he already has in the beginning of the season. Last year, Angulo was responsible for 13 goal-scoring contributions and successfully completed 82.7% of his passing attempts. While Angulo has upped his passing percentage to 87.7% this season so far, he has failed to log a goal-scoring contribution through the first three MLS matches of the season and has only been credited for one shot on target.

Angulo’s ability to take on defenders to create his own offense is a skill that the Orlando attack will need to utilize as the offensive finishing gets sorted out. Looking back to both the opening match against CF Montreal and the most recent match against Minnesota United FC, Orlando has generated a healthy amount of opportunities but has had issues in the finishing department. Angulo’s speed and 1-v-1 ability will help the attack continue to get into dangerous positions. The next step for him this season will be to start to convert the chances that he generates.

Martin Ojeda

I am saving the best for last…or rather the individual who I think has shown the most promise to start the season. Due to the insane frequency of matches to start the year, Ojeda has been called on to do a little bit of everything. He has started matches, entered as a super sub, scored, and has logged an assist both in the MLS regular season as well as in the CCC. Ojeda has also put three of his six shot attempts on target to start the regular season.

With the addition of Nicolas Lodeiro in the off-season, many thought that once again Ojeda as a Designated Player would be relegated to a backup role. This playing time conundrum poised one of the largest question marks about the roster heading into the season. Through one month of matches, Ojeda has looked the part when he has been on the field and has constantly found his teammates in dangerous positions, as demonstrated by this great cross to Duncan McGuire in the team’s first match of the calendar year.

It looks like Ojeda is more adjusted and comfortable now in his second year in MLS, and he possesses all of the skills necessary to be a dangerous attacking piece for Orlando City. Last year, in mostly a reserve role, Ojeda tallied 16 goal-scoring contributions, and his ability to surpass that mark this year cannot be undervalued as Orlando looks to climb back up the table.

I will be watching Brekalo, Angulo, and Ojeda closely over the next several matches and am confident that they hold the keys to unlocking the rest of their teammates’ potential.

What other players do you think will step up as Orlando City looks to get back to its winning ways? Let us know in the comments below and as always, vamos Orlando!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Atlanta United: Three Keys to Victory

What do the Lions need to do to earn all three points against Atlanta United at home?

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57 minutes ago

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April 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City returns to Inter&Co Stadium to host Atlanta United on Saturday after a 0-0 draw at Montreal over the weekend. Orlando City’s rivals from the north sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, but that doesn’t ensure a victory. The Lions are coming off three straight scoreless draws and need to get some goals and a win. What does Orlando City need to do to take all three points against Atlanta United?

Lock Down Latte Lath

I’m not entirely sure how to pronounce Emmanuel Latte Lath’s name. Is it Latte as in the coffee drink and Lath as in bath? I don’t want to get it wrong, but I suppose it doesn’t matter in print. Regardless, the Orlando City defense will need to keep him off the scoresheet.

With Rafael Santos serving a red card suspension and Rodrigo Schlegel returning from a red card suspension, I suspect we will see a back line of Alex Freeman on the right, Schlegel and Robin Jansson at center back, and David Brekalo on the left. That is Orlando City’s strongest back line so far in 2025. The only other defensive question is who will play in the defensive midfield?

Defensive Midfield Shuffle

Will we see the return of Cesar Araujo and Eduard Atuesta? Will Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and Joran Gerbet get the start yet again? Who we see in the defensive midfield may determine the outcome of the match.

When healthy, Araujo and Atuesta are first choice, but if one or the other is still unable to start, then it will be up to Thorhallsson and Gerbet to deal with Miguel Almiron and Aleksei Miranchuk on the right side of Atlanta’s attack. If the pair can play like they did against the New York Red Bulls, then another clean sheet is possible. Of course, that isn’t the only assignment.

Find the Attack

It’s been three matches since the Lions conceded a goal. Sadly, it’s also been three matches since Orlando City has scored a goal. That has to change this week. Atlanta has given up 16 goals this season, which is second worst only to D.C. United with 19. There is opportunity here if the Lions can be more clinical around the net.

It will start with whichever players start in the defensive midfield (I told you they had another assignment). After that, it will be up to Orlando City’s playmakers. I feel that the Orlando City attack is better with Duncan McGuire on the pitch, but who do you take off? Ivan Angulo finally found some decent form the last couple of matches, but I still think you put him on the bench.

I’ve been calling for McGuire up top with Luis Muriel dropping deeper and Martin Ojeda and Marco Pasalic on either side. Put the best players on the pitch at the same time. With Brekalo locking down the left side of the defense, the need for Angulo’s speed is less urgent. I hope that Orlando City’s four best attacking players can break the scoring dam the Lions find themselves in.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/24/25

Orlando Pride prepare for Angel City FC, MLS deadline day deals, OCB slips in power rankings, and more.

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4 hours ago

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April 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a few days since a rough weekend for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. Time heals all wounds, but let’s also hope it heals offenses considering both teams were shut out. Let’s go ahead and manifest some good officiating this weekend as well while we’re at it. That might be a tall order, but I’m feeling optimistic. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for Angel City FC

The Orlando Pride will look to bounce back when they welcome Angel City FC to the City Beautiful for a home game Friday night. Orlando lost its first game of the year and first home game since 2023 last week against the Washington Spirit, falling 1-0. Angel City is also coming off of its first loss of the season, falling 4-0 at home to NJ/NY Gotham FC at home. Pride defender Kerry Abello spoke on how the Pride will need to create better chances compared to last week as they prepare to right the ship with a home victory.

Orlando City B Drops a Spot in Power Rankings

Although OCB fell from third to fourth in the latest MLS NEXT Pro power rankings, the Young Lions are solidly in the top five teams in the league. OCB was on a bye last weekend, so not moving too much in the rankings can be expected. While the Young Lions fell 3-2 in their last league game against Inter Miami II, spirits are likely high with the team due to the Orlando City U-18 team’s success in the Generation Adidas Cup. Let’s hope the Young Lions can ride that momentum into Sunday night’s match with New York Red Bulls II.

MLS Deadline Day Transfer News

The MLS transfer deadline day has come and gone and there were some notable moves to catch up on. Real Salt Lake’s deal with Boavista for forward Robert Bozenik reportedly collapsed, but the club still added striker William Agada from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for $500,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money and another $350,000 in GAM if he re-signs. Inter Miami traded winger Robert Taylor to Austin FC in exchange for up to $750,000 in GAM, with only $50,000 of that being conditional. Atlanta United traded winger Xande Silva to St. Louis City SC for up to $250,000 in GAM as well.

The Houston Dynamo also have a new forward, signing Toyosi Olusanya from Scottish club St. Mirren. The New England Revolution traded Noel Buck to the San Jose Earthquakes for up to $650,000 in cold, hard cash, reuniting the 20-year-old with Bruce Arena. Frankie Amaya is back in MLS, joining LAFC on loan from Toluca. As of this writing, Minnesota United are reportedly in hot pursuit of Miami’s Julian Gressel.

Sources: Minnesota United in advanced talks to acquire Julian Gressel from Inter Miami.Nothing done yet. Still details to figure out. Optimism something gets done, but not there yet.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-04-24T00:25:26.971Z

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

The race for a place in the English Premier League is heating up in the EFL Championship and Americans are right in the thick of it. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United have already secured promotion, along with Burnley. Forward Haji Wright has scored 12 goals for Coventry City this season, and his club currently holds the final playoff spot. Midfielder Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough are three points behind, while former Lion Daryl Dike and West Brom will need to win their remaining two matches for a shot at sneaking in.

In Italy, Christian Pulisic started in AC Milan’s 3-0 victory over rival Inter to book a spot in the Italian Cup final on May 14. Fellow American Yunus Musah was an unused substitute. Catarina Macario scored twice and Mia Fishel added a goal as well in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Crystal Palace, helping their team get ever closer to winning its sixth straight Women’s Super League title.

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That’s it for today’s links! Make sure to stay hydrated out there as we get closer and closer to summer. Have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/23/25

The Orlando Pride drop, OCSC Academy awards, USMNT characters, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. This weekend we have the most convenient schedule, with the Orlando Pride playing Friday night, Orlando City on Saturday night, and Orlando City B on Sunday night. It’s nice knowing what I’ll be doing each night. Now, I just need all three teams to get back on the winning side of things. Until then, let’s get to the links.

Bad Pride, Good Pride

It might have been the dumbest way to lose a match against the Washington Spirit, but — actually nevermind, there is no “but” about it. We can, however, decide to move forward rather than dwell on it after today. Unsurprisingly, the Pride dropped in the all-knowing power rankings. All for XI only dropped the Pride one spot to No. 2 since everyone has a bad day now and again. The CBS power ranking dropped the team to No. 3. That was the “bad.” The “good” is that we can revisit the puppies that showed up at Inter&Co Stadium. The loss still hurts, but it’s hard to stay mad after looking at the puppies.

The (OCSC) Academy Awards

Assuming you read Lion Links on Monday morning (or listened to The Mane Land PawedCast this week) you know that the Orlando City SC Academy U-18 team won the Generation Adidas Cup. Now we know that three of the very young Lions — Gustavo Caraballo, Jackson Platts, and Justin Ellis — were named to the U18 Best XI. Additionally, Caraballo and Ellis earned MVP and Top Scorer awards, respectively. It was truly the bright spot of an otherwise forgettable weekend.

Pochettino Prepares

The USMNT did not do well in the Concacaf Nations League, falling to Panama and then Canada in the third place match. Now, U.S. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has to prepare the team for the Gold Cup. Pochettino said that he needs the “right characters” on the squad, whether they are the most talented or not. He also spoke of the need for the players to fight for the badge and the flag. Former USMNT coach Bruce Arena said Pochettino may not be the right man for the job because he’s not an American. The USMNT’s next matches are friendlies against Turkiye and Switzerland on June 7 and June 10, respectively.

MLS Transfer News

The Columbus Crew are making moves. The club received $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for a 2025 international roster slot. The club then sent DeJuan Jones to the San Jose Earthquakes for $425,000 in GAM and a 2025 international roster slot. Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City acquired forward Santiago Muñoz on loan from Liga MX side Santos Laguna.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the full slate of matches coming up.

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