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Orlando City vs. Atlanta United: Final Score 2-0 as Early Season Futility Continues for Lions

Lions remain winless in 2024 after another frustrating result.

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1 month ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

It was another frustrating night for Orlando City as the Lions were dumped 2-0 by Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Saba Lobjanidze and Giorgos Giakoumakis did the damage but it could easily have been a far worse final score if not for some big saves from Pedro Gallese and some moments of good emergency defending.

Orlando City (0-3-1, 1 point) has never had a worse start to an MLS season after falling to rival Atlanta (2-1-0, 6 points) on the road.

“Obviously frustrated on not getting a result, but the team that was on the pitch today really had a big effort on the game and a commitment to try to do the best possible way that we planned during the week, so I’m very proud of them,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “Obviously, the frustration at this point is probably bigger, but we are professionals and we have to move on.”

Pareja’s lineup featured Pedro Gallese in goal behind a back line of Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, and Kyle Smith. Martin Ojeda, Nico Lodeiro, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, and Ivan Angulo started in a midfield behind forwards Luis Muriel and Duncan McGuire.

Atlanta pressed and looked to push the pace early, with the Lions coming in on short rest and having traveled to Mexico for a midweek match. Xande Silva fired a shot over the bar early and the Lions struggled to match the hosts’ energy in the game’s early moments.

Muriel managed to free himself for a blast from outside the area in the sixth minute but Brad Guzan tipped it over the bar. Two minutes later, Santos sent in a cross/shot that caught the crossbar. The Lions paid for that near miss seconds later.

Lobjanidze opened the scoring in the ninth minute as Atlanta unlocked the Orlando defense, which was caught out and rotated to the right. Giakoumakis sent a ball in front with the outside of his boot, putting the Lobjanidze behind Santos and in alone on Gallese. The Peruvian kept his near post covered, but Lobjanidze had a lot of net to shoot at on the far side and slotted it in to put the hosts up early.

That was a problem throughout the first half. The defense got caught multiple times with far too much space to defend.

Ojeda tried to get the Lions level in the 19th minute, trying a near-post shot from the left. Guzan was able to get down and keep it out. The Lions played the ensuing corner short and Angulo floated a perfect back-post cross, but none of his teammates made that run.

Brekalo and Jansson each made key defensive plays to deny Atlanta an easy second goal, but the hosts were bypassing the 4-4-2 midfield easily. Giakoumakis sent an off-balance shot well over the bar from the top of the box in the 34th minute as Atlanta kept coming. Jansson made another huge defensive play in the 38th to stop Brooks Lennon.

Atlanta did pretty much what it wanted on set pieces, easily winning free headers in front of goal. Derrick Williams’ free header was tipped over the bar in the 39th minute and another big stop on Williams on the next corner didn’t count as the defender was called for a foul after climbing over Santos to get to the ball.

Muriel had another good look in the 42nd minute but again Guzan got down to make the save. Thorhallsson tried to cross it back into the area but it was blocked behind for a corner. Muriel then tried a shot with his weaker foot a minute later but it was well off target.

The half ended with an enormous double save by Gallese off another corner, as El Pulpo was able to deny Atlanta twice.

The Lions ended up settling in and keeping more possession in the first half (51.5%-48.5%) and even passed more accurately (90.3%-88%), despite some bad wayward back passes in the defensive third. Atlanta attempted more shots (8-5), with each team getting three shots on target and earning three corners.

Giakoumakis went for glory from long distance just after the restart, but it was an easy bouncer for Gallese to handle.

Moments later, Angulo sent a tantalizing ball through the box that was just inches out of McGuire’s reach.

“It’s definitely frustrating when you have the ball in the opponent’s half that much, and especially in the final third, and not being able to put the final touches on the ball is definitely very frustrating for myself as a striker and for the rest of the guys,” McGuire said. “But knowing that we’ve had that much possession in their half is a good sign, I would say.”

The next 15 minutes were mostly controlled by Orlando City, but the final ball just wouldn’t come off due to a heavy touch, a deflection, or simply a failure to shoot in one case — as Thorhallsson opted instead to lay off a weak pass that was taken away.

In the 62nd minute, Gallese did well to deny Silva with a key save. The Lions then squandered a corner kick won by McGuire and Santos was forced to do some emergency defending to prevent Caleb Wiley from getting a breakaway on the counter. Set pieces were an issue on both ends, as the Lions failed to defend them well and practically none of their own crosses fell anywhere near a friendly face.

Despite there being plenty of time left, Giakoumakis basically put the game away in the 71st minute. Another scramble in the defensive end in transition started with Santos getting beaten by Lobjanidze. Santos then compounded the issue by slipping and leaving too much space for his teammates to cover. Giakoumakis stayed near the top of the box and the ball found him. He fired a shot off the crossbar and in to make it 2-0.

Maybe the only nice moment of the match for Orlando fans came in the 81st minute when Jeorgio Kocevski made his MLS debut. That good feeling was short-lived, however, as Giakoumakis fired over the bar on a dangerous chance seconds later.

Lodeiro had a good look at goal in the 83rd minute off a give-and-go, but he fired his shot over the bar. After another overcooked cross from Angulo — from the right side this time — Kocevski nearly caught a break in the 87th minute, when a ball into the box caromed to him with Guzan out of position. The rookie had to swing high for the ball and caught an Atlanta defender, ending the play in a foul given instead of a debut goal.

Orlando finally found a purple shirt on a corner kick early in stoppage time, but the ball hit off of Smith and bundled wide. Moments later, substitute Michael Halliday had a free run at a back-post cross but he muffed the chance badly and sent it well wide. Angulo sent a late shot into the outside netting from the right and that was that.

The Lions finished with the advantage in possession (54.1%-45.9%), passing accuracy (90.3%-87.9%), and corners (8-5), while Atlanta had more shots (12-11) and shots on target (6-3).

“I’d say we’re obviously disappointed,” McGuire said. “And I feel like it hurts the most, because I feel like we can see ourselves playing the way that we want to play, and just the results aren’t falling our way.”

“There is a bunch of things that we saw today that just left us with the taste that we can bounce back,” Pareja said. “The boys gave 110 percent effort. I saw a lot of good things today. At this point we’re not getting results but what I saw today on the pitch is way different and I’m very optimistic.”

The Lions get their first normal work week in a while as they will prepare to host Austin FC on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. to start a two-game homestand.

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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

Get the inside scoop on Toronto FC ahead of Saturday’s match.

Published

19 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Another Orlando City matchday is almost upon us, and the Lions will try to extend a four-game unbeaten streak Saturday night and finish off an undefeated month of April. OCSC will do so back in the comfortable confines of home, as Toronto FC travels south for the first of two games between the teams this season.

A visit from Toronto means I caught up with Tomas Karageorgos of Waking the Red. As usual, he was very helpful in bringing us up to speed on TFC ahead of the upcoming match.

This is John Herdman’s first year in charge of Toronto. What sort of style does the team play under him?

Tomas Karageorgos: John Herdman plays a variation of a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation that prefers to build plays out of the back. Herdman also relies on his center midfielders to win possession back and push the ball to either flank. German striker Prince Owusu’s constant pressure on opposing defenses has caused some turnovers in TFC’s favor. Owusu’s style of play has not only helped his teammates but himself as well — he has scored five goals in the club’s last six matches.

Run me through some of the additions and departures that took place during the off-season. Who are some new faces to keep an eye on?

TK: The four major additions that the club made was signing defensive midfielders Deiby Flores and Matty Longstaff; Canadian fullback Richie Laryea is back for a third time; and Irish center back Kevin Long. Flores has been described as a dog in the sense of not being afraid to get stuck into tough challenges. Longstaff was signed from Newcastle United and is beginning to play consistent minutes — he still has room to grow as he’s a young player. Long was signed from Birmingham City and has been a rock in the center of the back three. A strong aerial presence and calmness has helped to contribute to Toronto’s six clean sheets across all competitions this season. There’s not much to say about Laryea that hasn’t been said, he’s arguably the best defender in MLS when healthy. Another underrated signing was French defender Nicksoen Gomis from Sheffield United, he has had quiet-yet-consistent performances. Notable departures include Salvadoran goalkeeper Tomás Romero, Norwegian striker Adama Diomande, and club legend Michael Bradley, who retired at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

TFC has quite the list of injured players at the moment. Who has been filling in for the missing faces, and how have they looked?

TK: Lorenzo Insigne, Richie Laryea, and Shane O’Neill continue to miss action due to thigh injuries. Midfielder Brandon Servania is slated to return during the middle of the season as he is recovering from knee surgery. First overall draft pick Tyrese Spicer has filled in for Insigne and has two goals in his account for the club — he has a high work rate on both sides of the ball. Canadian youngster Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is gaining more experience on the right side while Laryea is sidelined. Gomis and Sigurd Rosted have been taking turns covering O’Neill, and Alonso Coello is continuing to build on an impressive first season with the club in the absence of Servania.

Which players will be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

TK: The names I noted above who are injured will be unavailable. Also, attacker Deandre Kerr is listed as questionable.

Predicted starting XI: Sean Johnson; Nickeson Gomis, Kevin Long, Sigurd Rosted; Tyrese Spicer, Alonso Coello, Deybi Flores, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty; Jonathan Osorio, Federico Bernardeschi, Prince Owusu.

Score prediction: 1-1. 

Thank you to Tomas for his insight into Toronto FC. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/26/24

Orlando City gets ready for Toronto FC, Thiago Silva linked with Orlando, Marta announces international retirement, and more.

Published

22 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad it’s Friday. It’s been a bit of a brutal week for me, but the weekend is nearly upon us, and I plan on spending it with my family for my dad’s birthday. I’m also hoping to find some time to read the new book that came out this week from my favorite author, Emily Henry. For now though, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Prepares for Toronto FC

After a shaky start to the season, the Lions are unbeaten in their past four games and can make it five when they host Toronto FC Saturday night. Toronto has lost three of its past four games, but is coming off of a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. In the time since Oscar Pareja took over as head coach, Orlando City has won six of its seven games against Toronto. It will be the first meeting between the two with John Herdman at the helm of Toronto, so we will see if the trend of recent Orlando dominance continues. It should be a great game and is another opportunity for the Lions to climb up the table.

Thiago Silva Linked With Orlando City

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva’s contract with Chelsea ends this summer and Orlando City was mentioned as one of many reported clubs interested in signing him. Beyond the surface-level facts that Silva is an incredibly talented defender and Orlando City is a popular landing spot for South Americans who want to play in MLS, the move would not make much sense. The club signed David Brekalo this off-season and Rodrigo Schlegel is a solid option off the bench as well. Even if Orlando does want Silva, there will be plenty of competition. Returning to Fluminense is the expected choice, but Silva could stay in Europe or make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Marta Will Retire From National Team After 2024

Orlando Pride star Marta announced that 2024 will be her last year playing for Brazil. You will need a translating tool for more of the details from her interview with CNN, but she spoke on how she’s at peace with her decision to stop playing at the international level once the year is over. She made her international debut in 2002 and has since played in five Olympics for Brazil. Marta may play in her sixth this summer, and there would be global attention to see one of the greatest players ever to lead Brazil one last time. Her contract with the Pride also ends after this season, but only time will tell if this is her final season in Orlando.

Orlando’s Academy Teams Get Results Against New England

With the Generations Adidas Cup behind them, Orlando City’s U-17 and U-15 teams earned some important points against the New England Revolution’s youth squads. The U-15 team dominated New England in a 4-1 result that included a hat trick from Jakob Garcia. The match between the U-17 sides was a closer affair, as they split the points in a 1-1 draw. Orlando’s teams will play again tomorrow, with a pair of home games against Nashville SC.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over Toronto FC Saturday at home?

Published

2 days ago

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April 25, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

After a successful, four-point road trip, Orlando City returns from Montreal to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium to face one of the other Canadian clubs, Toronto FC. The Lions are hoping to add to a four-match unbeaten streak. A win offers the opportunity to take another step up the standings.

What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against Toronto FC?

No Early Mistakes

In the last three matches, Orlando City has conceded the first goal of the match. Worse than that, each of those goals happened within the first 21 minutes. Yes, coming from behind for two draws and one win is good, but not giving up those early goals may have meant three wins instead.

Last season, Orlando City’s defense was good. We didn’t see nearly so many mental mistakes by the defense, especially so early in the match. What is frustrating is that these mistakes were seemingly preventable. The back line, the defensive midfielders, and Pedro Gallese need to tighten up in the early going so that the Lions are not chasing the match so early on.

Take Advantage of Tired Legs

Toronto FC played a match against Simcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship tournament on Wednesday. I’m in no way saying that Toronto trotted out their first choice lineup for the match, but even if only some of the players got a run out, that could create some tired legs for the match against Orlando. Add in the travel from Canada to Florida on short rest and it could be good news for the Lions.

If the Lions can possess the ball and make Toronto FC chase them, or if Orlando can get the first goal (see above) so that Toronto is chasing the match as well, it might pay dividends in the second half. Orlando City is good enough in the passing game to do so, though it will be interesting to see whether Martin Ojeda rejoins the starting lineup or if Nico Lodeiro gets the nod again.

One Down, Two to Go

Facundo Torres was the first of Orlando City’s three Designated Players to score a goal in the regular season. While it didn’t come in the run of play, it might still spark him to add some more since he usually starts slow and then catches fire at about this point in the season. Of course, both Luis Muriel and Ojeda contributed to the scoring against Montreal. Muriel drew the penalty that Torres took, and Ojeda provided the assist to Ivan Angulo.

Now it is time for either Muriel or Ojeda — or both — to join Torres on the scoreboard. Standing in their way will be a good keeper in Sean Johnson. So far this season, he has allowed seven goals and has 22 saves, with three clean sheets. Muriel seems to be getting closer to scoring with each shot taken, and Ojeda has missed some close ones. If all three of Orlando City’s Designated Players can start scoring regularly, this team will become dangerous quickly.

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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