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Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions rate in a dramatic 3-2 win over the Union?

Published

4 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Great googly moogly, that was the dictionary definition of a stressful game! Orlando City conceded yet another early goal, but scored three straight and hung on by the skin of its teeth to run out of Subaru Park 3-2 winners over the Philadelphia Union. Let’s take a look at how each individual Lion performed in a wildly eventful affair on the north bank of the Delaware River.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 7.5 — Gallese was left largely helpless on Philadelphia’s early goal, as the defenders in front of him allowed the ball to get into the box in a good shooting position. He made an excellent save from open play in each half, with the first keeping Philadelphia from doubling its lead, and the second stopping what would have been the equalizing goal. His best of the night was reserved as the clock ticked down though, as he saved Daniel Gazdag’s late penalty to preserve Orlando’s slim lead, getting revenge for Gazdag’s earlier tally from the spot. His 67% passing accuracy left a little to be desired, but he finished with four saves and ultimately preserved three big points for the good guys.

D, Robin Jansson, 6 — Jansson was his typically steady self during his time on the field. Like the rest of his partners in defense, he probably could have been quicker to close down on the Union’s first goal, but frankly no outfield Lion will want to watch that goal back, given the ease with which the whole team was carved open on the recycled ball in. Jansson’s final numbers include one block, six clearances, one tackle, three completed long balls on 11 attempts, 59% passing accuracy, and one aerial duel won. The big news though, was Jansson’s night ending early after suffering what looked to be a non-contact injury.

D, Wilder Cartagena, 6.5 — Deployed as the middle center back of the 3-5-2, the Peruvian did pretty damn well considering the unfamiliar position in which he found himself. Like Jansson and the rest of the team, he didn’t cover himself in glory on the first goal, but he looked more comfortable afterwards. He recorded six clearances, two tackles, three blocks, two completed long balls on four tries, and a team-best 87% passing accuracy, while committing a foul. He also took two shots, one of which was off target and one that was blocked.

D, David Brekalo, 6.5 — The Slovenian was the only true center back that OCSC finished the game with, and he put in a solid shift during this one. He provided the glue on the back line, and even found himself leading the break at one point in the second half. He totaled two interceptions, five clearances, one shot which was off target, and 68% passing accuracy while drawing one foul.

WB, Ivan Angulo, 6 — Angulo wasn’t as involved as he usually is offensively when the team lines up in a 4-2-3-1, he had to do a lot of tracking back as one of the wide midfielders/wingbacks. Still, he completed two dribbles and passed with 79% accuracy on the night, and committed one foul while not recording any defensive statistics. He was perhaps softly penalized for a foul at the back post that gave Philadelphia a chance to tie the game, but if his marking had been better then he wouldn’t have been in that position to begin with. His biggest contribution on the night was the hustle play that resulted in a steal in the attacking third that led to Luis Muriel’s first goal. Angulo got a secondary assist on the play, finding Nico Lodeiro, who in turn gave the ball to the Colombian for the strike.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6.5 — Araujo was asked to provide the steel in midfield with Cartagena dropped deeper playing center back. He did just that and finished the game with one interception, one block, three clearances, a foul committed and a foul drawn, a yellow card, a completed dribble, and a passing accuracy of 96%. He didn’t do a lot of sexy things, but a lot of his dirty work went into the Lions getting the result in this one.

MF, Martin Ojeda, 5 — It wasn’t Ojeda’s busiest night in an Orlando City shirt, but he kept the ball moving from his place in the middle of the park. Defensively, he committed two fouls and recorded two clearances, while going forward he took one shot, which was off target, completed two long balls (on two attempts) and two key passes, passed with 80% accuracy, and won an aerial duel. He was the man sacrificed for Dagur Dan Thorhallsson as Oscar Pareja tried to make his team more defensive to protect what was a 3-1 lead at the time.

MF, Nico Lodeiro, 8 — It was a positively commanding performance from Lodeiro in midfield, as he assisted on all three of Orlando City’s goals. He didn’t have a ton to do with the second goal, but was directly responsible for creating the first and third by way of a great cross and an inch-perfect through ball, respectively. He was unlucky to be called for the handball that got Philly back into the game, as the flick happened from close range and there wasn’t much he could do about it. One of his three shots was off target, while the other two were blocked, and he passed with 87% accuracy, provided a team-high four key passes, had three assists, and completed two crosses, two long balls (on three attempts), and a through ball. On many other nights he would have been Man of the Match, and if he keeps turning in performances like that then he’ll surely have the award coming his way before too long.

WB/MF, Facundo Torres, 6 — As has been the case for much of this season, Facu struggled to really make his mark on the game. He was unlucky that the ball which found him in the fifth minute was just a little too far in front of him, and he could only hit the post while stretching for it. That was his last major involvement though, and while he wasn’t bad, he also wasn’t the talismanic force that we know he can be. Some of that likely had to do with extra defensive responsibilities, as he started the game at left wingback in the 3-5-2, moving into the attack in the 61st minute when Thorhallsson replaced Ojeda. Torres had two clearances and one off-target shot. He also drew three fouls, completed three long balls (out of four attempts), passed with 78% accuracy, and won four aerial duels, which might be the weirdest statistic of the night.

F, Luis Muriel, 8.5 (MotM) — This game was Muriel’s coming-out-party in a big way, and each of his goals were sublimely taken in their own right. The first showcased pure power and elite placement as he hit a howitzer with his left foot into the top corner at the far post from outside the box, while his second was all about the awareness to let the ball run across his body, a great touch to set himself up, and a cool and precise finish low into the side netting with his right foot. His night finished with three shots, two of which were on target, two goals, a game-high five completed dribbles, two tackles, two key passes, and 83% passing accuracy. He wasn’t as heavily involved in the second half as he was in the first, but every time the ball came to him while he was on the field, he was brimming with danger. It’s a well-deserved Man of the Match award, and hopefully the first of many.

F, Duncan McGuire, 6.5 — McGuire got things going for the Lions with a well-taken header, but he also did a ton of dirty work when it came to hold-up play and giving Orlando a physical outlet to clear its lines. Like Muriel, he wasn’t quite as involved in the second half, but he ran his guts out for the full 108-ish minutes of play, and he constantly stretched the Union’s back line. Offensively, he put both of his shots on target, scored the aforementioned goal, completed 71% of his passes, provided two key passes, completed one cross and one long ball (on three attempts), and drew a foul. On defense, he recorded one clearance, one interception, and one foul committed, while winning four aerial duels.

Substitutes

WB, Dagur Dan Thorhallson (61′), 6 — The Icelandic midfielder was brought on for Ojeda and settled into the game nicely at right wingback. He didn’t record any offensive statistics, but finished with three clearances and a block, while committing one foul and accurately delivering 71% of his passes.

D, Kyle Smith (65′), 6.5 — Smith entered the fray for the injured Jansson, and delivered a steady performance in the Swede’s stead. The Accountant completed 75% of his passes, won two aerial duels, made one block, and was the third Lion to record six clearances. Depending on how Pareja decides to line up in the future, Smith is a guy we may be seeing a lot more of going forward.

MF, Felipe (85′), N/A — Brought on in the dying minutes of regulation, Felipe didn’t get enough time to earn a fair grade. He also didn’t stuff the stat sheet, as he completed one long ball on his lone attempt, accurately delivered both of his two passes, and made one clearance. I couldn’t help but laugh at the timing of his substitution, as it came almost immediately after Damion Lowe started to get hot under the collar, and it almost seemed as if Pareja jumped at the chance to send on the Lions’ resident shithouser. He did his job and helped see the game out.

What did you think of the individual performances from this wild win up in Pennsylvania? Be sure to have your say down in the comments, and cast your vote for who should be Man of the Match. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/12/24

Orlando Pride plan for the Kansas City Current, Americans return to their clubs, MLS coaches on the hot seat, and more.

Published

12 mins ago

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September 12, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been another hectic week for me, but I’m a few pages into Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne and it’s helped me unwind a bit. I’m looking forward to plenty of soccer and hanging out with friends at a sangria festival this weekend. For now though, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando Pride Prepare for Kansas City

The Orlando Pride remain unbeaten this season and face a tough test on Friday at home against the Kansas City Current. It’ll be another duel between the Pride’s formidable defense and the Current’s potent offense. The Pride have only allowed 12 goals all season and have secured a clean sheet in each of their three wins since the Olympic break. The Current may not be lighting up scoreboards as of late, but Temwa Chawinga continues to find the back of the net. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on what the team will need to do to limit Chawinga and the rest of Kansas City’s attack, as well as how the Pride are focused on building momentum to create more separation in the standings.

Americans Abroad This Weekend

With the international break over, Americans will return to their clubs after an underwhelming pair of friendlies against Canada and New Zealand. Haji Wright, Aidan Morris, and Brenden Aaronson are just a few of the Yanks expected to play in the EFL Championship on Saturday. Left back Antonee Robinson wasn’t called up for the recent friendlies so that he could rest, and he may play when Fulham hosts West Ham United on Saturday. In Serie A, AC Milan duo Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah will take on Gianluca Busio and Venezia. Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing Giovanni Reyna for a while, as he will be out for a few weeks according to Borussia Dortmund Head Coach Nuri Sahin.

Getting to Know Mauricio Pochettino

A new era has officially begun for the United States Men’s National Team, with Mauricio Pochettino becoming the 40th head coach in the program’s history. In his 15 years of managing at the club level, he’s had a penchant for turning teams around, doing so with Espanyol, Southampton, and Tottenham. The 52-year-old also has a track record for giving opportunities to young players and that bodes well for a USMNT that is fairly young compared to other teams on the global stage. Although it’s his first time coaching an international team, he does have experience playing for Argentina. Only time will tell how well his skillset translates to coaching the USMNT, but I have high hopes.

MLS Coaches On the Hot Seat

While the MLS playoff race heats up, coaches across the league may be starting to feel the pressure to finish strongly. Braden Chalker of Sports Illustrated named four coaches who are on the hot seat, including the Philadelphia Union’s Jim Curtin. The 45-year-old has been with the Union since the summer of 2014, but a fresh start could be coming for the club if it misses out on the postseason. A similar clean slate could be coming for Sporting Kansas City, which has been coached by Peter Vermes since 2009. His team would need a miraculous rally to close out the season just to make the playoffs this year. Austin FC’s Josh Wolff and the Chicago Fire’s Frank Klopas may also be looking for work once the season is over.

Free Kicks

  • There are going to be open tryouts at Sylvan Lake Park for Orlando youth players, so be sure to let the eligible youngsters in your life know. Best of luck!

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/11/24

Orlando Pride playoff ticket information, USMNT draws New Zealand on awful late goal on the day it formally announces Mauricio Pochettino, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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September 11, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We have a full weekend of fun ahead with all three teams in action. The Orlando Pride start things off on Friday, with Orlando City playing Saturday, and Orlando City B finishing things up on Sunday. Hopefully, we can have a nine-point weekend.

Of course, today is a day of remembrance of those who lost their lives both on that tragic day in 2001 and from the effects that followed. Take a moment today to let those you love know that you love them. Let’s get to the links.

Pride Power into Playoffs

We know the Orlando Pride have already made the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, but now you can let the club know if you are interested in potential playoff tickets before things get crazy. It’s nice knowing that we don’t have to wait until decision day to find out if the Pride are in. They are. Decisively. In the least surprising news ever, the Pride topped both the ESPN NWSL Power Rankings, and the Goal.com NWSL Power Rankings once again.

Pochettino Hiring Official

The hiring that everyone knew was coming was made official Tuesday as Mauricio Pochettino was named as the new head coach of the USMNT. Pochettino is the type of big name hire that U.S. fans have been waiting for following the double stint of Gregg Berhalter. Pochettino will be expected to get the best out of what some consider the greatest generation of American soccer players when he leads them to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

USMNT Draws New Zealand

The same night that Pochettino was announced as the new USMNT head coach, his new team played New Zealand to an uninspiring 1-1 draw. Christian Pulisic put the Yanks ahead in the 69th minute, but the U.S. was unable to see the match out, allowing an 89th-minute equalizer on a completely awful goal that was misplayed by both Caleb Wiley and Mark McKenzie, with the latter providing the finish with a clearance attempt off of New Zealand’s Ben Waine, over Matt Turner, and into his own net. The match was only a friendly, but it illustrates the need for the new coach.

The Growth of the NWSL

The NWSL is in a good place. The league is growing both in the number of member clubs and in the attendance at matches across the league. There are many reasons for it, including the Olympics and big name stars like Marta and the recently retired Alex Morgan, but most importantly, the growing fanbase for the women’s game. ESPN spoke to general managers at every club in the league to get an idea of the challenges in the ever-changing landscape that is the NWSL. All the answers were anonymous, but it’s still very insightful information.

Free Kicks

  • In the ongoing series from the Orlando Pride, it’s now time for you to get to know Carrie Lawrence.
  • Let’s keep the clean sheets coming, Anna Moorhouse.
  • Declan Rice was a bit petty in Arsenal’s match against Brighton last weekend, nudging the ball away from his opponent on a free kick. The action earned him a second yellow and a sending off. Now, the board that reviews referee decisions has stated it was the correct call.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for this weekend’s matches.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/10/24

Marta nominated for NWSL Goal of the Week, Orlando Pride happy to clinch playoff spot, Lions on international duty, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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September 10, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was another good weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B combined to pick up all six points on offer. Hopefully that trend can continue and get even better once Orlando City resumes play this Saturday. We’ve got a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s get after it.

Marta Nominated for Goal of the Week

The Pride took down the Chicago Red Stars 1-0 on Sunday, with Marta singlehandedly winning the game for the Pride courtesy of an absolutely outstanding strike from outside the box. Unsurprisingly, that effort has earned her a nomination for NWSL Goal of the Week. While she’s facing some stiff competition, I think it’s safe to say that her goal is comfortably the best of the bunch. Go make sure everyone else knows it, and vote for her to win this week’s award!

Pride Speak On Clinched Playoff Spot

The Pride discussed the team’s mentality after clinching a playoff spot following this weekend’s results. Head Coach Seb Hines highlighted the heartbreak of narrowly missing the postseason in 2023 and how that was a motivator this season. That sentiment was echoed by both Marta and Haley McCutcheon, with both players speaking on making the postseason and the team’s bigger goals this year.

Lions on International Duty

David Brekalo is on international duty with Slovenia, and was part of his team’s victory in UEFA Nations League play on Monday. Brekalo started at right back and spent 87 minutes on the field, as Slovenia beat Kazakhstan 3-0 courtesy of a hat trick by star man Benjamin Sesko. The result leaves Slovenia atop League B Group 3 with four points after a 1-1 draw with Austria on Friday as well. Meanwhile, Facundo Torres and Uruguay face Venezuela at 6 p.m. tonight in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Torres came on as a sub with 10 minutes to go in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Friday, so we’ll see if he’s involved two matches in a row. Best of luck, Facu!

USMNT Takes On New Zealand Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will try to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Canada when it takes on New Zealand today at 7 p.m. in Cincinnati. The All Whites are ranked 94th in the world and have won four of their last five games. The USMNT midfield will need to have a much better showing than it did against the Canadians, as Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, and Malik Tillman were collectively outgunned by the opposition. It’ll also be worth keeping an eye on the goalkeeper situation, as Patrick Schulte played well in the 2-1 loss, and has probably earned another start. There’s plenty to watch for, so make sure you tune in and see if the team can get back on the right track.

International Break Roundup

With the international break still in full swing, there were a number of big games yesterday that we need to catch up on. In the marquee match of the day, France rebounded from a 3-1 loss to Italy in UEFA Nations League play by comfortably dispatching Belgium 2-0, courtesy of goals from Randal Kolo-Muania and Ousmane Dembele. Italy made it two wins in two attempts by knocking off Israel 2-1, with a 90th minute goal from Mohammad Abu Fani not enough to get Israel its first point in the competition. In the Concacaf Nations League, Curacao posted an eye-popping score by beating St. Martin 4-0, only for Haiti to better that result by hammering Sint Maarten 6-0.

Free Kicks

  • In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Pride have been outstanding this year.

That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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