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Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions perform in Orlando City’s 2-1 road win over Toronto FC?

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9 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City went north of the border and beat Toronto FC 2-1 in a six-point contest. It’s the Lions’ first win over a team not in last place in their conference since May 11, when they defeated the Philadelphia Union 3-2. The three points also move them even with Atlanta United and Toronto FC for eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Let’s take a look at the individual performances in this essential win.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 5.5 — Gallese’s probably the hardest player to grade in this game because he didn’t have much to do. Toronto only got one shot on target, the team’s fifth-minute goal by Derrick Etienne, Jr. However, the goal wasn’t all Gallese’s fault, as his center backs were caught flat-footed, enabling the attacker a free shot on goal from close distance. In addition to shot-stopping — or lack thereof — Gallese completed 65.2% of his 23 passes, including six of his 14 long balls.

D, Kyle Smith, 6 — Smith’s 56 touches were fourth most on the team in this game. He completed 79.6% of his 44 passes but failed to complete his lone cross or any of his four long balls. Defensively, he recorded two tackles and one clearance. After a good shift, Smith was replaced by Rafael Santos in the 69th minute.

D, Robin Jansson, 5.5 — Jansson’s 63 touches were a team high. He completed 77.8% of his team-high 54 passes and five of his 15 long balls, and he took one off-target shot. On the defensive side, he recorded an interception, a blocked shot, and a team-high five clearances. I knocked him down a little because of the Toronto goal, on which he was slow to react, enabling Etienne to reach the ball first.

D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 6 — Schlegel’s 57 touches were the third most on the team. He completed 84.2% of his 38 passes and four of his nine long balls, and he took one off-target shot. He had a more impactful game than Jansson, with three interceptions, four clearances, and a blocked shot. He would probably get a better grade, but he got outmuscled by Prince Owusu, resulting in him not being in front of the goal when Etienne scored.

D, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, 6 — Thorhallsson was the lesser involved of the two outside backs in this game, recording 37 touches. He completed 84% of his 25 passes, including a key pass and his lone long ball attempt. Meanwhile, his one shot was off target. Defensively, the right back added a tackle, a clearance, and a blocked shot. He was overpowered at the back post on the pass that set up Toronto’s goal, allowing it to be headed down for Etienne to finish.

MF, Wilder Cartagena, 5.5 — Cartagena was pretty strong in this game except for one key play. He recorded 49 touches and completed 90.5% of his 42 passes, including a key pass and his lone long ball. His only shot was off target, but he recorded three tackles and one interception defensively. Unfortunately, he was defending Etienne in the fifth minute and let him get open in the box to score Toronto’s goal, knocking his grade down.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6.5 — This was a classic Araujo performance with 61 touches, second most on the team. He completed a team-high 92.3% of his 52 passes, including a key pass and three of his five long balls. Defensively, he won four tackles and had a blocked shot.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 6.5 — Similar to Araujo, Angulo had a strong showing in this game. He recorded 47 touches and completed 88.6% of his 35 passes, including two key passes. While he only completed one of his three crosses, it was a beautiful ball that landed on the head of Martin Ojeda for the equalizing goal. The attacking midfielder also helped out defensively with a successful tackle, an interception, and a clearance. His defensive work was vital in helping Smith contain the dangerous Federico Bernardeschi.

MF, Martin Ojeda, 6.5 — Ojeda was very good in this game, recording 52 touches and completing 75% of his 36 passes in 69 minutes. He had a key pass, completed three of his eight crosses, and connected on all of his three long balls. He put two of his three shots on target and headed in Angulo’s cross in the 27th minute to even the game at 1-1.

MF, Facundo Torres, 6.5 (MotM) — Torres had 54 touches in this game and was a threat going forward throughout. He completed 80.6% of his 36 passes, including a key pass, but he didn’t complete his lone cross. He played a nice ball forward for Angulo in the 27th minute, recording a secondary assist, and his dangerous ball into the six-yard box in the 45th minute was knocked in by Nicksoen Gomis for the game-winning goal. In addition to his offensive play, Torres recorded a tackle, an interception, and a blocked shot defensively. He’s my Man of the Match for being part of both goals.

F, Duncan McGuire, 5 — McGuire was poor in this game, unable to make much of an impact. He had 17 touches and wasn’t able to get on the end of any crosses. The forward completed 44.4% of his nine passes with a key pass and was replaced by Jeorgio Kocevski in the 79th minute.

Substitutes

D, Rafael Santos (69’), 5.5 — Santos came on for Smith in the 69th minute but was less involved. He had 17 touches and completed 85.7% of his seven passes. While he completed his lone cross, his one long ball was incomplete. He had one clearance defensively, but his appearance wasn’t very memorable.

MF, Nico Lodeiro (69’), 6 — Lodeiro came on in the 69th minute for Ojeda in a like-for-like change. He recorded 19 touches and completed 76.9% of his 13 passes, including two key passes and both of his long balls. Defensively, he added a tackle and blocked a shot in a strong performance by the veteran.

MF, Jeorgio Kocevski (79’), 6 — Kocevski came on in the 79th minute for McGuire in a defensive role. He had 10 touches and completed 85.7% of his seven passes, but his impact was defensive. The rookie had four clearances as the Lions looked to keep a one-goal lead, helping to see out the game.

F, Ramiro Enrique (83’), 5.5 — Enrique replaced Torres in the 83rd minute for energy and to help see out the game. He only had nine touches and completed four of his five passes, including his lone cross. He added a clearance defensively as the team defended fiercely in the final minutes.

F, Luis Muriel (83’), 5 — Muriel came on in the 83rd minute for Angulo and it was difficult to watch the Designated Player. He took three shots and two could’ve been game-clinching goals, but he missed the target on all three attempts. He had 12 touches and completed his four passes, but he could’ve made the end of the game much easier by putting away one of his golden chances.

That’s how I saw the Lions’ win over Toronto FC. How did you see their performances? Let us know, and be sure to vote for your Man of the Match in the poll below.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/3/25

Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

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4 hours ago

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April 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!

Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials

Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.

Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty

Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.

Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.

USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season

American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
  • San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
  • New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
  • El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
  • Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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