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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?

Published

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: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

Published

21 hours ago

on

April 9, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

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.

Bringing handmade kit art to life 🎨Learn More: orlsoccer.co/SophieHird

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T15:00:16.833Z

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

The Custom Pride Kit Series over the years ✨

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T18:20:45.683Z

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

  • 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.

Nice to see Dom Dwyer's back in the goals. He's scored in three consecutive games for Mansfield Town in EFL League One after finding the net tonight against Leyton Orient.

— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-04-08T23:32:43.320Z

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!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/8/25

Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

April 8, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City Academy Roundup

The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.

We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.

UEFA Champions League Preview

As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.

Free Kicks

That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/7/25

Lions draw on the road, OCB falls to Chattanooga FC, USWNT beats Brazil, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

April 7, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road

Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.

OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road

Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.

USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.

MLS Weekend Recap

The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.
  • Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
  • Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.
  • Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
  • Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
  • Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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