Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Nashville SC: Five Takeaways
Here’s what we learned from Orlando City’s 3-0 home victory over Nashville SC.
The Lions returned to the City Beautiful after dropping their first match following the Leagues Cup last weekend to Sporting Kansas City. Fortunately for Orlando City, winning cures all ailments, and a home matchup against struggling Nashville SC was exactly what the soccer gods ordered. What follows are our five takeaways from a strong 3-0 rebound win at home.
Limited Rotation
Head Coach Oscar Pareja elected to change very little from the squad which lost by three goals to Sporting Kansas City. When the starting 11 was announced, the only swaps were on the back line, with center back Rodrigo Schlegel stepping in for David Brekalo and Rafael Santos starting over Kyle Smith. It is almost impossible to know what the coaching staff sees in training to warrant roster changes, but many, including our own David Rohe, spoke last week that it may be time again to shake things up in order to find a victory. I don’t expect major changes down the home stretch, with the exception of an injury or suspension, and against Nashville, Pareja tipped his hand as such that he more or less has his established squad at this point. As for effectiveness, Santos didn’t play notably better than Smith and Schlegel picked up a needless yellow card and was replaced by Brekalo at halftime.
Flirting with Disaster
Nashville opened the match on the front foot, commiting heavy numbers forward in the attack in the hopes of finding an early goal. Throughout the opening minutes, there were at least two golden opportunities for Nashville that should have seen the visitors up one or two goals. Fortunately for Orlando City, Sam Surridge hit the post with an early chance, and Pedro Gallese stood strong on a 1-v-1 situation against Alex Muyl to kept the visitors from finding success. It was a nervy opening but did not hurt the Lions in the long run.
Blink and Miss It
Any fans who had to take an early bathroom break inside Inter&Co Stadium might have returned back to their seats to find the game in a very different position than they left it as Orlando City took control of the match with two goals in the span of four minutes. Ivan Angulo and Facundo Torres made it 2-0 before the quarter-hour mark, capitalizing on a defensive mistake and then a beautiful cross. A week removed from squandering scoring opportunities with poorly placed shot attempts, it was refreshing to see Orlando capitalize early. Martin Ojeda did well to knock a wayward Joe Willis cross to Angulo (while in the air) to set up the first goal and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson provided excellent service on the second.
Yellow after Yellow
Who hurt referee Victor Rivas? While overseeing a match is a challenging job, requiring part skill and part art, it seemed as if the match got away from Rivas early with the physical nature of two teams that generally do not like one another. In a game that was fairly even in terms of number of fouls called, Rivas was quick to pull the yellow after a few scuffles to try to regain control — to the tune of three cards in the opening 45 minutes, which were all directed at Orlando City. Schlegel, Ramiro Enrique, and Robin Jansson all picked up bookings early and, fortunately for Orlando City, none of the cards came back to negatively effect the match outcome.
In the second half, three more cards were issued to Santos, Wilder Cartagena, and Cesar Araujo for various infractions. If you were keeping score at home, it took until the 68th minute for a Nashville player to get booked, and the yellow score tab ended 6-1 in sarcastic favor of Orlando. Again, Mr. Rivas…are you ok?
A Brace for Facu
With two goals against Nashville SC, Torres is now up to 10 goals on the season and 15 goal-scoring contributions for the campaign. That puts the Designated Player just four goal-scoring contributions short of his Orlando City career high of 19, which he set in his first season with the team. After a slow start to the year, Torres has now scored six goals across all competions since July 1. Orlando City will need to lean on its star player down the stretch and to see Torres bag a brace against Nashville should be a reassuring sign to all OCSC fans. A fingertip from Willis is all that prevented a hat trick, as the Nashville keeper did well to deflect a possible third goal onto the roof of the net in the second half.
Those are our takeaways from a great rebound victory. The Lions have a bye week before welcoming the New England Revolution to town on Sept. 14. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and as always Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/5/24
Video from the Pride’s championship win, Orlando City’s U-19s played well in November, a new deal for Don Garber, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a long week, but I’ve at least been able to get some errands knocked out. I’m looking forward to hanging out with friends over the weekend and getting some more reading done before the year is up. Let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Sights and Sounds From Orlando Pride Title Win
The Orlando Pride made history by winning their first NWSL title last month and the club provided an awesome look behind the scenes of the big win in Kansas City. The video covers everything from Marta’s pre-game pep talk that will have you willing to run through walls to the final whistle that wrapped up the greatest victory in club history. It’s also great to see Barbra Banda’s winning goal from even more angles.
Orlando City’s U-19 Team Stands Out
In MLS NEXT, Orlando City’s U-19 squad is the only undefeated team remaining in its age group and was noted as one of the top performing teams of November. The Baby Lions won all four of their games last month, including a pair of big 6-2 wins against both CF Montreal and Charlotte FC. Justin Ellis had a hat trick in the match against Montreal and scored seven total goals last month. It’s been a great year for the 17-year-old, as he also scored in each of the United States U-18 Men’s National Team’s friendlies against Peru and Japan in September.
Don Garber Signs Contract Extension
MLS Commissioner Don Garber won’t be leaving the league anytime soon after signing a four-year contract extension. The 67-year-old has been the league’s commissioner since 1999 and the league has experienced plenty of growth over the course of his 25-year tenure. He also negotiated the $2.5 billion broadcasting deal with Apple that will last 10 years. Only time will tell if Garber will stay on as commissioner once this extension ends following the 2027 season.
Referees Speak On PRO Interference
You will need to get through the paywall for the full details, as The Athletic published a great article regarding the interference from the Professional Referee Organization in MLS and NWSL games. Matches already get disrupted by VAR checks, but officials have also had to deal with PRO managers weighing in on their decisions. A transcript provided by a video assistant referee who requested anonymity showcased one such incident in a regular-season game, with the PRO manager wanting another look at a play to be made. The delays not only disrupt the flow of things, but it opens the door for others to cast suspicion on the process as well.
Free Kicks
- FIFA announced DAZN as the exclusive global broadcaster for next year’s FIFA Club World Cup. The platform will stream all 63 games of the tournament at no cost for those watching.
- The Seattle Sounders confirmed that Raul Ruidiaz is leaving the club after seven seasons. The 34-year-old is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 86 goals across all competitions. This move opens up a Designated Player spot for a Sounders side that reached the Western Conference final.
- Liverpool managed a comeback but gave up a late equalizer in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle that allowed Chelsea and Arsenal to close the gap to seven points.
- In a moment reminiscent of Rodrigo Schlegel’s heroics, 19-year-old left back Pol Arnau stepped up as an emergency goalkeeper for fourth-division side Lugrones against La Liga’s Girona in the Copa del Rey. Arnau made saves to send the game to a shootout and then stopped a penalty en route to victory.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/4/24
USWNT defeats the Netherlands, U.S. player awards, Jill Ellis changes jobs, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! We have a U.S. Soccer-heavy news day for you, which is in no way a bad thing. I hope you’re staying warm as we get a bit of colder weather in the Sunshine State. I know I’m loving the bit of chill in the air. Let’s get to today’s links.
USWNT Defeats the Netherlands
The USWNT needed to come from behind to defeat the Netherlands 2-1 Tuesday in the Hague. Lynn Williams scored the match-winning goal in the 71st minute, but the U.S. needed some help from an own goal at the end of the first half to secure the victory. Veerle Buurman put the hosts up early, and the Netherlands dominated the first half. Perhaps if Emma Hayes had given Orlando Pride defender and NWSL Defender of the Year Emily Sams the start then that goal could have been prevented. Unfortunately, Sams did not see the pitch.
It was also Alyssa Naeher’s final international match as well as the final game of the year for the U.S. Prior to the match, Dutch captain Daniëlle van de Donk presented Naeher with a jersey and a bouquet. The long time USWNT keeper didn’t keep a clean sheet, but she did make several key saves to help her team to victory.
Award Season is Here
It’s that time of the year when awards and accolades are doled out, including U.S. Soccer End of the Year awards. The voting for the awards starts Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 13. The usual suspects are in contention for the Male and Female Player of the Year awards. On the men’s side you have players like Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, and Ricardo Pepi. On the women’s side you have players like Sophia Smith, Alyssa Naeher, and Naomi Girma.
Former USWNT midfielder Carli Lloyd was voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on her first year of eligibility. She will be inducted on May 3, 2025. Lloyd making the cut first time isn’t really a big surprise.
The Guardian has released its player rankings (100-71) for the best female footballers of 2024. Players 70-1 are still to come. Orlando Pride center back Rafaelle came in at No. 95. I’m certain we can expect plenty more appearances by Pride players as the rest of the names are revealed.
Pulisic: The Docuseries
Christian Pulisic is one of the most famous American footballers in the world. Now, he has his own docuseries coming out Dec. 9 on Paramount+. The series will provide behind-the-scenes access to Pulisic as he navigates his time with club and country while preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Former USMNT stiker Jozy Altidore might be watching it as he stated his admiration for Pulisic during a recent visit with the U.S. squad in St. Louis.
Jill Ellis’ New Gig
With the allegations of a toxic and hostile work environment at the San Diego Wave under Jill Ellis’ watch, the former USWNT boss left her position with the club to assume the position of Chief of Football at FIFA. There’s nothing quite like leaving a toxic and hostile work environment for an office with FIFA. Hopefully, Ellis will be able to tell the difference between the two. Ellis’ departure is part of a transition period for the Wave.
Free Kicks
- The MLS Best XI was announced, and you’ll be shocked to hear that no Orlando City players made the list. Just so shocking, I say.
- The NWSL now has Bobbie Baby Formula as the exclusive infant formula partner of the league. The company provided dedicated on-site feeding and lactation areas for mothers who attended the 2024 NWSL Championship.
- Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stated that his team can dominate the English Premier League over the next five to 10 years, but the Blues are not quite ready yet. That’s oil money club talk if you ask me.
- There’s a bit of controversy surrounding the rainbow armbands in the English Premier League after Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy opted out of wearing one on religious grounds.
- Speaking of the FIFA Club World Cup, the procedures for the draw have been set. The draw takes place Dec. 5 in Miami.
That will do it for today. Make sure you check out our Season in Review articles for the Orlando Pride players, already underway, and the upcoming ones for Orlando City. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/3/24
Orlando Pride lead early 2025 NWSL rankings, Americans in midweek action, MLS transfer news roundup, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, and aren’t too crestfallen to be back at work if you were lucky enough to get some time off. Saturday’s game may not have gone the way we wanted it to, but it was still a vastly enjoyable season that I’ll look back on fondly. We have a lot to talk over today, so let’s wish David Brekalo a happy birthday and get into the links!
Orlando Pride Top Early 2025 NWSL Rankings
The National Women’s Soccer League season has only just ended, but it’s never too soon to start looking ahead to next year, so let’s have a look at how the teams are stacking up at the moment. As is right and just, the Orlando Pride top the list after winning both the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship this year, although there’s the question of whether Marta will be with the team in 2025 now that she’s a free agent. The runner-up Washington Spirit come in at second, with other semifinalists NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current at third and fourth, respectively. The Houston Dash are at the other end of the list, as they currently don’t have a coach, general manager, or sporting director after a rough season.
What to Watch for Against the Netherlands
The United States Women’s National Team takes on the Netherlands today in the team’s final match of 2024. Even though it’s a friendly there are still plenty of things to keep an eye on. Alyssa Naeher’s final international match will rightly grab a lot of the headlines, considering how long and illustrious her career has been with the USWNT. Newly committed Lily Yohannes will have a chance to show what she can do in the attack in the absence of big names like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. Jaedyn Shaw finds herself in a similar situation as well. If that wasn’t enough, we may also have a chance to see Pride defender Emily Sams, who didn’t appear in the team’s previous game against England.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans who are in action this week, so make sure you have everything noted and marked down on your calendar. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan get things started today when they take on Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia’s round of 16. Thursday has Antonee Robinson and Fulham welcoming Brighton and Hove Albion to Craven Cottage in English Premier League play, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth travel to play Tottenham Hotspur. Things wrap up on Friday with Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, Richy Ledezma, and PSV Eindhoven hosting FC Twente in Eredivisie play.
MLS Transfer Roundup
Plenty of MLS teams are busy making off-season moves, and we have a few that we need to cover. We start in the realm of rumor, where new San Jose Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena has reportedly traded for Mark Anthony-Kaye, Dave Romney, and Ian Harkes from the New England Revolution. Arena worked with all three during his time with the Revs, and Tom Bogert reports that San Jose is giving around $500,000 in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot in exchange. We then shift to confirmed moves, where we know that FC Cincinnati has permanently acquired Luca Orellana after he spent 2024 on loan with the Knifey Lions to great effect. Cincy also announced that it signed defender Bret Halsey to a contract extension.
Free Kicks
- Barba Banda and Marta are both finalists for the 2024 FIFPRO World 11.
- Congratulations to Orlando City defender Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, who announced on Instagram that his family has a little one is on the way.
- Barcelona fan groups have accused the team’s board of selling out after they were not allowed to be in the team’s stadium for the last two home games.
- Speaking of Barcelona, Hansi Flick reportedly held an emergency meeting with the team after a shocking loss to Las Palmas.
- A horrifying crowd crush at a stadium in Guinea has left at least 56 people dead.
- Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has reportedly been in contact with Mohamed Salah’s agent with a view to signing the Egyptian winger at the end of the season.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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