Orlando City
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Final Score 3-0 as Lions Sweep Revs for First Time Ever
The Lions got their second consecutive 3-0 home victory and swept the Revolution for the first time in club history.
The Lions’ latest match went a lot like their last, as Orlando City defeated the New England Revolution 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. Two weeks removed from a 3-0 win over Nashville SC, Orlando (11-10-7, 40 points) got goals from Rafael Santos, Facundo Torres, and Duncan McGuire and two big saves from Pedro Gallese to shut out the Revs (8-16-3, 27 points), sweeping the season series from New England for the first time in club history.
With the win, the Lions finally climbed over the .500 mark on the season and also broke even at home (5-5-4).
“It seems like we were precise in the moments that we needed the most,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “But the discipline and the commitment that we all have with the structure of the team just allow us to survive in moments where New England as well had their chances. So, while we’re growing collectively, the team will have a better chances to have performances like this and winning more points. So we’re happy with it.”
Pareja’s lineup included goalkeeper Gallese behind a back line of Santos, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. David Brekalo was held out of the lineup for precautionary reasons after experiencing muscle discomfort prior to the match. Cesar Araujo — who it turns out did not get booked in the last game, as the yellow card he was shown by the referee was actually for McGuire — and Wilder Cartagena started in the central midfield behind an attacking line of Ivan Angulo, Martin Ojeda, and Torres with Ramiro Enrique up top.
The first half was played evenly in terms of territory, but the Lions created the most danger from their possession. It started early with a good ball across from the left that Torres volleyed just over the net in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, Enrique tried to pick out a streaking Ojeda in front of goal but the pass was too close to Revs goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic, who collected.
New England couldn’t do anything with a series of early set pieces, including two corners and a free kick from near the right corner.
A good buildup in the 20th minute ended up crossed from left to right and Thorhallsson sent a good ball back across for Enrique, who went for a spectacular volley but sent it well wide to the right. Thorhallsson was a problem for New England left back Peyton Miller throughout the half, and only a last-second intercession by Tim Parker prevented a good cross from getting through for a tap-in in the 22nd minute. However, the ensuing corner produced a spectacular goal for Orlando.
Ojeda played the ball short to Angulo on the end line. The Colombian turned and fired a pass to Santos outside the box. The Brazilian fullback wasn’t closed down and blasted a curling shot from 25 yards out that found the top left corner, beating Ivacic and making it 1-0. It’s sure to be an MLS Goal of the Matchday candidate.
“We’ve been working on that play for a while now, so you were attentive to the ball that was coming, and thankfully had the opportunity to score,” Santos said through a club interpreter.
“For me, it wasn’t surprising at all,” McGuire said of Santos’ blast. “We play two-touch every day after practice and he scores that goal 15 times a day. And it’s annoying because he always beats all of us. So, I’m honestly not surprised he scored that. When I saw him with that much space, I knew it was going to be a goal. And all the guys behind me (on the bench) were like, ‘That’s nothing we haven’t seen before.’ So yeah, it was definitely sick and I’m happy for him and hopefully he can keep that going as well.”
Cartagena tried to double the lead in the 28th minute after a quick steal in New England’s third, but he hit his shot off target to the left.
New England’s best chance came a minute later. The Lions were caught a bit disorganized on a Revolution attack, allowing space above the box. Ian Harkes ran onto a pass and blasted a shot high over the net from the top of the area.
The game was played in the middle third for the next 15 minutes but then Orlando found some space. Torres sent Enrique behind on the right, but the Argentine needed an extra touch to control the ball, and by the time he shot it, Dave Romney arrived to block it out of play for a corner in the 44th minute. Nothing came from the set piece, but the Lions struck again moments later.
A ball in the box hit the outstretched arm of Carles Gil and referee Tori Penso immediately signaled for a penalty. Torres stood over the spot kick and crushed it into the upper right corner to make it 2-0 in the second added minute. It was Torres’ 11th goal of the season. For Santos, it was his first goal of the season but just his second MLS goal.
“Taking a PK brings a lot of elements — confidence, talent, preparation, the mental part, in that moment, in that part of the game,” Pareja said. “But Facu’s attitude when the PKs come, including one that he lost, he’s very confident. He wants to do it. So, that mental part, we have a good option to score with him. And also he’s training. They spend time on that part.”
Ojeda nearly made it 3-0 in the final minute of first-half stoppage time, but his blast toward the near post was saved by Ivacic. The ball recycled to Araujo, who found Cartagena wide open, but the Peruvian’s shot was into the upper deck on the south end of the stadium. That was the last sight of goal for either side before the halftime whistle.
At the break, Orlando City held the edge in possession (50.5%-49.5%), shots (9-3), and shots on target (3-0). Both teams won two corners, and the Revolution passed more accurately (88.2%-85.9%).
The first part of the second half belonged to Orlando as well, with the Lions trying to fire through a crowd from the top of the box. Araujo’s shot deflected out for a corner in the 50th minute but the Lions couldn’t pay it off.
Torres blasted a shot from the top of the area off the right post five minutes later, as the Lions came forward in transition.
New England got on the front foot for a while starting in the hour mark. Araujo fouled Gil from behind unnecessarily, giving the Revs a free kick from 25 yards out. Gil hit the free kick well, but Gallese came across to his right with a huge save to keep it out of the net.
“When we were two zero, that was my main concern,” Pareja said about keeping New England from clawing back into the game. “I said, ‘We cannot let them believe in the game, and we need the third goal. If not, it will be complicated.’ And then comes that free kick. Pedro saved us, and they had a couple (more) chances too. It was a big challenge today. It was not easy.”
That set piece fired up the Revolution and they had the better of the play for a spell. Jansson did well to make a sliding block of a Giacomo Vrioni shot in the 62nd minute.
After Cartagena fired wide of goal in the 65th minute on a recycled corner kick, the Lions dodged a bullet. Gil’s hard cross through the area found its way to Vrioni on the left side of the box, but his redirect went just inches wide of the post in the 67th minute.
Orlando was able to regain control of the match for the final stretch. Torres was set up on the left in the 70th minute but fired just wide of the near post off a nice pass from Cartagena. A minute later, Thorhallsson fired wide and high from a tight angle on the right, which was probably the wrong choice as second-half sub McGuire was wide open in front of goal.
McGuire scored moments later anyway to put the game to bed. Torres played the ball wide right to sub Nico Lodeiro, who played McGuire in behind from the right with a lovely ball. McGuire had Torres streaking down the left but blasted a shot that Ivacic got a piece of but couldn’t keep out. The Lions led 3-0 in the 74th minute. It was McGuire’s eighth goal of the season but his first since June 28 against New York City FC.
“I saw a lot of space in the back line,” McGuire said. “I saw Nico had a lot of space as well. So I didn’t think he get pressed for a little bit. So, I had time to make a run and and Nico got his head up and played a great ball through, and fell a little lucky with the finish, but, you know, I’ll take it. It has been a while since I’ve scored. It’s been a bit annoying for my standard, so yeah, definitely glad to be back on the score sheet, but at the end of the day, if we’re winning as a team, then that’s all that matters.”
Lodeiro tried to make it 4-0 in the 79th minute on a free kick won by Thorhallsson just inches to the right of the penalty area. The Uruguayan went for goal but fizzed his shot just over the bar and onto the roof of the net.
Gallese made another big save in the 83rd minute to deny Emmanuel Boateng, who had slipped in behind the right side of Orlando’s defense. The Peruvian came off his line to make the stop.
Each team had a good opportunity to score in stoppage time. Thorhallsson made yet another good pass to set up Cartagena at the top of the area in the second added minute but the Peruvian hit his shot straight at Ivacic, which left him talking to himself as he retreated back to his defensive position.
Moments later, Vrioni missed an open header just wide of the left post. That was the final opportunity of the match, and the Lions had their second consecutive 3-0 victory.
Orlando City finished with the advantage in possession (54.4%-45.6%), shots (20-9), and shots on target (5-2). New England won more corners (7-5) and passed more accurately (89.1% 86.4%).
“Within the game, I thought we had control, and when we had the chances, that is something that just made me very optimistic,” said Pareja, who won his 170th MLS regular-season game to pull into a tie for fifth all-time with Dominc Kinnear. “We’re scoring goals again and that makes it look like we’re in a good place.”
Offense aside, the Lions haven’t conceded in two games, and kept Gil quiet most of the night.
“MLS has quality players at all times, so we knew what we had to concentrate and focus on,” Santos said. “And at the end of the day, it’s just not giving the opponent the opportunity, and that’s what we tried to do.”
Orlando City is back in action at home on Wednesday against Charlotte FC.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! We’re into the thick of the World Cup group stage, and so far it’s been undeniably entertaining. My only complaint is that I’m not independently wealthy and still have to work during the day rather than travel to and pay the stupid ticket prices to watch whichever matches I want. Oh well, until that happens let’s get to the links, but not before we wish Orlando Pride midfielder Summer Yates a happy birthday.
Griezmann Signing Graded
There were plenty of big signings this summer transfer window, including Orlando City securing the services of Antoine Griezmann. Unsurprisingly, the Lions earned top marks for bringing the Frenchman to the City Beautiful. You might not know all there is to know about Orlando City’s newest Designated Player and may want more information on him and why he isn’t with France at the World Cup. Obviously, he retired from international football. Fortunately, he didn’t retire from club football.
USMNT vs. Australia
The USMNT plays Australia in the second match of the group stage this Friday at 3 p.m. The U.S. is coming off a dominating win over Paraguay, but Australia managed a pretty good win over a tough Türkiye team. There has been a lot of talk by U.S. pundits before the tournament about Mike Grella’s remark that Australia would be a “layup,” and the Socceroos are using that as bulletin board material. It’s an intriguing matchup since Australia, like Paraguay, favors a low block and attacking on the counter. The U.S. effectively shut down Paraguay when it tried the same thing. Can the U.S. replicate its performance from the first match on Friday? That is why they play the game. If you’re looking for somewhere to watch the match in the Orlando area, here is your guide.
Even More USMNT News
It’s all too often that we get over-hyped after a win like the USMNT over Paraguay, but is that the case this time, or can the team make a deep run into the tournament? With Australia up next, U.S. supporters are concerned about the health of Christian Pulisic. According to Mauricio Pochettino, he’s all good. Meanwhile, Haji Wright remembers scoring a brace against the Aussies when the teams met in a friendly. Wright was an unused sub in the first World Cup match, but perhaps he’ll have a chance on Friday. Wright says that Türkiye came into the match too confident, but the U.S. knows how dangerous Australia is and won’t make that same mistake.
World Cup Results
The two early matches on Tuesday were enjoyable even if the results were a little more what we expected. Kylian Mbappé scored a brace in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal. Bradley Barcola scored France’s second goal and Ibrahim Mbaye scored Senegal’s lone goal. In the second match, Erling Haaland also scored a brace in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq. Aymen Hussein scored Iraq’s only goal. Unfortunately for him, he also scored an own goal for Norway. It is nice that Mbappé and Haaland wanted to emulate Folarin Balogun. Thankfully, the Argentina versus Algeria match was late enough that I did not have to write about it or that Lionel Messi guy.
Free Kicks
- Tyler Adams just seems like a good dude, and it’s stuff like this that proves it. He is working with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build mini pitches in areas of need across the country.
- England hasn’t played a match in the World Cup and the team has already had to replace Tino Livramento, who has been ruled out due to a calf injury. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is his replacement.
- Remember during the opening match between Mexico and and South Africa, when Fox aired commercials during the hydration break? Remember how they didn’t come back until play had already resumed? FIFA could have punished the network but has decided not to do so. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again.
- The Chicago Stars signed Spain national team defender Leila Ouahabi to a three-year contract through the 2028 NWSL season.
- We know that Mauricio Pochettino won’t be heading to AC Milan, since the club appointed Ruben Amorim to the head coach post.
- Are Scotland supporters drinking all the beer in Boston? I’m betting that the Tartan Army is giving it a try.
- There’s nothing quite like getting called out by your middle school teacher as an adult.
That will do it for today. We’re only two days from the USMNT versus Australia, and I’m ready to run through a brick wall — metaphorically speaking. We also have OCB this weekend, so make time to watch the Young Lions. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/16/26
Alex Freeman’s impact, World Cup results roundup, Tunisia makes coaching change, and more.
Good morning, everyone! I write to you from Seattle, where I touched down last night ahead of attending the United States Men’s National Team’s second group game against Australia on Friday. I’ll spend the early part of this week getting out into some nature with my family, before returning to the city on Thursday to cheer on our boys against the Aussies. We’ve got lots to talk about today, so let’s get into the links!
Alex Freeman’s Impact
By now, I’m sure you know that the USMNT opened its time at the World Cup with a rousing 4-1 shellacking of Paraguay. What you might not know is the role that former Orlando City fullback Alex Freeman played in the victory. He continued his meteoric rise since debuting for OCSC’s senior side last season, as he went the full 90 minutes against Paraguay and racked up an assist, two interceptions, and five recoveries. He also pushed forward and took up positions in the half spaces that cause plenty of problems for the opponent’s defense and was mostly sharp with his positioning defensively. Here’s hoping he continues that sort of form!
World Cup Results Roundup
It was another engrossing day of World Cup action on Monday, and things got off to a very strong start. Debutants Cape Verde played Spain to a scoreless draw in Atlanta, as the 64th-ranked team in the world picked up its first World Cup point in its first-ever match. The second game of the day saw Egypt take a surprising lead over Belgium before the introduction of Romelu Lukaku off the bench forced an own goal that leveled the score and saw the game end 1-1. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia made it three draws in three games, as the underdogs once again took the lead before Uruguay fought back well in the second half. The final game of the day between Iran and New Zealand concluded after our editorial deadline.
Tunisia Fires Head Coach
It only took four days of games for this World Cup to get its first managerial change, as Tunisia fired head coach Sabri Lamouchi on Monday morning. Tunisia wrapped up Sunday’s action by being on the wrong end of a 5-1 hammering against Sweden to open tournament play on a less-than-ideal note. The loss meant Tunisia has won just one of its last eight games, and the team has given up five goals in two straight games after slumping to a 5-0 loss to Belgium in its final pre-tournament friendly. Mondher Kebaier will take over as interim head coach and has a lot to fix before Tunisia faces Japan in its second group game on Saturday.
Global Transfer Summary
Under cover of the World Cup, transfers are still flying thick and fast around the world. We begin with Real Madrid, which announced the signing of fullback Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on Monday morning. Elsewhere, former Lens manager Pierre Sage was named Oliver Glasner’s successor as the head coach of Crystal Palace. Moving into the realm of rumor, winger Ismael Saibari is reportedly close to joining Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven, with a medical the only thing left standing in the way from putting pen to paper. Finally, new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is said to be keen on signing midfielder Felix Nmecha from Borussia Dortmund, but he will likely face stiff competition from Premier League sides and Dortmund itself.
Free Kicks
- Cape Verde’s goalkeeper was superb in the team’s draw against Spain and has seen his online popularity explode as a result.
- FIFA found no evidence of a racist gesture by video assistant referee Shaun Evans before Germany’s match against Curacao.
- There have been some entertaining moments both on and off the field at the tournament.
- Bukayo Saka says he’s ready for England’s opening match, despite fears over an Achilles tendon that bothered him off and on during the club season.
That’s all I’ve got for you today. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/15/26
OCB beats Huntsville City, OCB signs Parker Amoo-Mensah, USMNT defeats Paraguay in World Cup, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work but tried to catch as many World Cup matches as possible. I did get to check out the Mumford & Sons and Rufus Du Sol concerts at Wrigley Field up here in Chicago. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
OCB Defeats Huntsville City FC on the Road
Orlando City B completed the comeback, overturning a 1-0 deficit to beat Huntsville City FC 2-1 at Wicks Family Field Saturday. Huntsville struck first to take a 1-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Matthew Belgodere buried the equalizer for the Young Lions. Jacob Ramirez scored the final goal of the match for OCB to seal the win on the road and extend its winning streak to four games. That result lifts the Young Lions to third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference table with 28 points. OCB will return home to face Philadelphia Union II Sunday at Osceola County Stadium.
OCB Signs Parker Amoo-Mensah
Orlando City B has signed academy defender Parker Amoo-Mensah to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. The club announced the signing Friday with the deal running through the 2028 season. Amoo-Mensah has made 12 appearances for the Young Lions during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, starting eight matches, and has one assist.
USMNT Defeats Paraguay in World Cup Opener
The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, to win its opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Former Lion Alex Freeman played a full 90 minutes and recorded an assist in the match, while Orlando City midfielder Braian Ojeda was on Paraguay’s bench but did not play. The USMNT’s opening goal was an own goal from Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla to give the Yanks the lead in the first half. Falorin Balogun scored twice for the U.S to take a 3-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Paraguay pulled one back, but Gio Reyna added the insurance goal. The USMNT will face Australia in its second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday.
2026 FIFA World Cup Recap
On Friday, Canada drew Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1. Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau started the match and had two clutch saves while former Lions Cyle Larin and Richie Laryea were also in action. Larin scored the equalizer for the Canadian Men’s National Team, securing a draw and earning its first-ever point in a World Cup match. On Saturday, Qatar and Switzerland played to a 1-1 draw, Brazil and Morocco settled for a 1-1 draw, Scotland secured its first World Cup win in 36 years with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, and Australia defeated Turkey 2-0. On Sunday, Kai Havertz scored twice for Germany in a 7-1 win over Curacao, Japan trailed twice and fought back for a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, Amad Diallo scored a late winner for Ivory Coast in a 1-0 win over Ecuador, and Sweden and Tunisia kicked off late. Today’s matches will feature Spain facing Cape Verde, Belgium taking on Egypt, Saudi Arabia facing Uruguay, and Iran taking on New Zealand.
Free Kicks
- Charlotte FC is reportedly close to signing RC Lens winger Allan Saint-Maximin to a Designated Player contract.
- The Chicago Fire are reportedly pursuing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka while holding talks with former FC Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski.
- Real Madrid has reportedly reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign defender Marc Cucurella.
- Somali referee Omar Artan will receive full payment from FIFA after being denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup due to visa issues.
- Two men have been charged in connection with the theft of England’s World Cup training equipment as the national team was moving its base camp from West Palm Beach to Kansas City, MO.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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