Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC: Final Score 2-0 as Torres and McGuire Score Second-Half Goals
The Lions earned their third consecutive clean sheet victory and went 3-0-0 on their homestand.
Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire scored in the second half and Pedro Gallese kept his third consecutive clean sheet as the Lions defeated Charlotte FC 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. Orlando City (12-10-7, 43 points) climbed above the .500 mark at home (6-5-4) with the victory, finishing the homestand 3-0-0 without allowing a goal and snapping a four-game winless skid against Charlotte (10-11-8, 38 points) in all competitions.
“Another three points. Important moment,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “And we played against a very difficult rival who played very organized. It’s difficult to break the lines, and one of the teams in Major League Soccer who condenses very well the box. And then it’s difficult to create that affect those spaces. That’s why the value of the game today and the points and scoring two goals against them just makes us feel good, and congratulations to our players as well for such an effort and a great game.”
Pareja’s lineup included Pedro Gallese in goal behind a back line of Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. Cesar Araujo and Wilder Cartagena started in central midfield behind an attacking line of Ivan Angulo, Martin Ojeda, and Torres, with Ramiro Enrique up top.
The first chance of the game fell for Orlando in the fourth minute off the recycle of the game’s first corner kick. The ball found Cartagena inside the box on the right and he put a lot of sting into his shot on goal but unfortunately hit it right at Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, who fought it off. It was Orlando’s only shot on target in the opening half.
The visitors were content to stay organized and not try to play at all, hoping for the Lions to make a mistake on which they could capitalize. It nearly happened a couple of times with a pair of uncharacteristically poor giveaways by Jansson, but there was nothing too threatening to Gallese’s goal.
Meanwhile, Orlando was often unable to connect in the final phase of the attack. Ojeda had a nice cross in the 11th minute after being played down the left by Angulo, but Enrique couldn’t get on the end of it. Santos had a shot blocked off a short corner in the 14th minute on a play similar to the one he scored on Saturday. This time, however, the opposition covered him and Brandt Bronico blocked his attempt.
Santos sent in a good cross in the 19th minute that found Torres, but the Uruguayan sent his header over the bar. A minute later, Angulo stole the ball and ignited the break, finding Ojeda in space, but Enrique’s touch was poor while receiving the pass, spoiling the counterattack.
Jansson’s turnover in the 30th minute provided a chance for Charlotte. Patrick Agyemang got a shot off but sent it straight at Gallese.
Tim Ream headed wide on a long-range Charlotte set piece that was played short and then crossed from the right to the back post in the 40th minute. A minute later, Ream did well to clear a ball away from Ojeda in the Charlotte defensive end when the Argentine’s touch around Adilson Malanda was a bit too heavy.
No one generated anything of note in the final minutes of the first half and the teams went to the lockerroom scoreless.
At the break, Orlando had the advantage in possession (63.7%-36.3%), shots (6-3), corners (4-0), and passing accuracy (88.5%-82%). Charlotte put more shots on frame (2-1).
The second half started as dull as the first, but the Lions finally cracked the Charlotte defense in the 52nd minute. Ojeda got on the end of a ball down the left side of the box, picking up a pass from Angulo. With time and space, he sent a beautiful cross to the far side and Torres one-timed it past Kahlina to make it 1-0. It was Torres’ 12 goal of the regular season.
“We had really worked on that play during the week, just because of how they like to mark,” Torres said. “So, you know, Martin gave me just an incredible center. It was just right on point. It’s really difficult to not score a goal when it’s put on a platter like that. It’s a difficult play to finish off overall, but when he plays it like that, and when we had worked on it throughout the week, it was fantastic.”
Orlando’s energy dropped a bit after the goal and Charlotte started seeing more of the ball and dispossessing the Lions for a spell. The visitors won a couple of corners but weren’t able to pay them off.
“We knew they were going to come and they answered a little bit with some chances, but for me, if I think a lot back, I don’t remember, like, any big, big chance they had,” Thorhallsson said.
Angulo tried to add to Orlando’s lead in the 60th minute, whipping a shot toward goal that deflected out for a corner. Five minutes later, Torres blasted a shot from outside the area that forced Kahlina into a diving save. Second-half sub Nico Lodeiro got to the loose ball first and attempted to tap it home but Ream made a vital block to keep it a one-goal game.
The teams played a bit of sloppy soccer down the stretch as both were playing on short rest on a hot, humid night. Araujo gave up a dangerous free kick in the 83rd minute just outside the box and got a booking for it, meaning he’ll miss the next match for card accumulation. The free kick was sent toward the back post but over everyone and out for a goal kick.
After both teams sent some substitutes on for the final minutes, the Lions doubled their lead. The play started with a superb kick by Gallese that picked out sub Luis Muriel, who immediately played a perfectly weighted ball to a streaking McGuire, who carried the ball into the box and chipped Kahlina beautifully to make it 2-0 in the 89th minute, putting the game to bed with his ninth goal of the season.
“It was just these 10 minutes where we, like a little bit, dropped back, but then once we pushed up again, and Duncan finished it with the second goal, then it was just game over,” Thorhallsson said.
Charlotte still had eight minutes of stoppage time to climb back into it but it was Orlando that came closest to adding a goal in the added minutes. Luca Petrasso, who had come on at left wing, sent a perfect back-post cross to McGuire on the right. McGuire sent a powerful header just wide in the 98th minute on the final clear-cut chance of the evening.
The Lions finished with the advantage in possession (58.1%-41.9%), shots (12-4), corners (7-3), and passing accuracy (88.4%-81.1%). Both teams finished with two shots on target.
“It’s a credit as well to the response of the players who came in the second half,” Pareja said. “We felt that what we needed was not combinations but somebody who can run in behind of the central backs and that’s why we included Duncan, knowing that Ramiro was playing well. But Duncan just opened those spaces for us. Also he’s dynamic in the way he presses and those things help us a lot. And then also Luis (Muriel) and Nico (Lodeiro) that give us that creativity, and they know how to play in between the lines too. So, that helped us. It was very difficult to break those lines.”
For the Lions, it was the first time stringing three consecutive shutout wins together since the season finale and two playoff games against Nashville at the end of the 2023 season.
“Defending well as a group with consistency is probably one of the most difficult parts of the game. The back four and those midfielders are sustaining the team in a very good way. We’re solid. And the individual performance has risen as well. It’s better. Individually, they have grown a lot during this period.”
“Most important thing is just we’re all doing it together,” Thorhallsson said. “Me and Rodri and Robin and Rafa, and then Pedro as well behind us, and of course, everybody in the team. But I feel like the defense has been clicking a lot.”
The Lions head out on the road this weekend, visiting the Columbus Crew on Saturday night.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/15/26
Daryl Dike’s potential return, Orlando Pride prepare for Boston, World Cup news, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Oh boy, do we have some news for you today. Between the Orlando Pride match tonight, the World Cup this afternoon, and some potential big signings, we have a lot to get to. We also want to wish a very happy birthday to Orlando City B goalkeeper Tristan Himes. Now, let’s get to the links.
The Return of Dike(?)
Forget “It’s coming home,” rather he’s coming home! Per Tom Bogert, Daryl Dike is set to return to Orlando City after his multi-year stint with West Bromwich Albion. Dike had a rough go of it in England, mainly due to injuries he sustained. I figure he just needs some Florida sunshine and the team at Orlando Health to help find the form that made him a terror to Orlando City’s opponents.
It also seems that the departure of Marco Pasalic is not a done deal. There has not been an official bid as of yet, and if Orlando City’s valuation isn’t met, then he may be staying. If he stays, he bolsters the attack. If not, well that’s what Dike is coming back to do and it would supply the Lions with plenty of coin to bolster the roster.
Orlando Pride Set for Boston Legacy
The Orlando Pride host expansion side Boston Legacy FC at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The Pride will look to avenge a 2-1 loss earlier this season in Boston. After defeating the Kansas City Current over the weekend, Seb Hines’ squad will want to keep the home winning streak going. This may be Barbra Banda’s last match before heading out for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament later this month, so take the opportunity to head to the match if you are in the Orlando area.
World Cup News
France was unable to keep things going as Spain defeated Les Bleus 2-0 on Bastille Day. La Roja now wait to see whether Argentina or England will be the opponent in the final. As they have done so many times this World Cup, the Spanish did not allow a goal and did enough offensively to advance. Lamine Yamal earned a penalty that Mikel Oyarzabal slotted home to give Spain a lead in the 22nd minute. Pedro Porro added another in the second half and France was unable to muster any magic.
Later today, England and Argentina square off to see which team will play the Spaniards. The amount of history between these teams at World Cups is enough to make most watch the match. I think the bigger question is which team does Gianni Infantino want to win, and will we see the same shenanigans we’ve seen in previous matches featuring these two teams? Don’t worry, England. I’m sure it’ll be fine.
USMNT Reflections
There’s been a bit of space and time for all of us to process the USMNT’s performance at the World Cup and it isn’t all doom and gloom. None other than Carli Lloyd said that despite the way it ended, it was a successful outing for the U.S. Matt Freese is trying to see the positives even though he made a costly mistake that gave up a goal to Belgium. Folarin Balogun said what I was thinking in that a certain phone call about his red card did affect the USMNT’s nerves heading into the match against Belgium. Lastly, the future could be bright thanks to these five USMNT prospects.
Free Kicks
- Atlanta United has signed Chilean defender Paulo Diaz on a free transfer. I didn’t realize a team could improve the defense with signings.
- As I alluded to above, Ismail Elfath will lead an all-U.S. Soccer referee crew for the match between Argentina and England. I’m curious to see how it plays out.
- If you want to watch the Bundesliga, you may need to get another streaming service as the U.S. rights are moving from ESPN to USA Network & Fandango.
- Charlotte FC is ending the practice of charging Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) in an effort to stem declining attendance and slower ticket sales. I’m glad that was an experiment that failed in MLS even if it is standard in other American professional sports.
- The New England Revolution have signed 18-year-old Peyton Miller to a contract extension through the 2028-2029 season.
- Former Orlando City B defender Nabi Kibunguchy has signed with USL Championship side Indy Eleven. We wish him luck with his new team.
That will do it for today. Check back later for our coverage of the Orlando Pride’s match against Boston Legacy FC. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for updates. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/14/26
Marco Pasalic transfer rumor, Marta up for weekly award, MLS transfer roundup, and more.
Good morning, everyone. I write to you from Texas, specifically Dallas, as I was in Austin to see friends over the weekend and decided to pop up the road to take in the energy of the World Cup semifinal that will be played in the city later today. I won’t be attending the game, since I don’t wish to sell one of my kidneys but am looking forward to mingling with some of the fans who have traveled here for it. We’ve got a lot to talk about this morning, so let’s get into the links.
Marco Pasalic Transfer Rumor
There have been some quiet rumblings for awhile now that Marco Pasalic may leave Orlando City during the summer transfer window. We now have a more concrete report regarding a potential departure, as the streets are saying that the winger is set to sign for newly promoted Hull City, with a price tag of at least €7 million.
If the move does come to pass, it would reunite him with manager Sergej Jakirovic, who he briefly played for during his time at HNK Rijeka. Jakirovic also stated in a recent interview that he wants to sign Pasalic, so this is a rumor that could have some legs.
Marta Up for Weekly Honors
The Orlando Pride picked up an excellent win on Friday by knocking off the Kansas City Current 3-0, and Marta has been rewarded for her efforts in the victory with a nomination for the NWSL Player of the Week. The Brazilian legend bagged the team’s first goal shortly after halftime, when she found herself in space well outside the box and unleashed a low left-footed drive into the bottom corner for her 50th goal as a Pride player. For some reason, she was snubbed in the Goal of the Week voting despite her impressive strike, so make sure you go vote for her for Player of the Week!
MLS Transfer Roundup
With the MLS summer transfer window opening on Monday, we’ve got a slew of moves to get caught up on. We begin with confirmation of an item that we covered in Monday’s Links, as Nathan Ordaz has officially moved to D.C. United in exchange for up to $2.875 million. The New England Revolution have extended Matt Turner’s loan from Lyon, with the new deal lasting through December. It also has an option to extend the loan again until December 2027, after which the Revs have a purchase option. Atlanta United has signed Paraguayan center back Junior Alonso on a free transfer, with his deal running through the 2028-2029 season. Finally, Charlotte FC has announced the signing of forward Allan Saint-Maximin as a Designated Player. He will occupy the DP slot vacated by Wilfried Zaha.
USWNT Announces Fall Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team has announced that it will play a pair of October friendlies against Spain in a matchup of the reigning World Cup champions against the reigning Olympic champions. The USWNT will face the top-ranked team in the world on Oct. 10 at Audi Field in Washington D.C., and again on Oct. 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. The Oct. 10 match will also have a pregame retirement celebration for USWNT defender Crystal Dunn. This will be just the fourth time that the two teams have faced each other, with the U.S. winning two of the three previous meetings. The two friendlies will be the last games that the USWNT plays before beginning World Cup qualifying.
Previewing France vs. Spain
The World Cup semifinals begin today, with France and Spain set to throw down in Dallas. For France, the stars are too many to count, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise all taking turns lighting up both the field and the scoreboard for the team that has made back-to-back appearances in the final. As far as Spain goes, all the focus is on Lamine Yamal, as the young winger has been key to Spain’s success despite scoring just one goal. If Nico Williams is able to start on the opposite wing, the French won’t be able to key so heavily on Yamal, and it could open up more space for him in which to operate. The matchup between the youngster and Lucas Digne will be key, as will the ability of either Mikel Oyarzabal or Ferran Torres to be effective up top for Spain.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Daryl Dike is leaving West Bromwich Albion. We know a team that just traded a striker.
- Debinha has signed a contract extension with the Kansas City Current.
- Hydration breaks will reportedly be a key element in future negotiations for soccer media rights.
- Manchester United is reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
- Pau Cubarsi has pushed back on comments made by Spain’s former prime minister Mariano Rajoy, in which he claimed that France “don’t have any French players.”
That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/13/26
Pride and OCB win, Maxime Crepeau to compete in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, Latest MLS transfer roundup, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work, but I look forward to watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals and final this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Pride Shut Out Kansas City Current at Home
The Orlando Pride defeated the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium Friday night, bouncing back from a tough outing at Angel City the previous week. After a scoreless first half, Marta scored the opener from long distance to give Orlando the lead. Hannah Anderson and Barbra Banda added a goal apiece as the Pride have won three out of their last four league matches. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse earned a clean sheet in her 100th appearance for the club. Orlando remains eighth in the NWSL table with 20 points. The Pride will be back in action at home Wednesday, taking on Boston Legacy at Inter&Co Stadium.
OCB Wins at FC Cincinnati 2
Orlando City B beat FC Cincinnati 2 by a 2-1 scoreline at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, KY on Sunday. Issah Haruna’s goal gave the Young Lions the lead in the first half. In the second half, Cincinnati leveled the match, but Matthew Belgodere scored the winner on the road. That result pulls the Young Lions into third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 33 points, just one point off leaders Chattanooga FC. OCB will be away for another road test Saturday against Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium.
Orlando City Reportedly Submits Transfer Offer for Alex Moreno
Orlando City has reportedly submitted a transfer offer to sign Girona defender Alex Moreno. No agreement has been reached between the two sides, and conversations remain ongoing, according to reports. Moreno made 31 appearances for Girona last season in La Liga and recorded three assists. The 33-year-old left back remains under contract with Girona through 2027, but the club was relegated from La Liga to La Liga 2 last season. Several European clubs have also expressed interest in signing Moreno, including La Liga sides Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano.
Crepeau to Compete in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge
Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau will compete in the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Truist Field in Charlotte on July 28, the club announced Friday. The competition will feature top players from Major League Soccer and Liga MX competing to test their soccer skills on the pitch. Five skills challenge competitions are featured, including the All-Star Goalie Wars, All-Star Crossbar Challenge, and the MLS vs. Liga MX Relay Challenge. Each competition will crown its own champion this year, switching from the traditional MLS-versus-opponent format used in previous years.
Latest MLS Transfer Roundup
According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Sporting Kansas City has emerged as a potential option to sign former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
D.C. United has reportedly acquired forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders have reportedly traded defender Cody Baker to the New England Revolution.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Silvester van der Water has signed with Cambodian Premier League side Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC.
- Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, who plays Dani Rojas in the show, made his professional debut for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive over the weekend.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the organization will examine expanding the men’s World Cup from 48 to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament concludes.
- Senegal has fired manager Pape Thiaw following its Round of 32 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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