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Orlando City vs. FC Dallas: Final Score 3-1 as Lions Clinch Playoff Spot with First Road Win at Dallas

Orlando City is in the postseason for the fifth straight year, thanks to goals by Ramiro Enrique, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Facundo Torres.

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2 weeks ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City continues to score goals in bunches, bouncing back from last week’s loss at Colubus with a 3-1 win over FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. Ramiro Enrique, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Facundo Torres scored to lead the Lions (13-11-7, 46 points) to their first road win ever against FC Dallas (10-14-7, 37 points). Orlando City clinched a playoff spot with the win.

Things got nervy at the end, as Paul Arriola scored from the penalty spot after a foul in the box by Nico Lodeiro, and FC Dallas had a second goal overturned due to Arriola being offside in the buildup.

“One more time we qualify for the playoffs. It’s a credit for the group of players that had a big heart and a big love for the club too, and a lot of passion for what they do,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “So, I’m very happy. It’s a special night today, coming here to Dallas, in a very difficult city to play against, and we won, scored three goals. We played an excellent (first) 75 minutes, and the reaction of Dallas in the last part was very good as well. Complicated the game, but we finally clinched, and that was the first objective, and we’re happy.”

Pareja’s lineup featured Pedro Gallese in goal behind a back line of Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, Schlegel, and Kyle Smith, with Dagur Dan Thorhallsson out with a lower leg injury. Cesar Araujo returned from suspension to play in the central midfield with Wilder Cartagena behind an attacking line of Ivan Angulo, Martin Ojeda, and Torres, with Enrique up top.

Orlando City held most of the possession in the first half, but didn’t create much out of it. Some of that was due to unselfishness, turning down shooting opportunities to try to play in a teammate, and then sending in a poor return ball that the FC Dallas was able to intercept. The crossing also left a lot to be desired at times, including just three minutes into the match, when Santos had space on the left but sent the ball in for Maarten Paes to easily catch.

Petar Musa had the first good look for Dallas in the 15th minute, taking the ball wide of Cartagena and fizzing a shot over Gallese’s crossbar.

The Lions broke the scoreless deadlock three minutes later. Santos got his cross right this time, sending in a near-post ball. Enrique got across the much larger Omar Gonzalez and sent a glancing header just under the bar past Paes to open the scoring in the 18th minute. It was Orlando City’s first-ever road goal at Dallas.

Ojeda nearly doubled the lead two minutes later. Left with space just outside the area, the Argentine smashed a shot toward goal. Paes did well to get down to make the save. Ojeda’s placement was too close to the goalkeeper, otherwise the Lions would have had a two-goal advantage in the 20th minute.

Arriola had a go from outside the area in the aftermath of a Dallas corner in the 27th minute, forcing Gallese to get down to make a good save.

Musa thought he’d scored for Dallas in the 31st minute off an Arriola cross but there was an obvious push by the midfielder on Angulo to win the ball back and Orlando was correctly awarded a free kick.

The Lions were slow to close down in the 35th minute and it was nearly a costly mistake, as a cross found Arriola’s head at the near post. His back-post effort was just wide of goal.

Ojeda made a great cutback pass to Enrique in the box in the 39th minute but the striker got under his shot and fired it high into the crowd.

Arriola’s cross for Musa late in the half was caught in the air by Gallese, and the Dallas striker took a hit in the ensuing collision but was able to continue.

The last good chance of the half fell to Orlando as Enrique stole the ball in the attacking third. He had an opportunity to shoot from the right, but he opted instead to try to pick out a teammate and the Dallas defense intercepted his pass.

At the half, the Lions held the advantage in possession (60.2%-39.8%), shots (4-3), shots on target (2-1), and passing accuracy (94.4%-86.8%). Both teams earned two corner kicks in the opening period.

Although it was only a 1-0 lead at the break, Orlando dominated the first half of the game.

“I thought it was a clear idea that we had with the players during the week, after our game in Columbus, that we wanted to have more domination of the ball and more compromise, and trying to look for the spaces with personality,” Pareja said. “That was our compromise with the players. And I think that is what I saw on the pitch. I saw them moving everywhere and provided support to their teammates when they had the ball. Our line of passing was very correct, the occupation of the spaces as well. So, we had a very complete half.”

FC Dallas changed shape in the second half but not much changed. Orlando conceded more of the possession but was able to add to its lead and could (and should) have scored even more than the two it got in the second half.

Dallas got the first chance of the second period in the 50th minute when a deflected ball fell for Musa, who volleyed it toward goal but couldn’t keep his shot down.

Just seconds after that miss, the Lions doubled their lead. A dangerous cross from Smith on the right was intended for Angulo at the back post but former Lion Ruan knocked it behind for a corner. Ojeda sent in a good delivery and Schlegel attacked it in the air, powering a header into the upper right corner to make it 2-0 in the 51st minute.

“It’s obviously something that we work on constantly throughout the week,” Schlegel said of the set piece goal. “It’s almost automatic that we’re going to work on those set pieces. Sometimes in the games they don’t come out well. They don’t turn out the way that we practice them, or that we hoped, a lot of times based on the defense too. And obviously, it’s been a while since I was able to score. But that doesn’t mean that the work ever stopped. Thankfully, it went in tonight, and just really happy with this whole team.”

Ruan tried to get his team right back in it, blazing down the right flank in the 54th minute and sending a fierce cross through the six, but it was in front of everyone and went out of play on the other side on a deflection by Orlando.

The Lions again immediately punished Dallas for missing an opportunity. Enrique took the ball away in the attacking end on an errant Dallas back pass and immediately sent the ball behind for Torres’ attacking run. Torres slowed down, took a look at goal, and passed the ball past Paes to make it 3-0 in the 55th minute.

With the goal, Torres tied Cyle Larin for the club’s all-time lead in goals across all competitions, with 44.

FC Dallas didn’t give up, rolling the dice with multiple substitutions and sending more numbers forward into the attack in a desperation move that backfired multiple times, but the Lions were unable to punish the hosts further, despite some good chances to do so.

Alan Velasco tried a blast from outside the area in the 63rd minute that required a Gallese save. Orlando City then got down the left side and Enrique won a free kick near the corner. The ball in bounced off a couple of players and Dallas looked to counterattack, but the Lions were able to recover defensively to stop the transition before it resulted in a chance.

Pareja sent Luis Muriel and Duncan McGuire on in the 65th minute for Enrique and Ojeda, and it nearly paid dividends right away. Angulo won a corner kick and the ball was initially cleared, but the Lions recovered and recycled the attack. Jansson ended up with the ball on the left side in the area and played it across for McGuire in front. The striker’s shot was saved by Paes’ foot from point-blank range as he hit it too straight with either side available in the 66th minute.

Moments later, the alarm bells rang in Orlando’s defensive third as Santos and Angulo were beaten in the box by Tsiki Ntsabeleng. A shot was headed inside the left post but Schlegel was there to block it and clear it away.

Muriel sent McGuire in behind in the 71st minute with a perfect through ball. Again McGuire was denied by Paes as his shot was soft and poorly placed, allowing the Dallas keeper to make the stop.

FC Dallas came right back the other way and Gallese had to make a save on a Musa shot.

Lodeiro subbed on for Cartagena in the 73rd minute and one of his first involvements threw Dallas a lifeline. Going for a loose ball in the box, he was beaten to it from his right side and he got the man instead of the ball, fouling Bernard Kamungo. Jair Marrufo awarded the penalty immediately.

Arriola waited for Gallese to commit and slotted it down the middle to make it 3-1 in the 78th minute.

Things got weird in the 80th minute as the Lions started to get beaten by runs in direct play. Gallese came out of his area to head away a ball over the top and got caught out when Dallas regained possession. Kamungo tried to score from distance but Gallese recovered and got his hand to it, knocking it out for a corner. Logan Farrington was left unattended at the near post on the set piece, but he missed the net with his header in the 81st minute. Musa then was all alone in front two minutes later but sent his header right at Gallese.

In the 85th minute, Musa came within inches of making it a one-goal game, smashing a wicked shot off the crossbar near the left post from a tight angle. Farrington won another Dallas corner in the 88th minute and this time second-half substitute Show was left alone at the near post but missed his header wide.

Dallas appeared to pull within 3-2 in the 90th minute. The ball was sent to Arriola out wide on the left and his cutback cross was put in by Farrington. Marrufo went to the monitor and found that Arriola was about a foot offside in the buildup, nullifying the goal by Farrington, who was booked for dissent after the call was made.

The hosts continued to look threatening during six minutes of stoppage time that grew to eight. Gallese did well to come off his line and get to a ball just in front of Kamungo in the 94th minute. Ntsabeleng sent a shot just wide in the 96th minute from outside the area.

McGuire again got in behind the defense in the 97th minute on another excellent ball from Muriel. This time, the big striker was on the left side. As he teed up a shot on his stronger right foot, Marco Farfan arrived to block it.

Farrington got one more good chance for Dallas in the 98th minute, but Gallese made the save. Orlando got the ball forward, and Marrufo blew the whistle for full time.

Orlando City ended the game with the advantage in possession (52.4%-47.6%), shots on goal (7-6), passing accuracy (90.3%-86.4%), and corners (7-6). With its late flurry, Dallas ended up with more total shot attempts (16-13).

“At the end, we started defending low. We lost control of the ball, and Dallas pushed, sent numbers and complicated those last 15 minutes,” Pareja said. “Credit to them too. I thought that they did a good job in that part, but once again, we’re happy. The game plan worked, and the boys clinched. And congratulations to everybody who is involved in our club and the fans.”

“Obviously, we’re very happy,” Schlegel said. “Our first goal for the year was to qualify for the playoffs and clinch a spot in the playoffs. So, obviously, we’re very happy and just very proud of every player in this group, and every member of the technical staff, and this whole group together.”

With the win, Orlando City has reached the postseason for the fifth consecutive season, qualifying every year since Pareja took over as head coach prior to the 2020 campaign.

The Lions return home Wednesday for a midweek match against the Philadelphia Union.

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Orlando City

Orlando City Experiencing Its Golden Age of Offense

Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire are leading Orlando City to its best offensive seasons.

Published

19 hours ago

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October 14, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

For most of Orlando City’s MLS history, finding multiple reliable goal scorers has been a struggle. As a result, the team has often been further down the league in goals scored, decreasing its goal difference. However, the duo of Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire has changed that trend and provided the Lions with their best offensive seasons.

Orlando City drafted Cyle Larin with the first pick of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and he quickly became a reliable source of goals. The Canadian international scored a team-record 18 goals across all competitions in his rookie year, and then scored 14 in the following season.

Larin’s production dipped slightly in 2017, scoring 12 goals, and the striker departed following that season. Orlando City has struggled to find someone that can provide the same scoring threat since. Over the next five years, only Nani and Chris Mueller scored double-digit goals in multiple seasons, each doing so twice. Prior to 2023, four other players scored double-digit goals in one season, as Dom Dwyer did it in 2018, Tesho Akindele in 2019, Daryl Dike in 2021, and Ercan Kara in 2022.

The lack of consistent goal production changed in 2022 when the club signed Facundo Torres from Uruguayan side Penarol. The young Designated Player made an immediate impact for his new team, scoring 13 goals in all competitions, including a brace in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final to lift the Lions to their first major trophy.

Torres and Kara combined for an impressive 25 goals that season. Unfortunately, the pair didn’t have much support and the Lions only scored 44 goals in 2022. However, that changed the following year when Orlando City drafted former Creighton striker and Hermann Trophy winner Duncan McGuire.

Torres increased his goal tally to 14 in his second season in Orlando and McGuire netted a team-high 15 in his rookie campaign. The 29 goals scored by the pair were the most by two Orlando City players in an MLS season, topping the 28 goals scored by Larin and Kaká in 2015.

The goal tally has increased in 2024, with Torres scoring a career-high 18 goals, McGuire adding 11, and Ramiro Enrique chipping in with 11 of his own across all competitions. It’s the first time an Orlando City team — including the USL Pro era — has had three players score double-digit goals in one year. It’s also the first time in club history Orlando has had multiple double-digit goal scorers in three consecutive years.

The production by multiple players has seen a significant increase in goals scored by the Lions over the past two seasons. After netting only 44 league goals in 2022, Orlando City scored 55 times in 2023, tying the team’s MLS record previously set in 2016. The Lions surpassed that number this year by scoring 58 goals with one game remaining in the regular season.

The club’s record-setting scoring output comes at a time when Orlando City is playing some of its best defense in its MLS history. The 2023 squad only conceded 39 goals, the fewest in a 34-game season. While it has conceded nine more this year, it’s the second-fewest goals conceded in a season, tying the 2021 team.

The past two seasons have seen Orlando City set new club records in the MLS era for highest goal difference in a 34-game season. The only two years in which the Lions had a positive goal difference prior to 2023 was in a shortened 2020 season, when they were +15 and in 2021 when they were +2. They set a new record in 2023 by finishing +16 and are +10 this year.

The increase in goals and goal difference has resulted in better performances throughout the season. The team set a new club record with 63 points last season, placing second in the Supporters’ Shield standings. Orlando has amassed 52 points so far this season, the club’s second-highest point total since joining MLS.

While the play of the back line has contributed to the team’s recent success, goal production has been the catalyst. For the first time in its history, Orlando City has two reliable goal scorers who have produced in back-to-back seasons. The result is the best back-to-back seasons in the club’s MLS history.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/14/24

Getting to know Martin Ojeda, Orlando Pride unbeaten run ends, USMNT beats Panama, and more.

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23 hours ago

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October 14, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you over the holiday weekend. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour and finishing up stream monitoring for an NISA Playoff semifinal match in California. Let’s also wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B forward Wilfredo Rivera. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links. 

Getting to Know Martin Ojeda

Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda was featured as part of the club’s video series to learn more about the players. In the video, Ojeda gave insight into his beginnings playing soccer when he was three years old and playing for his neighborhood club in South America. He also discussed his style of play, focusing on the attack, creating opportunities, and stating that there is always room to improve. You can check out the rest of the video below.

Pride Unbeaten Run Ends in Loss to Thorns

The Orlando Pride suffered their first loss of the NWSL season on Friday, falling 2-0 to the Portland Thorns. Morgan Weaver and Christine Sinclair scored for the Thorns to seal the win and end Orlando’s 24-match unbeaten streak dating back to Oct. 6 of last season. Despite the loss, the Pride remain in first place in the NWSL table with 57 points after winning the NWSL Shield a week ago. The next match for the Pride will be on Sunday on the road against NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Keys to Success in Orlando Pride Turnaround

The Athletic ($) took a deep dive into the process that led to the Orlando Pride turnaround this season. The article begins with the Pride joining the NWSL in 2016, their up-and-down seasons, and how recent changes in the last couple of years have set the foundation for the club’s success in 2024. It also shared some unique insights from interviews with staff and players and how the club was eager to make changes after finishing in the bottom half of the table for the last five seasons. The most interesting takeaway for me from reading the article was Head Coach Seb Hines speaking on the process of changing the culture of the club, building that underdog mindset, and how he keeps his players motivated. Although the 24-match unbeaten streak is over, the Pride are breaking records this season and won their first trophy. There’s been plenty to be excited about for the Pride this season, and hopefully they will carry this momentum into the playoffs and make a deep run.

USMNT Defeats Panama in Mauricio Pochettino’s Coaching Debut

The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Panama 2-0 on Saturday at Q2 Stadium, securing the first win in Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s debut in a friendly. Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi scored the USMNT’s goals in the second half to secure the victory. Matt Turner started in goal, and Christian Pulisic added an assist to set up Musah’s goal. The USMNT will face Mexico in Guadalajara on Tuesday. Pulisic, Pepi, and Weston McKennie will miss the match to return to their respective European clubs. Marlon Fossey and Zack Steffen will also return to their clubs.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese earned a clean sheet on international duty as his Peru side defeated Uruguay 1-0 in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match on Friday. Wilder Cartagena and Facundo Torres did not play in the match.
  • Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina and forward Adriana were called up to the Brazil Women’s National Team for friendlies against Colombia on Oct. 26 and Oct. 29.
  • Sports Illustrated listed five MLS players that could move abroad this off-season, mentioning Orlando City’s Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire as potential targets.
  • Angel City FC forward Christen Press scored her first goal in 28 months over the weekend in a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage. Press had been sidelined due to an ACL injury requiring four surgeries before returning to action.
  • Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga broke an NWSL record after scoring her 19th goal of the season in a 1-0 win over Bay FC over the weekend.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/11/24

Orlando Pride in Portland, U.S. men and women news, international upsets, and more.

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4 days ago

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October 11, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Milton has finally made its way out of Florida, though many of us will be dealing with the aftermath for a while. We hope that you and yours are safe and that the damage is minimal. I know that many are still without power — which is why I’m writing Lion Links today instead of Marcus Mitchell. Fortunately, the Orlando Pride play in Portland tonight, although it will be a late one. Let’s get to the links.

Pride in Portland

The Orlando Pride may be the NWSL Shield winners, but with three matches left in the regular season, the job is not done. Now, the club will take on the Portland Thorns. The Thorns haven’t been great as of late, but Providence Park is a tough place to play. While the club is focused on the upcoming playoffs, the Pride still want to finish undefeated in the regular season. Portland, like many clubs, are fighting for a playoff spot.

USWNT Players in the News

Lindsey Horan didn’t have the best Olympics in my opinion, but she is doing very well in her start to Lyon’s season. She’s scored five goals in four matches to help Lyon top the table. Back home, Crystal Dunn is being honored by Empowerment on the East River hosted by Black Players for Change.

USMNT in Action

The USMNT plays its first match under Mauricio Pochettino Saturday night against Panama, and you can watch it on multiple platforms. There are no conflicts of interest this go-around, but next year, some players will need to choose between playing in the Club World Cup or the Gold Cup.

International Results

Orlando City, and all the other teams and leagues, aren’t playing right now due to an international break. The matches have already begun. Perhaps the biggest news was Greece’s stunning 2-1 win over England. The victory puts Greece atop Group B2 in the UEFA Nations League competition.

Over in Group A2, Italy blew a two-goal lead to draw Belgium 2-2. There were plenty of other results, including Erling Haaland becoming his country’s all-time top scorer after scoring a brace in Norway’s 3-0 win over Slovenia. If you want to catch more matches, here’s where you can watch.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back tonight for our Pride match recap, and follow The Mane Land on Twitter during the match. Vamos Orlando!

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