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Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union: Five Takeaways

Here’s what we learned from Orlando City’s 2-1 home victory over the Union.

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8 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City returned to Inter&Co Stadium for a midweek clash against a perennial powerhouse and playoff hopeful in the Philadelphia Union. Just a few days after clinching a playoff spot on the road against FC Dallas, Head Coach Oscar Pareja rolled out a familiar lineup in the hopes of securing the seventh home victory of the season.

A back-and-forth first half resulted in no goals for either side and a slew of second-half substitutes made all the difference for Orlando as the Lions saw out a 2-1 victory and completed a season sweep of the Union for the first time in club history. What follows are my five takeaways from a result that Orlando desperately needed to maintain control over the final home playoff position.

Missed Chances

Too often this year, Orlando has looked like the more dangerous team on the pitch only to waste golden opportunities and then wind up losing or being forced to settle for a draw. Think of the first half in Columbus just a few matches ago and the multiple shot attempts off the framework. In the first half against the Union, Orlando once again flirted with the goal but couldn’t find the promised land as Ramiro Enrique and Ivan Angulo wasted point-blank opportunities that could have put the match out of reach early on. Instead, Orlando was forced to enter halftime 0-0 after firing 11 total shots in the first half but putting none on target. To take the next step forward and find success in the playoffs, the Lions have to start making opponents pay when they have open opportunities.

Muriel Magic

Designated Player and Colombian international Luis Muriel was inserted into the match after the halftime break for the struggling Angulo and single-footedly changed the momentum of the match. His vision, pace, and passing have dramatically improved over the last month, and his skillset was on full display against the Union as he bagged his sixth and seventh assists on the year, including his third assist against Philly on the season. Before unlocking Facundo Torres in the 57th minute for the opening goal of the match, Muriel had already played several ridiculous balls to various teammates, but his layoff assist to Torres and then his long through ball to Duncan McGuire for the team’s second goal were truly delightful to watch. I mean just look at this pass!

If Muriel continues to see the field this well, then he may force Pareja into a difficult decision as to who should comprise the starting 11 heading into the playoffs.

Record-Setting Goal

After a quiet first half, Torres ran onto a perfectly weighted pass from Muriel in the 57th minute and picked out the opposite corner for the opening goal of the match. In doing so, Torres passed Cyle Larin for the club’s all-time, goal-scoring record (across all competitions) in the club’s MLS era. Torres also achieved a personal best against the Union as his goal now gives him 20 total goal contributions on the year, a single-season high in his three years with the club.

I have followed Torres’ career closely since he joined Orlando City and am no longer surprised by his slow start to each and every season, but I have been thoroughly and pleasantly surprised with the run that he has put forward over the last six matches. Since facing Nashville on Aug. 31, Torres has contributed six goals and an assist and the Lions are 5-1 over that span. Torres is leading by example, claiming records, and continuing to propel his team to victory.

Slam Dunc

McGuire entered the match for Martin Ojeda in the 61st minute and needed approximately 180 seconds of game time to find the back of the net. McGuire has now scored double-digit goals in back-to-back seasons to start his MLS career. The goal gave Orlando a bit of breathing room and solidified the notion that Pareja pulled the right substitution strings at the right times. There were two small blemishes on the night for Big Dunc — the first being that he picked up a yellow card in the 95th minute and will now be forced to miss the weekend fixture due to accumulation, and the second being that he failed to convert another breakaway opportunity in the closing moments of the match in a 1-v-1 situation.

Set Piece Marking

If there is one negative to take away on the night that needs to be cleaned up before the playoffs, it is the marking on corners and set pieces. While a win is a win, there were some nervy moments over the final 10 to 15 minutes marking Union players. Nathan Harriel jumped out of his cleats on multiple occasions for open headers, all of which had serious chances to find the back of the net and bring the match level. It should be noted that on the season, Orlando ranks near the top of the league when it comes to conceding from set pieces and corner kicks, but with the injury bug plaguing the back line and players like Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and David Brekalo missing extended time, the team cannot afford lapses in concentration or communication which result in open looks for the competition.

Those are my takeaways from a strong 2-1 home victory over the Union in a match that saw the Lions take one step closer to having home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. What were your biggest takeaways from the game? Let us know in the comments below and as always, vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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16 hours ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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