Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United: Player Grades and Man of the Match
How did your favorite Lions perform in Orlando City’s 2-1 home loss to Atlanta United?

In a somewhat disappointing fashion, Orlando City closed out the 2024 Major League Soccer regular season at home with a 2-1 loss against rival Atlanta United. Following the most recent international break, Orlando City failed to recapture the form that had propelled the squad to three straight victories. After digging themselves an early two-goal hole, the Lions found a way to score before the half and then thought they’d equalized late, only for a Decision Day video review decision to go against them.
Let’s take a look at how Orlando City’s players rated individually in their matchup with Atlanta in the regular-season finale.
Starters
GK, Pedro Gallese, 6.5 — Atlanta attempted nine shots in the match and was able to put five on target. In a blink-and-you-will-miss-it type of start to the match, the visitors found the back of the net twice before the game was even 20 minutes old. It is hard to fault the Peruvian for either of the first two goals as the defense allowed Saba Lobjanidze to walk right through before slotting a ball past the keeper and then failed to mark properly on a ball that Gallese had already parried away from point-blank range, though he might have been able to grab it or control the rebound a bit better. The highlight of Gallese’s night came just seconds after halftime when Dagur Dan Thorhallsson committed a foul in the box. Gallese chose correctly and made a huge save on Atlanta’s penalty to keep it a one-goal game. The Peruvian international completed 11 of his 12 passes for a 91.7% completion rate, including four of five long balls attempted.
D, Rafael Santos, 6 — The match did not start well for Santos as he first conceded a corner that eventually led to Atlanta’s second goal, and then got caught ball-watching on the ensuing corner attempt, allowing Jamal Thiare to find the back of the net. He improved from there, leading the team with 110 touches while completing 68 of his 79 passes (86.1%) with three key passes. That included an assist on a good cross for Martin Ojeda’s header. Defensively, he recorded one interception, one clearance, and one tackle while winning a team-high four aerial duels. Offensively, Santos attempted one off-target shot and completed two successful dribbles.
D, Robin Jansson, 6.5 — The captain contributed a solid, if unspectacular, performance against a team that had been fairly anemic on offense down the stretch. He had 93 touches and completed 77 of his 83 passing attempts for a 92.8% rate, including six of eight long balls. On defense, he had one interception, a team-high four clearances, and a blocked shot. The Swede failed to contribute an offensive statistic against Atlanta.
D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 6 — Orlando fans know at this point that you have to take the good Schlegel with the bad Schlegel and unfortunately bad Schlegel showed up during the first Atlanta goal as he was caught flat-footed as Lobjanidze blew right by him. Aside from that, he was mainly solid in the match. Schlegel had 84 touches and won two aerials. He completed 78 of his 80 passes (97.5%), including eight of nine long balls. Defensively, he contributed one clearance while committing two fouls. He attempted one shot which was off target.
D, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, 5.5 — Thorhallsson returned to the starting lineup after missing several matches and looked the part early of someone trying to get back up to speed and match fitness. Considering Atlanta had only scored four goals in the first 30 minutes of a match the whole season, Thorhallsson and company allowed the Five Stripes far too much daylight, resulting in a goal just a few minutes into the game. He had 64 touches and completed 45 of his 49 passes (91.8%), including one key pass. Thorhallsson was accurate on both of his long ball attempts but only logged one successful cross on four attempts. Defensively, he recorded a team-high three tackles and three clearances. Things could have gone sideways quickly for Orlando after the halftime break, as Thorhallsson was whistled for a foul in the box, resulting in an Atlanta penalty kick. He was subbed off in the 80th minute and will look to get his offensive rhythm back during training this week as he failed to record a shot.
MF, César Araujo, 6.5 — Missing his dynamic defensive partner, Wilder Cartagena, due to yellow card accumulation, Araujo was asked to do a little bit of everything against Atlanta and had an overall successful outing in front of the home crowd. He registered 107 touches and completed 81 of his 87 passes (93.1%). He tied Santos for the team lead in key passes with three and completed seven of his eight long ball attempts. He was unsuccessful on his lone crossing attempt. Defensively, he contributed one tackle, one interception, and three clearances. Offensively, Araujo was more involved than usual, logging two shots with one on target, and he was fouled a team-high five times.
MF, Felipe, 5 — Inserted for Cartagena due to his suspension, Felipe was also partly culpable on Atlanta’s first goal. The veteran from Brazil logged 47 touches in 52 minutes of action and completed 32 of his 38 passing attempts (84.2%), contributing two key passes. Felipe was unsuccessful in all three of his long ball attempts and defensively contributed one tackle and two interceptions. Offensively, Felipe recorded a shot but it failed to land on frame. He was subbed off in the 52nd minute for Kyle Smith.
MF, Iván Angulo, 6 — Angulo did not play badly but he was more invisible than usual. The key to the Colombian speedster’s game is to create chaos and to blow by opponents. Against Atlanta, Angulo failed to do much of that, but he also did not create egregious errors. Angulo logged 62 touches and completed 43 of his 48 passing attempts (89.6%) and mainly avoided some of the turnovers in his own half that have plagued him in recent games. He was credited with one key pass and one shot attempt that was off target. His cross turned into the McGuire goal that was overturned in the 89th minute. The season leader in minutes played went the full 90 once again and chipped in one tackle on defense.
MF, Martín Ojeda, 7.5 (MotM) — Ojeda was in full attack mode throughout the match and in my humble opinion was sacrificed far too early for how well he was playing. He scored Orlando’s lone goal in the 42nd minute with a glancing header and was credited with 56 touches. He completed 36 of his 39 passing attempts (92.3%), including two key passes. All three of his long ball attempts were successful and he completed one of his three crosses. Defensively, he failed to record a statistic but this match was all about Ojeda hunting his shot. The Argentine attacker led the team with eight total shots, four of which were on target, which was easily the best mark on the team. He might have had a hat trick had his right-footed attempts fallen instead for his preferred left foot. Ojeda picked up a yellow card in the 62nd minute — the only card shown to either team on the night — and was substituted out for Luis Muriel in the 68th minute of the match. With the way Ojeda was playing on offense, I would have much preferred that Muriel replace Angulo or Facundo Torres.
MF, Facundo Torres, 6 — With Ojeda hunting, fellow Designated Player Torres had an off night. He had 68 touches and completed 49 of his 56 passes (87.5%). Torres recorded one key pass, was unsuccessful on his lone cross, and completed one of his two long balls. Defensively, Torres failed to record a statistic, but he won three aerial duels. Offensively, he logged two shots, which were both off-target.
F, Ramiro Enrique, 5.5 — Enrique had a quiet night, logging only 18 touches which is simply not enough, considering the Lions were trailing essentially from the jump. He completed eight of his 10 passes (80%), including two key passes, and his lone shot attempt was on target. Defensively, Enrique did not contribute a statistic and was substituted off in the 68th minute for Duncan McGuire.
Substitutes
MF, Kyle Smith (52′), 6 — After starting much of the last month for the injured Thorhallsson, Smith started on the bench against Atlanta, replacing Felipe in the early moments of the second half. Smith had 49 touches as a substitute, and he completed 45 of his 47 passes (95.7%). He logged one tackle on the defensive end and did not contribute an offensive stat.
F, Duncan McGuire (68′), 6 — The second-year attacker thought he’d scored a late equalizer, in the 89th minute, but it was disallowed as referee Rubiel Vazquez ruled the ball had clearly hit his hand before he scored. McGuire had just six touches and completed two of his three passing attempts. Besides the overturned goal, McGuire recorded a shot on target.
MF, Luis Muriel (68’), 6 — Muriel entered the match for Ojeda with a little more than 20 minutes left in the match, and Orlando down a goal. He had 20 touches and completed 14 of his 17 attempts (82.4%), including two key passes, and was accurate on both of his long ball attempts. Muriel was credited with two successful dribbles but did not attempt a shot.
MF, Nicolas Lodeiro, (80’), N/A — Lodeiro entered the match late with Orlando hunting for the equalizer. He had 23 touches and completed 14 of his 18 passes (77.8%). Lodeiro attempted two shots, putting one on frame, and did not contribute a defensive statistic.
That’s how I saw the individual performances from the final match of the regular season. What did you think? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and vote in the poll below for your Orlando City Man of the Match.
Orlando City
Orlando City Giving the Kids A Look
This preseason, Oscar Pareja is letting Orlando City’s young academy products show what they can do.

Orlando City finished its 2025 preseason campaign with a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF Friday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It capped off the first winless preseason campaign in club history. However, there were some positives to take away from the past three weeks.
Since Luiz Muzzi joined the club in Dec. 2018 and subsequently brought Ricardo Moreira on, there’s been a much greater focus on bringing players through the club’s youth setup. No fewer than nine players have come out of the academy; played for the club’s second team, Orlando City B; and signed Homegrown contracts with the first team since the pair took over. It’s something that’s continued this year.
The two most notable additions have been 18-year-old defensive midfielder Colin Guske and 16-year-old midfielder Gustavo Caraballo. Guske is the third member of his family to come through the academy and join OCB. He follows his older brothers Owen and Liam. However, the youngest Guske is the only one to sign a first-team deal.
It’s not a surprise that the young defensive midfielder has seen time on the field this preseason. He played the most minutes of anyone his age in MLS NEXT Pro last year and just signed a first-team deal on Dec. 16.
The bigger surprise has been Caraballo. The 16-year-old signed with the Young Lions on Aug. 14, 2023, and has only made two short appearances. But Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja clearly thought enough of the young player to throw him into the deep end, starting him in the team’s preseason opener against Atletico Mineiro on Jan. 25.
Fortunately, he swam well this preseason, showing his ability from the opening game. The teenager has shown no fear, even when going up against older, experienced opposition. His fearlessness with the ball has been impressive, especially for someone of his age.
A player you might see more of this year for the first team is right back Alex Freeman. The 20-year-old defender has been arguably the most impressive of the young players and played extensively this preseason. The Homegrown Player scored against Atlanta United in a closed-door friendly and was crucial in several attacks this preseason.
A fourth player is one some probably thought wouldn’t be back with the team this year. Center back Thomas Williams initially signed a Homegrown deal on June 15, 2021. After a strong start with the first team, he’s played exclusively with OCB the last couple of years and has had his struggles. He’s been regularly outplayed by Nabi Kibunguchy and often found himself on the bench for the reserve side.
Despite his inconsistency, Orlando City signed him to a new two-year deal on Jan. 22, keeping him in Orlando through 2026. Since he’s only 20 years old, it’s not a surprise the club thinks he can develop into a productive first-team player. However, the club didn’t pick up the option on Wilfredo Rivera at the same age, signing him to OCB instead.
The playing time awarded to Guske, Caraballo, and Williams show the club’s continuing commitment to developing Homegrown talent. Even Rivera was kept at the club after the Lions decided not to exercise his option and signed multiple short-term MLS deals last year.
In all likelihood, none of these players will see significant time with the first team in 2025. However, they showed their abilities this preseason and could be future starters for the club. They’ll make watching OCB a must for Orlando City fans this season to see how they do.
There are some other players to pay attention to this year for OCB. 19-year-old academy product Zakaria Taifi has shown improvement on the back line and played during the club’s preseason game against CF Montreal. Jhon Solis, a 20-year-old midfielder, didn‘t come through the academy, but has been a leader for the second team and saw some minutes for the first team this preseason. Additionally, Pareja found minutes for Bernardo Rhein in the Montreal match and he looked solid playing against much more experienced competition.
As the 2025 season begins, we’ll probably find out more about who the club covets. Orlando City is playing in three competitions this season and will likely use some OCB players in less important games. It’s another thing to look forward to this year.
Orlando City
Orlando City Signs First-Round Pick Joran Gerbet
The Lions have signed 2025 their first-round SuperDraft pick through the upcoming season with a series of option years.

Orlando City announced today that the club has signed 2025 MLS first-round selection Joran Gerbet through the 2025 MLS season, with club options for 2026, 2027 and 2028. The 23-year-old central midfielder has impressed this preseason and now has earned his first professional contract.
“Joran is a great young player that we identified through our detailed analysis and scouting process ahead of the draft,” Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manger Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He has done well and worked hard in training this preseason and has great technical abilities that we feel really add to and complement our preferred style of play.”
The Lions selected Gerbet in the first round (No. 27 overall) out of Clemson University in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The native of Valence, France, began his highly decorated collegiate career at Oregon State University, playing two seasons before transferring to Clemson for his final two years. He was a 2024 Mac Hermann Trophy semifinalist, ACC Midfielder of the Year, a first-team United Soccer Coaches All-American, and earned United Soccer Coaches First Team All-South Region honors. He was also a first-team All-ACC selection and made the All-ACC Tournament Team as a senior.
The 5-foot-11 midfielder helped lead the Tigers to a national championship in 2023 after Clemson won the ACC Tournament, in which Gerbet was named to the All-ACC Tournament Team. He was a third-team All-ACC selection in 2023, a member of the Academic All-ACC Team, and earned United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-South Region honors. While at Oregon State, Gerbet was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year and was an All-Pac-12 First Team selection in 2022. He was Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2021 as well as a First Team All-Pac-12 Team and Second Team All-Far West Region selection. Top Drawer Soccer placed him on the site’s Freshman Best XI first team.
Gerbet played in 78 games (76 starts), logging 6,708 minutes over the course of his college career. He scored 12 goals and added 15 assists. Of those, 10 goals and 11 assists came in 42 appearances (40 starts) with the Tigers in his final two years.
“It’s an immense honor to be part of this organization and this team for the next step of my journey,” Gerbet said in the club’s release. “Every person has welcomed me with open arms since I got here, and it has felt like home since day one. I can’t wait to represent the badge in front of our fans and give everything on the field to bring the wins and the trophies that this club deserves.”
What It Means for Orlando City
Gerbet’s signing has seemed all but certain since the CF Montreal preseason match. The addition of Eduard Atuesta means Orlando City won’t need to rush Gerbet into the lineup, allowing him to develop without too much pressure, although he appears to be ready to step in and get minutes off the bench already.
The rookie appears to have better than average attacking skills for a central midfielder. He told me after the Atletico Mineiro match that he sees himself as a No. 6 who can play the No. 8 role. His curling effort off the crossbar against Montreal showed he’s got sneaky good offensive capabilities, making him a dangerous player arriving late in the box.
Gerbet will provide good depth behind Cesar Araujo and Atuesta during what will likely be a season without Wilder Cartagena, mitigating the need to rush Colin Guske into first-team minutes if injury or suspension keep one of the starters out.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/17/25
Lions draw in Tampa vs. Inter Miami in final preseason match, Pride sign Cori Dyke to a new contract and add Oihane Hernandez, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers, and happy President’s Day! I hope you all are doing well down in Florida over the holiday weekend. I’ve been covering high school playoff basketball and hockey over the past week. Orlando City’s home opener is coming up Saturday, and like many of you, I look forward to seeing what the Lions can do during the 2025 MLS season. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Draw Inter Miami 2-2 in Final Preseason Match
In its final preseason match, Orlando City could not hold onto the lead and got out of Tampa with a 2-2 draw against rival Inter Miami Friday at Raymond James Stadium. The Lions were up 2-1 with goals from Martin Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique, but Fafa Picault scored the equalizer in stoppage time. Orlando finishes its 2025 preseason without a win for the first time in club history. The 2025 MLS season will kick off this weekend as Orlando City will face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium.
Orlando Pride Add Defender Oihane Hernandez
On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced a new addition as the club signed defender Oihane Hernandez from Real Madrid Femenil for an undisclosed transfer fee. The contract is a two-year deal through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027. The 24-year-old right back played two seasons with Real Madrid Femenil, notching two assists in 31 appearances. Hernandez also brings international experience playing with the Spanish Women’s National Team and was part of the squad that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Hernandez’s joins a growing right back position group, which includes Brianna Martinez and…
Orlando Pride Sign Cori Dyke to Contract Extension
The Orlando Pride extended the contract of defender Cori Dyke after a stellar rookie year last season. Dyke’s new contract is through the 2027 season. The 24-year-old defender made 26 appearances, started 21 matches, logged 1,095 minutes, and stepped up to play right back to help Orlando win the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship last season. It’s the third contract she has signed with the club in less than a year. Dyke’s role with the club for 2025 remains to be seen, but she has proven to be a versatile player.
MLS Transfer Roundup
We are four days away from kicking off of the 2025 MLS season, and there are still some notable transfer moves happening across the league. The Colorado Rapids have reportedly acquired midfielder Josh Atencio from the Seattle Sounders in exchange for $1.3 million in General Allocation Money plus add-ons. Atencio will be an MLS U22 Initiative player on the Rapids roster. Meanwhile, Brazilian side Botafogo is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Santi Rodriguez from New York City FC.
Toronto FC has signed forward Ola Brynhildsen on loan for the 2025 season from Danish side FC Midtjylland, which includes a purchase option. LAFC has transferred forward Cristian Olivera to Gremio in Brazil for a reported $4.5 million, which includes a sell-on fee. Lastly, Palmeiras is reportedly finalizing a deal with the Houston Dynamo to sign center back Micael for a club record fee.
Free Kicks
- The District Press released its 2025 MLS jersey rankings, and Orlando City was ranked 19th on their lists.
- Former Lion Daryl Dike returned to the pitch for West Brom over the weekend, coming off the bench in the second half against Millwall after being sidelined for over a year dealing with multiple injuries. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Former Orlando Pride defender Carrie Lawrence has found a new role after retiring from professional soccer at the end of last season. She was named the director of global women’s soccer recruitment for Young Money APAA Sports.
- Check out this article from Goal.com on how Orlando has established itself as a soccer city over the years.
- Bay FC goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland announced her retirement from professional soccer after a 10-year career in which she won four NWSL championship titles.
- Manchester United forward Amad Diallo suffered an ankle injury while training and will likely be out for the remainder of the season.
- New York City FC midfielder James Sands, who is on loan at St. Pauli, underwent surgery on Sunday to repair a serious right ankle injury he suffered during their match on Friday against Freiburg that will keep him sidelined indefinitely. No timetable is set for his return.
- The U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Cuba 2-0 to wrap up Group F play and has qualified for the U-17 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in November in Qatar.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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