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2024 Orlando City Season in Review: Rodrigo Schlegel

The Argentine center back showed Papi that he could do that for a fifth consecutive season, refusing to relinquish a starting spot in the second half of the year.

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City originally signed center back Rodrigo Schlegel on loan from Racing Club on Dec. 30, 2019. The Argentine defender signed him to a new permanent deal on Jan. 19, 2022 and then re-signed him again a year later on Jan. 25, 2023 on a deal through that season with option years for 2024 and 2025. City picked up his 2024 option and the 27-year-old native of Remedios de Escalada, Argentina ended up a regular in the starting XI during the team’s strong playoff push in the second half of the season.

Let’s take a look at one of the best seasons yet, and possibly the best season, for the man they call Godrigo.

Statistical Breakdown

Schlegel started a career-high 26 times among his 28 appearances (second-most in his career) this season, logging a total of 2,297 minutes — another career high. He scored one goal — his second career regular-season goal — in 2024 but did not register an assist. The defender attempted 14 shots, putting just four on target. Both of those shots numbers are career highs, with the latter equaling the four shots on goal he fired during the 2021 campaign. You want some more career highs? OK, he set new career marks in pass attempts (1,284) and passing accuracy (90.7%). His four key passes did not set a new career mark, as he eclipsed that mark in 2022, with six. Schlegel did not attempt a cross, but he completed 46 long balls. On the defensive end, Schlegel recorded 41 tackles, 46 clearances, 26 interceptions, 61 aerial duels won, and 10 blocks. He committed 27 fouls, suffered 13, and was shown four yellow cards and one red card.

In the playoffs, Schlegel started all five matches Orlando City played, racking up 449 postseason minutes — just one minute short of the available time the Lions officially played. The defender did not provide a goal contribution but managed to get two of his three shot attempts on target — both numbers are also career highs. He improved his passing rate from the regular season to 91.5%, including a key pass and three successful long balls. Defensively, Schlegel chipped in two tackles, three interceptions, 15 clearances, and two blocks. He committed six postseason fouls, drawing five, and received a pair of yellow cards.

Schlegel appeared in two Concacaf Champions Cup matches (both starts), playing 180 minutes. He didn’t score or assist on a goal, attempting one off-target shot. He completed 90.9% of his 99 passes without a key pass or a cross. Defensively, he chipped in five clearances. The defender committed three fouls, drew one, and wasn’t booked.

In Leagues Cup play, Schlegel made one appearance off the bench, playing just 45 minutes against Atletico San Luis. He did not contribute to a goal, attempting one off-target shot. Schlegel completed nine of his 11 passes (81.8%) on his 22 touches without a key pass or cross. He recorded no defensive stats, committed two fouls in the game, did not draw one, and wasn’t booked.

Best Game

Schlegel was strong defensively in a number of games, including early season narrow losses to the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew and the playoff win over Atlanta United. However, I’m going to go with a match in which he helped at both ends of the pitch — Orlando City’s 3-1 road win at FC Dallas. Schlegel started and went the full 90 minutes, scoring a goal on two shots, putting just the one that went in on target, as the Lions got their first-ever win on the road against Dallas. His 93.2% passing rate was on point, although there wasn’t a completed cross or key pass among his 59 attempts. Schlegel contributed three tackles, an interception, and two clearances on the defensive end. He committed two fouls, drew one, and wasn’t booked.

Schlegel’s goal was a great effort on a corner kick taken by Martin Ojeda in the 51st minute, with the Lions up 1-0. Ojeda made a good delivery to an onrushing Schlegel, who came running up from a deeper position than usual. Schlegel made good contact with the cross and guided his header into the upper right corner to make it 2-0, providing some breathing room early in the second half.

Schlegel wasn’t at fault for the Dallas goal, as that came from the penalty spot after a foul by Nico Lodeiro. It was a great night at both ends for the defender.

Although he didn’t win Man of the Match from our own Andrew DeSalvo (that went to Ramiro Enrique), Andrew gave Schlegel an 8 out of 10 and said this about his performance:

Schlegel was everywhere during this match, and a serious contender for Man of the Match. His bullet header that doubled the lead for the Lions will be what is remembered most, but he also had three tackles, two clearances, and one interception, and his partnership with Jansson was excellent in keeping FC Dallas’ pairing of Jesus Ferreira and Petar Musa off the scoresheet. I thought Schlegel was excellent throughout the match, and his right side pairing with Kyle Smith was effective in limiting Dallas’ attacks down their left channel.

In fairness to Andrew, Dave and I didn’t give him MotM either, and maybe all of us should have.

2024 Final Grade

The Mane Land awarded Schlegel a composite score of 7 out of 10 for the 2024 season. This is the same score he received last year, but it looked like a better year on the pitch, and he set a number of career highs, so maybe we just graded too leniently last year or were tougher on him this year than was warranted. Either way, it was a solid year for the veteran defender, and based on his game-by-game match grades, our 7 seems pretty good. He received a 6.5 both in 2022 and in 2021 after earning a 6 out of 10 in 2020 — his first season with the club.

2025 Outlook

Schlegel entered the off-season as the favorite to start alongside captain Robin Jansson in 2025, but he’ll likely get a strong push in preseason by Slovenian international David Brekalo, who did not get to go through a full preseason camp with the Lions in 2024. The Argentine has had a habit throughout his career of playing well for stretches before something derailing it — a random red card or second yellow card, conceding a penalty, or just having a howler of a game where he can’t seem to get himself into the correct position. Many of these are momentary lapses of composure or an act of over-aggressiveness. The 2023However, he mostly played under control throughout the 2024 season, which is a big part of why he managed to hang onto the starting job in the second half of the year.

There is a lot to like about the way Schlegel plays. He isn’t always the best defender on the field, or the most attentive, but he never lacks for effort, plays with an edge to his game that can ruin an opponent’s night, has decent pace to be able to play at this level, and is beloved by his teammates. Obviously, there are center backs who are better in the air or more physically capable of handling the league’s bigger forwards, and his lack of ability to finish on the number of set piece crosses he gets his head onto can be maddening for fans, but he is a solid player. If he’s your third-best center back (in a standard, four-man back line, anyway), you’re thrilled. If he’s your second-best, you might want to upgrade the position.

Time will tell if Brekalo can displace him or if the Lions ever decide to bring in a fourth capable center back rather than relying on Homegrowns in case of emergency. But with Schlegel, you get a solid, if unspectacular, center back option who can either start regularly or spell the starter with quality minutes.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Atletico de San Luis, Leagues Cup: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

The Lions host Atletico de San Luis in their final match of the Leagues Cup’s first phase.

Published

2 hours ago

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August 12, 2026

By

Image of Daryl Dike playing against Club Leon.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to your match thread for a Wednesday night Leagues Cup matchup between Orlando City (1-1-0, 3 points) and Atletico de San Luis (0-0-2, 0 points) at Inter.co Stadium (7:30 p.m., Apple TV). It’s the final match of the first phase of the competition for both teams, and tonight’s game marks the second meeting between the two teams — both in Leagues Cup action.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the match.

History

The Lions are 0-0-1 against Atletico de San Luis, having drawn 1-1 on Aug. 4, 2024, but that was a great result for Orlando City, which was down a man for well over half the game after Kyle Smith was sent off for denial of a goal-scoring opportunity. The Lions then won the postgame penalty shootout 5-4 to claim the extra point in a wild affair. Ramiro Enrique put the Lions ahead 1-0 in first-half stoppage time after being the first to get to a headed down cross from Facundo Torres. Rodrigo Dourado tied the match in the 71st minute, but Orlando held firm to see out the draw. In the shootout, all five Orlando shooters scored — Nico Lodeiro, Duncan McGuire, Wilder Cartagena, Rafael Santos, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. Pedro Gallese stopped Leo Bonatini in the fourth round to help Orlando win the extra point.

Orlando City is 4-3-7 in competitive matches against Liga MX teams in club history.

Match Overview

Orlando City followed a 2-1 win over CF Monterrey a week ago with a 2-1 home loss to Club Leon on Saturday. Orlando City entered the week needing a win and lots of help to reach the knockout rounds. Tuesday’s matches were still underway as of this writing, but the chances were low of the Lions getting through after landing in 15th place among the MLS teams after two rounds. Tyrese Spicer has shone brightly in this competition with a goal and an assist in the opener and an assist on Marco Pasalic’s goal in the Club Leon loss.

San Luis is out of contention after falling 4-2 to Inter Miami and 4-1 to Nashville in the first two match days of the competition. Being outscored 8-3 is not a recipe for success, but San Luis could put the final fork in Orlando City with a win tonight. Rafael Llorente has two of the three goals for San Luis in the tournament, so he’ll be the man to watch for the Lions.

“When we play at home and when we compete we want to do our best to win, so we will try that as always,” Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman said ahead of the match. “We will prepare the game and we will be ready to compete and again to try to win. Despite the probabilities, this club that we represent is huge, and we know our commitment and our responsibility as professionals is always play. We take this game as a very, very good opportunity for us to continue growing as a team.”

Projected Lineups:

Orlando City (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Maxime Crepeau.

Defenders: Adrian Marin, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, Griffin Dorsey.

Midfielders: Ivan Angulo, Joran Gerbet, Luis Otavio, Tyrese Spicer.

Forwards: Justin Ellis, Antoine Griezmann.

Atletico San Luis (5-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Andres Sanchez.

Defenders: Lucas Esteves, Eduardo Aguila, Miguel Garcia, Benjamin Galindo, Roman Torres.

Midfielders: Rafa Llorente, Oscar Macias, Sebastien Salles-Lamonge, David Rodriguez.

Forward: Felipe Mora.

Referees:

REF: Katia Mendoza.
AR1: Sandra Aleman.
AR2: Karen Medina.
4TH: Jesus Valle.
VAR: Marianela Cruz.

How to Watch

Match Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Inter.co Stadium — Orlando.

TV/Live Stream: Apple TV.

Social Media: For rapid reaction and live updates, follow us on Bluesky Social at @themaneland.bsky.social or follow Orlando City’s official Twitter (@OrlandoCitySC) or Bluesky (@OrlandoCitySC) feed.

Enjoy the match. Go City!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/12/26

Orlando City’s Leagues Cup continues, Orlando Pride head to Portland, OCB defeated again, and more.

Published

6 hours ago

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August 12, 2026

By

Image of Robin Jansson, Tyrese Spicer, and Ivan Angulo celebrating Spicer's goal against Nashville.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s Leagues Cup match day, and I’m sure you’re as excited as I am, right? Right?!? Despite it being a money grab of a tournament in which the Lions are unlikely to advance, it is at least an opportunity to watch the team we support, and as such, I will be watching. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Hosts San Luis to Close First Leagues Cup Phase

Orlando City faces Atlético de San Luis tonight at Inter.co Stadium in the team’s third Leagues Cup match. If the Lions are to advance, the team will need to win the match and get some help from other teams in the tournament if they are to advance. As I said on The Mane Land PawedCast, I hope Orlando City smartly focuses on the upcoming regular-season match against FC Cincinnati. Sadly, I believe that won’t be the case, so you can expect the team to play a mixture of starters and subs.

Pride Proceed to Portland’s Providence Park

The Orlando Pride travel across the country to take on the Portland Thorns Saturday evening. The Pride are coming off a 3-1 loss to Racing Louisville, and let’s just say that the metrics were not good. As if bad form and traveling across the nation were not enough, the Thorns will be holding a celebration for former Portland and USWNT defender Meghan Klingenberg prior to the match. I don’t think the Thorns needed any extra motivation, but there it is.

Orlando City B Defeated…Again

Orlando City B continued its slide down the MLS NEXT Pro table after losing 3-0 to New York City FC II. With so many Young Lions covering for injuries with the first team, OCB Head Coach Eddie Wilding made five changes to the starting lineup. There were also four academy players who made their professional debuts. NYCFC II scored two goals in the the first 13 minutes and added a third in the second half. OCB will face Chicago Fire FC II on the road Saturday.

NWSL Accolades

If you didn’t watch other NWSL matches after being demoralized by how the Pride played Friday, I won’t blame you. That being said, there were matches played and things happened in those matches. I believe that Kerry Abello should have been up for Goal of the Week, but alas she wasn’t and instead the honor went to Ashley Sanchez from the North Carolina Courage. Don’t get me wrong it was a good goal, but Abello’s shot was better.

Anna Moorhouse was never in the discussion for Save of the Week. Instead it was won by Portland’s Mackenzie Arnold.

Arnold also won Assist of the Week on Pietra Tordin’s second goal.

Finally, Tordin won Player of the Week for her hat trick against Boston Legacy FC. She gets to face the Pride’s defense and Moorhouse on Saturday night.

Leaving her mark ⭐️Pietra Tordin is your Player of the Week presented by AT&T!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-08-11T17:33:02.135Z

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That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/11/26

Leagues Cup preview, Americans in midweek action, open letter addressing Gianni Infantino, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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August 11, 2026

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Good morning, everyone. It wasn’t a particularly pleasant weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, but fortunately, opportunities to change the vibes are right around the corner. Orlando City B plays NYCFC II in a few hours, Orlando City plays San Luis tomorrow and FC Cincinnati on Saturday, and the Orlando Pride are in action against the Portland Thorns on Saturday night as well. We’ve got lots to talk over this morning, so let’s get into it.

Leagues Cup Preview

Leagues Cup will begin its final round of group stage games later today, and there are several storylines to keep an eye on. Most prominent among them is the match between Austin FC and Club America, as each team currently sits first in its respective table. Myrto Uzuni’s hat trick helped Austin bury Puebla in its second match, and the Verde and Black are now in great position to advance. Before we get to that match on Thursday though, FC Cincinnati plays Atlas this evening to kick off the last round of games. Cincy sits fourth in the MLS table and therefore has plenty to play for, while Atlas has no points and has already been eliminated from contention. With Cincy visiting the City Beautiful on Saturday, Orlando fans should be hoping for FCC’s key players to rack up a lot of minutes tonight.

Americans in Midweek Action

Plenty of Americans will be taking part in matches during the working week, so make sure you’ve got everything noted down on your calendar. Tanner Tessmann and Lyon kick things off later today as they try to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit against Sparta Prague in UEFA Champions Leauge qualifying. Things continue with Brenden Aaronson and Leeds playing Manchester United in a friendly on Wednesday, while Malik Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen have a friendly of their own against Nottingham Forest. Things wrap up with some American-on-American violence on Friday, as Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid play Marseille in a friendly, while Folarin Balogun and Monaco face Haji Wright and Coventry in a tune-up game.

Confederations Write Letter Criticizing Gianni Infantino

Concacaf, UEFA, and AFC have written a joint open letter soccer as a whole, in which they accuse FIFA president Gianni Infantino of betraying the trust of the confederations and engaging in deceptive practices. They condemned the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, and called both FIFA’s integrity and Infantino’s running of the organization into question. U.S. Soccer put out its own statement on Sunday in support of Concacaf’s stance. The letter also urged FIFA to conduct an independent review of the proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup, while calling for accountability and openness among Infantino and the rest of FIFA’s leadership.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

There are plenty of transfer rumors to catch up on this morning, so let’s get straight into it. We start in England, where Crystal Palace is reportedly finalizing the signing of Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake. In Spain, Atletico Madrid has reportedly submitted an offer in the area of €35 million to Lille for winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Meanwhile, Endrick will supposedly be staying at Real Madrid this season following discussions between himself, the club, and Head Coach Jose Mourinho. Barcelona ha reportedly rejected a €50 million offer for Ferran Torres from Paris Saint-Germain, as the Catalonian club wants the fee to be structured differently than PSG’s initial proposal. Finally, in a rather unexpected bit of news, Tom Bogert reports that CF Montreal is signing Alexis Sanchez as a Designated Player.

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

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