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Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Five Takeaways

Here’s what we learned from the Lions’ 4-2 win over the visiting Reds.

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3 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

The Lions got into the win column to even their record at 1-1-0 to close out the two-game, seasoning-opening homestand that MLS put on their schedule. Orlando City’s second game of the season started out a bit boring but morphed into a thrilling 4-2 victory over Toronto FC over the course of the final 60 minutes.

What follows are my five takeaways from Orlando City’s first win of 2025.

Another Surprise Lineup Shuffle

Given the availability report had no surprises on it in the leadup to the match, Saturday’s short-term contract signings of Gustavo Caraballo, Colin Guske, and Zakaria Taifi were a clue that something wasn’t going to plan. That turned out to be the case, as David Brekalo and Nico Rodriguez each picked up knocks in training late in the week. With Orlando City’s depth issues on the back line, Oscar Pareja shuffled the deck and moved Kyle Smith to center back alongside Rodrigo Schlegel, with Smith playing on the left in Robin Jansson’s normal spot and Schlegel returning to his favored right side. That explained the signing of Taifi for depth, as the young defender has played both fullback and center back with OCB. There was another change to the back line that we’ll get to in a minute.

Overall, the Lions’ defense did well to limit Toronto’s chances. There was nothing clear cut in the first half, although there were a few dangerous passes played across the box from Federico Bernadeschi’s side. The Reds were only able to create minimal danger on shots from distance until a late set piece and a second ball situation even later in the match, but by that time the offense had put multiple goals on the board.

Freeman’s First Start a Success

The other change to the back line included the insertion of Homegrown right back Alex Freeman in the starting lineup in place of Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. While the Icelandic international didn’t play particularly poorly in the opener, Freeman’s play — including against Philadelphia off the bench — has been demanding more minutes. He got them, as Pareja needed Thorhallsson to be an available midfield depth player with Rodriguez out.

Freeman had a sensational first MLS start. Not only did he hold up well defensively on Orlando’s right side, but he showed what he can bring to the offense, scoring the second goal just moments after Cesar Araujo’s wondergoal on a free kick. Somehow Toronto’s defense got out of shape by moving too high, leaving winger Markus Cimermancic isolated on the young fullback. Orlando recovered the ball, and Eduard Atuesta dropped a pass to Smith, who moved right and launched a long ball for Freeman. The Homegrown defender stayed onside, showed his strength to get goalside of Cimermancic, and did well with a great first touch off his thigh, using his speed to break in alone on Sean Johnson’s goal. Moving the ball onto his left foot, he powered a shot toward the left post that was too hot for Johnson to handle. That quick second strike was a stunner from which Toronto never was able to recover.

Pasalic Marked Out

After a good night in his MLS debut, Designated Player Marco Pasalic was ineffective against a Toronto side that opted to surround him every time he touched the ball. Pasalic attempted no shots and created no chances during his second start. Toronto, and perhaps the inexperience of working with Freeman on that side limited Pasalic’s touches. He completed just 12 of his 18 passes (66.7%). That’s not to say he didn’t contribute. It was a foul drawn by Pasalic that set up Araujo’s opening goal.

With the Reds swarming him, the Croatian often had little choice but to drop the ball deeper or try more difficult ways to get through, which led to a few giveaways. It was a solid game plan by Toronto FC, and it’s one that Pasalic must adjust to in order to find success in MLS. Pasalic was replaced in the 65th minute by Luis Muriel, which turned out to be a good substitution.

Ojeda’s Emotional Moment

Attacking midfielder Martin Ojeda made it two goal contributions in two matches with his first goal of the season in the 63rd minute. Schlegel stabbed away an attempted Toronto entry ball to Araujo, who turned and headed straight up the field. He spotted Ojeda sneaking in behind midfielder Deybi Flores and between the two Toronto center backs, delivering a perfectly weighted ball for Ojeda to take in stride. Using a burst of speed to clear the back line, Ojeda approached goal, waited for Johnson to commit, then calmly slotted the ball into the empty net with his weaker right foot to make it 3-0. The Lions’ third goal was obviously an emotional one for Ojeda. Once the initial excitement of the goal wore off, Ojeda lifted his jersey to show he was wearing a t-shirt underneath with a picture of his grandmother, who passed away last week, with a caption reading “Siempre en nuestros corazones” (“always in our hearts”). He had tears in his eyes as his fellow Argentines Schlegel and Ramiro Enrique embraced him at midfield before the restart.

Hail Cesar!

It was an unusually bright offensive night for the Lions’ physical central midfielder. The assist on Ojeda’s goal all but put the match out of reach with half an hour to play, but the Uruguayan also got the scoring started in the 33rd minute. With Ojeda, Pasalic, and Atuesta on the pitch, it was strange to see Araujo and Rafael Santos standing over the ball to await the referee’s whistle after Pasalic had drawn a free kick just outside the penalty area. When the whistle blew, it was Araujo — the less likely of the two — who took it, blasting a shot over the wall, off the left post, and in. It was a free kick goal worthy of anything we’ve seen from notable departed set piece takers Nico Lodeiro and Facundo Torres. Aside from his two goal contributions, Araujo passed at a team-high rate of 96.3% over the course of his full 90 minutes. He also recorded an interception, did not commit a foul or pick up a yellow card, and drew two fouls on the opposition.

Bonus Sixth Takeaway: Instant Impact Off the Bench

While most of the substitutes off the bench against the Union were not terribly effective — except Freeman — Pareja’s subs made an impact against Toronto, helping see out the game. Muriel completed 85.7% of his passes, but his biggest contribution came just moments after Thorhallsson replaced Ojeda in the 80th minute. Muriel took a pass from Schlegel in his own defensive third, then made a hard turn inside to lose Theo Corbeanu, delivering a pass to Enrique at the top of the attacking third. Enrique found space, turned and gave the ball back to the onrushing Muriel, who drew three defenders toward him, before slipping a perfect pass behind Rosted and into the path of Thorhallsson. With his first touch of the game, Thorhallsson moved the ball onto his left foot to improve his angle. With his second touch, Thorhallsson slotted a shot past Johnson to make it 4-1 in the 81st minute and remove any doubt about the outcome.

That’s what I took note of on a big night for the Orlando attack. There were still some marking issues defensively on Toronto’s first goal off a corner and the positioning of the defense allowed the second on a ball that was not effectively cleared, but otherwise it was a good performance and one Pareja can build on. What stood out to you? Let us know in the comments below.

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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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7 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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1 day 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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2 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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