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Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC: Five Takeaways

What did we learn from an entertaining victory over Charlotte FC?

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3 weeks ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

That was fun! Orlando City picked up a 3-1 win over Charlotte FC, continuing its unbeaten run and ensuring the Lions enter Sunday’s match against Inter Miami in a good run of form. What follows are my five takeaways from a great win at Inter&Co Stadium.

An Even Faster Start

Orlando got off to a good start on Saturday against the New England Revolution, and held a 2-0 lead after 33 minutes. The Lions did even better Wednesday though, opening the scoring in the eighth minute before doubling the lead in the 24th. For a team that has had trouble scoring goals during recent weeks, getting off to those quick starts has been a breath of fresh air, and it allowed OCSC to dictate the way that the game is played. That was the case against Charlotte, as Orlando ferociously attacked to start the game before eventually shifting to a more conservative approach and looking to pick off the visitors on the counter.

Lessons Learned from Last Match

There was plenty of reason for concern when Charlotte pulled a goal back in the 34th minute through Wilfried Zaha. It looked eerily similar to what happened against the Revs, when Orlando blew a two-goal lead and ultimately had to settle for a 3-3 draw. Despite giving up that goal though, the Lions mostly did a good job of limiting Charlotte’s opportunities for the rest of the night. The big exception came in the 71st minute, when Pep Biel got a chance to shoot at an open goal from inside the six-yard box but could only volley his effort onto the bar and over. Otherwise, OCSC was defensively sound and limited Charlotte to eight shots with one on target. The Lions had to ride their luck at times, but did a much better job of closing out the game than they did last match.

Designated Players Make the Difference

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but Designated Players came up big for Orlando City in this match. Luis Muriel and Martin Ojeda got the team’s first two goals, although Muriel’s strike had an element of luck about it, as it really should have been saved by Kristijan Kahlina. He was dangerous all night though, and he looked to have opened the scoring just two minutes in but it was (correctly) ruled out for offside. Ojeda’s goal was spectacular, which is no less than we’ve come to expect from him in recent weeks. He’s been on an absolute tear this season with eight goals and three assists in 13 games. Muriel has five goals and three assists in the same number of games, and the general rule of thumb so far this season has been that when the DPs are cooking, the Lions do well. That was the case in this game, as the big guns showed up and Orlando got the win.

Ramiro Gets Going

Ramiro Enrique had already scored his first goal of the year in Orlando’s 5-0 decimation of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the U.S. Open Cup, but he opened his 2025 MLS account with the insurance goal that made the scoreline 3-1 in favor of OCSC. It was well taken too, as he showed great composure to cut the ball back onto his right foot before blasting a shot high into the net. The more threatening players that the Lions can call upon, the better, especially when considering the rash of 0-0 draws that we’ve had to suffer through in recent matches. Orlando somehow still has five more matches to play before the month of May concludes, so the Lions are going to need all hands on deck and contributing if they want to carry on their current run of form. Wednesday night was a reminder that Enrique has shown himself in the past to be capable of pulling his weight.

David Brekalo Makes His Mark

Speaking of needing contributions from different areas, I’d be doing you all a disservice if I didn’t spend some time waxing lyrical about the work David Brekalo did in assisting Enrique’s goal. The Slovenian embarked on a great run forward from his left back position in the 82nd minute and took the entirety of the Charlotte midfield out of the game before splitting the visitors’ lines with an excellent through ball for Enrique. It was his first primary assist of the season, although he did have the secondary assist on Muriel’s opener. He seems to have cemented the job as the starting left back since the April 5 match against the Philadelphia Union, and he’s been putting in some strong performances defensively. He doesn’t get forward a ton, primarily due to how offensively minded Alex Freeman is on the other flank, but his assist on Enrique’s goal showed that he has some potential in that area himself.

Orlando didn’t quite play a perfect game, as things were a little shaky both before and after Charlotte scored its goal. On the whole though, it was a solid performance, albeit against a Charlotte team that has now lost four straight games. Tougher tasks await in the form of Inter Miami and a tortuously crowded schedule for the remainder of May, but the Lions are in as good of shape as they could hope to be at the moment. What did you make of this game? Be sure to have your say down in the comments. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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43 minutes ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

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  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links

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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1 day 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

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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