Connect with us

Orlando City

Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions perform in Orlando City’s 2-1 win over the New England Revolution?

Published

7 months ago

on

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City ended a four-game winless run, defeating the New England Revolution 2-1 on the road. Martin Ojeda’s brace was the difference in this one as the Lions were able to hold onto their one-goal lead, something they were unable to do in the two previous matches. It’s a big three points as they look to climb back up the table.

Let’s take a look at the individual performances in this crucial win.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 6 — The shot stopper didn’t have a lot to do in this game since New England only put four shots on frame. He could’ve done better on the goal and was a little lucky that another shot hit the post. But Gallese made saves when he needed to, helping to get the win. He ended up saving three of the four shots he faced, giving up a goal. The goalkeeper had 34 touches, completing 54.2% of his 24 passes, including seven of his 18 long balls. It wasn’t his best game, but Gallese definitely helped claim all three points.

D, David Brekalo, 6.5 — Brekalo started at left back once again, touching the ball 51 times and completing 80% of his 30 passes, including seven of his nine long balls. He was strong defensively, recording a tackle, two interceptions, three clearances, and a blocked shot. The defender also had a shot in the attack that went off target.

D, Robin Jansson, 6 — Jansson had 44 touches in this game, completing 74.3% of his 35 passes, including six of his 12 long balls. Defensively, he recorded an interception, five clearances, and two blocked shots. The center back only went forward once before pulling back and came off with a slight knock for Kyle Smith in the second-half stoppage time.

D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 6 — Schlegel had 41 touches, completing 85.7% of his 28 passes, including one of his two long balls. He recorded a tackle and a team-high seven clearances with two blocked shots defensively. He stepped up to challenge Tomas Chancalay on the New England goal, but it was half-hearted defending, allowing the attacker to shoot at Gallese’s near post. But, overall, it was a strong performance by Schlegel.

D, Alex Freeman, 5.5 — Freeman had 47 touches from his right back position, connecting on 79.3% of his 29 passes, including a key pass. However, he didn’t convert on either of his long balls. He attempted one shot, sailing it well over the crossbar. Defensively, he added a tackle and three clearances. The 20-year-old looked a little lost defensively early in the second half, losing his man multiple times, including on the goal. That knocks his grade down a little in this one.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 6.5 — This was one of Angulo’s better games. He had 41 touches and completed 88.5% of his 26 passes, including two key passes and his lone long ball. He didn’t take any shots but made a great run in the 58th minute to beat his man, get into the box, and find Ojeda for the game-winning goal, earning himself an assist. Defensively, Angulo added four tackles and an interception while being a key contributor to the win. His game ended in second-half stoppage time when he came off for Rafael Santos in a defensive change.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6 — Araujo touched the ball 47 times and completed 91.4% of his 35 passes, including two key passes, his only cross, and one of his two long balls. His only shot was off target, but he contributed defensively, adding a tackle and a clearance. It wasn’t a stellar game, but a solid one nonetheless.

MF, Eduard Atuesta, 6.5 — Atuesta was the better of the two defensive midfielders in this game, touching the ball 54 times and completing 78.6% of his 28 passes. He had three key passes and connected on one of his two long balls but none of his three crosses. However, it was his excellent long ball forward in the 18th minute that resulted in the opening goal by Ojeda. Neither of his two shots were on target, but he was active defensively, recording three tackles, an interception, and two clearances.

MF, Marco Pasalic, 6.5 — Pasalic had a strong performance, touching the ball 30 times and completing 73.7% of his 19 passes, including three of his five long balls. One of his three shots was on target, and he added an interception defensively. Pasalic’s impact on the game wasn’t all captured statistically as he dribbled at the Revs’ defense, causing problems for the back line and creating opportunities for his teammates. Pasalic was replaced by Zakaria Taifi in the 78th minute as Oscar Pareja looked to hold onto the one-goal lead.

F, Martin Ojeda, 7.5 (MotM) — Ojeda was without question the best player on the field in this game. He had 51 touches and completed 76.7% of his passes with a team-high four key passes. All three of his crosses and two of his three long balls found their targets. The attacker put four of his seven shots on target — both team highs — netting a brace. I’m sure it won’t surprise you that he’s my Man of the Match — and probably everyone else’s.

F, Luis Muriel, 5 — Muriel touched the ball 42 times in this game, completing 56.3% of his 32 passes with a key pass. He didn’t complete his lone cross but was successful on two of his three long balls and his only through ball. However, strikers are judged on goals and Muriel only had one off-target shot in this game. It was another one where you wonder where your Designated Player was when you needed him.

Substitutes

D, Zakaria Taifi (78′), 6 — Taifi was the first change in a surprise move, replacing Pasalic in the 78th minute. The 19-year-old touched the ball nine times and completed 85.7% of his seven passes, including his lone long ball. To his credit, Taifi sent a dangerous ball in from the right that was just beyond the reach of Muriel. Defensively he added a tackle in a game that should give the academy product some confidence moving forward.

D, Kyle Smith (90′ + 2), N/A — Smith came on for Jansson in the second minute of second-half stoppage time. He didn’t touch the ball in his few minutes on the field.

D, Rafael Santos (90′ + 4), N/A — Santos replaced Angulo in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, touching the ball once. It was a complete long ball and the only time he was noticed on the field in his short appearance.

That’s how I saw Orlando City’s 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. Let us know how you saw the game and don’t forget to vote for your Man of the Match.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Opinion

Likes and Dislikes from the Fifth Week of Orlando City Preseason

Let’s examine some good and some bad from this week of Orlando City’s preseason preparations.

Published

1 day ago

on

February 13, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We’ve (almost) made it to the end of another week, with Orlando City’s final preseason match against the Colorado Rapids looming large Saturday night. The season opener will be here before you know it, and things will only speed up from there. For the final time this preseason, let’s take a look back at the week that was and talk about what I liked, and what I didn’t.

Likes

A New Signing

Orlando City announced the long-awaited signing of Brazilian center back Iago on Saturday, making him the third and presumably final MLS U22 Initiative arrival of the off-season. While he’s only 20 years old, he’s likely to be one of the two starting center backs on opening day alongside David Brekalo, so him getting a couple weeks of preseason to get settled in is vital. It of course would have been ideal for him to have even more time, but transfer dealings with Brazilian clubs rarely seem to be straightforward affairs, and two weeks is better than none at all. Crucially, Iago played over 5,000 minutes for Flamengo’s senior and U-20 sides, so he’s no stranger to the professional game, and hopefully that helps him to hit the ground running as a Lion.

A New Kit

Continuing the trend of shiny new things, the Lions unveiled their new away kit on Tuesday. It’s a gold jersey with purple shorts that’s been dubbed the ‘Sunken Treasure’ kit, and it’s the club’s first jersey to heavily use the team’s secondary color of gold. All things considered, I quite like the new threads. As with a lot of jerseys these days, the finer details like the Lion in the background of the front and the two patches, won’t be visible unless you’re up close to it. That being said, those details look pretty nice in the close-up shots of the jersey that the club provided, and when viewed from a distance, the shirt is striking. I also like the decision to go with purple shorts, as I think going with gold all the way would be a bit too much.

Dislikes

All Quiet on the Rumor Front

Things have gone a little quiet when it comes to transfer rumors regarding Orlando City. The club still has a Designated Player slot that it intends to use on an attacker, but we haven’t seen any hints as far as who the brass might be looking at. It’s not necessarily a reason to panic, as the team has made it a habit to be methodical in the transfer window and hasn’t been afraid to take its time pursuing players it thinks will be the right fit, rather than rushing business and potentially making an unwise signing as a result. All the same, it’s always nice to hear that a specific name is being pursued, particularly when OCSC still has a DP slot burning a hole in its proverbial pocket in addition to some areas of the field that need to be strengthened with additional depth. I trust the business to get done and done well, but I’m also not going to pretend I wouldn’t love a juicy signing rumor or two right about now.

With a little luck, next week will bring a couple of positive transfer rumors and three points to start the season off on a strong note. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/13/26

Hannah Anderson challenging herself in Orlando, Luana called up by Brazil, broadcasting changes ahead of MLS season, and more.

Published

1 day ago

on

February 13, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Today is Friday the 13th, so make sure to steer clear of black cats, ladders, and any other bad omens out there. Orlando City’s season opener is next weekend and the last thing we need to do is accumulate bad luck before the Lions take the field. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and dive into today’s links!

Hannah Anderson Prepares for First Season in Orlando

Defender Hannah Anderson was drafted by the Chicago Stars in the third round of the 2024 NWSL Draft and spent two seasons there before the Pride traded for her in January for $70,000 in intraleague funds. Chicago conceded twice as many goals as Orlando last season, and now Anderson is challenging herself with an opportunity to improve as a defender with the Pride.

“I don’t really look at it as pressure, I think it’s an opportunity,” she said. “The challenge is what’s going to help me grow. When you’re never challenged, you can’t grow. It’s kind of like how you see that challenge. Yeah, it could be pressure, but I also think it’s exciting to be a part of a group that’s been there, because the experience will help you get there again.”

The 24-year-old also spoke on what it’s like to go up against Orlando’s attacking stars in training, as well as her decision to join the Pride while engaged to Chicago Cubs pitcher Jack Neely. With Emily Sams on the other side of the country, hopefully Anderson can have a breakout year to help fill the void.

Luana Returns to Brazil National Team

Orlando Pride midfielder Luana was called up for Brazil’s friendlies against Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Mexico in a few weeks. It’s great to see her back with the national team after all she’s been through and Head Coach Arthur Elias spoke on her return.

“Calling up Luana is a joy, but the greater joy was when she overcame cancer, a disease diagnosed during a period with the National Team. It was a huge shock for all of us. Luana has an incredible history in football, she is a woman of great strength, who showed this and set many examples for those around her,” he celebrated.

She will bring some experience to a Brazil roster that doesn’t include any other Pride players, although former Pride player Adriana was called up. Brazil has already secured qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup as its host, so the focus will be on playing quality opponents until then.

Getting Ready for More MLS on Apple TV

We’re gearing up for the fourth MLS season streamed through Apple TV and the biggest difference this time around is that MLS Season Pass is a thing of the past. It’s a major boon for fans, as all games will be through an Apple TV subscription rather than a separate platform at an additional cost. For those of us who like to watch MLS games at our favorite bar, an agreement with EverPass Media should increase the reach of the league in commercial venues. Saturday night matches with increased production value, announcers returning to the actual stadiums to call games, and the removal of the Spanish version of MLS 360 are some of the other notable changes heading into this season.

Nottingham Forest Fires Manager…Again

Just a day after Thomas Franks was fired by Tottenham, Nottingham Forest sacked Sean Dyche following the club’s scoreless draw with Wolverhampton this week. Dyche joined the club in October and was just nominated for Manager of the Month for his team’s results in January. However, Forest is just three points above the relegation zone and has now fired its third coach of the season. Vitor Pereira will reportedly replace Dyche as the club’s fourth coach of the season, which would be a league record. ESPN dove into how English Premier League teams that made multiple firings in the same season performed and it’s grim news for Forest.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau went under the microscope to field a variety of questions. I’m pretty interested in why Duncan McGuire would be the first person he’d call if he found a dead body in his hotel room.
  • Construction is underway at Camping World Stadium as it begins its $400 million renovation to expand seating and improve the facilities.

That’s all I have for you on this fine Friday. I hope you all have a lucky day and that all of your Valentine’s Day plans this weekend go off without a hitch!

Continue Reading

Orlando City

Ranking Orlando City’s MLS Away Kits

Where does the new Sunken Treasure kit rank all time?

Published

2 days ago

on

February 12, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

With the release of Orlando City’s newest away kit, I thought it appropriate to rank all of the Lions’ MLS-era away kits to see how the new “Sunken Treasure” kit stacks up against those from the past. As I said last year regarding the home kit rankings, I’m no fashion guru, but I do know what I like.

I welcome everyone’s opinions on this topic, but since I’m writing the article, I get final say. Let’s rank Orlando City’s away kits.

Seventh Place

The Heart and Soul kit has the misfortune of coming in last place in the rankings. It is not a bad or ugly kit, I just think the others are better. For me, it’s the stark shoulder separation that I don’t like. It feels disjointed, like the color on the front was an add-on or that someone forgot to extend it up to the rest of the kit. While I don’t mind the three stripes being oriented front to back on just one side, I like the more traditional two-sided Adidas stripes formation.

Sixth Place

The look of the second-ever away kit was so close to being fantastic. First the good. The purple sleeves look great, especially with the gold ring near the cuff. And seeing the original Orlando Health logo certainly brings back memories. Now the not so good. I always prefer to have the Adidas stripes on the shoulder, though they’re not horrible running down the sides. The faux collar is the downfall of this kit. If it had a real collar it would be much higher up the rankings.

Fifth Place

The Sunshine Kit brought the first splash of color other than purple to the away kit. The way it blended into — or more accurately out of — the purple shorts looked very good. It also didn’t have the cutoff shoulder feel of the Heart and Soul kit. In fact, we get the traditional stripes with a ringer around the collar. It’s a nice touch.

Fourth Place

There is definitely something to be said about an almost completely white kit. The Origin Kit was so clean that it only needed two colors. Even the crest is monochromatic purple rather than the usual gold, purple, and white. Purple-accented Adidas stripes, cuff rings and a thin ringer at the V-neck are the only splashes of color to be found. It’s the type of kit you can wear out to a nice dinner. Just don’t order the spaghetti.

Third Place

You never forget your first…away kit. The amount of thought that went into the Inaugural City kit is impressive. It is seemingly simple and straightforward but full of little details. I love the overlapping collar with just a bit of gold. The Adidas stripes in the proper place and the original Orlando Health logo make this the classic it deserves to be. It might be at third place in the rankings, but it will always be the first.

Second Place

The new Sunken Treasure kit is striking. It is the first kit that uses gold as the primary color. The sublimated lion head is picturesque in detail. The Adidas stripes are in the right place, and the triple stripe at the cuffs and neckline are a nice touch. Paired with the purple shirts, I know that this is going to be a sought-after jersey for years to come. My only personal issue is I don’t look good in yellow. However, as I said on The Mane Land PawedCast, I will reserve final judgment on my potential purchase of the kit until I see it in person. I also want to add that the social media release of the kit was very well done.

https://twitter.com/OrlandoCitySC/status/2021252822549807290

First Place

As much as I like the new kit, it will be hard to ever top the Legacy Kit. We have the return of the Three Lions crest and the red color from the USL days. The very light purple used as the primary color is subtle, original, and looks really good. I like the three-color combo and button on the collar. The matching shorts bring the whole thing together like The Dude’s rug. This is such a departure from normal away kits that I literally have it framed on my wall.

There you have it. As for the kits, I’d love to hear how you rank them in the comments below. For now, you can select the spot where you’d place the Sunken Treasure kit in the poll below. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending