Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Atlas FC, Leagues Cup: Final Score 3-1 as Lions Finish Strong After Equalizer
After giving up another lead at home, the Lions rallied this time, scoring two more to defeat Liga MX side Atlas FC.
For the fourth straight game at Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando City blew a 1-0 lead. However, this time the Lions gave up the lead early in the second half, rather than near the end of the game, and rallied to win 3-1 over Atlas FC. Ivan Angulo opened the scoring early, but after Matias Coccaro equalized just after halftime, Martin Ojeda restored the Orlando lead and Marco Pasalic sealed it deep in stoppage time.
With the win, Orlando City has four points in the League Phase of the 2025 Leagues Cup, and the Lions are alive in the competition with one match day to play.
“We’re very happy to get this result at home, especially winning at home after a few games that we couldn’t achieve the result despite having good games,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “Finally today, I thought we had a different outcome and win that (game) with a lot of energy. The second half was much better (than in the recent home games).”
Pareja’s lineup featured Pedro Gallese in goal behind a back line of David Brekalo, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. Cesar Araujo and Kyle Smith started in central midfield between wingers Angulo and Nico Rodriguez, with Martin Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique up top.
Atlas had the first chance of the match just minutes into the proceedings when Thorhallsson committed a foul near the corner of the box, giving the visitors a free kick. The delivery into the area was good but the flicked header from Jorge San Martรญn skipped just wide of the right post in the fourth minute.
Rodriguez attempted Orlando’s first shot in the sixth minute, cutting inside from the right, but Rivaldo Lozano got in front of him and blocked it. Enrique quickly won a corner for the Lions, who played it short. The ball ended up with Ojeda well outside the area, but his shot from distance was also blocked. The Lions quickly won another corner and this time it was played into the box to Schlegel, who sent a looping header off the top of the crossbar.
Angulo broke the scoreless deadlock off the ensuing goal kick. Orlando pressured high, and Jansson forced a turnover in the attacking third. Angulo picked up the ball and curled a shot from the left just inside the right post to make it 1-0 in the ninth minute.
“Happy and thankful to score again and happy and thankful to help my team in that way,” Angulo said.
Rodriguez should have doubled the lead three minutes after Angulo’s opener. Araujo sent a great ball over the top, and the young left winger blazed past his defender to get in behind the defense. He managed to beat goalkeeper Antonio Sanchez, but Rodriguez’s shot skipped wide of the right post in the 12th minute.
Matias Coccaro tried to get behind Jansson on a ball over the top the same way Rodriguez had done. The forward went down easily but there was no call from the referee and the Lions went the other way and won a corner.
Atlas turned Orlando over, setting up a good opportunity for Gustavo Del Prete in the 26th minute. With acres of space, Del Prete shot from just outside the area but he sent his shot wide.
As the half wore on, the pace of the game slowed and the teams exchanged a few corners but did little with them. Neither team generated another decent look at goal until the 41st minute when Enrique flicked a long ball in behind for Angulo to run onto. The Colombian went looking for his brace but Sanchez made the save.
Del Prete fired a shot just over the bar on a transition opportunity set up by Brekalo’s misplaced pass in the 45th minute, and that was it for the scoring chances in the first half.
At the break, Atlas had a decent advantage in possession (58.2%-41.8%) and a slim edge in passing accuracy (86.6%-84.9%), but Orlando City had more shots (7-4), shots on target (2-0), and corners (5-1).
“They came with a good game plan, and they were physical,” Smith said. “They pressed well, especially in the first half. So yeah, I thought they came hard.”
Orlando City wasted no time creating a chance after the break. Araujo took a long throw-in that cleared Brekalo’s flicked header attempt but fell for Enrique to head toward goal. The shot was on target but Sanchez made the save at his near post in the 47th minute.
Atlas made Orlando pay for its missed opportunities, as has so often happened in home games over the last several weeks. A seemingly routine ball in the box was headed up in the air by Brekalo, who had to fight through an attacker and couldn’t get it cleared. His fellow defenders stood and watched as the ball came down, and Schlegel couldn’t arrive before Coccaro headed it in, tying the game in the 50th minute.
Araujo was set up nicely in the 54th minute with a chance for the Lions to pull back in front. But the Uruguayan fired his left-footed shot wide of the top left corner. Pareja then subbed on Alex Freeman and Pasalic for Thorhallsson and Rodriguez.
A minute after the restart, Diego Gonzalez fired a shot from outside the area that fizzed over the crossbar.
The substitutions paid off in the 57th minute. Pasalic did well to draw two defenders before sending a ball for Freeman to take down the right flank. Enrique was in the middle calling for it but may have been a yard offside. Freeman wisely took the ball forward, then played it across to Ojeda, who smashed a shot just under the crossbar to make it 2-1.
“I think me and Marco’s partnership has been very good this year,” Freeman said. “And it’s just him being able to find me in space where I want it. And then I saw the cutback to (Ojeda) because they were tracking (Enrique’s) run.”
“I think it was a great play out on the right between Marco and Freeman,” Ojeda said. “(Freeman) made a great pass over and Ramiro made a great movement in front of the center backs to be able to open up more space for me. It really allowed me to continue in a great way, and from there on just get control in the area and have the tranquility to finish.”
Atlas got forward right after the goal and Alonso Ramirez fired over the bar from long range in the 59th minute.
Pasalic sent a great chipped pass to Enrique in the 61st minute, but the Argentine didn’t make good contact with his shot and it was a comfortable save for Sanchez on the bounce. Two minutes later, Enrique took a touch wide from in front of goal, but turned and found Angulo in the middle. The Colombian’s shot was blocked just wide of the right post.
Moments later there was a video review for a handball on Atlas, but that was nullified because Enrique was just offside on the play.
The Lions kept looking for a third and nearly had it in the 70th minute. Ojeda got forward down the left side and had an opportunity to shoot on Sanchez. He unselfishly picked out Pasalic in front, but the Croatian’s first touch was a loose one. Pasalic recovered and shot, but Sanchez got a piece of it and knocked it off the post. Ojeda was first to the rebound but was offside on the shot.
Pasalic tried to increase the lead on shots from outside the area in the 81st and 87th minutes. He didn’t get the best contact with the ball on the former, while the latter was hit with pace, but Sanchez made a nice diving save.
With a lengthy stoppage for the video review, the referee added a minimum of 10 minutes of stoppage time to the match, and in the fourth of those minutes, all heck broke loose after a rough challenge in the box by Atlas against Brekalo. Jansson came over to get involved and was shoved down. Other players from both teams got involved and Ojeda ended up getting an arm to the face. After a lengthy delay, Jansson and Ojeda were cautioned, with Coccaro getting sent off. Ojeda looked a bit the worse for wear, with an injury to his face from the fracas.
“I was just trying to get in between guys, separate them, and defend my guys,” Ojeda said. “But, you know, at the at the end of the day, those are things that happen in football.”
When the game resumed, Orlando stayed organized and looked to hit on the counter with Atlas down a man and trying to find an equalizer. It led to a shot by Angulo in the 11th added minute, but the effort was deflected out for a corner. Two minutes later, Pasalic called game.
This time, Ojeda turned provider, finding the Croatian in the box and Pasalic smashed his shot into the top right corner to make it 3-1 in the 12th extra minute.
“Their performance was great,” Pareja said of the play of Freeman and Pasalic off the bench. “But I think the help that Dagur and Nico did as well, absorbing the pressure in the first half and part of the second, gave us the opportunity to have Freeman and Marco fresher. So, I think that combination worked well tonight.”
The goal tied for the latest in Orlando City history, tying the goal Facundo Torres scored in the 12th minute of stoppage time on Nov. 9 of last year against Charlotte FC in the playoffs. Moments after Pasalic’s strike, the match finally came to an end.
In the end, Orlando City finished with more shots (21-10), shots on target (10-1), and corners (7-3). Atlas had the advantage in possession (59.6%-40.4%) and passing accuracy (84.4%-80.1%).
“It feels really good to get a win at home,” Smith said. “To get those three goals at home is important. It gives us confidence. For the fans as well, you know, it’s very important to keep them excited, keep them coming back for more.”
“We suffered hard in the training sessions to try and focus on killing the game to avoid what happened against Pumas,” Ojeda said. “So, I’m very happy for the three points and the way the boys handled themselves tonight.”
“The intensity of the players tonight, it was a different class,” Pareja said. “And so, congratulations to the players in a very hot climate and humid, and their heart was there all the time against a very competitive team. So, we’re happy, we will recover the boys, and we’ll see how is the next (game).”
It’ll be another quick turnaround for Orlando City as the Lions host Necaxa Wednesday in their final League Phase match of the 2025 Leagues Cup.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/7/26
Orlando City players on international duty, the Pride hire some coaches, the USMNT defeats Canada, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. What an international break it was for the USMNT, going undefeated in four matches by defeating Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada. The Yanks outscored their opponents 12-3 across the four matches, with Orlando City’s Justin Ellis scoring two goals in his two starts. There’s plenty to digest today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Players on International Duty
Several Orlando City players were on international duty on Tuesday, including Ellis for the USMNT. He scored a goal against Canada (see below) but also picked up a knock that saw him limping for all too long and forcing him off at halftime. Hopefully, he will be able to go this weekend for Orlando City. Marco Pasalic did not get any minutes for Croatia in the team’s 2-1 loss to Spain. Meanwhile, David Brekalo got the start and played the entire match for Slovenia in a 2-1 win over Scotland.
Orlando Pride Add to Coaching Staff
The Orlando Pride hired Mykell Bates and Lewis Amos as assistant coaches and Brian Periman as goalkeeper coach. The trio joins interim head coach Yolanda Thomas’s coaching staff, and the timing of these hires is interesting, given there are only three matches remaining in the season and there’s been no indication that the interim tag is being removed from Thomas. These hirings raise a lot of questions, like, are these short term signings through the end of the season? If not, do they indicate Thomas will be given the permanent position, or are have they been hired knowing there is another head coaching announcement coming?
USMNT Defeats Canada
If you thought a match between the U.S. and Canada wouldn’t be very Concacaf-y, you’d be wrong. So many non-calls, lots of chippiness, and a few injuries proved otherwise. Fortunately, the USMNT was able to see out a 1-0 victory following a goal from Orlando City’s Ellis that gave the Yanks the lead in the 29th minute.
Oh, what could have been if Alex Freeman stayed in Orlando. The win capped a successful run for the start of Maurcio Pochettino’s new contract. We also saw a ton of younger players across the four matches, including three appearances from Ellis.
USWNT to Face Spain
The USMNT is done for the moment, but now we get to see how the USWNT does in a pair of friendlies against reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Spain. NWSL Golden Boot leader Ashley Sanchez is getting back up to speed with the team after she was called up for the pair of friendlies. As was previously reported, Naomi Girma is out due to injury, but Emma Hayes intends to work with Chelsea to manage her recovery. A new camp means opportunities for different players, so which players’ stock is up or down?
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride’s 12th-place spot in SI.com’s power rankings seems to be fair to me. I’m looking forward to the rebuild.
- Here is the information on when the seven Orlando Pride players who were called up will be playing for their respective national teams.
- UCF’s soccer teams unveiled new ‘“‘Fright Mode’ kits. I like the prominent “Orlando” across the chest.
- Gianni Infantino is traveling around the world, trying to garner enough support to win the votes needed to stay in power as the president of FIFA. He currently has 87 endorsements, though 49 other federations have come out in opposition to Infantino.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City match on Saturday. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/6/26
International call-ups for Pride players, scouting report on Canada, roster changes for the USWNT, and more.
Good morning, everyone. The end of the men’s international break is almost upon us, but the women’s break will immediately follow. That means that Orlando City will return to play on Saturday, while the Orlando Pride will have some time off before their next game. We’ve got plenty to talk about this morning, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando Pride International Call-Ups
Three more Orlando Pride players have been called to represent their nations during the October international window, joining Oihane, who will be with Spain for its matches against the USWNT. First up is Barbra Banda, who will represent Zambia in the team’s Olympic qualifying games against Uganda.
Then there’s Jacquie Ovalle and Solai Washington, who will be facing off against each other in back-to-back games. Ovalle has been called up for Mexico, while Washington will represent Jamaica.
At the U-23 level, Ally Lemos will be with the U.S. and Sanne Lekven will be with Norway during this window.
Scouting Canada
The United States Men’s National Team will play its final game of the October international window when it takes on Canada tonight in Saint Paul, MN. Jesse Marsch’s current roster has a number of notable absences, including Alphonso Davies, Jayden Nelson, Alistair Johnson, and Ismael Kone; while Derek Cornelius, Jeevan Badwal, and Alfie Jones left the team during the break because of injuries. Canada typically sets up in a 4-4-2 and will employ a high press paired with a vertical style of play that aims to win the ball and then quickly get it forward to the team’s dangerous attackers. Jonathan David and Tany Oluwaseyi provide that danger up front, while Stephen Eustaquio runs things in the middle, and Richie Laryea provides danger up and down the left flank.
United States Women’s National Team Roster Tweaks
The United States Women’s National Team has made a pair of changes to the squad that will take on Spain in a pair of friendlies this month. Utah Royals defender Kate Del Fava has been named as the replacement for the injured Naomi Girma, after it was announced last week that the center back would be unavailable for this window. Del Fava was going to be one of the overage players at the USWNT U-23 training camp also taking place this month, but now has an opportunity to make her first appearance for the senior side. Additionally, midfielder Jaelin Howell will replace Sam Coffey, after the latter was injured during Manchester City’s win over the weekend. Howell has made six appearances for the USWNT, with the most recent one coming in a 2-0 victory over Italy during the team’s final game of 2025.
UEFA Nations League Roundup
Monday marked the penultimate round of UEFA Nations League play during the current international window, and we were treated to some doozies. The highlight of the day was a five-goal thriller that saw France score four goals in the final 15 minutes to overturn a one goal deficit and beat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France. Italy knocked off Turkiye 3-1 to climb to second place in Group A1, while the result sees Turkiye remain winless and anchored to the bottom of the table. Finally, Ukraine looked to have rescued a point with Roman Yaremchuk’s 83rd-minute goal, only for Mark Csinger to bag a winner for Hungary just two minutes later. The 2-1 result means Hungary is second in Group B2 with seven points, while Ukraine is third with four points.
Free Kicks
- The Pride dropped three spots to no.13 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Alex Freeman flexed his pipes and sang Happy Birthday to USMNT coach Jesus Perez during Monday’s training session.
- We now know the key dates for the 2026-2027 season of MLS NEXT.
- Check out this list of some of the 2026-2027 season’s most eye-catching kits (for better or worse).
That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/5/26
Pride fall to San Diego Wave, Tyrese Spicer has successful foot surgery, USMNT beats Mexico, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work covering high school soccer and flag football throughout the week. We only had the Pride in action over the weekend, but we’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Pride Fall to San Diego Wave at Home
The Orlando Pride fell 2-1 to the San Diego Wave on Friday at Inter.co Stadium in the latest in a series of games that they had to have. Orlando trailed 2-0 in the first half, conceding twice on defensive errors. In the second half, Barbra Banda pulled the Pride within one after she buried a penalty kick that she won herself. However, it wasn’t enough, as Orlando couldn’t find a late equalizer and San Diego took all three points. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will return to action on Oct. 18 to face the Houston Dash on the road.
Tyrese Spicer Has Successful Foot Surgery
Orlando City forward Tyrese Spicer underwent successful foot surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot, the club announced on Friday. Spicer had suffered the injury while away on international duty with Trinidad & Tobago in a Concacaf Nations League match against Haiti on Sept. 24. We at The Mane Land wish Spicer a speedy recovery, but his 2026 MLS season is likely over.
USMNT Shuts Out Mexico in Friendly
The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Mexico 3-0 on Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Orlando City forward Justin Ellis came off the bench to make his second USMNT appearance in the second half, playing 25 minutes. Former Lion Alex Freeman started and played 90 minutes. Julian Hall scored the opener in the first half for the Yanks. In the second half, Cavan Sullivan doubled the Americans’ lead to become the USMNT’s youngest scorer in team history just four days after Mathis Albert set that mark with his goal against Chile on Tuesday. Malik Tillman added the final goal as the Yanks have won three consecutive matches during the international break. The USMNT will close out this round of friendlies on Tuesday, taking on Canada at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, MN.
Other Lions on International Duty
Multiple Orlando City players represented their national teams over the weekend during the international break. Forward Marco Pasalic was on the bench but did not play for Croatia in a 7-0 defeat to England in a UEFA Nations League match on Saturday. Croatia will face Spain on Tuesday. Lions defender David Brekalo was on the bench but came on after halftime and played 45 minutes for Slovenia in a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League. Slovenia will take on Scotland on Tuesday. Midfielder Wilder Cartagena started and played 45 minutes for Peru, while former Lion Yoshimar Yotun was also in action in a 2-0 loss to Canada in a friendly. Peru will play Colombia on Tuesday in another friendly match.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City forward Yutaro Tsukada, who is on loan at Rhode Island FC, notched another assist over the weekend in a 3-1 win against Brooklyn FC in the USL Championship.
- Check out this piece on the Orlando City website featuring Head of Player Care Pedro Cox and Team Administrator Danny Quesada, who help welcome new players and their families, get acquainted with the club, ensure their needs are met, and thrive off the field.
- The Lions were at Osceola Heritage Park on Saturday and spent time with the Orlando City U-12 squad during training.
- Arsenal will reportedly not move forward with plans to expand the Emirates Stadium beyond its current capacity and will instead focus on improving hospitality, retail, and the fan matchday experience.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and Iโll see you next time.
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