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Orlando City vs. Inter Miami: Final Score 4-1 as Lions Sweep Season Series vs. Herons

After a tight first half, the Lions broke the game open in the second half to sweep Inter Miami.

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4 months ago

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

All three Orlando City Designated Players scored as Luis Muriel scored a brace and Martin Ojeda and Marco Pasalic added goals in a 4-1 win over Inter Miami before a packed house of 25,046 at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions (12-6-8, 44 points) struck early, conceded moments later, and then blew the game open in the second half to sweep the season series from Inter Miami (12-5-6, 42 points).

Ojeda and Muriel added an assist to go with their goals on a big night for Orlando’s Designated Players.

“The stadium, it was extraordinary. So, thank you so much fans. Thank you so much for your energy,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “I thought we played very well offensively and defensively. What kept us with the pace that we started the game was that defensively we showed consistency (and) responsibility. So all that happened up front, for me, is a collective effort that we did as a team. We played against a great rival and tonight, having this three points and scoring in front of our fans, it was an extraordinary, fantastic night for us.”

Pareja’s starting lineup featured Pedro Gallese in goal behind a back line of David Brekalo, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Alex Freeman. Eduard Atuesta returned from injury to partner with Cesar Araujo in central midfield with Cesar Araujo between wingers Ivan Angulo and Pasalic, with Ojeda and Muriel up top.

The teams traded early haymakers to get this rivalry match started. The Lions struck in just the second minute on a nice play in the midfield that started on the right. The ball was sent toward Ojeda in the middle, but he let the ball run between his legs to Muriel, who gave it back to him. Ojeda then slipped it back to Muriel, who got through the back line with a great first touch and beat Oscar Ustari to make it 1-0.

With his assist on the play, Ojeda extended his streak of consecutive games with a goal contribution to 14 games in all competitions.

Muriel had a chance to double the lead moments later when Ojeda got down the left and put in a beautiful curling cross to find the Colombian in front. However, the header went straight at Ustari, who made the save.

That miss was costly, because Miami struck back in the fifth minute. Atuesta headed out a cross into the box but Yannick Bright ran onto it and fired a volley shot that froze Gallese and made it 1-1.

Ojeda got the ball at the top of the box in the eighth minute and thought about cutting in on his right foot, but he lost control momentarily and ended up dashing down the left and firing a shot from a tight angle that found the outside netting. The Lions’ No. 10 then got down the left again in the 16th minute and fizzed a cross through the top of the six, but it was just beyond the onrushing Pasalic.

Three minutes later, Miami broke in transition after Freeman had a shot blocked on a corner kick. The ball ended up with Luis Suarez on the left. He fired a hard shot toward goal but Gallese made the save.

A minute after that, Ustari kicked the ball out of his area and Muriel sent it back where it came from on the volley. The ball had some spin on it and ended up hitting the right post, saving the Miami goalkeeper some blushes.

Throughout the rest of the first half, the game got a bit chippy. Both sides picked up multiple bookings. The only good scoring chance in that period came on a set piece delivery by Ojeda that Schlegel headed on goal, only to see Ustari make a good diving save in the 35th minute.

Gallese got down to stop a Telasco Segovia shot in the 41st minute on the last shot of the half.

At the break, Orlando City held the advantage in possession (51.3%-48.7%), shots (8-3), shots on target (4-3), corners (3-0), and passing accuracy (88.7%-83.7%). But the game was level.

Rodrigo De Paul had the first sight of goal in the second half, sending a shot from outside the area over the crossbar in the 48th minute.

Two minutes later, Angulo won a corner and the Lions made it pay off. Taking the kick short, Ojeda sent the ball to Muriel. The defense arrived, but Muriel made a nice move at the end line to get by and put the ball in the net for his eighth goal of the MLS regular season, making it 2-1 in the 50th minute.

“These are the weeks and the games that you dream about as a player,” Muriel said. “It’s a unique feeling, and I feel spectacular to be able to help my team in the way that I am, to help us score goals, to help us win games like this. And I hope that I’m able to continue scoring and helping the team in the weeks to come.”

The lead nearly bulged to 3-1 in the 54th minute when Muriel sliced a through ball past the back line for Ojeda’s run. Ojeda fired but Utari made the save. The Argentine volleyed the rebound but sent it over the bar.

A minute later, Miami broke in transition and Angulo made a great play to get back and knock the ball away to prevent a scoring chance.

Muriel found Ojeda on the right side in the 58th minute. Ojeda didn’t have many options, so he smashed a shot toward the near post. Ustari got a piece of it but it went in to make it 3-1. It was Ojeda’s 14th goal of the regular season, pushing him to within three of Cyle Larin’s single-season club record set in 2015.

“He’s having such an incredible season for Orlando, he’s having such an incredible season for for himself,” Muriel said of his strike partner. “Every single moment of Martin can be magic.”

Regardless of whoever ends up with the shot, the chemistry between Muriel and Ojeda the last several games has been on another level.

“Those (kinds of) chemistry, sometimes they come organically,” Pareja said. “As much as we want to coach and to be present on the trainings and create sequences, the best you can have on a team is this organic chemistry. It’s something that comes from their communion on the pitch. They’re finding those moments. They’re finding those things that are hard to explain, but they know, and I see it. We hope for those chemistries to continue.”

Ojeda made another exceptional pass in the 62nd minute to spring Angulo into the box. The winger fired but Ustari saved it.

Suarez tried for the spectacular in the 67th minute and he nearly pulled it off. After Muriel was taken down in the attacking third with no call, Inter Miami broke in transition. Spotting Gallese off his line, Suarez tried a long chip from midfield. Gallese hustled back and got his hand to the shot just a split second before it would have gone in. The Peruvian stayed down after crashing hard into the back of the goal but he was able to continue after receiving treatment.

“He did a huge save there, running back there and flicked it over in the last second,” Jansson said. “So, I’m super happy, super happy for him.”

Miami kept control of the ball for long stretches over the next 15 minutes, but the Orlando defense did well to avoid allowing scoring opportunities. The next good chance for either side after Gallese’s desperation save on Suarez came in the 82nd minute. Atuesta sent a great ball to spring Ojeda behind the line, but the forward smacked his shot off the right post, and the flag came up after the shot anyway.

Pasalic put the game away in the 89th minute. Freeman sent a good pass to send the Croatian up the right wing. Pasalic fired a shot that Ustari did well to save, but the ball came back to him. The winger sent the second attempt through a defender’s legs and just inside the left post on a terrific shot to make it 4-1 with his 11th goal of the season.

Freeman broke loose on the counter in the first minute of stoppage time, fighting through a defender and getting in on goal with some options. The fullback went for goal himself but fired his shot right at Ustari.

Tyrese Spicer, who had come on two minutes earlier to make his OCSC debut, showed what he could do in the second added minute, stealing the ball and racing down the left flank. Once he got to the final third, he laid a pass off for Ojeda, but the Argentine’s shot was right at Ustari, who made one final save.

Moments later, the final whistle blew on a decisive win for the Lions.

Orlando City finished with the advantage in shots (22-10), shots on target (12-5), corners (5-3), and passing accuracy (88.1%-84.3%). Miami finished with more possession (52.5%-47.5%).

“We feel great, obviously. Good game. Three points, keeping the streak intact. Never lost to them here,” Jansson said. “We know that we’re strong here when we play them. So, super thankful to our fans for coming out to the stadium. Electric tonight, incredible.”

Orlando City will be back in action on Saturday when the Lions host Sporting Kansas City.

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Lion Links: 12/15/25

Former Lion Mauricio Pereyra retires, Orlando City assistant coach Fabian Bazan departs the club, Americans abroad, and more.

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5 hours ago

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December 15, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you in Florida. I’ve been busy at work as we get close to Christmas and covered some high school bowling and basketball over the past week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Mauricio Pereyra Retires

Orlando City posted on social media over the weekend that former Orlando City captain and midfielder Mauricio Pereyra has retired from professional soccer.

Pereyra spent five seasons with Orlando City after joining the club from FC Krasnodar in 2019, scoring seven goals and adding 29 assists in 136 appearances across all competitions. The 35-year-old recently played for his former club, Nacional, in Uruguay. He also spent time at Lanus, and we here at The Mane Land wish him all the best in his retirement.

Orlando City Assistant Coach Fabian Bazan Departs After Six Seasons

Orlando City and Assistant Coach of Fitness and Performance Fabian Bazan have mutually agreed to part ways after six seasons. Orlando City announced the news Saturday. Bazan joined Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s coaching staff prior to the 2020 season after working with him at previous clubs since 2015. During his tenure, Bazan was part of Orlando City’s coaching staff during its successful run, winning the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, qualifying for two Concacaf Champions Cup tournaments, and making six consecutive MLS Cup playoff appearances.

Americans Abroad

Plenty of Americans were in action in Europe over the weekend. Christian Pulisic played 73 minutes for AC Milan in a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo, while Weston McKennie played a full 90 minutes as Juventus beat Bologna 1-0. Antonee Robinson made his return to the starting XI for Fulham and played a full 90 minutes as his side defeated Burnley 3-1 on the road. Two Americans squared off in Ligue 1 as Tim Weah and Marseille faced Folarin Balogun and AS Monaco Sunday. Both players played a full 90 minutes as Marseille edged Monaco 1-0. Ricardo Pepi became the first USMNT player to score in four straight appearances in all competitions in the Eredivisie since Aron Johannsson did it in 2013-2014, as PSV Eindhoven defeated Heracles Almelo 4-3. Tyler Adams and AFC Bournemouth will face Manchester United in Premier League action later today.

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  • A biopic film focusing on Orlando Pride forward Marta’s soccer journey is reportedly in development.
  • In local college soccer news, the Rollins College Tars fell 2-0 to Midwestern State in the NCAA Division II men’s soccer national championship. Meanwhile, the Florida Tech Panthers defeated Franklin Pierce 3-0 to win the NCAA Division II women’s soccer national championship over the weekend.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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Opinion

Encouraging Early Signs in Orlando City’s Off-Season

It’s early, but Orlando seems determined to reshape its roster for the better after a disappointing 2025 season.

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3 days ago

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December 12, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We still have a long way to go until opening day of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, and a lot of work needs to be completed on Orlando City’s roster between now and Feb. 21, but there have been some encouraging developments so far.

For starters, the club inked captain Robin Jansson to a new deal. That takes care of at least one of the starting center back positions, potentially two if David Brekalo partners him, with Adrian Marin or someone else sliding in at left back. Aside from filling an obvious positional need, it also returns a veteran who (if Kyle Smith isn’t re-signed) is the longest-tenured player on the team and is someone who has experience coming out of his ears. For a roster that is going to experience a fair amount of overhaul this offseason, having a constants is important, especially when it comes to leadership both on the field and in the locker room.

That brings to an end the confirmed news when it comes to incoming/returning players, but there have been plenty of rumors gaining traction when it comes to Orlando City making signings. Tom Bogert has had a lot to say about incoming Lions transfers this week, and all of them should be encouraging to Orlando fans. Mr. Scoops reported that OCSC is finalizing a deal to sign 20-year-old Brazilian winger Tiago as an MLS U22 Initiative player, while also mentioning that a deal to sign 18-year-old midfielder Luis Otavio is still in the works.

🟣🇧🇷 Sources: Orlando City finalizing a deal to sign winger Tiago (20) from Bahia. ESPN Brazil 1st.$4m fee. Joins via U-22 initiative.➕🇦🇷 Sources: Atlas nearing deal to sign Rodrigo Schlegel from Orlando. Orlando will sell for more than they signed him.www.nytimes.com/athletic/687…

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-12-10T14:34:49.629Z

Those would both be welcome signings, as Orlando needs capable bodies in central midfield behind presumable starters Eduard Atuesta and Wilder Cartagena. The fact that the Lions are reportedly shelling out $3.5 million to land Otavio suggests that if he can adapt well to his new surroundings, he might well push for more than just backup minutes before too long; and with Cartagena set to turn 32 in September, it’s good that Orlando is looking to find a young (eventual) replacement.

Then there’s Tiago, who will reportedly cost $4 million and is set to take up a valuable U22 Initiative slot. It’s no secret that the Lions badly needed more offensive production from the left winger position in 2025, and if/when Tiago does arrive, it presumably spells the end of Ivan Angulo’s time in Orlando while leaving the Brazilian and Tyrese Spicer to duke things out for a starting role.

That brings us to departures from the club. This week alone has seen young center back Thomas Williams traded to Nashville SC for the Coyotes’ first-round pick in the upcoming MLS SuperDraft, while Dagur Dan Thorhallson was traded to CF Montreal on Wednesday. The Lions got a tidy $500,000 in General Allocation Money for Dagur Dan, and while there was no player who immediately came the other way in the deal, that GAM will be very helpful in getting the club roster compliant for 2026. It’s no secret that the Lions are in the market for a new goalkeeper, and although Dayne St. Clair is probably too expensive, a guy like Carlos Coronel is a good fit on paper with Orlando City’s overwhelmingly South American stylings, but GAM will be needed to pay down a new face between the sticks.

It of course hurts to lose Thorhallsson, who was a capable and versatile servant during his time in Orlando, but the signing of Otavio and growth of Colin Guske, combined with what the (injured) Joran Gerbet showed in 2025, means that he was going to be a backup. Likewise, the emergence of Alex Freeman means he wasn’t going to be the starting right back, and even if Smith isn’t re-signed to be a backup fullback/utility man, the front office may feel that Zakaria Taifi is primed to take a step forward. We also can’t forget that the club has a whopping four first-round draft picks to play with this year and may look to find depth in that manner as well.

If you didn’t closely read the Bogert social media post earlier in this article, you may have missed the blurb at the end about OCSC closing in on a sale of Rodrigo Schlegel to Liga MX side Atlas. The fee is said to be in the neighborhood of $600,000, which means that Orlando will turn a profit on the center back. It’ll be a bittersweet parting if/when his departure becomes official. Schlegel has been an extremely capable backup center back for this team and has showed flashes of consistent starter-level play during the last several seasons, not to mention that save in a penalty shootout so many years ago.

The hard facts though, are that at 28 years of age, the Argentine defender isn’t likely to reach a significantly higher level of play than he’s at now, and his current level of play isn’t consistently at the required quality for a team with true championship aspirations. While it’ll be hard to say goodbye, the right decision at this point is probably to collect on your investment, and try to find either a young player that can be developed or an established veteran that’s a known MLS quantity.

Bogert has also stated that Orlando is in the mindset of wanting to move on from Luis Muriel. If the club is able to do so, it’ll free up a Designated Player spot while bringing an end to an experiment that showed plenty of promise, and wasn’t without its high points, but ultimately can’t be considered a successful one. After his hot start to 2025 faded into more of the inconsistency he displayed in 2024, it became clear that new blood at striker is needed, and it’s good to see that the front office feels the same way.

This isn’t all to say that the off-season has been a resounding success so far. After all, very little has actually been officially done to reshape the roster as of this writing. But there seem to be a number of moves nearing completion, and we’re hearing all the right things when it comes to areas of the field like goalkeeper and striker. Even if the players that get brought in don’t all work out, it’s just good to see that changes are in fact being made. The roster was mostly left intact after the 2024 season, and a lack of depth in several areas, combined with some unfortunate injury luck, doomed a once promising season.

It’s far too early to know whether or not the 2026 campaign will be better or not, but the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. So far, the early signs point to Lions’ fans not needing to worry about any such insanity this off-season. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/12/25

NWSL reportedly approves new roster mechanism, USMNT will play Senegal in May, USWNT second in FIFA rankings, and more.

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3 days ago

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December 12, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! Counting today, there are just 20 days left of 2025. This year has felt like forever, but I also can’t seem to wrap my head around 2026 being just around the corner. I’m hoping to knock out a majority of my errands over the next few days to help ease into the coming weeks. Let’s get to the links!

NWSL Reportedly Approves New Roster Mechanism

The biggest storyline of the NWSL off-season so far is where Trinity Rodman will be playing next year, making the salary cap a notable talking point. The league’s NWSL Board of Governors reportedly approved a roster mechanism that would allow clubs to pay certain star players beyond the current salary cap. Clubs would be able to pay “High Impact Players” up to $1 million over the salary cap, with only a portion of that salary being a cap hit.

In order for players to qualify as a High Impact Player, they would have to meet commercial and sporting benchmarks. It’s a similar concept to Designated Players in MLS, with the limit to how much NWSL clubs can go over the cap being the biggest difference. All in all, this would help NWSL clubs compete with offers from clubs abroad for the league’s top players.

USMNT Will Face Senegal in May

The United States Men’s National Team will host Senegal on May 31 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for its penultimate game before the World Cup. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations and it should be a good match between the U.S. and one of the top African teams. Senegal is currently ranked 19th in the FIFA men’s rankings and went undefeated in World Cup qualifying, winning seven games. Following this match, the USMNT will take on Germany in Chicago on June 6 for its send-off match before the tournament.

USWNT Remains Second in FIFA Rankings

The latest FIFA women’s rankings were released and the United States Women’s National Team maintained its spot in second place, although the gap between it and first-place Spain has widened. The U.S. won four of its five games this past window, but still lost points due to its 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Oct. 22. Spain benefitted from beating Sweden and Germany en route to winning the UEFA Nations League. Brazil, which beat England, Italy, and Portugal, moved up a spot to sixth in the rankings. Meanwhile, Canada fell to 10th after losing all four of its games.

Europa League Roundup

The latest round of Europa League action wrapped up and six teams have secured a spot in at least the knockout stage. Lyon, Midtjylland, and Aston Villa all won and are tied at the top with 15 points, while Real Betis, Freiburg, and Ferencvaros were victorious to remain unbeaten and claim spots in the next round as well. Roma edged closer to qualifying by beating Celtic 3-0, and Nottingham Forest also picked up three points after winning 2-1 against Utrecht in the Netherlands. Only two matchdays remain in the league phase and things are still far from certain for most clubs, which should set up for a fun finish next month.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

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