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Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New England Revolution

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8 years ago

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Orlando City returns from a 1-2-1 road trip to host the New England Revolution tonight as the Lions look to bounce back from a rough Sunday night in Portland. The big question of late is whether City can finish the game with 11 players on the field. Let’s hope so.

Our friend Jake Catanese from The Bent Musket returns yet again to provide all the info we need on New England. I also answered his questions, which you can catch over at their place.

Since our teams last played, Jay Heaps was fired in New England. What is the prevailing thought on that among Revs fans and is everyone downplaying the team’s success at home in comparison to the club’s road record?

Jake Catanese: Okay, as for the first part, I don’t think anyone is surprised that Jay Heaps is no longer the coach of the Revs. However, even after a disastrous road trip that involved a 7-0 loss with nine men to Atlanta United and a 3-1 loss to Sporting KC with 10 men, most everyone thought the Revs would let Heaps see out the year and dismiss him at the end of the season. 

Personally, I think the Revs are trying to salvage what’s left of 2017 and I really don’t see why. The team is winless on the road, four points back of the New York Red Bulls with only four games to play and RBNY has a game in hand as well. I doubt this team as a sixth seed could go on the road and win a game at Atlanta (maybe they could beat NYCFC at Yankee Stadium, that’s about it), so at best New England would be a one and done team this year and that would be failure as far as most of the fan base is concerned. This is a team that is underachieving and even with the organizational problems the Revs have that I don’t have time to get into now, I think this is a team that should make the playoffs.

Now, about the horrendous road record. The Revs have problems on the road because they’re bad at pure defending or bunkering. Like, really, really bad. They’ve scored first and blown leads, they were up 3-0 in Seattle late and allowed a tie, and tried to sit back against Atlanta and that plan lasted all of about 90 seconds. This is a team that needs to be attacking, or counter-attacking, at all times to be successful and take pressure off what is still an unsettled back line. 

The Revs have a grand total three draws for three points on the road this year and yes, that is essentially the reason why this team will miss the playoffs. The disparity between the Revs’ record at home versus their record at home is beyond staggering to the point of near incomprehensibility. If New England were in the West, they’d have the same number of points at home (35) as Sporting KC, who has the best home record in that conference. I don’t think anyone is downplaying how much worse on the road the Revs are, but the question is why? It can’t all be tactics. Surely by accident the Revs could’ve won a game on the road, but yes, Heaps has done some strange tactical subs late in matches that didn’t help his cause. 

At the end of the day, if the Revs had just two wins on the road they’d be in a playoff race. I’m not sure beating a struggling Orlando City team midweek is any indication things are changing but I’ll take what I can get. It’s been a long year.

Did anything change in terms of shape or personnel in the wake of the Heaps firing?

JC: No, but the key for New England last week was bringing Lee Nguyen off the bench in the second half and, if we’re being honest, that’s really, really unfair to the rest of the league. Of course Nguyen had an impact off the bench, scoring once and assisting on the winner. But the basic formations are the same, it’s 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 Diamond formation the Revs have played all year. They’ve been leaning more towards the 4-2-3-1 look without Kelyn Rowe and it was Juan Agudelo who started as the No. 10/CAM role with Nguyen on the bench against Toronto FC. 

If we assume that Lee is back and fully healthy, I expect him to start, which leaves one of Kei Kamara, Agudelo, Diego Fagundez and Teal Bunbury on the bench.

With Jonathan Spector out on suspension Wednesday, can we get you to leave Kei Kamara at home?

JC: Absolutely not, you’ll just have to find figure out a way to deal with Kamara in the box. I will add that the Revs are usually bad at crosses from the run of play and in regular buildup play, and they can get one dimensional at times. Just feeding Kamara crosses from the wing is not a recipe for success for the New England attack. They really want to counter and have Kei occupy multiple defenders to allow someone else — a Nguyen, Fagundez, etc. — more space to create something. 

That being said, Kei still scores goals and apparently likes to score them against OCSC and he’s the Revs’ leading scorer this year. I have a feeling he’ll start.

Injuries?/Suspensions?/Projected starting XI?/Final score prediction?

JC: Kelyn Rowe is out injured, still on the mend from a knee sprain he suffered a month ago. Lee Nguyen and Xavier Kouassi came off the bench against Toronto but are off the injury report this week. Krisztian Nemeth is back from his red card suspension for the elbow at SKC a week ago.

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Cody Cropper; Andrew Farrell, Claude Dielna, Antonio Delamea, Benjamin Angoua; Xavier Kouassi, Scott Caldwell; Juan Agudelo, Lee Nguyen, Teal Bunbury; Kei Kamara.

I think the Revs rotate a few positions because of the midweek game but nothing drastically different. Farrell’s played a few games at left back already, and the options the Revs have at holding mid and up front give them some luxury but it’s also a must-win game I think if the Revs have any shot a keeping the playoffs alive.

Prediction: As always, a 2-2 draw.

Big thanks to Jake from The Bent Musket for stopping by and helping us learn more about this weekend’s opponent.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/3/25

Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

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33 minutes ago

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April 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!

Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials

Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.

Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty

Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.

Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.

USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season

American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

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  • Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
  • San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
  • New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
  • El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
  • Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

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That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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