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Intelligence Report: Orlando City at Atlanta United

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8 years ago

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It’s Round 3 of the season series between Orlando City and Atlanta United — a storied MLS rivalry that goes all the way back to July.

The Lions travel up the road to the Peach State to take on Don Garber’s second-favorite team (NYCFC is first) and the club the league’s pundits love to gush about while Toronto FC continues to pound everyone up north in relative anonymity.

Orlando City needs points in bunches and they only come three at a time, so the Lions will have to play the game until the final whistle to avoid the late gut punch of the first two meetings. Personally, I’d be OK with the Albanians from the Taken movies abducting Hector Villalba in the 70th minute. But I digress.

Here again to give us the latest about AUFC is Haris Kruskic of Dirty South Soccer. I also answered his questions and you can find those over at their place.

Orlando City and Atlanta United have played some tight matches so far. Where are we with the whole “rivalry” thing after only two head-to-head matches?

Haris Kruskic: I think both results were crazy enough, both clubs were physical enough, and both fan bases were mean enough during the first two matches that this can finally turn into a true rivalry. Throughout the buildup to the two previous matches, I noticed MLS try and build up a rivalry between the clubs almost out of nothing on social media. That really bothered me because it didn’t seem natural at all. Just because two teams are close to one another doesn’t make them rivals. However, I think the dislike between the two clubs is becoming genuine in all aspects I mentioned before: crazy results, physical play among the teams, and two utterly annoying fan bases. I say “annoying” with love.

Games in hand are something that Atlanta has. The obvious fact is that those extra games provide more opportunities to gain points, which is 100% true. The less obvious one is that a more congested schedule down the stretch of a long season could be problematic. How are Atlanta fans and the team viewing this final stretch of the season?

HK: They’re happy because Atlanta plays six straight at home (they’ve already played two of those) and the fans hadn’t seen them play in Atlanta since the last meeting with Orlando. United is a much different side at home, and they really seem to be enjoying themselves on the bigger pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Yes, a congested schedule is always a bit of a concern when one considers the lack of rest, training time, and a potential increase in injuries. However, until there’s an immediate cause for concern, Atlanta supporters are happy at the moment.

What’s Atlanta’s weakest link right now and if you put your coach’s hat on, what would you do to stop the team’s attack and attack the team’s defense?

HK: Atlanta’s weakest link is how I would stop their attack and attack their defense. It doesn’t matter how many goals they’ve scored this season. When teams like D.C. United (who we’ve lost to three times this season) bunker down and put 11 men behind the ball, Atlanta has been incapable of breaking them down. I still think the “Liverpool of MLS” is a good comparison until Atlanta proves me wrong.

If teams don’t give play makers like Miguel Almiron, Josef Martinez, and Hector Villalba space to create, they pressure the ball off them and catch Atlanta’s back line out of position with the counter-attack because of how attack-minded Tata Martino tends to be. Now, perhaps that’s why bigger pitches are so favorable for Atlanta. It’s much harder to continuously put pressure on all of their attackers when they have acres to work with.

Sure it’s not sexy soccer if you’re the opposing side, but it’s proven to be effective.

Injuries?/Suspensions?/Projected starting XI?/Score prediction?

HK: Injuries: Kenwyne Jones, Alec Kann, Zach Loyd.

Suspensions: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Projected Starting XI (4-3-3): Brad Guzan; Mikey Ambrose, Anton Walkes, Michael Parkhurst, Tyrone Mears; Carlos Carmona, Jeff Larentowicz, Miguel Almiron; Yamil Asad, Hector Villalba, Josef Martinez.

Score Prediction: 3-2 Atlanta. 

Big thanks to Haris from Dirty South Soccer for returning to give us more perspective on Atlanta United.

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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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17 hours 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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

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

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