Connect with us

Orlando City

Orlando City vs. CF Montreal: Five Takeaways

Published

3 years ago

on

Orlando City is a difficult team to beat on opening day but, entering yesterday, the Lions also typically don’t find a way to win their first game, either. That looked to be the case again after a scoreless first half that didn’t produce many big moments from the hosts or visiting CF Montreal. But Alexandre Pato and Benji Michel scored 10 minutes apart to give Orlando control en route to the 2-0 win.

Here is what I took away from the first match of Orlando City’s 2022 season.

You’ll Get Nothing and Like It!

Orlando opponents have not scored a goal on opening day since Oscar Pareja took over. The Lions earned back-to-back scoreless draws in the season opener against Real Salt Lake (2020) and Atlanta United (2021) before Montreal came to town Sunday. The visitors had only a couple of decent looks at goal all day as the defense and the trio of central midfielders — Cesar Araujo, Andres Perea, and substitute Junior Urso — spent most of the match keeping the visiting attack toothless and anything that got through them was dealt with by the back line.

The Lions allowed eight total shot attempts. Orlando blocked three of them and Pedro Gallese only had to make two saves — both were shots from the top of the area or further out. Just two Montreal shots came from inside the area. One was blocked by Moutinho early in the second half and the other came from a severe angle by Romell Quioto from left of goal. Montreal’s expected goals (xG) total for the game was just 0.5.

You don’t score on Pareja’s Lions in the season opener in Exploria Stadium.

The Importance of Pato

Pato was named the club’s Man of the Match for his performance and it was deserving. He was easily the best attacking player on the pitch for either side, making smart runs, drawing defenders out of position, laying passes off for teammates in better situations, and, of course, scoring his first MLS goal. Pato finished with three shots and two on target to lead Orlando in both categories, and he also led in key passes (2). His 73.3% passing rate doesn’t sound great but he attempted many of those in the final third and he completed his only long ball attempt. Pato showed his intelligence with a smart play in the defensive half late in the game, heading a ball back to Gallese from distance to take pressure off and restart the possession. He also chipped in a pair of clearances. It was a good overall game for the Brazilian, who can truly shine with Orlando if he stays healthy in 2022.

Urso’s Introduction Changed the Game

Perea is a good young midfielder who continues to seek out the right positions on the field and he looks to have a bright future. But several plays throughout the first half broke down when he made questionable decisions or poor passes in the attack, or he was dispossessed in buildup play. Pareja withdrew the young midfielder at halftime and sent Urso into the match. The Brazilian made an impact early and often. His anticipation led to the play that resulted in the second Orlando goal and he did well to hold the ball up and draw fouls from the opposition to maintain possession throughout the second 45 minutes. Hopefully Perea can learn some of the Bear’s tricks, so he can take the next step in his development.

Antonio Carlos Doesn’t Need Preseason

If Pato wasn’t the best player on the field Sunday afternoon, then it was probably Orlando center back Antonio Carlos. The Brazilian was a monster after missing most of the preseason due to visa issues and went the full 90. AC finished the game with a whopping nine clearances to go along with two tackles and an interception. He held Romell Quioto in check, frustrating and aggravating the Honduran international into eventually getting sent off. He also made some nifty moves when playing out of the back to break the first line of Montreal’s press. He completed 93% of his passes and four of his five long ball attempts. It was a big day for AC.

New Kids on the Block Won’t Sit

Pareja wasted no time getting his new players on the pitch. Facu Torres was an obvious starter since the day the team signed him, but U22 Initiative midfielder Cesar Araujo starting ahead of Sebas Mendez raised a few eyebrows. Ercan Kara started the game on the bench after missing a good chunk of preseason with a sprained ankle. It was nice that he could make his MLS debut in the 69th minute, although the game was basically decided by then and things got a bit chaotic after Robin Jansson was sent off, leaving each team a man down. Torres and Araujo were involved all game long and look to be settling into the side. Kara made a sick play with his first touch, back-heeling a long aerial pass perfectly into the path of a midfield teammate. The new guys can play and it looks like they are going to see the field a lot.

That’s what stood out to me in the Lions’ season-opening win over Montreal. Let me know what caught your eye in the comments section below.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

Published

3 hours ago

on

June 6, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

Free Kicks

  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

1 day ago

on

June 5, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

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

Continue Reading

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.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 4, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending