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Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC, U.S. Open Cup: Final Score 1-0 as Lions Crash Out of the Competition

The Lions continued to fail miserably at getting the ball on target and to avoid crippling mistakes in their own end.

Published

12 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City will not repeat as U.S. Open Cup champions. The Lions crashed meekly out of the competition in their first match without even getting one lousy shot on target in a 1-0 loss to Charlotte FC at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, NC. Kamil Jozwiak came off the bench to score the game’s only goal off a costly giveaway deep in his own end by fullback Mikey Halliday.

Three nights after getting just two shots on frame at Montreal, the Lions couldn’t even get one out of 11 attempts within the perimeter of the goal mouth. Charlotte mustered only six attempts all night but got four of them on frame and managed to get one past Mason Stajduhar to pick up the win.

“We came with the highest intentions to defend the cup, and obviously advance, but it was not like that,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “The game was just getting us frustrated with the options that we had to tie it up and just making a mistake that was costly. We couldn’t get the result and we’re very disappointed.”

Pareja ran out a mixed starting XI, including Stajduhar in goal behind a back line of Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Halliday. Cesar Araujo and Felipe played in the central midfield behind an attacking line of Gaston Gonzalez, Facundo Torres, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, with Duncan McGuire up top.

The first half was just about unwatchable from a spectator’s point of view. The game was often plodding, and neither side did much with the ball — especially Orlando. The Lions were content with trying to stay organized and looking for opportunities to counter, but then rarely moved the ball quickly or accurately enough when they regained possession. Meanwhile, the hosts were kicking the ball around a lot but not producing anything from it.

Orlando City’s best opportunity came four minutes in, when Torres slipped Thorhallsson into the area but the Icelandic midfielder took an extra touch and then was dispossessed by the arriving defense without getting a shot off.

The best chance for either side in the first half came at 13 minutes, when McKinze Gaines blew past Santos and fired from a tight angle. Stajduhar was there to make a good reaction save and the ball skipped through the six-yard box and out for a goal kick before any Charlotte attackers could arrive.

Charlotte and Orlando got a bit chippy at times, with Brandt Bronico booked for a heavy challenge on Felipe and Araujo booked for a fairly innocuous arm up on an aerial in the attacking penalty box. Former Lion Justin Meram got into a shoving match with McGuire in the aftermath of the booking but nothing came of what amounted to just a lot of bluster.

Felipe went down with a knock in the 43rd minute and took his shoe off but quickly put it back on and soldiered through to halftime while noticeably limping in order to save his team a substitution window. Wilder Cartagena came on for him after the break.

That was about it for a dull opening 45 minutes.

Charlotte finished the first half with more possession (60.2%-39.8%), passing accuracy (84.3%-80%), and shots on target (1-0), with Orlando earning more corners (3-2), and both teams attempting one shot in the opening 45 minutes. It was not the kind of game you show a friend to get them excited about the game of soccer.

The hosts came out of the locker room swarming to try to grab the lead. Jaylin Lindsey’s cross found Enzo Copetti in front of goal and Stajduhar made the save of the match to get his hand on the powerful header in the opening minute of the second half.

It took Orlando a few minutes of withstanding set pieces and recycled attacking crosses into the area before the Lions could settle into the second 45 minutes. McGuire was nearly sent in behind in the 50th minute but Kristijan Kahlina quickly came out of his box to head the ball away.

McGuire thought he’d scored in the 57th minute but the whistle blew for a foul on the Orlando rookie striker. The play came from another good long ball, as McGuire tried to get to the outside around defender Jan Sobocinski. The Charlotte center back appeared to lose his balance before any contact was made, and McGuire slotted his shot just inside the right post. McGuire did get a hand to Sobocinski’s shoulder, but hardly was able to use the defender as leverage, but that didn’t matter because the ref saw a foul there. It might have made for an interesting video review had there been VAR in the match, although it’s hard to say that there was an error that was clear and obvious (whatever that even means).

The game turned in Charlotte’s favor in the 70th minute on an unnecessary turnover. Halliday tried to head a pass backward but didn’t get any power to it and turned it over to Karol Swiderski. Schlegel tried to put out the fire by fouling Swiderski, but the ball was picked up by Kamil Jozwiak, who beat Araujo to it. Jansson stepped up and got a foot on the ball, but it took an unlucky bounce after the contact, and Jozwiak was suddenly behind the defense with the ball, chipping it over Stajduhar for the opening goal.

“First of all, we have to get rid of the ball and don’t put us in situations like that,” Jansson said. Just kick the ball away and just go for the next ball. I think their striker got it and went to the center of the field. I came in, in the PK box, and I tried to do everything not to cause a penalty but then it bounced back to him — how you say, the feet against the feet — then he luckily got the bounce with him. So yeah, it’s it’s a bad one.”

Orlando City should have pulled the goal right back when Derrick Jones lost control of the ball in front of his own net moments later. The ball found McGuire in front with a ton of space to shoot but he rushed his shot, got his feet all wrong, and missed what should have been an easy sitter in the 72nd minute. Just a minute later, second-half sub Ivan Angulo lifted a cross through the area that should have given fellow substitute Martin Ojeda an easy header at the back post, but the pass was too high.

In the 82nd minute, a long throw from Araujo skipped to the feet of Torres. The Uruguayan fired wide as the inexplicable run of misses continued.

As time wound down, Angulo sent a low shot in that deflected out off of McGuire and moments later the winger fired again but sent his effort sailing over the bar on yet another wasteful attempt.

The final whistle was typical of the game. Kahlina had a goal kick, took nearly 30 seconds setting it up, and the ref blew the whistle at precisely the four minutes of stoppage time he’d given. That was the 2023 U.S. Open Cup as far as Orlando City is concerned.

Orlando finished with more possession (50.5%-49.5%), shots (11-6), and passing accuracy (80.8%-79.5%). Both teams won four corners. But the telling statistic was shots on target, where Charlotte held a 4-0 advantage, and once again the Lions are left wondering how they can at least worry a goalkeeper once in a while.

“It’s a frustrating one and yeah, it has to be better than that,” Jansson said of the team’s performance.

“At this point it is difficult with a speech to fix the things,” Pareja said when asked what he told his team after the match. “I think we have to absorb it. We are a professional soccer club and we are professionals that need to think first. We need to calm down. We have a turnaround pretty quick. We have a game in three days, and if you want it or not, we have to rescue all the good things that we had in the game.”

The Lions will continue their road trip after a brief stop home, visiting the Columbus Crew on Saturday night.

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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

Get the inside scoop on Toronto FC ahead of Saturday’s match.

Published

10 hours ago

on

April 26, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Another Orlando City matchday is almost upon us, and the Lions will try to extend a four-game unbeaten streak Saturday night and finish off an undefeated month of April. OCSC will do so back in the comfortable confines of home, as Toronto FC travels south for the first of two games between the teams this season.

A visit from Toronto means I caught up with Tomas Karageorgos of Waking the Red. As usual, he was very helpful in bringing us up to speed on TFC ahead of the upcoming match.

This is John Herdman’s first year in charge of Toronto. What sort of style does the team play under him?

Tomas Karageorgos: John Herdman plays a variation of a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation that prefers to build plays out of the back. Herdman also relies on his center midfielders to win possession back and push the ball to either flank. German striker Prince Owusu’s constant pressure on opposing defenses has caused some turnovers in TFC’s favor. Owusu’s style of play has not only helped his teammates but himself as well — he has scored five goals in the club’s last six matches.

Run me through some of the additions and departures that took place during the off-season. Who are some new faces to keep an eye on?

TK: The four major additions that the club made was signing defensive midfielders Deiby Flores and Matty Longstaff; Canadian fullback Richie Laryea is back for a third time; and Irish center back Kevin Long. Flores has been described as a dog in the sense of not being afraid to get stuck into tough challenges. Longstaff was signed from Newcastle United and is beginning to play consistent minutes — he still has room to grow as he’s a young player. Long was signed from Birmingham City and has been a rock in the center of the back three. A strong aerial presence and calmness has helped to contribute to Toronto’s six clean sheets across all competitions this season. There’s not much to say about Laryea that hasn’t been said, he’s arguably the best defender in MLS when healthy. Another underrated signing was French defender Nicksoen Gomis from Sheffield United, he has had quiet-yet-consistent performances. Notable departures include Salvadoran goalkeeper Tomás Romero, Norwegian striker Adama Diomande, and club legend Michael Bradley, who retired at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

TFC has quite the list of injured players at the moment. Who has been filling in for the missing faces, and how have they looked?

TK: Lorenzo Insigne, Richie Laryea, and Shane O’Neill continue to miss action due to thigh injuries. Midfielder Brandon Servania is slated to return during the middle of the season as he is recovering from knee surgery. First overall draft pick Tyrese Spicer has filled in for Insigne and has two goals in his account for the club — he has a high work rate on both sides of the ball. Canadian youngster Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is gaining more experience on the right side while Laryea is sidelined. Gomis and Sigurd Rosted have been taking turns covering O’Neill, and Alonso Coello is continuing to build on an impressive first season with the club in the absence of Servania.

Which players will be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

TK: The names I noted above who are injured will be unavailable. Also, attacker Deandre Kerr is listed as questionable.

Predicted starting XI: Sean Johnson; Nickeson Gomis, Kevin Long, Sigurd Rosted; Tyrese Spicer, Alonso Coello, Deybi Flores, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty; Jonathan Osorio, Federico Bernardeschi, Prince Owusu.

Score prediction: 1-1. 

Thank you to Tomas for his insight into Toronto FC. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/26/24

Orlando City gets ready for Toronto FC, Thiago Silva linked with Orlando, Marta announces international retirement, and more.

Published

14 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad it’s Friday. It’s been a bit of a brutal week for me, but the weekend is nearly upon us, and I plan on spending it with my family for my dad’s birthday. I’m also hoping to find some time to read the new book that came out this week from my favorite author, Emily Henry. For now though, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Prepares for Toronto FC

After a shaky start to the season, the Lions are unbeaten in their past four games and can make it five when they host Toronto FC Saturday night. Toronto has lost three of its past four games, but is coming off of a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. In the time since Oscar Pareja took over as head coach, Orlando City has won six of its seven games against Toronto. It will be the first meeting between the two with John Herdman at the helm of Toronto, so we will see if the trend of recent Orlando dominance continues. It should be a great game and is another opportunity for the Lions to climb up the table.

Thiago Silva Linked With Orlando City

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva’s contract with Chelsea ends this summer and Orlando City was mentioned as one of many reported clubs interested in signing him. Beyond the surface-level facts that Silva is an incredibly talented defender and Orlando City is a popular landing spot for South Americans who want to play in MLS, the move would not make much sense. The club signed David Brekalo this off-season and Rodrigo Schlegel is a solid option off the bench as well. Even if Orlando does want Silva, there will be plenty of competition. Returning to Fluminense is the expected choice, but Silva could stay in Europe or make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Marta Will Retire From National Team After 2024

Orlando Pride star Marta announced that 2024 will be her last year playing for Brazil. You will need a translating tool for more of the details from her interview with CNN, but she spoke on how she’s at peace with her decision to stop playing at the international level once the year is over. She made her international debut in 2002 and has since played in five Olympics for Brazil. Marta may play in her sixth this summer, and there would be global attention to see one of the greatest players ever to lead Brazil one last time. Her contract with the Pride also ends after this season, but only time will tell if this is her final season in Orlando.

Orlando’s Academy Teams Get Results Against New England

With the Generations Adidas Cup behind them, Orlando City’s U-17 and U-15 teams earned some important points against the New England Revolution’s youth squads. The U-15 team dominated New England in a 4-1 result that included a hat trick from Jakob Garcia. The match between the U-17 sides was a closer affair, as they split the points in a 1-1 draw. Orlando’s teams will play again tomorrow, with a pair of home games against Nashville SC.

Free Kicks

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

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over Toronto FC Saturday at home?

Published

1 day ago

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April 25, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

After a successful, four-point road trip, Orlando City returns from Montreal to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium to face one of the other Canadian clubs, Toronto FC. The Lions are hoping to add to a four-match unbeaten streak. A win offers the opportunity to take another step up the standings.

What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against Toronto FC?

No Early Mistakes

In the last three matches, Orlando City has conceded the first goal of the match. Worse than that, each of those goals happened within the first 21 minutes. Yes, coming from behind for two draws and one win is good, but not giving up those early goals may have meant three wins instead.

Last season, Orlando City’s defense was good. We didn’t see nearly so many mental mistakes by the defense, especially so early in the match. What is frustrating is that these mistakes were seemingly preventable. The back line, the defensive midfielders, and Pedro Gallese need to tighten up in the early going so that the Lions are not chasing the match so early on.

Take Advantage of Tired Legs

Toronto FC played a match against Simcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship tournament on Wednesday. I’m in no way saying that Toronto trotted out their first choice lineup for the match, but even if only some of the players got a run out, that could create some tired legs for the match against Orlando. Add in the travel from Canada to Florida on short rest and it could be good news for the Lions.

If the Lions can possess the ball and make Toronto FC chase them, or if Orlando can get the first goal (see above) so that Toronto is chasing the match as well, it might pay dividends in the second half. Orlando City is good enough in the passing game to do so, though it will be interesting to see whether Martin Ojeda rejoins the starting lineup or if Nico Lodeiro gets the nod again.

One Down, Two to Go

Facundo Torres was the first of Orlando City’s three Designated Players to score a goal in the regular season. While it didn’t come in the run of play, it might still spark him to add some more since he usually starts slow and then catches fire at about this point in the season. Of course, both Luis Muriel and Ojeda contributed to the scoring against Montreal. Muriel drew the penalty that Torres took, and Ojeda provided the assist to Ivan Angulo.

Now it is time for either Muriel or Ojeda — or both — to join Torres on the scoreboard. Standing in their way will be a good keeper in Sean Johnson. So far this season, he has allowed seven goals and has 22 saves, with three clean sheets. Muriel seems to be getting closer to scoring with each shot taken, and Ojeda has missed some close ones. If all three of Orlando City’s Designated Players can start scoring regularly, this team will become dangerous quickly.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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