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Orlando City vs. CF Montreal: Five Takeaways

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2 years ago

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Hello, Mane Landers, My name is Adrian and I am excited to write my first article for you all on The Mane Land. What a game it was to write my first article on. Let’s get right to it!

Orlando City shut out CF Montreal 2-0 on Decision Day to earn a spot in the 2021 MLS playoffs. In the final meeting of the season between the two sides, Orlando City went on the road to get their first win against CF Montreal in the season series, finishing 1-1-1 against the Canadian side.

Here are my five takeaways from the dramatic final match of the season.

Gallese’s Big Saves Earned Him the Shutout

Pedro Gallese came to play, as he has shown he is capable of all season, in this all-important game when the team needed him the most. His biggest save came at the 20-minute mark, when Djordje Mihailovic got the ball to Joaquin Torres at the top of the box. Emmanuel Mas whiffed on the challenge and gave Torres room to take a one-on-one shot at goal. Gallese was quick off his line and was able to cut off Torres’ shot, making huge save for Orlando to clear the danger and keep the score level at zero apiece. Here is a look at the save that kept Orlando City alive early on.

Gallese went on to defend his goal for the rest of the match and made three saves en route to earning his seventh clean sheet of the season.

Jansson Made His Presence Felt on Both Sides of The Field

Robin Jansson came up big against the Montreal forwards throughout the match. He made a big sliding tackle in the 15th minute to clear the ball out from the center of Orlando’s box, disrupting that initial attack. He also finished with two tackles, two interceptions, five clearances and two blocked shots on the defensive end. Jansson remained a key figure in disrupting the Montreal attackers but he also contributed to Orlando’s own attacking chances. The Swede’s first chance came from a set piece free kick when Mauricio Pereyra touched the ball over to Jansson, who struck a low ball towards goal that beat Montreal goalkeeper Sebastian Breza but hit the right post and stayed out. Jansson had another chance at the top of the box in the first half with a shot that was heading towards goal but was blocked by Rudy Camacho and instead earned a corner kick for Orlando. The defender has had a knack for getting himself in the attack as of late, scoring three goals on the season. Jansson has also become a set piece free kick option for Head Coach Oscar Pareja, as he has been in the mix for the long-range free kicks for the power he puts on the ball.

Pereyra Plays the Facilitator

With Nani out of the starting lineup for this match, it meant that the attack would need to come from other players on the field. Pereyra stepped up to this role nicely as Orlando City looked to get the ball to him to set up the attack going forward. From getting the ball wide into space for Benji Michel or Silvester van der Water to feeding Daryl Dike up the middle, Pereyra was there from the start of the attacking chances and was always looking for the best option to connect his passes to. He finished with three key passes, an accurate cross, and went three for three with his long-ball attempts. Pereyra ended the match with one shot on target of his own on a nice free kick effort.

Mendez’s First Goal Came in a Big Moment

What a way to get your first goal for the club and to do it in style. Sebas Mendez did just that in the 55th minute when Camacho had a poor clearing attempt land right at Mendez’s feet just outside the area. The Ecuadorian took advantage of his space and put an absolute stunner in the upper 90 at the back post and into the back of the net to give Orlando its first goal of the night. This goal was just what the team needed and ended up being the game winner for Orlando. The defensive-minded Mendez will surely get a boost of confidence from the goal heading into the playoffs as he has had an up and down season due to injuries.

Dike Rewarded For His Hustle

Throughout the game, Dike used his size and strength to be physical against the opposing Montreal players while the ball was at his feet, but at some cost. The first instance where his physicality put his body on the line to give Orlando an advantage was when he was fouled early in the match by Samuel Piette and took a hard fall on his shoulder after receiving the ball at the top of the Montreal box. The play set up Pereyra for the free kick on which he nearly scored. Dike was also met with the studs-up sliding challenge from Camacho, drawing a straight red card from match referee Armando Villarreal. This was a huge break for Orlando as Montreal was starting to ramp up its attack and it hindered the hosts’ chances at getting back into the match. Despite the punishment Dike was taking, he was rewarded nicely for his efforts in the 86th minute. Dike received a perfect through ball from Ruan, pushed it to the side to separate from the defender on his back — and the oncoming rush from the keeper — and put in the dagger for Montreal’s chances, solidifying Orlando’s lead, and helping Orlando City reach the playoffs.

This was a statement win for Orlando City on Decision Day and guarantees Orlando one more game. What else caught your attention from this thrilling win north of the border? Let us know in the comments below!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati: Three Keys to Victory

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

Published

15 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City looks to bounce back from the disappointing 2-1 loss to Toronto FC Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. Cincinnati has twice as many points as Orlando City and more than twice as many wins. FCC has only scored one more goal than Orlando City, but with only nine goals conceded compared to Orlando City’s 17, it’s easy to see why Cincinnati is sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference.

What I’m trying to say is that the task doesn’t get any easier this weekend. What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against FC Cincinnati?

Accost Acosta

Cincinnati’s attack revolves around Luciano Acosta. The attacking midfielder has four goals and five assists so far this season. To put that into perspective, Duncan McGuire — Orlando City’s leading scorer — also has four goals but only one assist. If we look at the Lions’ attacking midfielders, Facundo Torres has one goal and one assist, Ivan Angulo and Nico Lodeiro both have one goal and two assists, and Martin Ojeda has zero goals and only one assist. Luis Muriel is still at double zeroes.

The defensive midfield and the back line must do everything possible to mark him out of the match. It’s not enough to keep him from scoring, they must also keep him from setting up chances for his teammates. Most importantly, the defense must do that for 90 minutes plus stoppage time. There is no room for the mental lapses we’ve seen throughout the first part of this season.

Break Through

Cincinnati is stingy on defense. As I mentioned above, the club has only allowed nine goals this season. The back line is formidable with the likes of Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson, and Ian Murphy. On the wings are DeAndre Yedlin and Luca Orellano. This is a tough defense, and whether it is McGuire or Muriel who gets the start, they must find the spaces in between.

Just as importantly, Torres, Angulo, Ojeda, and Lodeiro — depending on who is in at any given moment — must be able to thread the passes in for McGuire, Muriel, or each other to create quality chances. On top of that, the Lions must convert on those chances, which is not something that has been a strength so far this season. If the Orlando City defense continues to give up cheap goals, then the offense will need to one-up the competition when it comes to scoring.

Deal with an Unknown

FC Cincinnati recently signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk. Kelsy comes in as an MLS U22 Initiative player and is eligible to play against Orlando City. Even though Kelsy is only 19, he has 68 professional appearances, including UEFA Champions Leagues matches. At 6-foot-3, he can be a challenge for defenders, especially in the air.

Kelsy hasn’t had much time with the team, but he could be a second-half substitution for Cincinnati. Given that Orlando City just gave up two late headers against Toronto FC, the back line will need to be careful that Kelsy doesn’t hurt the Lions in the same manner — especially if he comes on late when legs and minds are tired.

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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

Published

19 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 1, 2024

By

,
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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