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2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Robin Jansson

Robin Jansson was a rock in the Orlando City back line in 2023.

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1 year ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City acquired Robin Jansson early in the 2019 MLS season and the center back has become a key part of the club’s success over the past five years. The Swede signed a two-year extension in 2021 with options for 2023 and 2024. The club announced after the 2023 season the exercising of his option for next year, keeping the vice captain on the team for a sixth season in purple.

Jansson was injured late in the 2022 season, requiring foot surgery. However, he came back stronger than ever in 2023 with one of his best seasons for Orlando City. Once again, he was one of the most dependable players in the team, playing a crucial role all year long. 

Let’s take a look at Jansson’s impressive 2023 season.

Statistical Breakdown

Jansson played in all 34 regular-season games for the Lions this past season, starting 31 and playing 2,880 minutes. He was a problem for offenses across the league, recording 23 interceptions, 91 clearances, 31 blocks; winning 59.2% of his duels; and recording a success rate of 50% by winning 12 of 24 tackle attempts. In the attack, he took four shots with none on target, so he didn’t score any goals. He completed 1,380 of his 1,613 passes (85.5%), including 107 longs balls and six key passes, but he did not record an assist. Jansson’s tendency to receive unnecessary bookings has been a problem for the defender, but he kept his cool in 2023, only getting booked five times and not receiving any red cards. Additionally, he drew 21 fouls and committed 18.

As one of Orlando City’s most important players, Jansson played every minute of the club’s MLS Cup playoff campaign, starting all three matches and logging 300 minutes. He didn’t have any interceptions in the three games, but recorded 13 clearances, three blocks, and three tackles, and he won 76.9% of his duels. He completed 119 of his 136 passes (87.5%) with 14 long balls but provided no key passes or assists. Neither of his two shots were on target, so he didn’t score any goals. He committed two fouls and drew four in the three playoff matches, receiving one yellow card.

Jansson started both Concacaf Champions League games against Tigres UANL, playing all 180 minutes. He completed 94 of his 105 passes (89.5%) with 11 long balls, but didn’t have any assists. He also didn’t have any interceptions, committing two fouls and drawing four, picking up one yellow card. In the attack, he didn’t take any shots, so he didn’t score any goals.

In the reformed Leagues Cup, Jansson played all three games and recorded 270 minutes. He completed 109 of his 122 pass attempts (89.3%), connected on two long balls, and provided three key passes,but no assists.  He intercepted four pass attempts by the opposition while committing one foul, drawing four, and getting booked once. He took one off-target shot during the competition, so he didn’t get on the scoresheet.

Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja made some changes for the team’s lone U.S. Open Cup game in 2023, but kept his best center back in the starting lineup. Jansson played all 90 minutes at Charlotte, completing 46 of his 56 passes (82.1%), including five long balls, but as the team was shut out, he had no goals or assists. He committed one foul and was booked and didn’t draw any. He also didn’t take any shots.

Best Game

Jansson had multiple stellar performances this season, but his best came on May 20 in a 3-1 win at Inter Miami. The hosts had yet to acquire Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, but still had a potent attacking threat with Josef Martinez and Leonardo Campana. The center back partnership of Jansson and Antonio Carlos created problems all night for the opposition, resulting in Miami only recording six shots and two on goal.

Jansson was the biggest problem for Miami on the night, recording three interceptions, seven clearances, and two blocks in 90 minutes — all team highs. He completed 24 of his 27 passes (88.9%), which wasn’t his best passing game but still a high percentage. There were games where Jansson was more effective in the attack, but he wasn’t any better defensively than he was against a bitter rival.

For his effort in the game, our Marcus Mitchell gave Jansson a 7.5 grade, tying him with Carlos and Cesar Araujo for the second-highest. It might have been a Man of the Match performance if not for Ercan Kara recording a goal and an assist on the night.

2023 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Jansson a composite score of 8 out of 10 for the 2023 MLS season, the highest grade he’s received in his five years with the club. After receiving a 6.5 in 2019, he’s flipped between 7 and 7.5 over the past three seasons, with a 7 in 2020, a 7.5 in 2021, and a 7 again in 2022. The higher grade for 2023 is due to Jansson’s exceptional performances, but also the consistency he showed throughout the season. The center back was one of the most dependable players this year and took part in every game. He received a lot of consideration for Defender of the Year but did not win the award and was not named to the MLS Best XI, but perhaps should have been.

2024 Outlook

Jansson was one of the most important players for Orlando City and will be again next year since the club picked up his option. It’s currently unknown who will be his center back partner in the starting lineup after Carlos was transferred to Brazil’s Fluminense FC on Dec. 16. He could continue to be joined by Rodrigo Schlegel, as he was for much of this year, or a new teammate. Regardless, the team will depend on him as the leader of the defense.

The Swedish center back could see an increased role in 2024 after the club parted ways with Mauricio Pereyra. He captained the team six times during the regular season, the second-most behind Pereyra. The only other player to wear the armband in 2023 was Martin Ojeda, doing so when both Pereyra and Jansson were rested for the final game of the season. In all likelihood, Jansson will be given the armband before the 2024 season begins.

This concludes our 2023 Orlando City Season in Review series of player ratings. We hope you enjoyed revisiting the year each player had this past year.

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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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