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Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New England Revolution

Get all the information you need about the New England Revolution straight from someone who knows them best.

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2 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Another Orlando City matchday is right around the corner, which means it’s time to get some insider knowledge into the Lions’ next opponent. Orlando has won three of its last four games and will try to make it three wins in a row tomorrow when it hits the road to face the New England Revolution. It won’t be easy though, as OCSC has never won at Gillette Stadium.

A matchup with the Revs means I caught up with Jake Catanese of the always excellent Blazing Musket. He was kind enough to help bring us up to speed on New England, and I also answered some of his questions about the Lions, which you can find over at their place.

This is Caleb Porter’s first year in the job. How does he want this team to play as compared to what we saw under Bruce Arena?

Jake Catanese: The Revs were definitely more possession oriented at the beginning of the year, though some of that was actually to the detriment of the Revs’ skillsets and player availability. Extra Concacaf games and injuries kind of forced the Revs deeper into the depth chart than they would have liked, and instead of relaxing his build-out-of-the-back system, Porter kind of doubled down on it with a back line not particularly suited for playing that way and it led to a lot of turnovers and extra chances against the Revs. Andy Judd just did a deep dive on the Revs’ numbers, especially over the last month with their four-game winning streak in June. That’s worth checking out, because some of the Revs’ trends and offensive numbers are still pretty rough. New England has been playing a lot better recently though, but we’ll talk more about the offense down below.

Talk me through the Revolution’s off-season transfer business. Who were some outgoing players, and how were they replaced?

JC: The biggest outgoing player was DP striker Gustavo Bou, who left New England as a top-five scorer in the club’s history. Tomas Chancalay’s loan option was purchased, and he took over the DP spot, and the hope was to have him partner with Dylan Borrero on the wing with Carles Gil in the middle. But Chancalay suffered a season-ending injury in Borrero’s first start back from his season-ending injury last year. The Revs also really only have two strikers on the roster in Giacomo Vrioni and Bobby Wood, with the departure of Homegrown Justin Rennicks, and that has been a depth issue because Chancalay featured as a lone striker a few times before he got hurt.

Other key additions were Nick Lima at fullback, who has done a tremendous job in the first half of the year, with Ryan Spaudling filling in for the injured Brandon Bye, who is also just starting to return from a serious injury suffered last year. Henrich Ravas and Jonathan Mensah were brought in during the off-season to help bolster the keeper and center back spots, but later on in the window, the additions of Aljaz Ivacic and Xavier Arreaga have proved to be more effective for Porter, as the latter two have become regular starters. 

Offense seems to have been a difficult area for New England. The Revs’ 20 goals scored is the fewest in the league. What needs to happen in order to get things moving in front of net?

JC: Yes, the Revs’ offense was generally dreadful at the beginning of the year. It was too slow, too predictable, not generating anything that resembled a big chance, and Vrioni in particular was struggling to get involved in games, let alone find anything that resembled finishing form. Things have turned around a bit since June, mostly the playing direct part. I think the Revs are a countering team and want to make their attacks against an unsettled or backpedaling defense to take advantage of the creativity and skillset of guys like Carles, Borrero, and Esmir Bajraktarevic in 1-v-1 situations. What that does is open up a lot more channels for Vrioni to run into and occupy defenders to create space for others or for him to finish chances. The service Vrioni has been getting the last few weeks without Gil has been tremendous and hopefully it will only improve once Carles returns. 

Will any players be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, call-ups, etc.? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?

JC: Oh the injury list is long. Chancalay, of course, being at the top, along with Nacho Gil having missed the last two months and probably out through the Leagues Cup. Youngster Peyton Miller has missed a ton of time, along with veterans Tommy McNamara and Wood. The list of questionables from last week included Mark Anthony-Kaye, Lima, and Ema Boateng, though Wood and Tommy Mac did feature against Seattle. Arreaga, I think, has an accumulation suspension for this week as well.

Starting Lineup 4-2-3-1: Aljaz Ivacic; DeJuan Jones, Henry Kessler, Dave Romney, Brandon Bye; Matt Polster, Ian Harkes; Esmir Bajraktarevic, Carles Gil, Noel Buck; Giacomo Vrioni.

Okay, so this lineup is a little hopeful that Carles is back, but if not, slide Esmir into the middle and put Boateng or youngster Jack Panayotou in the attacking three behind Vrioni. It’s a solid lineup, and the Revs having defensive depth this year has really started to pay off the past few weeks, with center backs rotating in and out with no issues. I think Ian Harkes and Noel Buck should have been playing a lot more early on, as they really add a lot of all-around game to the midfield and push the ball forward. I think the Revs at home can do enough to stifle an in-form Orlando side. I’ll take a narrow 2-1 win that is far too exciting late.

Thank you to Jake for the excellent insight on the Revs. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/11/24

Orlando Pride playoff ticket information, USMNT draws New Zealand on awful late goal on the day it formally announces Mauricio Pochettino, and more.

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23 hours ago

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September 11, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We have a full weekend of fun ahead with all three teams in action. The Orlando Pride start things off on Friday, with Orlando City playing Saturday, and Orlando City B finishing things up on Sunday. Hopefully, we can have a nine-point weekend.

Of course, today is a day of remembrance of those who lost their lives both on that tragic day in 2001 and from the effects that followed. Take a moment today to let those you love know that you love them. Let’s get to the links.

Pride Power into Playoffs

We know the Orlando Pride have already made the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, but now you can let the club know if you are interested in potential playoff tickets before things get crazy. It’s nice knowing that we don’t have to wait until decision day to find out if the Pride are in. They are. Decisively. In the least surprising news ever, the Pride topped both the ESPN NWSL Power Rankings, and the Goal.com NWSL Power Rankings once again.

Pochettino Hiring Official

The hiring that everyone knew was coming was made official Tuesday as Mauricio Pochettino was named as the new head coach of the USMNT. Pochettino is the type of big name hire that U.S. fans have been waiting for following the double stint of Gregg Berhalter. Pochettino will be expected to get the best out of what some consider the greatest generation of American soccer players when he leads them to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

USMNT Draws New Zealand

The same night that Pochettino was announced as the new USMNT head coach, his new team played New Zealand to an uninspiring 1-1 draw. Christian Pulisic put the Yanks ahead in the 69th minute, but the U.S. was unable to see the match out, allowing an 89th-minute equalizer on a completely awful goal that was misplayed by both Caleb Wiley and Mark McKenzie, with the latter providing the finish with a clearance attempt off of New Zealand’s Ben Waine, over Matt Turner, and into his own net. The match was only a friendly, but it illustrates the need for the new coach.

The Growth of the NWSL

The NWSL is in a good place. The league is growing both in the number of member clubs and in the attendance at matches across the league. There are many reasons for it, including the Olympics and big name stars like Marta and the recently retired Alex Morgan, but most importantly, the growing fanbase for the women’s game. ESPN spoke to general managers at every club in the league to get an idea of the challenges in the ever-changing landscape that is the NWSL. All the answers were anonymous, but it’s still very insightful information.

Free Kicks

  • In the ongoing series from the Orlando Pride, it’s now time for you to get to know Carrie Lawrence.
  • Let’s keep the clean sheets coming, Anna Moorhouse.
  • Declan Rice was a bit petty in Arsenal’s match against Brighton last weekend, nudging the ball away from his opponent on a free kick. The action earned him a second yellow and a sending off. Now, the board that reviews referee decisions has stated it was the correct call.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for this weekend’s matches.

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Lion Links: 9/10/24

Marta nominated for NWSL Goal of the Week, Orlando Pride happy to clinch playoff spot, Lions on international duty, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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September 10, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was another good weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B combined to pick up all six points on offer. Hopefully that trend can continue and get even better once Orlando City resumes play this Saturday. We’ve got a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s get after it.

Marta Nominated for Goal of the Week

The Pride took down the Chicago Red Stars 1-0 on Sunday, with Marta singlehandedly winning the game for the Pride courtesy of an absolutely outstanding strike from outside the box. Unsurprisingly, that effort has earned her a nomination for NWSL Goal of the Week. While she’s facing some stiff competition, I think it’s safe to say that her goal is comfortably the best of the bunch. Go make sure everyone else knows it, and vote for her to win this week’s award!

Pride Speak On Clinched Playoff Spot

The Pride discussed the team’s mentality after clinching a playoff spot following this weekend’s results. Head Coach Seb Hines highlighted the heartbreak of narrowly missing the postseason in 2023 and how that was a motivator this season. That sentiment was echoed by both Marta and Haley McCutcheon, with both players speaking on making the postseason and the team’s bigger goals this year.

Lions on International Duty

David Brekalo is on international duty with Slovenia, and was part of his team’s victory in UEFA Nations League play on Monday. Brekalo started at right back and spent 87 minutes on the field, as Slovenia beat Kazakhstan 3-0 courtesy of a hat trick by star man Benjamin Sesko. The result leaves Slovenia atop League B Group 3 with four points after a 1-1 draw with Austria on Friday as well. Meanwhile, Facundo Torres and Uruguay face Venezuela at 6 p.m. tonight in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Torres came on as a sub with 10 minutes to go in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Friday, so we’ll see if he’s involved two matches in a row. Best of luck, Facu!

USMNT Takes On New Zealand Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will try to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Canada when it takes on New Zealand today at 7 p.m. in Cincinnati. The All Whites are ranked 94th in the world and have won four of their last five games. The USMNT midfield will need to have a much better showing than it did against the Canadians, as Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, and Malik Tillman were collectively outgunned by the opposition. It’ll also be worth keeping an eye on the goalkeeper situation, as Patrick Schulte played well in the 2-1 loss, and has probably earned another start. There’s plenty to watch for, so make sure you tune in and see if the team can get back on the right track.

International Break Roundup

With the international break still in full swing, there were a number of big games yesterday that we need to catch up on. In the marquee match of the day, France rebounded from a 3-1 loss to Italy in UEFA Nations League play by comfortably dispatching Belgium 2-0, courtesy of goals from Randal Kolo-Muania and Ousmane Dembele. Italy made it two wins in two attempts by knocking off Israel 2-1, with a 90th minute goal from Mohammad Abu Fani not enough to get Israel its first point in the competition. In the Concacaf Nations League, Curacao posted an eye-popping score by beating St. Martin 4-0, only for Haiti to better that result by hammering Sint Maarten 6-0.

Free Kicks

  • In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Pride have been outstanding this year.

That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 9/9/24

Orlando Pride win in Chicago, McKinley Crone signs new contract, Orlando City B defeats Crown Legacy FC, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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September 9, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. Under Armour has been keeping me busy, and I got to cover some high school tennis and swimming this past week. The Orlando Pride and Orlando City B were in action this weekend and both teams got a win. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando Pride Shut Out Chicago Red Stars

On Sunday, the Orlando Pride got a 1-0 win on the road against the Chicago Red Stars to extend their unbeaten streak to 20 matches across all competitions. The run also ties the NWSL league record including playoff games, matching the Washington Spirit’s 20-match unbeaten run in 2021 and 2022. Marta scored the lone goal in the match to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride remain in first in the NWSL standings with 47 points, with the Washington Spirit in second with 41, and the Kansas City Current in third with 38. With a playoff spot already clinched, the Pride are aiming for the NWSL Shield as the top team in the league. The Pride will return home at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday to face the Kansas City Current.

Orlando Pride Sign McKinley Crone to New Contract

The Orlando Pride announced on Friday that the club reached an agreement with backup goalkeeper McKinley Crone on a new contract that runs through the 2026 NWSL season. Undrafted before joining Orlando as a non-roster invitee during the preseason in 2023, Crone progressed to being Orlando’s backup goalkeeper in 2024. Crone made her professional debut on July 20 in a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. The 25-year-old made five saves on six shots to help the Pride stay unbeaten across all competitions. With this latest move, the club has secured Anna Moorhouse, Crone, and Sofia Manner as their goalkeepers for next season.

Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC

Orlando City B got a 4-1 victory on the road against Crown Legacy FC on Sunday. Alex Freeman scored twice in the first half to give the Young Lions a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Crown Legacy scored in the second half, but OCB continued to do well on both sides of the ball to take all three points. OCB is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, and its next match will be back home on Sunday to take on New England Revolution II.

USMNT Falls to Canada in Friendly

On Saturday, the United States Men’s National Team lost 2-1 to Canada at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City in a friendly. It’s the USMNT’s first loss to Canada on home soil in 67 years, ending a 23-match unbeaten streak against Canada in the U.S. Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David scored for Canada, while Luca de la Torre scored his first goal for the USMNT. The Yanks are on a three-match losing streak and will face New Zealand in Cincinnati on Tuesday at TQL Stadium.

Alex Morgan Plays Final Match

San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan played in her final match as a professional soccer player on Sunday after a nearly 14-year career. Morgan had a penalty kick saved by Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy and was subbed off early in the first half, as the Wave lost 4-1 at Snapdragon Stadium. Morgan announced last week that she will retire from professional soccer after this match, while also announcing that she is pregnant with her second child. She played six seasons with the Pride and spent the last three seasons in San Diego, winning the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022 and helping the Wave win the NWSL Shield in 2023.

Free Kicks

  • Pride defenders Kerry Abello and Kylie Strom made the NWSL Best XI for August.
  • Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta was removed from the season-ending injury list.
  • The U.S. Soccer Federation is reportedly close to officially naming Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach for the USMNT.
  • Tampa Bay Sun FC secured its first win in the USL Super League with a 3-2 win on the road against Lexington SC on Sunday.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.

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