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Orlando City vs. New York City FC: Five Takeaways

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4 years ago

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I’m still in shock. Orlando City played host to New York City FC in the team’s first ever MLS Cup playoff match and it was an instant classic. The three-plus-hour slugfest saw the Lions move on to the Eastern Conference semifinals after defeating New York City in the most unpredictable penalty shootout you could imagine. Here are my takeaways from a magical day in Orlando City’s MLS history.

That Was Unbelievable

It was a historic day for Orlando City Soccer Club, hosting its first ever MLS Cup playoff match, but nobody could’ve imagined the unbelievable and instantly legendary events that occurred. This match got off to a torrid start with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the match, with both teams showing a level of quality you expect in a playoff match, but that is not what will be remembered. From the second half of this match on, things went from good to unforgettable, though not necessarily for the right reasons.

Even if many fans don’t consider Orlando vs. New York City a rivalry, it definitely looked like one on the field. The match took a turn for the nasty with several heavy challenges and heated exchanges, with all of it culminating in Ruan’s nasty red card. Somehow, someway, the Lions hung on to penalties, though Tesho Akindele nearly stole it in regulation, and the legend continued to ascend. 

When we look at the defining images in Orlando City’s history, Rodrigo Schlegel’s celebration after saving a penalty will surely rank as one of the greats. The unimaginable scenes of having a field player in goal during a shootout in the playoffs is so crazy that literally nobody would have predicted it. It was a play that could only happen when one team is destined to win, and on this day it was Orlando. And to cap everything off, Homegrown Benji Michel lasered in the final penalty. These games make you love MLS, love sports, and love Orlando City. What a game.

Offense Was Incredibly Limited Most Of The Game

It was a poor day going forward for the Lions. Throughout the match, Nani, Chris Mueller, and others in attack routinely made the wrong decision or were just a little bit off. Several chances were squandered because of ill-advised dribbles from Nani or Mueller, Daryl Dike was sloppy with his touches in dangerous areas, and the finishing was poor. Orlando finished with only three shots on target for the entire match.

There were good sequences. Maurico Pereyra was a creative presence once again — he posted a team high five key passes and six successful dribbles — though it yielded no real end product thanks to a lack of quality from the others in attack. Perhaps it was just some postseason jitters, but if Orlando wants to stay alive in the postseason, the Lions need more from their attack, especially from Mueller and Dike, who are capable players but failed to make enough of an impact against the Pigeons. 

Antonio Carlos and Pedro Gallese Are Superheroes

This game was a masterclass from the two South American stars. Gallese was incredible between the pipes for Orlando in the first half, including his otherworldly double save, first on Valentin Castellanos then a strong one-handed stuff of young American Keaton Parks on the rebound. MLS’s charter flight rule saved the day for the Lions, allowing their brilliant keeper to do what he does best.

Brian Rowe is a good keeper, but we were reminded Saturday just how good El Pupo is. He is undoubtedly one of the best shot stoppers in MLS and saved the day early on. Antonio Carlos can often go unsung among the stars of this team and this league, but he has shown time and time again he is one of the top class center backs in MLS and has made things much easier for Orlando City. Against NYCFC, he had arguably his best performance in purple, winning seven of his eight duels, making four tackles, five clearances, and 10 ball recoveries.

Anytime there was a fire in Orlando’s own half, be it from a mistake or a quality play by New York City FC, Antonio Carlos was there to right the ship. A lot of praise also goes to Robin Jansson in defense as well, but it was the Brazilian’s night. What really got me with his night, though, was the shootout. It’s a bold play for a center back to take a penalty to begin with, and his was a beauty. Then he capped it off with a perfect kiss-the-badge celebration. I absolutely love it when a player shows that he’s all in with a club like that, and Luiz Muzzi needs to do everything in his power to turn Carlos’s loan deal into a permanent transfer this off-season.

This Team Really Cares

The passion this group has for each other and this club is unbelievable. These players are giving their all every play and it makes a difference. The Lions did not play great soccer — nobody should make the argument they did — but they played with unbelievable heart and grit. They dug their heels in and made life a living hell for NYCFC, and it panned out. There is a passion and a determination to win from this team that’s impressive for a group that hasn’t been together very long.

Many of these players are in their first or second season with the club or are even on loan, but they’ve completely bought into the culture, and that’s a testament to Oscar Pareja. He has brought this team together and they play for each other. There are so many different players that you can see are giving it their all, but I want to highlight one in particular: Nani. When a player comes to MLS after a big career in Europe, it doesn’t always pan out. It’s very easy for them to not give 100% effort and just coast, but Nani is different. He has become a leader in ways other stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic never did in this league and is actually giving his all for the team. When Nani wears the armband, it’s not just because he’s the big star or the most experienced. You can tell that he’s the leader of this team.

Rodrigo Schlegel Is a Legend

I already mentioned it briefly before, but I want to highlight once again the heroics of Schlegel. Obviously, nobody would’ve predicted that an emergency goalkeeper was going to be called upon in penalty kicks, but Schlegel stepped in and made himself a legend. When the team needed somebody to be the hero, he went to Pareja and said, “Papi, I can do that,” and he did it.

It takes real guts to put the team’s season on the line like this, and I will forever respect Schlegel for stepping up. I will also forever respect Andres Perea for offering to take the spot as well. Was Schlegel a competent goalkeeper? Absolutely not, and why would he be? He’s a center back. But somehow, someway, he made a big play when his team needed him the most and he will forever be a legend in Orlando.

There was so much that happened in this game, so what takes did I miss? What are your takeaways from a wild start to Orlando City’s MLS Cup playoff run?

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Lion Links: 4/18/25

Orlando City set to play the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Lions reach Generation Adidas Cup semifinals, Angel City hires Alexander Straus, and more.

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2 hours ago

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April 18, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! I hope today finds you well as we gear up for another Saturday filled with soccer to enjoy. I don’t have many plans this Easter weekend beyond working, catching soccer when I can, and playing Baldur’s Gate 3 for the first time if I find some spare hours. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Learns U.S. Open Cup Opponents

Orlando City’s 2025 U.S. Open Cup campaign will begin on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. in what will be the latest edition of the I-4 Derby. It will be Orlando’s first game of this year’s tournament, while the Rowdies joined in the previous round and got past FC Naples in penalties. The Rowdies have lost four of their five games so far this season in the USL Championship and fired Robbie Neilson as head coach earlier this month. The Lions also notably would have hosting priority if they reach the round of 16, where they will play either Nashville SC or the Chattanooga Red Wolves.

Here’s the full schedule for the round of 32, which includes some interesting matchups across the country. The Tacoma Defiance are the only MLS NEXT Pro side left and will face the Portland Timbers, while the New York Red Bulls will have a long road trip to take on the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Lions Advance to Generation Adidas Cup Semifinals

Orlando City’s U-18 team beat Real Salt Lake 1-0 in the Generation Adidas Cup to secure a spot in the semifinals. The Young Lions have won four of their five games of the tournament and will take on Santos Laguna in the semifinal on Saturday. The winner of that match will face whichever team becomes victorious in the other semifinal between Atlanta United and the Colorado Rapids.

The U-16 team’s run in the Premier bracket is also going strong after a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, and Orlando will take on the New England Revolution in the semifinals on Saturday.

Angel City FC Hires Alexander Straus

Bayern Munich’s Alexander Straus was named Angel City FC’s next head coach and will officially join the club on June 1. The Norwegian coach has won back-to-back Bundesliga titles and has Bayern positioned well to make it three straight this season. He’ll join an Angel City team that’s unbeaten in its first four games of the season under interim head coach Sam Laity, who will stay on as an assistant coach once Straus joins.

Europa League Quarterfinals End In Dramatic Fashion

Old Trafford hosted one of the wildest games in Europa League history, with Manchester United and Lyon battling for a spot in the quarterfinals. United scored twice in the first half, then conceded twice in the second, sending the game to extra time. Lyon took the lead despite being a man down and then the teams traded penalty kicks as the madness continued. Casemiro orchestrated Manchester’s victory in the end, assisting on two late goals within a minute of each other to beat Lyon 5-4 and advance. This United fan pretty much sums up just how much of a rollercoaster this match was.

There was also drama in Italy, as Lazio came back in the second leg to force extra time against Bodo/Glimt. The match went to penalties and Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikitka Haikin denied former New York City FC player Taty Castellanos from the spot to book his team’s place in the semifinals. Although Tottenham was without Son Heung-Min, it got the job done in a 1-0 road win against Eintracht Frankfurt, while Athletic Club beat Rangers 2-0 in Spain to advance as well. In the semifinals, Tottenham will face Bodo/Glimt and Manchester United will take on Athletic Club.

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

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Orlando City

Orlando City at CF Montreal: Three Keys to Victory

What do the Lions need to do to earn all three points on the road against Montreal?

Published

23 hours ago

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April 17, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City heads to the Great White North to take on CF Montreal. The Canadian squad sits in last place in not just the Eastern Conference but also the entire MLS, with only two points from a pair of draws. To say it’s not been a good start to the season is an understatement. Of course, it’s exactly that type of situation that makes it feel like a trap. What does Orlando City need to do to take all three points against CF Montreal?

Designated Goal Scorers

What do you do if you haven’t scored a goal in the last two matches? You play a team that has given up 13 goals in eight matches with a -9 goal differential. Montreal doesn’t have the worst defense in the league — I’m looking at you, D.C. United — but it’s not far off. That presents an opportunity for Orlando City to get back on track when it comes to scoring goals.

Through the first six matches of the season, Orlando City was leading the league in scoring with 15 goals. Over the last two matches, the spigot has dried up. The Lions must seize on this opportunity to create and finish their chances. Much like earlier in the season, I want to see Luis Muriel, Martin Ojeda, and Marco Pasalic lead the way. If anyone can get the first goal, then I’m hopeful the dam will break and the scoring drought will be over.

Keep it Clean

There is some good news of late when it comes to the Orlando City defense. The club has two clean sheets over the last two matches, and that is without Cesar Araujo. There is also some bad news, given Rodrigo Schlegel will be serving his red card suspension this match. That means David Brekalo will move back to center back with Robin Jansson, and Oscar Pareja will have to employ either Rafael Santos or Kyle Smith at left back. Santos has been less than good so far this season.

Montreal has scored a paltry four goals so far in 2025, but two of them have come from striker Prince Owusu. The defense will also need to deal with Caden Clark facilitating in the midfield. I get that this isn’t a prolific attack. Montreal has not looked very good this season and is looking for both its first win and its first points of any sort at home. That means the hosts may be desperate for a result, and desperate is often dangerous. How well the defense does — in particular, how well Santos does if he plays — may determine if Montreal is able to break out of its slump. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

Give the Midfield Time

Before the last match, I was a little worried about the midfield. Having both Araujo and Eduard Atuesta out at the same time seemed to be a concern. Now, after seeing how well Joran Gerbet and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson worked together against the New York Red Bulls, I’m way less worried. If Araujo and Atuesta need a little more time to get fully healthy, then let them. The Franco/Icelandic combo seems to be a potent one.

Of course, if the normal starters are ready, then by all means bring them back, but maybe not until the 60th minute. Perhaps Pareja could even mix and match. One never knows how yellow card suspensions or minor injuries will affect player availability. This is a good match for Gerbet and Thorhallsson to work their magic.

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: 4/17/25

Oscar Pareja signs new contract with Orlando City, Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, Orlando’s youth teams win, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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April 17, 2025

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I can’t believe we’re already into the back half of April and Easter is right around the corner. There’s plenty of soccer to enjoy between now and then and we also have the draw for the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 32 this morning at 9:15. MLS teams are finally joining the fray, so we’ll see where the chips fall for Orlando City. Let’s get to the links!

Oscar Pareja Signs New Contract

Orlando City and Head Coach Oscar Pareja have agreed to a new three-year contract that will keep him in the City Beautiful through 2028. Pareja was hired as Orlando’s fourth head coach in its MLS era back in December of 2019 and he’s led the Lions to the playoffs in all five seasons he’s been at the helm.  Under Pareja, the Lions won the U.S. Open Cup in 2022, set club records in points and wins in 2023, and reached the Eastern Conference final for the first time last year. This year was the final one on the contract he signed in December of 2023, so it’s nice to know Pareja will be sticking around in the future.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride will look to make it five wins in a row when they host the Washington Spirit on Saturday in another rematch of last year’s final. While this is the first match between Orlando and Washington this season, the two clashed in the NWSL Challenge Cup on March 7 and the Spirit lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team has grown since that game and has benefitted from depth and consistency carried over from last year.

Orlando City Youth Teams Win in Bradenton

Orlando City’s U-18 team won in the Generation Adidas Cup’s round of 16, beating St. Louis City 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Young Lions remain unbeaten in that age group and will take on a Real Salt Lake team that also won its group and just beat Toronto FC in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw.

Orlando’s U-16 squad didn’t qualify for the Championship bracket, but still advanced in the Premier bracket. After a 1-1 draw with Toronto, Orlando prevailed in the ensuing penalty shootout and will play Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.

UEFA Champions League Semifinals Are Set

The quarterfinals for this year’s UEFA Champions League are over and only four teams remain in the tournament. Arsenal secured its spot in the semifinals after an impressive 2-1 road win against Real Madrid that included two assists from Mikel Merino. The Spanish club couldn’t muster its usual magic in the tournament and forward Kylian Mbappe exited in the second half due to injury. In Italy, Inter Milan held on for a 2-2 draw against Bayern to advance on aggregate, with defender Benjamin Pavard scoring a crucial goal for Inter against his old team. The semifinals will take place at the end of the month and will feature Arsenal taking on Paris Saint-Germain and Inter going up against Barcelona.

Free Kicks

  • Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of former FC Cincinnati player Aaron Boupendza, who died after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China.
  • The Chicago Fire are reportedly strongly interested in signing star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer. If any Western Conference teams could join the hunt for him, that would be great.

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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