Orlando City completed the second of two back-to-back road contests against teams with the word New York in their names in Saturday afternoon’s matchup at the newly minted Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ. Orlando allowed the Red Bulls to enjoy possession but was the first team to strike and took a 2-1 lead into halftime before allowing a quick equalizer to start the second half. While the match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw, Orlando City will lament the missed chances that may have otherwise resulted in a road win.

Let’s look at the Lions’ individual performances and see who impressed and who needs to improve.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 6.5 — Gallese was called into action early, and for the most part he made some bright saves on the afternoon to keep Orlando in the game. He made five total saves and parried away multiple strong attempts from the Red Bulls attack. Up a goal in the first half, an unfortunate video review gifted the Red Bulls a chance at an equalizer. While Gallese guessed correctly, the placement and pace put the penalty kick attempt just out of his reach. The second New York goal was a point-blank redirection from a player the back line completely disregarded. The Peruvian finished with five saves, with his biggest coming on a breakaway by Gjengaar in the 72nd minute. Gallese completed 70% of his 20 passes and was successful on seven of his 13 long balls.

D, Kyle Smith, 6.5 — Swiss Army knife Kyle Smith was inserted into the starting lineup for a struggling Rafael Santos and provided the usual defensive effort that we have come to expect from the veteran. Smith touched the ball a team-high 76 times and completed 75.5% of his 49 passes. He was credited with one key pass and was accurate on his lone cross but only three of his eight long balls. The left back was fairly active on defense, recording a team-high five tackles and chipping in seven clearances. Smith was subbed out in the 82nd minute as Orlando looked for a go-ahead goal.

D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 6 — Schlegel touched the ball 47 times and completed 68.8% of his 32 passes but only two of his nine long balls. Both Schlegel and Robin Jansson appeared to make concentrated efforts to unlock the offense with balls over the top, but unfortunately, most of Schlegel’s attempts to link up from the back line were just slightly overhit. Schlegel got involved in the offense, logging two shots, which were both off target. He finished with a team-high 12 clearances but did not record a tackle or interception. He was caught ball watching on the tying goal in the 47th minute, failing to pick up Dennis Gjengaar’s run into his side of the box.

D, Robin Jansson, 5.5 — The captain started his second match since returning from injury. He touched the ball 49 times and completed 88.6% of his 35 passes, while boasting a much healthier ratio on his long ball attempts, completing six of nine. However, the Swede took some unnecessary risks trying to cut off passes to their intendd targets. One such occurrence resulted in Jansson playing catch-up and tangling with Eric Choupo-Moting in the box near the half-hour mark. While the play was not initially called a foul, Armando Villarreal’s review deemed the contact egregious enough that he overturned his no-call and awarded the Red Bulls a penalty kick. On the second goal, Jansson tracked Gjengaar’s diagonal run through the box, but he ultimately wasn’t able to communicate that danger to Schlegel in time to prevent it. Defensively, Jansson had one interception and nine clearances. Jansson was also lucky to not directly gift the Red Bulls another goal, as he gave the ball away cheaply at midfield in the second half, leading to a breakaway shot for New York that Gallese’s touch sent just wide of the net.

D, Alex Freeman, 6.5 — Steady yet timid is the way that I would summarize Freeman’s afternoon effort against the New York-adjacent Red Bulls. He was involved but didn’t seem to hunt his attacking positions as he recorded 61 touches and completed 86.8% of his 38 passes. The young Lion was credited with two key passes. He seemed reluctant to cross and only attempted one during the match, and while it was successful, it seemed like he passed up multiple chances to send a dangerous ball into the box. Offensively, Freeman did not record a shot, but on the defensive side of the pitch, he recorded three tackles, one clearance, and one blocked shot.

MF, Joran Gerbet, 6 — Gerbet started his first professional game in place of Cesar Araujo, who did not make the trip north after picking up a knock late in the week. The first-year pro touched the ball 63 times and was the most accurate Lion out of all players who attempted at least 30 passes, completing a team-best 92.3% of his 52 attempts, including one successful long ball on his only attempt. Offensively, he did not attempt a shot, but he did pick up where Araujo usually shines, drawing a team-high four fouls. Defensively, he logged three interceptions. It was a solid first MLS start for the rookie, and it was reassuring to see some additional depth in the midfield.

MF, Eduard Atuesta, 7 — Atuesta was all over the field throughout the match and touched the ball 71 times, second on the team only to Smith. He completed 75.9% of his 54 passes, including a team high-five key passes. The Colombian was successful on his lone cross and throughball attempt and connected on two of his six long balls. Offensively, Atuesta notched a secondary assist on the first Orlando goal and a primary assist on Orlando’s second goal. On the latter, he unlocked Designated Player Marco Pasalic with a perfectly timed pass over the top. Defensively, he added two tackles and managed to survive the match without picking up a booking.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 5.5 — While Angulo’s pace with and without the ball allows for creativity on the pitch, the Colombian is making far too many mistakes with the ball at his feet, which carry the potential to swing the match in favor of the opposition. Angulo had 57 touches and completed 87.5% of his 40 passes. Functioning on the wing, Angulo did not attempt a cross in the match. He also did not attempt a shot against the Red Bulls. His defensive contributions included one tackle, two interceptions, and one clearance.

MF, Martin Ojeda, 7 — Ojeda touched the ball 46 times and completed 80.6% of his 36 passes, including two key passes, one of his two crosses, and one accurate long ball on his one attempt. Offensively, Ojeda got Orlando out on the front foot with a howitzer of a shot which streaked past an outstretched Carlos Coronel. It was the second goal for Orlando’s No. 10 in the last three matches. He logged three total shots, but the goal was his lone shot on target. Defensively, he contributed one tackle and was substituted off in the 69th minute for Dagur Dan Thorhallsson.

MF, Marco Pasalic, 7.5 (MotM) — It was truly a three-way coin flip to choose which Designated Player should walk away with Man of the Match honors, and Pasalic ultimately got my nod, thanks to a higher passing percentage and putting more shots on target. He touched the ball 43 times, completing 82.6% of his 23 passes. He had two key passes and was successful on his one long ball attempt. He took three shots and put two on target, including his third goal of the year, which at the time put Orlando ahead 2-1. On the defensive end, he was credited with one clearance. This game left me feeling that Pasalic still has another gear to unlock and I am excited to see that happen as the Croatian grows more comfortable in MLS.

F, Luis Muriel, 7 — Starting his second game in a row, Muriel appears to be growing into the player we all hoped that he could be when he was signed one year ago. He touched the ball 52 times and was involved from the opening kick. He completed 75.8% of his 33 passes, including one key pass — his assist to Ojeda for the first goal of the match. He put one of his two shots on target and could have ended the day with all three DPs scoring, but instead he settled for a single assist. Defensively, he added a tackle and two clearances. It was surprising to see the striker credited with six unstable touches, as I thought his hold-up play was excellent and he was able to spray the ball around in tight places.

Substitutes

MF, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson (69’), 6 — Thorhallson entered the match with Orlando level at two goals apiece as Head Coach Oscar Pareja tried to steal all three points on the road. He touched the ball 16 times and completed 72.7% of his 11 attempts. Thorhallsson was able to record two clearances but did not have much success creating offensive chances over the final half hour.

F, Ramiro Enrique (82’), 6 — Enrique entered in the waning minutes and nearly had a winner for Orlando City but was thwarted by Coronel. He touched the ball 10 times, completing 75% of his four passes. Defensively, he logged one interception.

D, David Brekalo (82′), N/A — Brekalo returned to action after being out last week against New York City FC. He logged 14 touches and completed 81.8% of his 11 passes, including one key pass. Brekalo attempted one shot, which unfortunately was not on target. Defensively, he did not log a stat as Orlando was the aggressor in the final few minutes of the match.

D, Rafael Santos (82′), N/A — Santos entered the match for Angulo and touched the ball 14 times, completing all of his five passes, which included two key passes and one of his three crosses. Santos logged two shots, which were both on target. Like Enrique, Santos had a chance to be the hero, but Coronel came up with a huge save. Defensively, he logged one tackle and one clearance.

F, Duncan McGuire (87′), N/A — It was a surprise to see McGuire not only on the bench but enter the match much sooner in the season than initially projected after having off-season shoulder surgery. In limited minutes, Duncan made an impact, recording two shots which were off target (one was blocked) and two key passes. His layoff to Enrique should have produced a late winner. It will be exciting to follow along with how his playing time progresses.

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That’s how I saw the individual performances in Orlando City’s draw against the Red Bulls. Let us know how you saw the game in the comments below, and don’t forget to vote for your Man of the Match.

Hello, Mane Landers, and happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been catching up with friends over the weekend in Chicago. Our Lions and OCB picked up draws, but the Young Lions claimed an extra point in penalties, while the Pride dominated the Stars to start their 2025 NWSL season with a win. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links. 

Lions Draw New York Red Bulls on the Road

Orlando City and the New York Red Bulls split the points in a 2-2 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium Saturday. The Lions struck first with a goal from Martin Ojeda to take the lead. However, a controversial penalty kick was awarded to the Red Bulls, and Eric Choupo-Boting buried the equalizer to tie the match at one. Marco Pasalic’s goal put Orlando back in front just before halftime. However, just minutes into the second half, the Red Bulls tied the match at 2-2. The Lions had chances to score late in the match, but Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel stopped everything in his path to preserve a point. Orlando City returns home to Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday to take on D.C. United.

Orlando City Signs Gustavo Caraballo as Homegrown Player

After being signed to short-term contracts in previous weeks, Orlando City announced Friday that the club signed midfielder Gustavo Caraballo to a Homegrown Player contract. Caraballo is signed through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028. The 16-year-old midfielder has made two appearances for Orlando this season. Caraballo went through the academy, playing at OCB, and now becomes the youngest player to sign a first-team pro contract. He made his MLS debut earlier this month in the Lions’ 4-2 win over Toronto FC, becoming the youngest player ever to get MLS minutes with Orlando.

Orlando Pride Defeat Chicago Stars in Season Opener

The Orlando Pride began their 2025 NWSL season Friday, beating the Chicago Stars 6-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. Haley McCutcheon, Ally Watt, and Julie Doyle added their names to the scoresheet, while Barbra Banda scored twice. The Pride also got an own goal from Stars defender Hannah Anderson just after halftime. Orlando is unbeaten in its last four matches against Chicago. With six goals, Orlando tied the club record for the most goals scored in a match. It was also the Pride’s first-ever season-opening win. The Pride will be on the road this weekend to face NJ/NY Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.

OCB Wins Penalty Shootout vs. Atlanta United 2 after 2-2 Draw

Orlando City B drew 2-2 against Atlanta United 2 Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions trailed 1-0 in the first half, but Justin Ellis tied the match just before halftime. Shak Mohammed gave OCB a 2-1 lead in the second half, but Atlanta scored a late equalizer. After 90 minutes, MLS NEXT Pro draws go to penalties, and OCB won the extra point with a 4-1 shootout win. OCB will be back in action on Wednesday, March 26 on the road against Crown Legacy FC.

NWSL Opening Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s opening weekend matches are in the books. The Washington Spirit edged the Houston Dash 2-1 Friday night. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Portland Thorns 3-1 as Temwa Chawinga and Debinha scored. The Utah Royals and Bay FC, Racing Louisville and the North Carolina Courage, and the Seattle Reign vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC matches all ended in 1-1 draws. On Sunday, Angel City FC and the San Diego Wave match also ended in a 1-1 draw.

Americans Abroad

We had another busy weekend featuring several Americans in action in Europe just ahead of the international break. Christian Pulisic scored for AC Milan in its Serie A clash against Como. AC Milan held on to win 2-1. Weston Mckennie’s Juventus side fell 3-0 to Fiorentina on the road, suffering a second straight heavy defeat in league play. Tyler Adams played 79 minutes for AFC Bournemouth, but his side lost 2-1 at home to Brentford, while Antonee Robinson played 90 minutes for Fulham, helping his team defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. Tanner Tessmann came off the bench for Lyon in the second half as his side defeated Le Havre 4-2 in Ligue 1. Haji Wright scored a hat trick over the weekend for EFL Championship side Coventry City in a 3-0 victory over Sunderland. Catarina Macario and Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 to win the Women’s League Cup.

Free Kicks

• Angel City FC and Former Orlando Pride forward Sydney Leroux announced on her Instagram page that she will take a break from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.
• Boston’s NWSL expansion team will not play under its current name, BOS Nation FC. The club announced over the weekend that it will rebrand and expects to unveil its new name in the next few weeks.
• Newcastle United defeated Liverpool 2-1 Sunday to win the Carabao Cup, snapping a 70-year domestic trophy drought.
• In case you missed it, you have to see this late second-half equalizer by Mohamed Traore of Phoenix Rising in a USL Championship match over the weekend against El Paso Locomotive.

MOHAMED TRAORE FROM WAYYY DOWNTOWN TO TIE THE MATCH FOR @PHXRISINGFC! 🔥#USLKickoff | @Terminix pic.twitter.com/Q52uzObILJ

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) March 16, 2025

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

Orlando City continued to suffer the critical defensive lapses that have cost the team goals during the first month of the 2025 season in a controversial 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Despite leading twice, Orlando City (1-2-1, 4 points) dropped points again.

Stunning strikes by Martin Ojeda and Marco Pasalic were canceled out by equalizers from Eric Choupa-Moting — controversially, from the penalty spot — and Dennis Gjengaar, and Carlos Coronel stopped every good look in the second half that the Lions put on target, allowing New York (1-1-2, 5 points) to take a point from a trailing position.

“A competitive game, and I thought our boys today implemented another gear on the challenges that we had — not just defensively but offensively,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “I thought the amount of opportunities that we created to score kept us optimistic.”

Pareja had some wrinkles to his starting lineup this week, with Cesar Araujo unavailable after experiencing muscle tightness late in the week. Joran Gerbet made his first professional start alongside Eduard Atuesta in central midfield. Additionally, Kyle Smith replaced Rafael Santos at left back. Pedro Gallese started in goal behind a back line of Smith, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Alex Freeman. Gerbet and Atuesta were in central midfield behind the usual attacking line of Ivan Angulo, Ojeda, and Pasalic. Luis Muriel started for the second straight game. Pareja got some bodies back on his bench, however, with Duncan McGuire available for the first time, along with David Brekalo. Zakaria Taifi was on the bench after signing a short-term contract, and Gustavo Caraballo — after signing a Homegrown Player deal Friday through 2027 — was also on the bench.

Orlando’s game plan coming out was to drop Angulo to left wingback when the hosts had possession, which the Lions were happy to concede. The Red Bulls found some width early to create some issues, but other than that, Pareja’s plan worked beautifully in the first half. The Lions were able to create on the break.

The first half chance of the match fell for Muriel from a severe angle on the right. Looking to catch Coronel by surprise, he smashed a shot in the third minute but couldn’t keep it on frame.

New York’s first opportunity came three minutes later, as Peter Stroud found space outside the area with Orlando’s lines dropping too deeply. Stroud fired a shot that Schlegel came out to block. Two minutes later, Gallese was forced to make a huge early save when Gjengaar was slipped down the right. The Peruvian came off his line and made himself big to deny a point-blank chance.

Orlando broke the scoreless tie in the 18th minute when Muriel flicked a ball on the left for Ojeda to pick up. The Argentine broke to the top of the area, looking for a teammate, but the defense had his options well covered. Ojeda fired a shot instead, blasting it into the upper right corner to make it 1-0.

Have a hit, son! 🚀#MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/lWp04ZBCSE pic.twitter.com/bHAL9ZBRmq

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 15, 2025

“The guys who need to put the team on their shoulders seem like are doing the job,” Pareja said. “Now, we need to maintain it and even get better.”

Choupa-Moting fired well over the bar from outside the area in the 21st minute, but moments later he initiated contact with Jansson in the box that was not called a foul during play. Video assistant referee Daniel Radford sent match referee Armando Villarreal to the monitor for a look. Although Choupa-Moting stuck his foot out in front of Jansson as he was striding forward, Villarreal gave a penalty that’s seldom called, handing the hosts an easy scoring opportunity from the penalty spot.

Gallese guessed correctly, but Choupa-Moting’s shot was low and just inside the post, making it 1-1 in the 29th minute. It was an unfortunate decision for Orlando, and it would have been an unnecessary one had the Lions’ captain not cheated forward when he didn’t need to, allowing Choupa-Moting to get into the box.

First MLS goal for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting! 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/dTFMVEtUIU

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 15, 2025

“The boys were very annoyed by the decision,” Pareja said. “I have to see it better. The common word in the locker room was that it was a very unfair call, but nothing that we can do now.”

The Lions went back in front 10 minutes later, but it was a goal that saw almost no celebration. Atuesta sent a long ball over the top to Pasalic, who looked a mile offside, but the flag stayed down. Pasalic smashed a left-footed shot past Coronel to make it 2-1. Replays showed Raheem Edwards kept the Croatian onside, so the goal counted and Orlando led again in the 39th minute.

Marco Pašalić beats the offside trap and buries the chance. 👏 pic.twitter.com/n6BVxyHJ9J

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 15, 2025

“Offensively, I see much bravery and a much functional team,” Pareja said. “I like the way we’re attacking. I like the way we are proposing the game.”

Pasalic was nearly in again in the 45th minute, but this time the flag came up and it didn’t matter anyway, as he lost his footing at the top of the area.

Because Villarreal gave seven minutes of stoppage time, the final chances of the half fell for the Red Bulls. A header by Choupa-Moting forced a good save from Gallese on a shot that bounced in front. The Red Bulls had a couple opportunities to do something with the ensuing corner but couldn’t pay it off before the halftime whistle.

New York had the halftime advantage in possession (55%-45%), shots (7-4), shots on target (3-2), and passing accuracy (85.7%-83.5%). Each team won one corner in the opening period.

Orlando coughed up the lead moments after the break, and it was from yet another defensive breakdown in this early 2025 season. New York attacked down the wide left and a ball into the box was turned home by Gjengaar, who was left alone in front of the net. Schlegel looked for an attacker and didn’t see one, but then was caught ball watching as Gjengaar cut diagonally away from Jansson to occupy the space behind Schlegel, where he was left alone. Stroud got outside of Freeman on the switch and sent in a cross. Smith dropped deep enough on the left to keep Gjengaar onside, allowing him to tie the game in the 47th minute with a redirection off his thigh.

Off his thigh and in! 😳

Dennis Gjengaar levels the score in New Jersey. 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/csPlZI4Tvy

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 15, 2025

“We know about our errors defensively, and this is not just defenders, but this is the whole group just conceding goals that we have to erase from our performances,” Pareja said.

“We need to figure it out, because we need to do a better job right after halftime, because we have been conceding goals like right after, and we need to raise up the energy,” said Gerbet, who played a strong match in his first start against. We need to do a better job to come back with the same energy as we had in the first half to avoid those types of goals.”

That early second-half goal set off a nervy spell for the Lions, who again were giving too much width to the Red Bulls. In addition to width, Orlando City was conceding extra chances. Angulo’s poor clearance set up Edwards right in front in the 52nd minute, but the shot went wide of the left post.

Angulo again gave the ball away in his own end in the 53rd minute, and that allowed Dylan Nealis a chance to fire a shot at the top of the area. Gallese did well to get down and make the save, that bounced to Edwards. The New York player couldn’t dig it out of his feet and his chance for an easy put-back evaporated.

The Lions settled down a bit after that, creating a couple of chances. Pasalic shook free on the left and fired just wide of the right post in the 61st minute. Two minutes later, Muriel tried a long-range effort that forced a diving save from Coronel. Pasalic created another chance in the 65th minute by forcing a great diving stop by Coronel to keep the match tied.

The best chance in that Orlando flurry came in the 67th minute. Smith got to the end line and sent a good pass into the area. Ojeda dug it out of traffic and fired from close range but hit his curling shot wide of the right post.

New York should have taken the lead in the 72nd minute. With Orlando enjoying a spell of possession, Jansson was dispossessed at the halfway line, allowing Gjengaar to break in alone on goal. Rather than risk a pass to Choupa-Moting with Schlegel tracking back, Gjengaar fired a shot, trying to beat the onrushing Gallese. The Peruvian did well to get a slight touch to the shot, forcing it to skip just wide of the left post.

PEDRO STOPS THE FAST BREAK ❌ pic.twitter.com/8YwC1tRLSR

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 15, 2025

“I felt it more like individual moments every time,” Gerbet said about the club’s defensive struggles. “So, I felt like we just need to train more, be more focused, even like at halftime or before, be willing as a team to talk, to communicate, to be able to be all together, to raise up the energy — if we see someone is a little bit down, to push him a little bit. And I felt like those little tips can help us moving forward.”

Orlando went back on the front foot after that with some late chances to win the match. Pasalic held the ball too long on a promising transition break, rather than shifting the ball right to Freeman. Felipe Carballo was able to make him pay by tackling it away from him, although the Croatian felt he was fouled on the play. He came off limping when substituted off moments later, but Pareja indicated in his postgame comments that he wasn’t concerned with an injury to Pasalic.

The Lions gave up the ball too easily a few more times after that opportunity on the break, with Gjengaar hitting the left post with a curling effort from the right side, nearly making Orlando pay in the 85th minute.

McGuire subbed on for his first appearance of the season moments later and his impact was noticeable, despite no changes to the scoreline. He quickly won a corner in the 90th minute and fellow substitute David Brekalo got under his header on the ensuing set piece, sending it over the goal.

Ramiro Enrique had a golden opportunity for a winner in the third minute of injury time when McGuire laid off a pass for the Argentine. His shot was a decent one, but placed a bit too close to Coronel, who made an excellent diving save. A minute later, Coronel blocked a shot by Rafael Santos pinching in from the left, and McGuire’s follow-up effort was blocked by the defense in front.

“I was so happy seeing (McGuire), because he has been training normal, but I know the competition in the games is different,” Pareja said about the striker’s return. “I was urgent to see him giving us those glimpses of the Duncan that we all know. And when I saw him today competing, jumping with no fear, winning those duels, and getting in behind, that made us so happy. I’m very convinced that Duncan will be back in his best level soon and all what he brings is just good news for our offensive side.”

The final chance of the game fell to Orlando in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Santos won a corner kick. The service found its way to a wide-open Schlegel high in the box on the right. The defender took a shot but sent it wide with just about the last kick of the game.

New York finished with the advantage in possession (55.7%-44.3%) and passing accuracy (83.1%-80.7%), but aside from the first 15 minutes of the second half and a few random giveaways, Orlando controlled the match, finishing level on shots (15-15) and finishing with the advantage in shots on target (7-6) and corners (6-2).

Ultimately, the continued momentary lapses in defending cost the team points again. The Lions have now conceded 10 goals in just four games to start this season, using four different starting back line combinations.

“We’re disappointed of course because we wanted more,” Gerbet said. “I think we had the chances to get more (than one point), but we know how it’s tough to come here to New York to get a point, so I won’t say we’re happy, but we need to go with that because that’s what we got. Disappointed of course with the result, because as a team we want to win every single game.”

“At the end, we take a point and we take proudly, because we made a great effort today,” Pareja said.

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The Lions finish their road trip without a win (0-1-1) and now return to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium a week from today when they host D.C. United.