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Orlando City vs. Houston Dynamo: Final Score 1-0, Lions Get First MLS Win

Pedro Ribeiro’s second-half substitution and a goalkeeping mistake lead to Orlando City’s first Major League Soccer victory.

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10 years ago

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Nick Leyva, The Mane Land

HOUSTON — A second-half sub made the most of his short time on field to secure Orlando City SC’s first-ever MLS win against the Houston Dynamo in Houston tonight.

Pedro Ribeiro came on in the 54th minute for starting center forward Carlos Rivas to make his first appearance of the season. Ribeiro applied high pressure to Tyler Deric, who took a heavy touch on David Horst’s ill-advised back pass and it caused the young keeper to make a mistake, leading to Orlando City’s 1-0 victory.

Deric had the ball at his feet when Ribeiro pounced on him and dispossessed him in the goal box. The two tussled for the ball and both players went airborne for the ball. The 6-foot-4 forward stayed strong, trying to put his head on the ball while Deric went to swat it away.

“It happens a lot,” Ribeiro said about the tussle in front of the goal. “I’m a big guy and sometimes when I beat a guy in front of the goal he always tries to pull me down. I’m not a guy who’s going to fall down for certain little things, and I’m just going to try to keep playing, especially on a play like that, when I can score a goal and get three points. I’m happy for the goal and happy for the first win for Orlando City in the MLS.”

MLS is calling it an own goal by Deric at this point. Regardless, it was Ribeiro’s hard work and power that was responsible for the tally.

Overall, match play was closer to what Adrian Heath wants from the squad. He said it was a crisp effort for Orlando City’s first road match of the season.

“I’m delighted that we started to sort of play our football,” Heath said. “I thought last week that we were a little bit intimidated and I thought today that we started to play football the way we can. It’s not the greatest goal (or) the prettiest goal he’s (Pedro Ribeiro) scored, but I can honestly say it was one of the most important for us…I didn’t think the goal was going to come but eventually we got it.”

The back line held its resolve throughout the entire 90 minutes and held Houston to seven shots — zero on goal — despite the absence of Aurelien Collin, who was suspended for his red card against New York City FC on Sunday. Sean St. Ledger took the start alongside Seb Hines for his first full 90 minutes of the season.

Darwin Ceren also made his 2015 MLS starting debut Friday night, taking Cristian Higuita’s spot alongside Amobi Okugo in defensive midfield. Higuita was out with an injury Heath described as a slight groin strain but his manager said his work ethic in training played the devil’s advocate in putting Ceren’s name in the starting lineup.

“I just told him (Ceren) he’s forced his way into the lineup and the squad the last two weeks by the way he’s trained the last two weeks,” Heath said. “He’s been outstanding. And it’s not easy when all the euphoria’s going around on opening day and you’re not in the 18. He’s knuckled down and worked really, really hard in training. He’s had a little bit of a reward tonight.”

Orlando City had two shots on goal in the first half, compared to none by Houston. One came on a dangerous run by Rivas that almost split the Houston defenders, but ended in a side-footed shot Deric easily picked up.

A foul outside Deric’s box during the 43rd minute led to another chance for Kaká to repeat his free-kick heroics from Sunday but Deric denied it with a spectacular save, diving to his right to shut down the Orlando City star.

That was the only promising look he had on the goal for the night. Houston’s defense and center midfielders played a compact game in the center of the field and strong-armed at times, with Jermaine Taylor and Ricardo Clark putting Kaká on the ground without drawing fouls.

Rafael Ramos provided Orlando with several threatening opportunities in the first half with runs down the right but he couldn’t connect with anyone in the box.

Orlando City opened the second half with its fourth yellow card of the season, when Okugo pulled back Honduran international Oscar Boniek Garcia, who made a nice move to get by him.

Kaká had a great chance in the 65th minute when he broke free down the left side with possession of the ball. Horst made a sliding attempt at knocking the ball free of the Brazilian’s feet but misjudged the tackle. The Brazilian star tried a shot at the goal but was once again denied by the Dynamo keeper.

Houston had its chances on several corners and build-ups but couldn’t convert. Will Bruin had one last good look at the goal in the second half but sailed the ball wide. Houston finished with zero shots on goal.

Eric Avila made his Orlando City debut in the 81st minute, subbing on for Kaká.

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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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22 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.

Published

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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