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Orlando City vs. Montreal Impact: Player Grades and Man of the Match

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9 years ago

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Well, that was bad. Orlando City dropped a 1-0 match to the Montreal Impact, who were in a bad run of form coming into the match. One simple counter attack was all it took for a defensive-minded team to take the lead and sit back the rest of the game. Not for the lack of trying, Orlando tried to pull one back, but just could not find the back of the net.

With the loss, Orlando is now mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Let’s just get on with the grades.

Starters

GK, Joe Bendik, 5 – Really didn’t have much to do in the game other than pass the ball around. The entire defense was caught out on the goal and left him on an island, so not entirely his fault on the only goal of the game. He did manage to come off his line to deny Montreal star Ignacio Piatti a good scoring chance.

D, Kevin Alston, 5 – Had some chances going forward, but his first touch let him down at times. At times he was in good position on the wings and tracked back fairly well on the counters. Had a cross in the 68th that almost led to a goal, but the ensuing shot from Baptista was skied over the bar.

D, Jose Aja, 5 – Put himself in decent position at times, but like with the rest of the defense, really wasn’t called on to do too much in the match. Part of the collective that was caught too high in the defensive line leading to the goal.

D, David Mateos, 5.5 – Had a solid outing defensively through the first half, maintaining the shape of the defense and shutting down the few chances going forward Montreal had. However, a clash in the early parts of the second half forced him to come out with a knee injury. Ended his day third in passing accuracy with 90%. He also spent some prolonged time in the attack after corner kicks, as there was little threat coming from Montreal.

D, Luke Boden, 5.5 – Overall, not a bad game from the fullback. Was able to get forward and put tantalizing balls into the area, but no one was able to score on the day. On the other end, tracked back well, except for playing Dominic Oduro onside and having to chase him down for the only goal of the game. Had an effort from the top of the box in the 54th that just flew over the bar. Shown a yellow card in the 78th minute after taking down Dominic Oduro. Led the team in interceptions. Best moment was a perfect one-time cross in for Cyle Larin, but Evan Bush made a spectacular point-blank save on it.

MF, Servando Carrasco, 5.5 – Wasn’t the best of matches for Carrasco. Seemed a bit slow in terms of moving the ball around the field, but still provided solid defensive depth. Subbed out in the 64th to go with a more attacking shape.

MF, Antonio Nocerino, 8 (MOTM) – Arguably the best player on the pitch for Orlando. Completed all but two of his 73 passes, giving him a 97% passing accuracy. Looked like the only player for Orlando that actually cared to run around throughout the game and really pushed the offense forward as well as gave cover for the defense. Led the team in tackles, passing percentage and number of passes. He picked out Boden on the left with a perfect ball for the one-time cross mentioned above.

MF, Matias Perez Garcia, 6.5 – Attempted to create some offense in the final third, but found himself taking on two or three defenders with no outlet to pass. Found his groove a bit more in the second half and spread out more to the wing, taking on defenders one-on-one. Finished the match second on the team in key passes.

MF, Kevin Molino, 4 – A day to forget for the Trinidadian. Couldn’t get anything going on offense and constantly turned the ball over in bad positions. Subbed out after 45 minutes

MF, Kaka, 6.5 – The captain tried his damndest to get a goal for his team, but it just wasn’t his day. Constantly a threat going forward in the attack, taking on defenders and beating them on his way towards goal. The final product on the day, however, was severely lacking on all parts. Great run in the 17th minute to earn a corner. Kicked one right at Evan Bush

F, Cyle Larin, 5.5 – An extended down period for the striker, Larin has struggled recently to do a lot in the box. Jason Kreis talked about Larin’s lack of final product in the post-game press conference. The Canadian had an individual run in the 33rd to earn a corner with no one in the box. Decent try in the 42nd min from outside the box that went just wide. Had a golden chance in the 62nd but a great save from Bush denied him. Denied again in the 88th minute with a header off a corner which was parried over the bar by Bush. So, the chances were there, but the finish, just like everyone else, was missing. But it wasn’t through lack of effort.

Substitutes

F, Julio Baptista (45′), 6 – Had a solid game getting into the right positions to be dangerous, but his strike on the day was really off. Had a free header on the run into the box in the 68th, but the effort went wide. Another golden opportunity in the 70th minute in which his shot in the middle of the box was skied over the bar. Also hit a free kick into the wall and whiffed on the follow-up in the 76th, which forced Boden to take a tactical foul for a booking.

D, Seb Hines (52′), 5 – Forced to come in after the injury to David Mateos just after halftime. His first touch of the math sent Kaká down the left side, allowing the captain to get a dangerous cross into the box that Larin couldn’t quite get onto. Was unlucky on the Montreal goal as the ball played through by Mancosu skipped off his foot and deflected right to Oduro. Shut down a counter attack in the 65th. Other than that, another ‘meh’ day for Seb, although he was the only defender to register a shot on target.

F, Carlos Rivas (64′), 5.5 – Gave Orlando more chances after coming on with some of his services into the box. Had his usual long shot in the 67th minute that went all the way into row Z. Had a great cross in the 68th that Baptista headed wide. Free kick in the 72nd just missed the top corner and tipped over the bar. Tried another shot from outside the box in the 80th which again went high. Some of his latter crosses were over-hit, however, trying to find teammates at the back post.

Well, there you have it. Orlando is now eliminated from playoff contention. Still two more games to evaluate players and finish out the season. Vote for your player of the game below and let us know what you thought of the performances.

Polling Closed

Player Votes
Antonio Nocerino 77
Kaká 23
Matias Perez Garcia 10
Carlos Rivas 1
Other (Comment Below) 5
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Lion Links

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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21 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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