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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. New York City FC, Preseason: Final Score 2-1 as Akindele and Mueller Lead Lions to Victory

The Lions opened the Orlando City Invitational with a win over the Pigeons.

Published

5 years ago

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Scott Carnevale, The Mane Land

New York City FC scored first against the run of play but the Lions came back to win 2-1 at Orlando City Stadium on the first day of the Orlando City Invitational. Tesho Akindele and Chris Mueller scored for Orlando, which notched more than one goal in a game for the first time all preseason. It was also the first time the Lions have scored against the Pigeons since 2017.

Sacha Kljestan, Will Johnson, and Sebas Mendez combined to control the middle of the pitch most of the night and the Lions dictated the tempo and flow of the game nearly from start to finish.

“I thought the quality at times was very good,” Head Coach James O’Connor said. “We wanted to try to get 90 minutes into the guys. I thought you could see there was really positive reaction. The players deserve enormous credit. They worked exceptionally hard through preseason. For a lot of them that was their first (full) 90 minutes. So to put in that level of performance after all the work they’ve done is a testament and they deserve enormous credit for that.”

O’Connor’s lineup included rumored new signing Brian Rowe at goalkeeper, behind a three-man back line of Kamal Miller, Alex De John, and Shane O’Neill. Wingbacks Danny Acosta and Ruan flanked a midfield of Kljestan, Johnson, and Mendez, while Akindele and Mueller — sporting his new number nine shirt — manned the forward line.

Orlando City controlled the first half with the exception of only a few scattered moments.

The Lions fashioned the first decent chance of the night just four minutes in. Kljestan fed a good through ball to Akindele on the right but his near-post effort was saved by Sean Johnson. Kljestan himself had a go from the left side of the box two minutes later, but Johnson made another diving save to keep the game scoreless.

Mueller had a shot blocked in the 12th minute from the top of the area and Acosta sent a dangerous cross through the six that no one could latch onto. Kljestan, who had a great half, blasted a shot from outside the area two minutes later but Johnson got across and got a hand on it to keep the game scoreless. Orlando took the ensuing corner short, and Mendez fired a shot right at the New York City FC keeper. Ruan got through on an excellent ball from Kljestan a moment later, but the flag was up as the speedy right back left early.

Ruan used that speed to get to a long ball over the top a couple minutes later and sizzled a cross through the area that was cut out for a corner kick. Miller got his head on the ensuing cross but hit his shot right at Johnson in the 23rd minute.

New York City took the lead at the half-hour mark, completely against the run of play. Maxi Moralez fired from around 30 yards out and got his shot up and over Rowe from distance to make it 1-0. It was NYCFC’s first shot of the match.

The visitors then saw a Jonathan Lewis shot blocked and scored again three minutes later but the flag had come up well before the shot. That was about all of New York’s attack for the first half.

Akindele tied the game in the 34th minute. Acosta sent a cross into the area that Kljestan nodded across the face of goal. Tesho was there to redirect it into the net to make it 1-1.

“I think the most important thing today was our press,” Akindele said. “Our press was really on and I think that kind of set the stage for the rest of the attack, because they were just scrambling to get out of their half in the first place. We were winning the ball in their half and then creating chances quickly.”

Three minutes later, Mendez won the ball in the defensive half and was taken out by Jesus Medina. The referee played advantage and Orlando made it pay off. Kljestan found Akindele, who sent the ball to Mueller, who then dribbled into the left side of the box and scorched one inside the near post to make it 2-1.

“The defender just kind of kept backing away and it was kind of a 2-v-1 (with Akindele) so as I was approaching the goal, I just kept coming a little bit closer,” Mueller said. “Usually from there the back-post finish is usually the one that’s on, but I saw the goalie shift a little bit and I just slotted it to the near side. I got to give (Akindele) credit for the goal because he dragged that defender with him away from me.”

“I was just trying to get up there and help him,” Akindele said of Mueller. “Luckily, he didn’t need me and I was just happy that he was able to score the goal. But I think he would do the same for me. Everybody’s got to work hard to create chances for everyone else.”

The Lions took their deserved lead into the locker room at halftime as they controlled the majority of first-half play.

The second half was more evenly played and New York City looked more dangerous on the counterattack. Still, Orlando seemed more likely to score from the run of play, winning several more corner kick opportunities. Mueller was pulled down by Lewis in the 58th minute, earning the NYCFC/USMNT forward a booking. Kljestan hit the ensuing free kick off the top of the wall and out for a corner, but nothing came of it.

Mueller got a free header on an Acosta cross in the 65th minute and missed the net by inches, as the Lions nearly found a third goal. It looked like it would be a costly miss moments later when the visitors flashed a cross through Orlando’s penalty area that hit off either a defender or the post and barely stayed out.

Ten minutes later, Lewis went down in the area trying to win a penalty and saw his second yellow card of the night — this time for simulation. As a result, he was sent off and New York City was forced to play with 10 the rest of the way.

Orlando played out the string with lots of passing. Ruan picked up a cramp late and was replaced by OCB teenager Jordan Bender, but aside from that, the final 15 minutes went by uneventfully and the Lions held on for the win.

“There’s a couple of areas we can be sharper at. We could be crisper at,” O’Connor said. “But I think overall if you look at where we started from…to see the understanding of attacking and defensive principles was very, very encouraging.”

The Lions improved to 2-1-1 on the preseason. Orlando City will host the New England Revolution on Wednesday in Round 2 of the Orlando City Invitational at 7:30 p.m.

In the early game, Minnesota United got a gift howler from New England goalkeeper Brad Knighton and beat the Revolution, 1-0. Miguel Ibarra took away a bad touch outside the area by Knighton in the second half, rounded the keeper and passed the ball into the net for the game’s only score. The Loons nearly doubled the lead moments later when Revs defender Michael Mancienne deflected a Romain Metanire cross off his own goal post. New England couldn’t find an equalizer and the Loons won the first match in Orlando City Invitational history.

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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

Get the inside scoop on Toronto FC ahead of Saturday’s match.

Published

14 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Another Orlando City matchday is almost upon us, and the Lions will try to extend a four-game unbeaten streak Saturday night and finish off an undefeated month of April. OCSC will do so back in the comfortable confines of home, as Toronto FC travels south for the first of two games between the teams this season.

A visit from Toronto means I caught up with Tomas Karageorgos of Waking the Red. As usual, he was very helpful in bringing us up to speed on TFC ahead of the upcoming match.

This is John Herdman’s first year in charge of Toronto. What sort of style does the team play under him?

Tomas Karageorgos: John Herdman plays a variation of a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation that prefers to build plays out of the back. Herdman also relies on his center midfielders to win possession back and push the ball to either flank. German striker Prince Owusu’s constant pressure on opposing defenses has caused some turnovers in TFC’s favor. Owusu’s style of play has not only helped his teammates but himself as well — he has scored five goals in the club’s last six matches.

Run me through some of the additions and departures that took place during the off-season. Who are some new faces to keep an eye on?

TK: The four major additions that the club made was signing defensive midfielders Deiby Flores and Matty Longstaff; Canadian fullback Richie Laryea is back for a third time; and Irish center back Kevin Long. Flores has been described as a dog in the sense of not being afraid to get stuck into tough challenges. Longstaff was signed from Newcastle United and is beginning to play consistent minutes — he still has room to grow as he’s a young player. Long was signed from Birmingham City and has been a rock in the center of the back three. A strong aerial presence and calmness has helped to contribute to Toronto’s six clean sheets across all competitions this season. There’s not much to say about Laryea that hasn’t been said, he’s arguably the best defender in MLS when healthy. Another underrated signing was French defender Nicksoen Gomis from Sheffield United, he has had quiet-yet-consistent performances. Notable departures include Salvadoran goalkeeper Tomás Romero, Norwegian striker Adama Diomande, and club legend Michael Bradley, who retired at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

TFC has quite the list of injured players at the moment. Who has been filling in for the missing faces, and how have they looked?

TK: Lorenzo Insigne, Richie Laryea, and Shane O’Neill continue to miss action due to thigh injuries. Midfielder Brandon Servania is slated to return during the middle of the season as he is recovering from knee surgery. First overall draft pick Tyrese Spicer has filled in for Insigne and has two goals in his account for the club — he has a high work rate on both sides of the ball. Canadian youngster Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is gaining more experience on the right side while Laryea is sidelined. Gomis and Sigurd Rosted have been taking turns covering O’Neill, and Alonso Coello is continuing to build on an impressive first season with the club in the absence of Servania.

Which players will be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

TK: The names I noted above who are injured will be unavailable. Also, attacker Deandre Kerr is listed as questionable.

Predicted starting XI: Sean Johnson; Nickeson Gomis, Kevin Long, Sigurd Rosted; Tyrese Spicer, Alonso Coello, Deybi Flores, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty; Jonathan Osorio, Federico Bernardeschi, Prince Owusu.

Score prediction: 1-1. 

Thank you to Tomas for his insight into Toronto FC. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/26/24

Orlando City gets ready for Toronto FC, Thiago Silva linked with Orlando, Marta announces international retirement, and more.

Published

17 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad it’s Friday. It’s been a bit of a brutal week for me, but the weekend is nearly upon us, and I plan on spending it with my family for my dad’s birthday. I’m also hoping to find some time to read the new book that came out this week from my favorite author, Emily Henry. For now though, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Prepares for Toronto FC

After a shaky start to the season, the Lions are unbeaten in their past four games and can make it five when they host Toronto FC Saturday night. Toronto has lost three of its past four games, but is coming off of a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. In the time since Oscar Pareja took over as head coach, Orlando City has won six of its seven games against Toronto. It will be the first meeting between the two with John Herdman at the helm of Toronto, so we will see if the trend of recent Orlando dominance continues. It should be a great game and is another opportunity for the Lions to climb up the table.

Thiago Silva Linked With Orlando City

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva’s contract with Chelsea ends this summer and Orlando City was mentioned as one of many reported clubs interested in signing him. Beyond the surface-level facts that Silva is an incredibly talented defender and Orlando City is a popular landing spot for South Americans who want to play in MLS, the move would not make much sense. The club signed David Brekalo this off-season and Rodrigo Schlegel is a solid option off the bench as well. Even if Orlando does want Silva, there will be plenty of competition. Returning to Fluminense is the expected choice, but Silva could stay in Europe or make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Marta Will Retire From National Team After 2024

Orlando Pride star Marta announced that 2024 will be her last year playing for Brazil. You will need a translating tool for more of the details from her interview with CNN, but she spoke on how she’s at peace with her decision to stop playing at the international level once the year is over. She made her international debut in 2002 and has since played in five Olympics for Brazil. Marta may play in her sixth this summer, and there would be global attention to see one of the greatest players ever to lead Brazil one last time. Her contract with the Pride also ends after this season, but only time will tell if this is her final season in Orlando.

Orlando’s Academy Teams Get Results Against New England

With the Generations Adidas Cup behind them, Orlando City’s U-17 and U-15 teams earned some important points against the New England Revolution’s youth squads. The U-15 team dominated New England in a 4-1 result that included a hat trick from Jakob Garcia. The match between the U-17 sides was a closer affair, as they split the points in a 1-1 draw. Orlando’s teams will play again tomorrow, with a pair of home games against Nashville SC.

Free Kicks

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

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over Toronto FC Saturday at home?

Published

2 days ago

on

April 25, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

After a successful, four-point road trip, Orlando City returns from Montreal to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium to face one of the other Canadian clubs, Toronto FC. The Lions are hoping to add to a four-match unbeaten streak. A win offers the opportunity to take another step up the standings.

What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against Toronto FC?

No Early Mistakes

In the last three matches, Orlando City has conceded the first goal of the match. Worse than that, each of those goals happened within the first 21 minutes. Yes, coming from behind for two draws and one win is good, but not giving up those early goals may have meant three wins instead.

Last season, Orlando City’s defense was good. We didn’t see nearly so many mental mistakes by the defense, especially so early in the match. What is frustrating is that these mistakes were seemingly preventable. The back line, the defensive midfielders, and Pedro Gallese need to tighten up in the early going so that the Lions are not chasing the match so early on.

Take Advantage of Tired Legs

Toronto FC played a match against Simcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship tournament on Wednesday. I’m in no way saying that Toronto trotted out their first choice lineup for the match, but even if only some of the players got a run out, that could create some tired legs for the match against Orlando. Add in the travel from Canada to Florida on short rest and it could be good news for the Lions.

If the Lions can possess the ball and make Toronto FC chase them, or if Orlando can get the first goal (see above) so that Toronto is chasing the match as well, it might pay dividends in the second half. Orlando City is good enough in the passing game to do so, though it will be interesting to see whether Martin Ojeda rejoins the starting lineup or if Nico Lodeiro gets the nod again.

One Down, Two to Go

Facundo Torres was the first of Orlando City’s three Designated Players to score a goal in the regular season. While it didn’t come in the run of play, it might still spark him to add some more since he usually starts slow and then catches fire at about this point in the season. Of course, both Luis Muriel and Ojeda contributed to the scoring against Montreal. Muriel drew the penalty that Torres took, and Ojeda provided the assist to Ivan Angulo.

Now it is time for either Muriel or Ojeda — or both — to join Torres on the scoreboard. Standing in their way will be a good keeper in Sean Johnson. So far this season, he has allowed seven goals and has 22 saves, with three clean sheets. Muriel seems to be getting closer to scoring with each shot taken, and Ojeda has missed some close ones. If all three of Orlando City’s Designated Players can start scoring regularly, this team will become dangerous quickly.

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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