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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Real Salt Lake: Player Grades and Man of the Match

Published

4 years ago

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Orlando City played to a goalless draw in its 2020 season opener. There seemed to be a different energy around the team than in the previous season, with lots of attacking. However, it was the same old story as chances went to waste and the Lions struggled in the final third.

The team looked sound defensively, and the midfield controlled the game for the most part. Real Salt Lake never threatened nor looked like it was going to score. Here is how everyone performed:

Starters:

GK, Pedro Gallese, 6 — It is impossible for a goalkeeper to have a poor game when they are not involved. Gallese only had to make one save, and that was a slow roller that he could have made with his eyes closed. He had a total of 11 touches, seven passes, and a passing accuracy of 57%.

D, João Moutinho, 8 (MotM) — Moutinho had one of his best games as a Lion. He was rock solid defensively and finished with two tackles, five interceptions, and five clearances. The latter two were both team highs. On the attacking side, he had the second-most touches (97) and passes (59) and was accurate 76% of the time. He attempted three crosses, but only one found the target. He beat players on the dribble a few times as well and looked like the best player on the field all night long.

D, Robin Jansson, 7 — The entire defense did well and limited Real Salt Lake to practically no chances. Jansson did his part, and, while he did nothing spectacular, the 28-year-old did what needed to be done. He missed one header off a corner late in the match, mistiming his jump. Jansson was tied with Moutinho with five clearances, and also had a block and two interceptions to go with an 89% passing rate.

D, Antonio Carlos, 6.5 – Similar to Jansson, Carlos did nothing spectacular but did everything asked of him. He showed in his first outing that he will fit in nicely with Orlando, and he already has impressive chemistry with Jansson. Carlos had a little less to do defensively than his center back partner though, finishing with four clearances and one block but he did tie Moutinho for the team lead in aerials won, with four. He had 47 passes and was successful on 72% of them. That is a number he will want to increase to reach at least 80% as a center back.

D, Ruan, 6.5 — It was not the best game for the Brazilian, but he certainly did not play poorly. His speed was not used as much as it was at times last season, but he was still able to get into the final third several times. He sent in four crosses, but only one was successful. He also had a key pass, four tackles, and two clearances in the game.

MF, Junior Urso, 7 — In his first game in Orlando, Urso was very good in his role. He did not provide fireworks, but did well distributing the ball and keeping RSL’s attack at bay. He had 42 passes and was accurate on 74% of them. He also finished with two tackles, an interception, and a clearance, firing two of Orlando’s nine shots.

MF, Sebas Méndez, 8 — There could be arguments made that Méndez was the best player, and it would be hard to deny them. He had a few dangerous turnovers late in the game, but he was involved in almost every Orlando City attack. He led all players with 72 passes, three shots, and one shot on target. He was also dispossessed four times — a game-high, tied with Chris Mueller. He had a team-high six tackles, an interception, a clearance, and a block.

MF, Mauricio Pereyra, 6.5 — Pereyra was the worst of the three midfielders, but still had a solid game. His 71% passing accuracy was the lowest of all Orlando City field players, although he had a lot more attempts in the final third, where space is scarce. He had five crosses, but none found their intended target. While those numbers are not encouraging, he didn’t get much help from his teammates up front. He easily could have had two assists on the night. In the last 20 minutes, Pereyra played two balls perfectly over the top of the defense, but Mueller and Robinho botched both attempts.

F, Chris Mueller, 5 — Mueller might have been the most frustrating player to watch during the game. He seemed to have an abundance of chances, but was unable to do anything with them. The 23-year-old had a few opportunities to get on the board but lacked that final touch. His best chance came in the 83rd minute, and it was a golden opportunity to score the game-winner. After Robinho lost the ball just inside the box, Mueller tried a first-time shot at the top of the 18. He should have done better with the left-footed effort, but the ball sailed into the stands.

F, Tesho Akindele, 4.5 — Akindele played striker for 83 minutes and finished with no attacking stats. He had just 26 touches and 18 passes. Of those passes, only three were in the box, and two of those three were intercepted. He was also offside twice. His best chance was in the first five minutes of the match. Nedum Onuoha went to take him down in the box, but there was no call and no review.

F, Benji Michel, 4 — Michel had a poor night and was not involved very often. Playing out wide, he found himself one-on-one with RSL’s full back quite often, but he struggled to use that to his advantage. He officially had four unsuccessful dribbles and only one successful one. The only time he had success was on the right side after switching with Mueller after half time. Michel had no shots and just 11 passes.

Substitutes

F, Robinho (64’), 6 — Robinho might have done enough to earn himself a start next week, although he was not great. He didn’t have any shots and should have done much better with that perfect ball from Pereyra late in the match. His first touch was poor, and that forced him to take any touch to control it. By that time, two defenders closed him down, and the Brazilian couldn’t get a shot off.

F, Santiago Patino (83’), N/A — Patino played the last seven minutes, plus stoppage time, but had little effect on the match. He had three touches and one pass, which was completed.

D, Andrés Perea (93’), N/A — Perea was in the match for maybe 90 seconds. It seemed like a waste of time for him to even go into the game, but at least the 19-year-old got his debut, surprisingly taking over at right back for Ruan rather than playing in the midfield.

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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

13 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: 4/26/24

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

Published

16 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.

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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

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April 25, 2024

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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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