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Orlando City vs. Nashville SC: Final Score 1-1 as Allen Chapman Chalks Off Winning Orlando Goal

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5 years ago

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It looked like the Lions had won it. Andres Perea’s put-back of an Alexandre Pato free kick that hit the crossbar and goalkeeper Joe Willis deep in stoppage time appeared to punch Orlando City’s ticket into the postseason. But referee Allen Chapman went to the monitor and waved off a goal for what he deemed a clear and obvious foul on Daryl Dike, allowing Nashville SC (12-4-17, 53 points) to escape with a 1-1 draw against Orlando (12-9-12, 48 points) as the teams tied for the third time in as many meetings in 2021.

The Lions crept closer to clinching but that disallowed goal could be a killer after Daryl Dike had provided an early lead, only to see Hany Mukhtar equalize in the second half at Exploria Stadium in Orlando’s home regular-season finale.

“It’s a very sad day for the league, a league that has been growing immensely,” an obviously upset Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “There are no explanations on the play that was so evident and destroyed the joy of our people — the people that believe in this project. It’s a very sad day. Allow me not to say more. It is incredible what happened tonight.”

Pareja had nearly a first-choice starting XI for this one, with only left back Joao Moutinho missing of the expected starting lineup. Pedro Gallese slotted in behind a back line of Emmanuel Mas, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, and Ruan. Sebas Mendez and Junior Urso took their place in central midfield, behind attackers Nani, Mauricio Pereyra, and Chris Mueller and striker Dike.

Orlando came out and played a patient opening half, building slowly and methodically when in possession, looking for a way through the organized Nashville defense. The chances were few but the Lions managed to create some. Nani put a good cross into the area to Pereyra in the eighth minute but the Uruguayan opted to flick on for Dike rather than go for goal and the connection didn’t quite come off.

Nashville got a series of corner kicks and came close to cashing in on one when Walker Zimmerman got a good pick and came free, but his header was saved by Gallese in the 10th minute.

Orlando earned a set piece in the 13th minute when Dike was fouled by Jack Maher near the corner. Nani found Pereyra at the top of the area but the midfielder didn’t make good contact on his one-time shot attempt and popped it up over the bar.

The Lions found an opener in the 18th minute on a sustained spell of possession that began with Pereyra winning the ball back in the corner after a set piece. Orlando worked the ball around the top of the area left to right and Nani found Mueller breaking toward the end line. Mueller cut a cross back through the area and Dike redirected it in for his ninth goal of the year.

Nashville started pressing higher after the Orlando goal and the Lions did well to stay patient and composed as the visitors tried to work the ball into a good shooting position. There were a few nervy moments but Nashville couldn’t create a clear-cut opportunity.

Orlando nearly doubled the lead in the 34th minute. Ruan tried to cut a pass back for a teammate but it went off Sapong and deflected out for a corner. The ensuing cross was headed back into the mix at the top of the box by Carlos and fell for Urso, who had his back to goal. Urso sent a spinning half-bike kick attempt toward goal but it hit the post and stayed out. Mas was called for a foul trying to get to the rebound ahead of a defender.

That was it for the good chances in the opening half. Nashville attempted more shots (7-5) and got more on target (4-1) but asided from Zimmerman’s there wasn’t much danger. The Lions held more possession (58.8%-41.2%), and passed more accurately (88.2%-84.4%), while Nashville won more corners (4-1).

Early in the second half, Mukhtar went down after a Carlos clearance looking to get a penalty call. Chapman wasn’t interested and he never looked at the monitor although the VAR certainly looked at the replay and determined there was no penalty. Mukhtar laid on the field for a good while and yet never got a visit from the trainers.

A few minutes later he got his “revenge” for the perceived slight, scoring his 15th goal of the season in the 53rd minute to tie the game. The goal came in transition after Nani tried to flick a pass through to send Dike in behind but didn’t get the touch quite right. Mukhtar milked the moment by preening in front of The Wall on the north end of the stadium.

Two minutes later, it was Orlando’s turn to shout for a penalty. Urso played a ball in behind the defense and would have been through on goal if not for being obstructed by the defense. Chapman immediately waved Urso to get up.

Nashville got a dangerous scoring opportunity in the 58th minute after Alex Muyl clipped Mueller from behind and Chapman not only didn’t make a call but he mimed that Mueller dove. Mueller may have tried to make sure the foul was seen, but replay showed there was clear contact between Muyl’s boot and Mueller’s ankle. Nashville ended up firing a shot on target that Gallese saved. Three minutes later, Eric Miller was able to sneak down the left channel and beat Ruan to a through ball firing a shot at Gallese.

In the 69th minute, it was Nani getting spun around by a defender in the attacking third and again there was no call. Nashville countered and Randall Leal fired wide of the goal on the other end.

Orlando continued to attack. Mas got free on the left but had his shot blocked in the 71st minute and the rebound fell to Mueller, who fired just off target. Two minutes later, Mueller got free at the top of the area but got under his shot and was visibly upset when it sailed over the net. It was Mueller’s last involvement of the game as he was subbed off for Benji Michel. It will be his last moment on the Exploria Stadium pitch unless the Lions somehow get a home playoff match. That’ll be more difficult after Chapman’s final decision in the match.

Pereyra got a good look at the top of the box in the 75th minute but fired a blast straight at Willis. Moments later, Nani drew a foul about 40 yards out from goal but Pereyra’s service was just slightly over everyone. The Lions then forced a turnover on the ensuing goal kick but Urso fired high in the 77th minute.

Nani went for glory from outside the area in the 85th minute and his blast didn’t miss the top right corner by much.

The only talking point that truly matters came in stoppage time. Pato drew a free kick about 25 yards straight out from goal and stepped up to take it himself. He smashed a laser shot that caught the bottom of the crossbar and hit Willis, then bounced off the right post and crawled tantalizingly out in front of the goal. Dike tried to get to the ball first. Alistair Johnston came in from behind and there was contact, with both players ending up in the net. Perea was first to get to the loose ball, scoring the apparent winner.

Exploria Stadium erupted and the Lions were still celebrating when Chapman went to the monitor to look at the play. After a short review, he signaled that there was no goal following replay.

“Orlando player Daryl Dike kicked Nashville player Alistair Johnston’s leg as Johnston was attempting to clear the ball. It was determined to be a foul prior to the goal being scored,” the referee responded to a pool reporter’s question after the match. “In the opinion of the match officials, Daryl Dike prevented Johnston from clearing the ball.”

While the replay shows some contact, it’s questionable at best whether Johnston could clear the ball or if he might even have knocked it into inside netting and there was certainly no intent to do anything but score by Dike. It appears to this writer that Johnston stuck his leg in front of Dike’s as if to prevent the forward from getting to it, rather than trying to make a play to clear it. Either way, it’s a stretch to call this a clear and obvious error.

“There is not any explanation that gets even close to (us) accepting that decision,” Pareja said. “That’s not going to be a resource for us, trying to make the players understand that it was a foul. We can’t get there. There’s no way to do it. I already saw 30 times the clip.”

Both teams ended up with 14 shots, with Nashville getting more on target (7-2). Orlando held more possession (54.9%-45.1%) and passed more accurately (87.7%-84.8%), while the visitors got more corners (7-2).

Orlando will need to regroup after a draw that should have been a win.

“Today was really hard for us because we we did our best on the field and we’re a little bit frustrated to not get three points,” Urso said. “We played well I think but we have to look forward because we need one more point to be in the playoffs.”

“Just put it behind us. It will take obviously certain time. I hope the boys can just shake it off and then refocus on what is coming because that’s our responsibility. I can tell you how disappointed they are with what just happened, and just let them absorb it first, and tomorrow will be another day. This is a beautiful sport and we have to move on and just try to make things happen in Montreal.”

The Lions will close out the regular season one week from today, heading north of the border to take on CF Montreal on Decision Day.

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Lion Links: 10/27/26

Martin Ojeda named to MLS Team of the Matchday bench, MLS and NWSL power rankings, Diego Chara will retire in 2027, and more.

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7 hours ago

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October 27, 2026

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Image of Martin Ojeda fighting for the ball against LAFC.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

I don’t know about all of you, but I’m looking forward to the time changing this weekend so I can enjoy an extra hour of sleep. The cooler weather has made staying bundled up in bed seem like paradise. Let’s get this Tuesday morning started with today’s links from around the soccer world.

Martin Ojeda Makes MLS Team of the Matchday Bench

Orlando City star Martin Ojeda earned a spot on the bench of the MLS Team of the Matchday for his performance in the team’s 2-2 draw against New York City FC. He contributed to both of Orlando’s goals, providing an excellent cross for the assist on Antoine Griezmann’s goal before scoring himself in the second half. It was another great showing from Ojeda, who received Man of the Match honors in our player grades from the match as well. The 27-year-old now has 16 goals and five assists this season as a key part of Orlando’s attack. Hopefully, he can find the back of the net again when the Lions play on the road against the Chicago Fire on Wednesday.

Orlando City Drops in MLS Power Rankings

The Lions fell two spots to 11th in ESPN‘s MLS power rankings after blowing a lead late against NYCFC. It’s another disappointing result with dropped points, but the Lions are unbeaten in their last four games. Of their remaining three opponents, all three are above them in the Eastern Conference and both the Chicago Fire and New England are in the top five of these power rankings. Charlotte FC fell six spots to 13th though following its 3-2 loss to the Portland Timbers.

NWSL Power Rankings Ahead of Decision Day

The Orlando Pride remained in 13th in ESPN‘s NWSL power rankings following a 2-1 loss to Gotham FC. The Pride ultimately weren’t able to stop Gotham from leaving the City Beautiful with all three points, but they at least created good chances against the league’s top team. Orlando is already eliminated from playoff contention but will still be part of an important game on Decision Day against the Seattle Reign on Sunday. The Reign are just two points ahead of the North Carolina Courage and three points ahead of the Denver Summit as the three fight for a playoff spot, so the Pride have a chance to play spoiler.

Diego Chara Will Retire After 2027 MLS Sprint Season

Portland Timbers defensive midfielder Diego Chara announced that he will retire from professional soccer next year after the 2027 MLS Sprint Season. He’s been with the Timbers for the entirety of his MLS career, joining the club as its first Designated Player back in 2011. He’s made more than 500 appearances with the club across all competitions and helped the Timbers win the 2015 MLS Cup and the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament. Despite still playing regularly for the club, the 40-year-old spoke on how he’s nearing the end of his career.

“Once you cross the line of 35 years old, you start thinking about what is next. That happened to me,” said Chara of retirement. “I always prepare myself to be competitive, try to give the performance, but at some point the body says, ‘Ok, it’s enough.’ 

“I think I’m getting that moment, and for me, I think it is the right time to do it.”

Ballon d’Or Winners Announced

Harry Kane won his first Ballon d’Or after scoring a whopping 73 goals for club and country. The 33-year-old helped Bayern Munich win a double and scored six times at the World Cup, claiming the award for Men’s Striker of the Year as well. Spain won plenty of awards after winning the World Cup, with Lamine Yamal winning Men’s Young Player of the Year, Luis de la Fuente claiming Men’s Coach of the Year, and Unai Simon winning Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year.

Barcelona swept most of the women’s soccer awards after completing a quadruple last season. Alexia Putellas, who left Barcelona after 14 years this past summer, won her third Ballon d’Or, with midfielder Vicky Lopez, goalkeeper Cara Coll, and coach Pere Romeu winning awards as well. Mexican forward Charlyn Corral bucked the trend though by being named Women’s Striker of the Year after lighting it up for Pachuca. The Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda finished 18th in the voting.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. Thanks for reading and I hope you all have a great Tuesday!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. New York City FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

How did your favorite Lions perform in Orlando City’s 2-2 draw with New York City FC?

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1 day ago

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October 26, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Orlando City gave up two costly points against New York City FC, allowing the visitors to score an equalizing goal with nearly the last kick of the ball. The 2-2 draw puts the Lions in a precarious position with two of the next three games on the road. Despite the disappointing result, some players still had good games.

Let’s take a look at the individual performances.

Starters

GK, Maxime Crepeau, 6.5 — While Crepeau didn’t have a perfect game, the Lions likely would’ve lost without his presence in goal. The entry ball in the 18th minute was just barely within reach of him getting a touch on, but he couldn’t change its trajectory and it allowed Alonso Martinez to tap in the opener. The second took a deflection and went through a lot of traffic in front of him, slipping inches inside his far post, so it can’t be blamed on him. He ended up touching the ball 35 times and completing 80.8% of his 26 passes, including four of his nine long balls. He saved four of NYCFC’s six shots on target and had multiple outstanding saves. If he’s able to gather the ball on the first goal, he probably gets my Man of the Match.

D, Vinicius Nogueira, 5.5 — The newly-aquired Brazilian defender had 32 touches in this game, completing 77.3% of his 22 passes, including one key pass and three of his five long balls. He technically had an assist on the second goal, flicking the ball behind him to Martin Ojeda. He didn’t have any defensive statistics, but he did win an aerial duel and put his only shot on target, although his free header went straight at the goalkeeper. It wasn’t a stellar game for the left back, but it wasn’t the worst performance either. He was replaced by Adrian Marin in the 71st minute.

D, Iago, 5 — With Robin Jansson injured, Iago got the start at center back alongside David Brekalo. Iago finished with 50 touches and completed 95.1% of his 41 passes. His six clearances tied David Brekalo for the team lead and he added one blocked shot. He didn’t get forward much on the attacking end, taking one dribble and not taking any shots. He was replaced by Zakaria Taifi in the 71st minute after getting beaten one time too many and picking up a yellow card.

D, David Brekalo, 5.5 — Brekalo was in his regular center back position, touching the ball a team-high 59 times. He completed 86.3% of his 51 passes, but none of his four long balls. The Slovenian tied Iago with a team-high six clearances and won two aerial duels. He also didn’t have any shots in this game. Unfortunately, Brekalo’s most impactful play was losing Talles Magno, forcing Wilder Cartagena to lunge in and concede a penalty. He got lucky that Magno went on to miss the target, or his grade might have been lower.

D, Ivan Angulo, 6 — Angulo continued his run of playing on the back line, starting on the right side. He touched the ball 58 times, second only to Brekalo and Eduard Atuesta. The Colombian completed 89.2% of his 37 passes, including a key pass, two of his three crosses, and two of his four long balls. Defensively, he recorded a team-high four tackles and one clearance. The cross in for the first goal came in from Angulo’s side, and he gave the ball away in his own half multiple times in his defensive half in the opening 45 minutes. He was also beaten badly down the left side on the play that set up the second NYCFC goal, but as a winger on team that had healthy fullback options on the bench, he shouldn’t be put in position to have to defend so much.

MF, Eduard Atuesta, 6 — Starting in the central midfield, Atuesta tied Brekalo with 59 touches. He completed 84.8% of his 46 passes but none of his three long balls nor his one cross. However, he did record one key pass. The defensive midfielder attempted two shots with both going off target. Defensively, he added a tackle in what was a solid game.

MF, Wilder Cartagena, 5.5 — One of the other regular defensive midfielders, Cartagena touched the ball 52 times and completed 87.5% of his 40 passes, including three of his four long balls. Defensively, Cartagena added a tackle, an interception, and three clearances. When Brekalo lost Magno in the 78th minute, it was Cartagena’s lunge that caused Magno to go down, forcing referee Elijio Arreguin to point to the spot. Fortunately, Magno missed the penalty. He had a solid performance other than conceding the penalty, even if that wasn’t all his fault.

MF, Braian Ojeda, 6 — This was Ojeda’s first start since Aug. 1 as he returns from an injury and his first time playing over 20 minutes. The Paraguayan midfielder had 20 touches while completing all of his 18 passes, including both long balls. His only shot was off target and he won one aerial duel. In the 32nd minute, his beautiful cross-field ball to Martin Ojeda was the start of an attack that resulted in Antoine Griezmann’s equalizing goal. He came off at halftime for Joran Gerbet in a move that was solely based on minutes.

MF, Justin Ellis, 6 — This game saw Ellis start for the first time since the international break when he suffered a minor injury against Canada. Again on the right, Ellis recorded 28 touches and completed 94.7% of his 19 passes, including a key pass but not his only long ball. Both of his shots were off target and he recorded one dribble. Despite being an attacker, Ellis contributed defensively with a clearance before being replaced by Marco Pasaslic in the 60th minute.

F, Martin Ojeda, 7 (MotM) — The club’s all-time leading goal scorer had 38 touches and completed 86.2% of his 29 passes, including three key passes and one of his three crosses. He put one of his two shots on target, netting the go-ahead goal in the 49th minute. The attacker sent a beautiful cross from the left to Griezmann in the 32nd minute, adding an assist to his game. Overall, it was a stellar performance that ended in the 83rd minute when he was replaced by Daryl Dike. His performance earns him my Man of the Match.

F, Antoine Griezmann, 6.5 — Griezmann had another strong performance in this game, touching the ball 33 times and completing 71.4% of his 21 passes, including a key pass and one of his three crosses. He put two shots on target, both headers. The first, from an Angulo cross, was right at NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese, and the second was his 32nd-minute goal. In addition to his shots, Griezmann recorded a dribble, two tackles, an aerial duel won, and a clearance.

Substitutes

MF, Joran Gerbet (46’), 5.5 — Gerbet entered the game at halftime for Braian Ojeda, touching the ball 25 times and completing all 19 of his passes. He drew two fouls, recorded a tackle, and made an interception. The French midfielder didn’t take any shots or record any other stats in his 45 minutes of action.

MF, Marco Pasalic (60’), 5 — A regular substitute, Pasalic replaced Ellis in the 60th minute. He touched the ball just five times in that half hour, completing two of his three passes. He didn’t take any shots or record any defensive statistics in his otherwise forgettable appearance.

D, Adrian Marin (71’), 5 — Marin entered the contest in the 71st minute for Nogueira but took over Iago’s spot at center back while Zakaria Taifi played right back and Angulo moved over the left back. The Spanish defender recorded just five touches in those 19 minutes, completing two of his four passes. He didn’t take any shots and his only defensive statistic was a clearance.

D, Zakaria Taifi (71’), 5 — During the same stoppage that saw Marin come on, Taifi replaced Iago and took over at right back. In his 19 minutes, the academy product only had eight touches and completed his three passes. He didn’t record any shots but contributed two tackles defensively.

F, Daryl Dike (83’), 5.5 — The last substitution of the game, Dike entered in the 83rd minute for Martin Ojeda. The striker completed one of his two passes and did well to hold up the ball, something he’s struggled with this year. But he wasn’t able to do anything else in his short appearance.

That’s how I viewed the individual performances in what looked to be a big win and turned into a devastating draw. Let us know how you saw the game in the comments and don’t forget to vote on your Man of the Match below.

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Lion Links: 10/26/26

Lions draw New York City FC, Pride fall to Gotham FC, Rafaelle announces retirement, and more.

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1 day ago

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October 26, 2026

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Image of Rafaelle playing the ball.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy covering high school soccer playoff action up here in Chicago. Sunday marked the 16th anniversary of the United Soccer League’s announcement of Orlando City joining the league. Both the Lions and Pride played over the weekend, and we’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw New York City FC

Orlando City drew New York City FC 2-2 on Saturday at Inter.co Stadium, dropping two points on just about the final kick of the match. The Lions trailed 1-0 in the first half, but Antoine Griezmann equalized for Orlando before halftime. In the second half, Martin Ojeda scored to put the Lions in front. However, in stoppage time, Jonathan Shore buried a late equalizer for New York City FC as the Lions couldn’t hold on to the lead. Orlando missed a chance to gain ground in the MLS playoff race and remains eighth in the Eastern Conference table with 42 points. Orlando City will have a busy week ahead with a two-game road trip. The next match is Wednesday against the Chicago Fire, followed by a trip to North Carolina to face Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Orlando Pride Fall to Gotham FC

The Orlando Pride fell 2-1 to Gotham FC on Sunday at Inter.co Stadium in the club’s final home match of the 2026 NWSL season. The Pride trailed 2-0 early in the second half before Solai Washington cut the deficit to one. Despite a great performance, dominating Gotham FC in total shots and earning plenty of breakaway chances, the Pride wasted their opportunities in front of goal and couldn’t find a late equalizer against the league leaders. The Pride will close out their 2026 season on the road, taking on Seattle Reign FC on Sunday.

Rafaelle Announces Retirement

Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle will retire from the National Women’s Soccer League following the 2026 season. She has played with the Pride since 2023, making 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals, and playing a key role on the 2024 squad that won the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship. The 35-year-old began her NWSL journey with the Houston Dash in 2014 and has played abroad for Arsenal, Palmeiras, and Changchun Zhuoyue. She also represented Brazil internationally for more than a decade, playing in 2 FIFA Women’s World Cups, captaining Brazil at the 2022 Copa America Femenina, and winning a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games. The Pride honored Rafaelle on the field after Sunday’s home finale.

Americans Abroad

Let’s catch up on Americans in action abroad in Europe. Former Lion Alex Freeman played a full 90 minutes and scored for Villarreal in a 2-1 win over Valencia on Saturday in La Liga. Freeman shared insight after the match about scoring his first goal in Villarreal’s comeback derby win against Valencia.

Joe Scally scored his third goal of the season for Borussia Monchengladbach in a 3-2 win against VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Tyler Adams played a full 90 minutes for AFC Bournemouth in a 3-0 victory against Manchester United in the English Premier League. Weston McKennie scored the opening goal for Juventus in a 2-0 win against Lecce. Christian Pulisic scored for AC Milan in a 2-0 win against Udinese in Serie A. In the EFL Championship, Aidan Morris scored his second goal of the season for Middlesbrough in a 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers.

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  • The U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy National Team fell 2-1 to England on Saturday in the final of the 2026 IFCPF World Cup.

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

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