STATS PREVIEW: Houston Dynamo vs Orlando City SC – 21.09.2019

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Despite a rousing second-half that saw Orlando City SC overturn a 1-3 half-time deficit in just nine minutes, the Lions’ 3-3 draw with New England Revolution leaves our playoff hopes on the brink.

On a night where Montreal Impact’s 0-1 loss to FC Cincinnati gave James O’Connor‘s side a huge opportunity to make up ground, City desperately needed all three points, not one. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Los Angeles FC – 07.09.2019

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After a miserable 3-0 thumping at San Jose Earthquakes, Orlando City SC have just five regular season fixtures left to try and clinch a spot in the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Achieving that objective looks a tall order right now, especially considering they now face runaway Western Conference leaders and arguably the best MLS regular season side of all-time, Los Angeles FC. Continue reading

INTERVIEW: Orlando City UK chats to Orlando City SC’s Paul Shaw

Interview - Orlando City UK chat to Orlando City SC's Paul Shaw

Announcing retirement is a huge decision for professional footballers. Giving up the weekly camaraderie of the training ground and dressing room, the question “what next?” is often a deafening one.

Some footballers transition into coaching, some explore broadcasting opportunities and some pursue analyst-type roles. For Paul Shaw, the former striker is enjoying all three across the pond within the Orlando City SC organisation. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Minnesota United vs Orlando City SC – 17.08.2019

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After Orlando City SC‘s crucial 1-0 win against Sporting Kansas City, the Lions make their first ever trip to Allianz Field to take on Minnesota United of the Western Conference.

The fixture represents the first ever MLS meeting of Lions club legend Adrian Heath and his former Orlando City SC player James O’Connor in the dugouts as Inchy plots a third consecutive win over the club he served with such distinction. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Sporting Kansas City – 14.08.2019

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Following Orlando City SC’s 1-1 draw at Toronto FC, more MLS action comes thick and fast with the Lions now facing their final double gameweek of 2019.

Now facing a must-win home test against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, another away day beckons at Adrian Heath‘s Minnesota United just three days later. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs FC Dallas – 03.08.2019

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Just three days on from the 2019 MLS All-Star Game, the Exploria Stadium turf sees live action again as Orlando City SC return for a cross-conference clash with Luchi Gonzalez’s FC Dallas.

Just the fourth time the sides have met in Major League Soccer, James O’Connor swaps MLS All-Star head coach duties for his regular day job as his Lions plot a strong finish heading into the season’s final straight. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Seattle Sounders vs Orlando City SC – 15.05.2019

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Following Orlando City SC‘s narrow 1-0 loss at Atlanta United, James O’Connor‘s side complete the second part of a tough two-game road streak at Seattle Sounders.

Travelling to CenturyLink Field for the third time since entering Major League Soccer, the cavernous venue will provide a stiff midweek test for the Lions. Continue reading

Whatever happened to… Orlando City SC’s 2014 MLS Expansion Draft picks?

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With FC Cincinnati joining Major League Soccer in 2019, the Orange and Blue will soon be selecting unprotected players under MLS contracts in the forthcoming 2018 MLS Expansion Draft on December 11.

Alan Koch’s side have already acquired the likes of former Portland Timbers star Fanendo Adi and San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Fatai Alashe on loan. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: FC Dallas vs Orlando City SC – 06.10.2018

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Suitably rested with no fixture last weekend, Orlando City SC taste their first MLS action in 14 days with a testing away fixture at Western Conference leaders FC Dallas.

Travelling to Frisco, Texas with heads a little higher following an improved performance in our 0-0 draw against Houston Dynamo, James O’Connor‘s side are now battling to avoid finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference. Continue reading