STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United – 19.10.2024

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Orlando City SC are primed and ready as we head into 2024 MLS Decision Day! Following our impressive 1-3 victory against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on October 5, the Lions have put themselves in a really strong position to secure a coveted fourth-placed (top four) finish in the Eastern Conference. Prior to the international break, our crucial 1-3 win at FC Cincinnati not only capped off our final away fixture of the regular season but also showcased our remarkable resilience and tactical discipline. Ramiro Enrique was the star of the night, netting a brace to propel him to eight goals in his last 12 MLS appearances, while Iván Angulo added another to underline City’s offensive prowess.

With this victory, Orlando City SC reached 58 goals this 2024 MLS regular season, surpassing our club record (55 in 2023 and 2016) for the most goals in a single season – a testament to the attacking dynamism of this team. Currently sitting on 52 points from 33 matches, the Lions are firmly in control of their destiny, with a golden opportunity to seal that fourth-placed finish against fierce rivals Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium. Quite simply, a City victory on 2024 MLS Decision Day will guarantee home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. After our stellar performance at FC Cincinnati, we’ve extended our remarkable run to 10 wins in 13 MLS matches since July 1, making us Major League Soccer’s most in-form team heading into Gameweek 34 and the post-season.

With New York City FC hot on our heels, just two points behind us, we know that any slip-up could prove fatal. The Pigeons visit CF Montréal on 2024 MLS Decision Day, with the Canadian side also vying to secure their own spot in the Eastern Conference MLS Wild Card match. Since Orlando City SC are now unrecognisable from the team that lost 2-0 at Atlanta United back in March, there would be nothing sweeter than putting an immediate end to The Five Stripes’ slim playoff aspirations. Given the fierce Florida-Georgia rivalry and the added pressure, Orlando City SC must harness the momentum from our recent successes and deliver a standout performance in this high-stakes fixture.

As we prepare for this defining match, the Lions are more than capable of rising to the occasion. With the remarkable attacking talent of Facundo Torres and the continued brilliance of Ramiro Enrique, Orlando City SC are not only aiming for a top four finish but also looking to set the stage for what we hope will be our deepest playoff run yet. All eyes are now on 2024 MLS Decision Day, so let’s make it count. Vamos Orlando! Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Los Angeles FC – 15.06.2024

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The melancholy feeling of disappointment lingers on and on for Orlando City SC who suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against New York Red Bulls back on June 1.

Frankly speaking, the small flickers of hope for sneaking into the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs continue to dwindle week by week.

Having had a whole fortnight to stew over our disappointing 1-0 defeat at New York Red Bulls, the Lions now return to Inter&Co Stadium for a cross-conference meeting with in form Los Angeles FC who have won five MLS games in a row, conceding ZERO goals in the process!

Things could certainly get worse before they get better for Oscar Pareja and his side. Seeing our five-game unbeaten road streak snapped at Red Bull Arena, we could’ve played until midnight and still not scored! Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Flamengo – 27.01.2024

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In a new calendar year, we get to witness our beloved Orlando City SC take the field earlier than ever before with the Lions hosting Brazilian giants Flamengo at our newly renamed Inter&Co Stadium in a friendly match as part of the FC Series 2024.

A friendly announced back on December 7 and originally scheduled to take place at Camping World Stadium, the fixture marks City’s first friendly in preparation for the 2024 season and Flamengo’s final game of their weeklong pre-season tour of Florida. Continue reading

2024 MLS SuperDraft preview: Reviewing Orlando City SC’s 31 draft picks since 2015

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The MLS SuperDraft is the most exciting event in the lives of every young North American college soccer player.

With Rounds 1, 2 and 3 of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft getting underway tomorrow, Orlando City UK took this moment to reflect on how Orlando City SC‘s annual picks have fared since our inaugural 2015 season. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Arsenal – 20.07.2022

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There’s a break (if you’d call it that) from Major League Soccer play as Orlando City SC welcome Premier League giants Arsenal to Exploria Stadium for the FC Series Clash of Nations 2022.

Forging part of the Gunners’ 2022/23 pre-season preparations, Mikel Arteta’s side are adored around the world and this glamorous friendly fixture will underline Orlando City SC‘s name on the global soccer map. Continue reading

Orlando City SC to face Arsenal at Exploria Stadium on July 20

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Being a die-hard Arsenal and Orlando City SC supporter myself, I couldn’t believe yesterday’s news that City will be facing the Gunners in a mid-season friendly at Exploria Stadium on Wednesday, July 20.

Dubbed the FC Series Clash of Nations 2022, this is Orlando City SC‘s first ever friendly with Arsenal, a game sure to capture the imagination in Central Florida. Continue reading

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC signing Alexandre Pato

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After the furore of loaning Daryl Dike to Barnsley, the next huge Orlando City SC headline has just taken place with the Lions announcing the signing of Alexandre Pato.

A free agent, the 31-year-old former Brazil international arrives at Exploria Stadium on a one-year deal after terminating his contract with São Paulo in August 2020. Continue reading

Orlando City SC reportedly make offer for former Chelsea striker

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According to respected soccer journalist César Luis Merlo, Orlando City SC have submitted a formal offer to sign former Brazilian international striker Alexandre Pato.

Currently a free agent after terminating his contract with São Paulo in August 2020, the 31-year-old could help fill the temporary void left by Daryl Dike‘s loan to Barnsley. Continue reading

Orlando City SC parting ways with 30-year-old star

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Waking up on Thursday morning (UK time), Twitter was awash with the news that Orlando City SC are parting ways with Aurélien Collin who will be joining New York Red Bulls.

As confirmed by Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Jesse March’s Red Bulls are acquiring the French centre back in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2017 draft. Continue reading