STATS PREVIEW: FC Dallas vs Orlando City SC – 28.09.2024

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Last Saturday, Orlando City SC suffered a 4-3 defeat at Columbus Crew, ending the Lions’ three-game winning streak in dramatic fashion. Despite a spirited comeback from 3-0 down, individual errors proved costly, causing Oscar Pareja’s men to lose ground in our pursuit of a fifth consecutive MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.

The defeat means Orlando City SC remain on 43 points in a tightly congested Eastern Conference. Goals from Diego Rossi, Christian Ramirez, and Cucho Hernández put Crew 3-0 up at at Lower.com Field. Then late goals from Ramiro Enrique, Luis Muriel, Aziel Jackson, and Muriel (again) saw City fall just short in Ohio.

Now visiting FC Dallas for the first time since September 2020, Orlando City SC will look to bounce back, knowing that a win will officially clinch our spot in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. With City currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, our push for a top four finish is still within reach too, though last weekend’s setback means the pressure is mounting.

As for FC Dallas, they are fighting for a playoff spot themselves in the Western Conference. Coming off a morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC, who were gearing up for the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, this win marked Toros’ first in their last four MLS fixtures (1-1-2). As such, this game promises to be another stern examination of Orlando City SC’s resilience and adaptability. Right now, every point is vital as we enter the final stretch of the MLS regular season. A strong performance in Frisco could be the catalyst needed to reignite our top four and post-season hopes.

Saturday’s visit to Toyota Stadium will also be a reunion for both Oscar Pareja and Luiz Muzzi. Both are very familiar with the venue after many successful years working together at the Texan club. Continue reading

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC’s 2022 end-of-season roster update

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Today, Orlando City SC officially announced their updated first team roster following the end of the 2022 Major League Soccer campaign.

The first comprehensive evidence as to who is staying, potentially remaining and departing Exploria Stadium before 2023, just two players were named in the ‘option declined’ column. Continue reading

Orlando City UK celebrates our seventh birthday: 2022 round-up

Wow, what an incredible 2022 we’ve had! Today, we’re celebrating our seventh birthday here at Orlando City UK with our Official International Fan Club of Orlando City SC established seven years ago.

In our eighth MLS season, 2022 was the year the Lions finally got their hands on their first major silverware. Triumphantly winning the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, our loyal UK supporters keenly supported every step of the way from the United Kingdom. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Inter Miami vs Orlando City SC – 05.10.2022

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Orlando City SC‘s hopes of reaching the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs desperately hang in the balance after City suffered a painful 2-1 defeat at New York City FC on Sunday.

Not a knockout blow, considering the Lions have two games remaining, Oscar Pareja‘s side now visit Inter Miami in our final away game of the season, most definitely the highest stakes Sunshine Clásico yet. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United – 14.09.2022

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After a heavy 5-1 defeat at Philadelphia Union, yet still buoyant after lifting the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy last week, Orlando City SC now face fierce rivals Atlanta United at home.

With just five MLS regular season games remaining, Oscar Pareja‘s Lions still have work to do to reach the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs and currently sit only two points above the red line. Continue reading

Who is Orlando City SC’s rumoured new signing Wilder Cartagena?

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Already busy recruiting Jake Mulraney, Nicholas Gioacchini and Iván Angulo this mid-season, a fourth Orlando City SC signing could soon be on the way – Wilder Cartagena.

This is according to Orlando-based sports reporter and analyst for DIRECTV Perú, @alonso_inca. Yesterday, he claimed the Peruvian international midfielder is Exploria Stadium bound. Continue reading

Who is Orlando City SC’s new loan signing Iván Angulo?

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Just when you thought Orlando City SC were done this MLS Secondary Transfer Window, the Lions yesterday announced the 12-month loan signing of Iván Angulo.

The 23-year-old Colombian winger has arrived at Exploria Stadium from Brazilian side Palmeiras following another loan spell at Portimonense in Portugal for their 2021/22 Primeira Liga season. Continue reading

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC signing Nicholas Gioacchini

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With other rivals getting busy in the MLS Secondary Transfer Window, Orlando City SC have now joined the party with today’s signing of SM Caen forward Nicholas Gioacchini.

A USMNT forward with three international goals and eight caps, the Lions have acquired Nicholas Gioacchini on a free transfer with the 21-year-old signing a two-and-a-half year deal at Exploria Stadium. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Colorado Rapids vs Orlando City SC – 13.07.2022

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Not only overcoming Florida rivals Inter Miami 1-0 on Saturday, Orlando City SC also overcame a rain delay of over two hours to arrest a two-game losing streak in MLS.

Kick-off was originally scheduled for 8:05pm. But the game started at 10:25pm local time, crazily spanning both Saturday evening and the early hours of Sunday morning. Continue reading

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC signing Gastón González

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Only a few hours after announcing the signing of Jake Mulraney, Orlando City SC yesterday announced the signing of Gastón González too.

The 20-year-old was already rumoured to be joining the Lions in May, but González has already been placed on City’s Season Ending Injury list after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury playing for Unión de Santa Fe on April 19. Continue reading