Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC selling Ercan Kara to Samsunspor

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

Despite the fact Orlando City SC can no longer sign reinforcements with the MLS Secondary Transfer Window closing back on August 2, the Lions today sold Ercan Kara to Turkish Süper Lig side Samsunspor.

Opening up a Designated Player slot on the Lions’ roster ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign, the 27-year-old centre forward departs Exploria Stadium as a divisive figure who for some, City’s playing style inhibited, and for others, failed to live up to high expectations in his one-and-a-half seasons with the club. Continue reading →

A quick word on *that* Inter Miami defeat before we all move on…

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

Before we begin, Orlando City SC‘s 3-1 defeat to Inter Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup on Wednesday evening was bitterly disappointing for players and supporters alike. Disappointing because ever since our 2011 founding, the club have long enjoyed a love affair with cup competitions, none greater than last season’s victorious 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup triumph – our first title in our MLS era.

A rivalry fixture – with state bragging rights at stake – it’s always gutting losing , especially in knockout competition in enemy territory, but genuine supporters accept these highs and lows as part and parcel of The Beautiful Game.

What I must admit though – and I reiterate that these opinions are the thoughts of Orlando City UK (Taylor Williams), not Orlando City SC – is that I had cynical feelings that our Inter Miami defeat would play out the way it did – and so it proved on a controversial night at DRV PNK Stadium. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC re-signing Júnior Urso

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

Exactly a week since Orlando City SC supporters were treated to clips of Júnior Urso revisiting Osceola Heritage Park and embracing Oscar Pareja, the Lions yesterday announced the re-signing of the 34-year-old fan favourite on a contract through the end of the 2023 season – with a club option in 2024.

A surprise, yet hugely popular mid-season addition to our 2023 roster, it’s been 251 days since Júnior Urso mutually terminated his contract with City, reluctantly returning to Brazil – and Coritiba – due to personal reasons. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City SC – 03.06.2023

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

After drawing 1-1 against Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium, Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC now visit Harrison, New Jersey to face New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena.

Last defeating Red Bulls 1-0 in our 2023 MLS home opener back on February 25, Gerhard Struber stood on the touchline that day but Troy Lesesne is now the head coach of the Eastern Conference side. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Inter Miami vs Orlando City SC – 20.05.2023

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

Ifs, buts, and maybes. Unfortunately that was the tale of Wednesday evening after Orlando City SC conceded an 89th minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with New York City FC at Exploria Stadium.

Now twelve MLS regular season games into 2023, our disappointing and inconsistent campaign shows no signs of truly turning a corner. Oscar Pareja‘s Lions now visit Florida rivals Inter Miami who will no doubt be fired up for the first Sunshine Clásico of the year. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Columbus Crew vs Orlando City SC – 13.05.2023

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

Failing at the first hurdle to defend our 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title, Tuesday’s really poor 1-0 cup elimination to Charlotte FC compounded already strong feelings of Orlando City SC downheartedness.

Also defeated 2-0 at CF Montréal last Saturday, the Lions have now lost four of their eight MLS fixtures. Each loss has been followed by a win in a super inconsistent run under Oscar Pareja who is now fighting to keep his job. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC – 09.05.2023

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

Back on April 27, Orlando City SC were drawn against Charlotte FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews in this Round of 32 stage of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Bypassing the third round by virtue of triumphantly winning the 2022 Lamar U.S. Open Cup, six straight home victories saw City lift their first major silverware as an MLS club. With an away test up first this time around, there will be no home comforts as City attempt to defend their 2022 title. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Tigres UANL vs Orlando City SC – 07.03.2023

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

Just two games into our new 2023 Major League Soccer campaign, Orlando City SC are now set to contest one of, if not arguably the biggest fixture in club history.

City visit Monterrey to face Liga MX giants Tigres UANL in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16. This first leg tie is City’s first ever appearance in North America’s premier club competition. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs New York Red Bulls – 25.02.2023

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

After a critically acclaimed off-season of refreshment, anticipation fills the air as Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC kick off the 2023 Major League Soccer campaign.

Starting at home for a ninth consecutive MLS season, City face New York Red Bulls after our 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs heartache at CF Montréal in October. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… Júnior Urso’s Orlando City SC exit

/ Taylor Williams / Leave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

A veteran of 87 Major League Soccer appearances for Orlando City SC, the Lions today confirmed that Júnior Urso has mutually terminated his contract with the club.

A fan favourite at Exploria Stadium, Urso departs Central Florida due to personal reasons that require him to return back to his native Brazil. Continue reading →