Leagues Cup

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC signing 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick Joran Gerbet

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After selecting him as the 27th overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft back on December 20, Orlando City SC have today announced that Joran Gerbet has been signed to a first team contract at Inter&Co Stadium.

During City’s 2025 pre-season, Gerbet has already made second-half cameos in high-profile friendlies against Atlético Mineiro and Inter Miami. The French central midfielder will now hope to emulate the success of former draft picks Cyle Larin, Chris Mueller, Daryl Dike, and Duncan McGuire before him. Continue reading →

Who is Orlando City SC transfer target Agustín Soria?

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As we approach our 2025 MLS home opener against Philadelphia Union on February 22, the Orlando City SC Front Office continues to work tirelessly to strengthen the squad. After securing ready-made reinforcements in Marco Pašalić and Eduard Atuesta over the past two weeks, our latest target is reportedly young Uruguayan talent Agustín Soria.

Yesterday, journalist Guille López (@glopezferraro) tweeted that Orlando City SC have formalised an offer for the 20-year-old midfielder from Defensor Sporting, following an initial proposal that was deemed insufficient. With a $6 million release clause, Orlando City SC’s persistence signals their commitment to landing the promising youngster. Continue reading →

Who is Orlando City SC transfer target Eduard Atuesta?

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As the MLS off-season continues, Orlando City SC are working hard to strengthen the squad ahead of our 2025 campaign. Yesterday, North American transfer expert Tom Bogert tweeted that the Lions “are nearing a deal to sign Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras.”

If Orlando City SC finalise this deal, it will be a significant reinforcement. Eduard Atuesta is a proven MLS talent who knows the league inside out, making him a strong addition to the Lions’ midfield, especially considering Wilder Cartagena’s untimely Achilles tendon injury. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… Palmeiras signing Facundo Torres from Orlando City SC

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After the heartbreak of our 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs exit on November 30, Orlando City SC fans face more sadness today, with Facundo Torres completing his $12 million + $2 million transfer to Brazilian giants Palmeiras.

In truth, City supporters have had nearly two whole weeks to digest Facu’s departure, especially after Palmeiras agreed terms with Facundo Torres on December 9 before Cruz Azul appeared set to hijack the move. But in the end, Verdão have got their man.

This transfer not only sets a new club record outbound fee for Orlando City SC, surpassing the $9.5 million West Bromwich Albion paid for Daryl Dike. It also sees City bid farewell to probably the greatest Lion of all-time! Continue reading →

2025 MLS SuperDraft preview: Reviewing Orlando City SC’s 35 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 2025 MLS SuperDraft getting underway this Friday (December 20), 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 →

Orlando City UK celebrates our ninth birthday: 2024 round-up

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Today, we’re celebrating our ninth birthday here at Orlando City UK with our Official International Fan Club of Orlando City SC established nine years ago.

Reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs for a fifth consecutive season, Oscar Pareja has Orlando City SC in their third-ever Eastern Conference Semi-Final.

And ever since February 25, our loyal UK supporters have watched every kick live on Apple TV this side of the Atlantic. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC – 09.11.2024

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It’s crunch time, Orlando! The 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and our season all comes down to this – game three. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Orlando City SC prepare to battle Charlotte FC one final time in our Round One Best-of-3 Series. With everything riding on a victory at Inter&Co Stadium, this is our moment to rally and remind the league who we are.

Last Friday’s penalty shootout defeat in Charlotte was a tough pill to swallow. A 40,000-strong crowd at Bank of America Stadium roared on the home team as they narrowly escaped with their first-ever MLS playoff win. Despite a hard-fought 90+11 minutes, our Lions couldn’t find the net, and the shootout heroics we’d relied on for years failed to materialise. Charlotte FC’s goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, was the hero of the night, denying us twice from the spot with The Crown winning 3-1 from 12 yards.

But what’s done is done, and it’s all eyes on the present. Ultimately, Orlando City SC now have the chance to flip the script and seal our third-ever appearance in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. We expect a larger crowd to pack out Inter&Co Stadium compared to game one, and in a high-stakes atmosphere, our Lions need to come out firing. On a do or die night, there’s no room for passive play, like in game two! It’s time to be bold and take the game to Charlotte FC, leaving no doubt about our intent to advance.

We secured home advantage for moments just like this, and having broken our club record for single-season goals (59), we have the firepower to make it count. With the roar of our people behind us in the 407, there’s no room for anything less than a full team effort. Let’s show we’re #AllTeeth and ready to go all the way. Vamos Orlando! 😈 Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC – 01.11.2024

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It’s time to turn the page, Lions! After a mature and dominant 2-0 home win over Charlotte FC last Sunday, Orlando City SC have put themselves on the brink of advancing in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. Now visiting Charlotte FC in game two of the Round One Best-of-3 Series, Oscar Pareja’s men have the chance to clinch progression with a win at Bank of America Stadium. This isn’t just another match; it’s a pivotal moment for a squad that’s shown resilience, determination, and a clear desire to right the wrongs of past playoff campaigns.

Having only ever contested one MLS Wild Card match (2023) before, game one was Charlotte FC’s first playoff game proper, with the Lions capitalising on their home advantage. For me, our performance was nothing short of a statement. Facundo Torres broke Orlando City SC’s club record for single-season goals (19) with a brilliant opener, and Martín Ojeda added a second to seal a victory that showcased Orlando City SC’s hunger and grit. Despite last Sunday’s success, the team knows the job isn’t finished yet. It’s all about the next challenge.

As we prepare for this crucial clash, the atmosphere in Charlotte will be electric, and the stakes are high. In fact, it will actually be Charlotte, North Carolina’s first major playoff game in any sport since 2016. A City win in game two not only sends us through to the Eastern Conference Semi-Final stage but also allows us to build on the momentum we’ve generated in the playoffs thus far. With our eyes set on avoiding a third game, the message is clear: finish the job and show that we mean business!

Despite their struggles in game one, let’s not forget that Charlotte FC are capable of rising to the occasion, particularly on their home turf at the 74,867 capacity Bank of America Stadium where the Upper Bowl will be open. The Crown will be eager to bounce back, but with the confidence taken from our last outing and the support of our loyal travelling fans, we have every reason to believe we can finish the job. It’s time for Orlando City SC to show the league that they’re not just a contender but a true force to be reckoned with. Vamos Orlando! 😈 Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union – 02.10.2024

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On Saturday, Orlando City SC showcased their resilience, bouncing back from our 4-3 defeat at Columbus Crew with an impressive 1-3 victory at FC Dallas. This win not only secured the Lions’ place in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. It also marked the fifth consecutive season that Oscar Pareja has successfully guided Orlando City SC into the post-season – an accomplishment achieved every single year under his leadership! Truly, his track record speaks volumes, and it’s moments like these that remind us just how valuable his experience and vision have been.

Beyond this milestone, the victory was also historic, as it represented the first-ever time that Orlando City SC have won (and scored) away at FC Dallas. Goals from Ramiro Enrique, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Facundo Torres ensured a memorable night in Frisco, Texas. Ultimately, it was a performance that showcased both the depth and determination of the squad, underlining our intent to make a deep run in this year’s playoffs.

City currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 46 points from 31 games played. For now, the Lions have reclaimed that all-important home field advantage for the Round One Best-of-3 Series in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. However, with teams like New York City FC and New York Red Bulls still hot on our heels, our final three MLS regular season fixtures will be crucial. As Orlando City SC continue their quest for a top four finish, Pareja’s proven leadership will be more essential than ever.

As for Wednesday’s opponents Philadelphia Union, they’ve had a surprisingly underwhelming 2024 season by their usual high standards. Currently playing catch-up, they sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and occupy the final MLS Wild Card match slot, but only by goal difference. Jim Curtin’s side arrive at Inter&Co Stadium following a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United on Saturday where Saba Lobjanidze’s equaliser cancelled out Nathan Harriel’s well-taken opener. This was Union’s first draw in eight MLS games, but they’ve still managed to win five of their last eight in a late push for the playoffs.

Given Oscar Pareja’s combined 20 years at FC Dallas as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Toyota Stadium was a special venue for Papi to secure post-season qualification with his new passion, Orlando City SC. By clinching our spot in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, Orlando City SC have become one of just three active MLS teams to reach the post-season in five consecutive seasons. I mean, should we ever doubt Papi in the regular season? With this mission accomplished, our focus now shifts to sealing a top four finish and building confidence ahead of another post-season challenge. In past years, rash decisions, hot-headedness, and red cards have been our downfall, so all eyes will be on Orlando City SC to see if we’ve truly learned from previous shortcomings in the playoffs. Continue reading →

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, AZ 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 →