Luis Muriel

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC – 27.10.2024

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It’s that time of year again, folks! Buckle up for a bumpy ride because the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are here, and Orlando City SC are gearing up for what we all hope is ultimate 2024 MLS Cup glory! Could this finally be our year? By appearing in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs as fourth seed in the East, Orlando City SC are one of just three active MLS teams to reach the post-season in five consecutive seasons – an impressive feat achieved every single year under Oscar Pareja’s leadership. Things were all looking rosy prior to October’s FIFA international break. However, Papi’s men enter the playoffs with a seed of doubt in their minds following a disappointing 1-2 loss to Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium on 2024 MLS Decision Day.

I know what you’re thinking. It was only our third defeat in 14 MLS matches, with New York City FC’s 2-0 defeat at CF Montréal securing us fourth place and home field advantage anyway. But I couldn’t help feeling frustrated. We missed a chance to end the regular season on a high note, failing to eliminate our fierce rivals on our home turf, despite referee Rubiel Vazquez’s harsh intervention, but we’ll get to that later. Maybe I’m overreacting, but I believe it was a missed opportunity to solidify a battle-ready mindset for the post-season.

Now the playoffs are here, it’s time to puff out our chests and forget last weekend. In this year’s Round One Best-of-3 Series, Orlando City SC will face Charlotte FC and not New York City FC who we all expected. In truth, avoiding a game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field is probably a blessing! Reflecting on the 2024 MLS regular season, Orlando City SC scored 59 goals, breaking our club record (55 in 2023 and 2016) for the most goals in a single season. We’re also unbeaten against Charlotte FC this year, drawing 2-2 at Bank of America Stadium on June 19 before defeating The Crown 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium on September 18. Having only ever lost once to the Mint City side (2-0-1) in Central Florida, our home advantage will make us favourites to progress, but make no mistake – Charlotte FC are no mugs.

Going 14-9-11 in Dean Smith’s inaugural season as Charlotte FC head coach, The Crown ended upon on 51 points in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind Orlando City SC (52). Finishing the MLS regular season with three straight victories, Charlotte FC will be feeling mighty confident. However, having only contested just one MLS Wild Card match (2023) before, game one will be Charlotte FC’s first playoff game proper. Sure, Orlando City SC have the most wins (10) and most points (31) in MLS since July 1, making us Major League Soccer’s most in-form team heading into the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. But we all know about the elephant in the room!

Rash decisions, hot-headedness, and allowing our emotions to get the better of us in the playoffs when it’s previously mattered most. Believe me; I’m still haunted by Mauricio Pereyra’s 2020 red card against New England Revolution and Rodrigo Schlegel’s 2023 red card against Columbus Crew, and not just because it’s almost Halloween! Orlando City SC really need to prove they’ve truly learned from these past mistakes. Ultimately, Orlando City SC supporters will not tolerate overly reckless or kamikaze performances, both individually and collectively, this time around. It’s time to show we’re #AllTeeth, and deliver that elusive MLS Cup that our city demands and craves. Let’s do this thing. Vamos Orlando! 😈 Continue reading →

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: FC Cincinnati vs Orlando City SC – 05.10.2024

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Orlando City SC are simply on fire right now! Extending our strong run of form last night, City secured a vital 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union at Inter&Co Stadium. This win not only completed a 2024 season sweep over Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union, but also marked a milestone for Facundo Torres, who became Orlando City SC’s all-time leading goalscorer (45) across all competitions. Impressively, it was also our fourth consecutive home victory in the MLS regular season, extending our unbeaten run at home to 10 matches (7-3-0) across all competitions. With a top four finish still ours to lose, the Lions remain firmly in the hunt for home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Following yesterday’s win, Orlando City SC remain fourth in the Eastern Conference with 49 points from 32 games. In fact, no side has won more points (27) in MLS since the beginning of July than the Lions. But with New York City FC and New York Red Bulls just two points behind us, our lead is far from secure as all three teams get set to contest their final two MLS regular season fixtures. NYCFC’s 3-2 win over FC Cincinnati yesterday propelled them to 47 points, while Red Bulls matched that total by thrashing Toronto FC 1-4 at BMO Field. It was a strong way to bounce back from a humiliating 1-5 home defeat to New York City FC last weekend in the Hudson River Derby.

Given how tight the current standings are, this makes every remaining point crucial as Orlando City SC aim to secure a second successive top four seeding in the post-season. With last night’s 3-2 defeat at NYCFC, Saturday’s opponents FC Cincinnati (56 points) missed the chance to overtake Ohio rivals Columbus Crew (57 points), who slipped up with a 2-3 home defeat to Inter Miami. A victory that saw The Herons unfortunately crowned 2024 Supporters’ Shield champions, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew are currently jockeying for second place. Despite goals from Luciano Acosta and Corey Baird, Pat Noonan’s FC Cincinnati fell short at NYCFC and they’ll be eager to respond against Orlando City SC at a boisterous TQL Stadium.

But under the pressure of securing a top four finish, City’s attack has thrived, with Facundo Torres, Martín Ojeda, and Ramiro Enrique making significant contributions since June. Despite Orlando City SC scoring just 17 goals in our first 17 MLS games of 2024, we’ve netted 38 in the last 15, matching 2016 and 2023’s joint club record of 55 goals in a single MLS regular season. With Orlando City SC now set to contest our final away fixture of the regular season, the Lions should be feeling mighty confident, especially given our ability to dominate or grind out results.

Oscar Pareja, the coaching staff, and players deserve massive credit for this tactical versatility and for peaking at the right time, much like we did last season. When you combine regular goalscoring with defensive discipline – as we are right now – this is the winning formula! With our post-season spot already secured, all eyes are on Orlando City SC to maintain our top four position and build momentum for what we hope is our deepest playoff run yet! And who knows, maybe, just maybe lifting the 2024 MLS Cup? 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, 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 →

STATS PREVIEW: Columbus Crew vs Orlando City SC – 21.09.2024

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Last night, Orlando City SC earned yet another important victory, defeating Charlotte FC 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium to continue our impressive form with a third consecutive home shutout. This crucial win propelled the Lions into fourth place in the Eastern Conference – our highest position all season – and extended our hopes of home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Building on the momentum from recent home wins over Nashville SC (3-0) and New England Revolution (3-0), Facundo Torres netted his 12th goal of the MLS regular season with a sublime finish early in the second-half, followed by a composed chip from Duncan McGuire in the dying minutes. The match marked Orlando City SC’s first victory over Charlotte FC in five meetings and showcased the Lions’ growing defensive resilience and attacking precision.

Orlando City SC head into Saturday’s clash with 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup champions Columbus Crew full of confidence, having leapfrogged New York Red Bulls into fourth place, though level on points (43) with the New Jersey side. However, the road trip to Lower.com Field won’t be easy. Facing Wilfried Nancy’s formidable side, widely regarded as the best-coached team in MLS, Oscar Pareja’s Lions will be without the suspended César Araújo.

With both teams in strong form with playoff positions at stake, this encounter promises to be a significant test of Orlando City SC’s late-season push. Right now, Lower.com Field is THE ultimate acid test among MLS fortresses and this game will examine how City might fare against top-quality opposition in the post-season. Crew enter this game fresh off a 0-2 win at Toronto FC last night, though they lost their last home match 0-4 to Seattle Sounders on September 7. That result, however, came with an asterisk. Crew were shorthanded due to international call-ups and with no goalkeeper on the bench, Sean Zawadzki had to play in net for the entire second-half after Abraham Romero’s red card in first-half stoppage time. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC – 18.09.2024

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On Saturday, Orlando City SC sealed a mature and commanding 3-0 victory over New England Revolution, maintaining our strong push towards the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. Despite early pressure from Revs, City’s defence stood firm, and a stunning long-range strike from Rafael Santos along with a penalty from Facundo Torres and a goal from Duncan McGuire ensured a second successive 3-0 home win and a first-ever MLS regular season sweep over bogey side Revs!

Our sixth win in eight MLS games and the fifth time in seven that we’ve scored 3+ goals, the victory saw the Lions jump from seventh to fifth in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of seventh-placed Charlotte FC. Now hosting Charlotte FC ourselves this Wednesday, completing a hat-trick of home wins would not only boost our playoff push but also our hopes of sealing a top four position and home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

After all, fourth-placed New York Red Bulls slipped up by losing 2-1 at Chicago Fire, meaning Orlando City SC now only trail the New Jersey side by just three points. Given our current form and consistently strong performances from key players like Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, Wilder Cartagena, and Facundo Torres, there’s a tangible sense of optimism right now. With a late-season surge very much possible, securing a top four finish is most certainly within reach – and who would’ve said that only a few months ago?

As for Wednesday’s visitors Charlotte FC, Dean Smith’s side are coming off a 2-1 defeat at CF Montréal on Saturday. Conceding two quick-fire goals to Caden Clark (23) and Bryce Duke (26), a first-ever Charlotte FC goal by Tim Ream (35) made it a one-goal game but The Crown couldn’t find a leveller, meaning the Mint City side are now winless in their last five MLS fixtures (0-3-2). Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs New England Revolution – 14.09.2024

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Before the international break, Orlando City SC bounced back from a disappointing performance at Sporting Kansas City with a decisive 3-0 victory over Nashville SC at Inter&Co Stadium. Iván Angulo opened the scoring, followed by a Facundo Torres brace, as the Lions secured their fifth consecutive shutout against Nashville SC – a team we’ve quite simply owned in recent times!

Now, with New England Revolution visiting Central Florida, Orlando City SC face the second of three consecutive home fixtures. At this late stage of the MLS regular season, this stretch is crucial, and we need to capitalise on our home advantage to secure as many points as possible.

Right now, the Lions are quietly going under the radar when it comes to climbing the Eastern Conference standings. As MLSsoccer.com’s Matt Doyle wrote recently, “the Lions and Oscar Pareja are doing that thing again” and “no one above them seems interested in doing much about it”. Indeed, Orlando City SC are currently just one point below sixth, two points below fifth, and six points below fourth. “There’s a world here where Orlando somehow end up hosting in Round One”, Doyle continued with City “salvaging a season that felt rough for a while”.

As for Saturday’s opponents, New England Revolution, Caleb Porter’s side currently sit twelfth in the Eastern Conference (27 points), only a point above joint-bottom sides Chicago Fire and Nashville SC (26 points). It’s been a challenging first season in charge for Porter, with the team coming off a 2-2 draw against St. Louis CITY SC last weekend during the international break. Porter will serve a one-match touchline ban at Inter&Co Stadium this Saturday after he called referee Timothy Ford “a complete coward” for consulting VAR but failing to award a penalty to the Revs in last weekend’s game against St. Louis CITY SC.

With just over 10 minutes left, the ball clearly struck Kyle Hiebert’s right arm as he contested a header with Nacho Gil, but referee Ford deemed his arm to be in a “justifiable position”, and play continued with the match tied 2-2. For what it’s worth, Timothy Ford is the same referee who had a mare of a performance during Orlando City SC’s 2-3 win at Philadelphia Union back on May 11. With Revs having only won one of their last seven MLS matches (1-2-4), this game is another big opportunity for City to pick up all three points. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Nashville SC – 31.08.2024

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After a month without MLS, Orlando City SC’s return to league action was bitterly disappointing with the Lions comprehensively defeated 3-0 at Sporting Kansas City. Now returning home to face Nashville SC at Inter&Co Stadium, the Lions have just eight regular season fixtures remaining to seal a place in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

At SKC, the Lions had a one-man advantage for the final 23 + 12 minutes, but failed to create any real attacking threat throughout the game, missing a key opportunity to gain points against a low-ranking Western Conference opponent. Poor finishing and defensive lapses allowed Sporting Kansas City to capitalise in one of Orlando City SC’s worst performances of 2024.

As for Saturday’s opponents Nashville SC, they are in free fall having just suffered their seventh consecutive MLS defeat. Beaten 0-2 at home by Austin FC last Saturday, this was B. J. Callaghan’s first MLS game in charge of the Music City side after he took over during the 2024 Leagues Cup. A rare penalty miss by Hany Mukhtar in the first-half paved the way for Jon Gallagher and Osman Bukari to seize all three points at GEODIS Park. Continue reading →