Orange and Blue

STATS PREVIEW: Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC – 11.05.2024

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Pain. Misery. Embarrassment. These are all words that unfortunately sum up Orlando City SC’s current plight. After Oscar Pareja’s side suffered a 0-1 loss to FC Cincinnati last Saturday, the pressure is mounting in a 2024 season that is quickly spiralling into a nightmare.

Conceding in just 17 seconds in FC Cincinnati’s very first attack of the game, the 0-1 result marked our fifth defeat of the MLS season, our third loss at home already, and our second home defeat in as many weeks.

To make matters ten times worse, Rodrigo Schlegel‘s colossal error and subsequent red card on 20 minutes left Orlando City SC supporters teetering between laughter and tears – such was the ridiculousness of Schlegel’s latest kamikaze error.

Now visiting Chester, Pennsylvania to take on Philadelphia Union, Jim Curtin’s side rescued a 2-2 draw at D.C. United last Saturday, fighting back from 2-0 down to salvage a point through veteran Alejandro Bedoya and a MLS goal of the season contender from Jack McGlynn. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs FC Cincinnati – 04.05.2024

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May the fourth be with Orlando City SC this Saturday (Star Wars™ Night) because we’re going to need it!

After collapsing late on to somehow throw away all three points in a gutting 1-2 loss to Toronto FC, Oscar Pareja’s Lions now contest a second successive home game at Inter&Co Stadium, this time against high-flying FC Cincinnati.

Currently second in the Eastern Conference on 18 points, 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati come into this game buoyed by a 2-1 home victory against Colorado Rapids last Saturday plus a 1-2 comeback win at Atlanta United the weekend prior. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: FC Cincinnati vs Orlando City SC – 02.09.2023

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Rescuing a 1-1 draw at Charlotte FC on Wednesday, Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC now visit TQL Stadium to complete a quick-fire two-game streak against runaway Supporters’ Shield contenders FC Cincinnati.

Unrecognisable from being former wooden spoon whipping boys, Pat Noonan’s formidable side have lost just three regular season fixtures so far. Continue reading →

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

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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 →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs FC Cincinnati – 04.03.2023

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Defeating New York Red Bulls 1-0 to start our 2023 MLS campaign with all three points, Orlando City SC now face FC Cincinnati in a second successive home fixture.

Now undefeated in nine MLS opening fixtures, last Saturday’s win wasn’t perfect, far from it, but was gutsy all the same with Oscar Pareja‘s Lions earning a satisfying clean sheet against a notoriously difficult opponent. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: FC Cincinnati vs Orlando City SC – 24.06.2022

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After narrowly defeating Houston Dynamo 2-1, Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC hit the road again, this time visiting FC Cincinnati for the clubs’ second and final regular season meeting this year.

With the Orange and Blue earning a surprise 1-2 victory at Exploria Stadium back in March, the Lions will be out for revenge in their third ever trip to TQL Stadium. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: LA Galaxy vs Orlando City SC – 19.03.2022

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After a humbling 1-2 home defeat to FC Cincinnati, it’s back to basics for Orlando City SC who are expected to achieve much more this season than last weekend’s result suggested.

Granted, nothing is decided in Gameweek 3, but the fact we’ve already surrendered a home loss, to lowly FC Cincinnati no less, this will sure be irking Orlando City SC players, management, and supporters. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs FC Cincinnati – 12.03.2022

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Still unbeaten and yet to concede following Gameweek 2, Orlando City SC left Chicago Fire (0-0) frustrated after a ridiculous VAR call that cost City potential victory.

On 73 minutes, Júnior Urso‘s deflected strike beat Gabriel Slonina, only for referee Ismir Pekmic to rule out the goal due to what he interpreted as an Ercan Kara handball in the build-up. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: FC Cincinnati vs Orlando City SC – 16.10.2021

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After Daryl Dike‘s amazing last gasp stoppage time winner against D.C. United (2-1), Orlando City SC visit FC Cincinnati to start the six-game run in following the international break.

Orlando City SC‘s first victory in SIX MLS fixtures, the October 2 win over D.C. United propelled the Lions back into fourth place and two points clear of the red line prior to recent World Cup Qualifiers. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: FC Cincinnati vs Orlando City SC – 07.08.2021

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After a disappointing, yet fair 1-1 draw with Florida rivals Inter Miami, Orlando City SC now fly north to face FC Cincinnati in our first ever visit to TQL Stadium.

Opened in May, the Lions will hope for a successful trip ahead of next week’s break from MLS play, and appearance in the 2021 Leagues Cup quarter-finals. Continue reading →