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STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs New York Red Bulls – 12.04.2025

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Orlando City SC showed grit and growth last Saturday, grinding out a hard-earned 0-0 draw at Philadelphia Union to claim our first clean sheet of 2025. Despite key midfielders César Araújo and Eduard Atuesta being unavailable, the Lions rallied to extend their unbeaten run to four games (2-2-0).

Now back on home turf and buoyed by a strong defensive display, City will look to keep the momentum rolling against familiar foes. Just four MLS games ago, Orlando City SC and New York Red Bulls played out a 2-2 draw in Harrison, New Jersey, and with last season’s bitter Eastern Conference Final loss still fresh, this one carries extra edge. Both sides come into the contest in good form. Red Bulls are fresh off a 2-1 win over in-form Chicago Fire, while City are looking more solid and settled with each passing game. Another step forward here could keep the Lions firmly in the playoff mix, albeit at this early stage of the season. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… Gustavo Caraballo signing a first team contract with Orlando City SC

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After progressing through our development pathway, Academy and Orlando City B product Gustavo Caraballo has today signed a first team contract with Orlando City SC.

The 16-year-old Venezuelan forward has put pen to paper on a deal through 2027, with a club option for 2028. In doing so, he becomes the youngest player in Orlando City SC history to sign a first team contract at just 16 years and 198 days old.

Not only our latest Homegrown Player, Gustavo Caraballo becomes our seventh winter arrival after Colin Guske, Nicolás Rodríguez, Carlos Mercado, Marco Pašalić, Eduard Atuesta, and Joran Gerbet. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: New York City FC vs Orlando City SC – 08.03.2025

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The sun always shines after the storm, right? Orlando City SC flipped the script last Saturday, securing their first MLS win of 2025 with a commanding 4-2 victory over Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium. After falling by the same scoreline a week prior, the Lions got that monkey off their back at the second time of asking, proving that a week is a long time in soccer!

Now, City hit the road for the first time this MLS regular season, facing New York City FC at Yankee Stadium – a tough test that kicks off a stretch of four away games in our next five. This game is NYCFC’s 2025 MLS home opener, but The Pigeons come into it scarred after losing 1-0 at Los Angeles FC on Matchday 2. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC signing Eduard Atuesta

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16 days after Wilder Cartagena suffered a long-term Achilles tendon injury against Atlético Mineiro, Orlando City SC have today announced the signing of 27-year-old Colombian international Eduard Atuesta. Bringing trophy-winning experience to Inter&Co Stadium, the deep-lying playmaker adds much-needed quality and depth to our central midfield position.

Atuesta joins the Lions on a suspected free transfer after terminating his contract with Palmeiras. The transaction details are so secret that even Tom Bogert and Fabrizio Romano haven’t reported on them! Considering we sold Facundo Torres to Palmeiras for a club record $14 million back on December 20, Verdão have now paid us a big favour in return. Having signed a contract through 2025, with a club option in 2026, Atuesta becomes our fifth 2024/25 off-season arrival after Colin Guske, Nicolás Rodríguez, Carlos Mercado, and Marco Pasǎlić. Continue reading →

Who is Orlando City SC’s incoming signing Nicolás Rodríguez?

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After a very slow start, the Lions’ winter recruitment drive is finally gathering momentum. Thank heavens! In the early hours of this morning, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted that Orlando City SC are “closing in on deal for Colombian 20-year-old talent Nicolás Rodríguez from Fortaleza”.

Shortly after Romano’s tweet, Tom Bogert corroborated the news, tweeting “Orlando City finalizing deal to sign Colombia winger Nico Rodríguez from Fortaleza” while confirming that Rodríguez will join via Major League Soccer’s U22 Initiative.

Bogert also mentioned that Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra (@PSierraR) was the first to break the news. Sierra cited himself that Orlando City SC had beat off competition from Colombian side Millonarios to sign Nicolás Rodríguez. Not only them but also New York Red Bulls with Tiago Brandão (@Tiagobrandao_8) confirming that our 2024 Eastern Conference Final conquerers tried to sign Rodríguez too. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC’s crushing 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs defeat to New York Red Bulls

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⚠️ Warning; this blog comes with a disclaimer. ⚠️ Before you read any further, we’d like to warn you that there is a high probability that you risk upsetting yourself all over again as we delve deep into Orlando City SC’s crushing 0-1 home defeat to New York Red Bulls last night in our first-ever Eastern Conference Final in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. There won’t be a recap video from Orlando City UK today, as I’m too downhearted to get in front of the camera and dissect last night’s loss. 😔 Heck, I switched off my Apple TV stream on the full-time whistle, eager to avoid seeing New York Red Bulls parade the Eastern Conference Trophy around Inter&Co Stadium. 🤢 Instead, we hope our write-up provides some comfort and clarity, if any at all, ahead of another off-season of reflection.

When we joined MLS in 2015, it was for nights like last night. The electric atmosphere, the high stakes, and the hope and anticipation swirling in the air. Even the sky was purple on our biggest MLS night yet! But unfortunately, the moment passed us by. So much hope and so much expectation – now evaporated in an instant. One goal, one match, one missed opportunity. And just like that, the dream is over for another year.

Oscar Pareja is a great coach, no doubt, and someone I respect and admire deeply. For what it’s worth, I want him to stay! But ultimately, MLS Cup will continue to elude him until his teams start scoring when it really counts in knockout games. That’s the painful truth. Personally speaking, I’ve been so close yet so far, supporting Arsenal, Orlando City SC, and England these past few years. My pain is palpable right now. Why does our attack never seem to do anything when it really matters in the playoffs? It’s a question we’re all asking ourselves this morning as the sting of last night’s loss lingers.

But there’s a glimmer of hope. With no CONCACAF Champions Cup to contend with in 2025, following two consecutive tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024, Orlando City SC have a real opportunity to hit the ground running next season. With a reduced schedule and fewer crunch games at the start of a new year, perhaps we can get off to a better start, push further, and rectify our shortcomings in next year’s playoffs.

I know you probably won’t want to hear it right now, but Orlando City SC truly have come so far since our disappointing early years in Major League Soccer. Having once been perennial losers, we are now a seasoned playoff team, year in and year out. While MLS Cup frustrataingly continues to elude us, we are getting closer and closer. One day, it will be our time! With Oscar Pareja already signed to a contract through 2025, and dynamic duo Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira each signed through 2025, we still have a talented and hungry team behind the team, so keep the faith and enjoy your off-season. Vamos Orlando! 😈 Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs New York Red Bulls – 30.11.2024

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Drink it in and savour the moment, folks! Orlando City SC have reached their first-ever Eastern Conference Final. This is all thanks to last Sunday’s well-deserved 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Atlanta United. On a historic night to remember at Inter&Co Stadium, the Lions needed no luck to send The Five Stripes packing. Holding our nerve, we delivered a statement performance that put the ‘L’ in Atlanta. It was a landmark triumph that sent a clear message to the rest of Major League Soccer – “We ready”! Bless Atlanta United’s hearts because deep down, they know we are the true football kings of the Southeastern United States!

The type of night that doesn’t come around too often, last Sunday helped cap what was undoubtedly the best-ever weekend in Orlando’s sporting legacy. Last Saturday, Orlando Pride made history, triumphantly winning the 2024 NWSL Championship with a gritty 1-0 victory over Washington Spirit in Kansas City. This followed their 2024 NWSL Shield win just 48 days earlier. Being the first professional team to win a major league title for The City Beautiful, the Pride set the tone for Orlando City SC’s own historic 1-0 victory the next evening. Considering Barbra Banda (37 minutes) and Ramiro Enrique’s (39 minutes) goals were just two minutes apart – across the same weekend – perhaps the stars are truly aligning? Could 2024 be the year where Orlando Pride and Orlando City SC BOTH win U.S. Soccer’s biggest domestic prizes? We sure hope it pans out this way!

While City’s 1-0 scoreline over Atlanta United may not sound commanding, the Lions’ performance was super mature. We were hungry, controlled, and virtually untroubled throughout the entire 90+7 minutes. Orlando City SC were so composed and determined that you had to wonder: was this really the team that had just eliminated Lionel Messi and Inter Miami? As you know, Orlando always welcomes tourists, and for the travelling Atlanta United supporters scattered around Inter&Co Stadium, we hope they enjoyed their latest visit to the Sunshine State! Now, having finally won an Eastern Conference Semi-Final at the third attempt, Orlando City SC are just 180+ minutes away from the ultimate prize: 2024 MLS Cup glory!

With Inter Miami (#1 in East), defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew (#2 in East), and Los Angeles FC (#1 in West) already eliminated, we’ll never have a better opportunity to win MLS Cup – plain and simple! It truly has been one of, if not the most unpredictable MLS Cup Playoffs of all-time. Next up though, the Lions face Sandro Schwarz’s New York Red Bulls. While many favourites have already fallen, Red Bulls are still a top-quality, tough opponent, and can never be taken lightly. Playing the gritty Red Bulls way, their super high press, aggression, and intensity make them a dangerous opponent, season in and season out. Should we prevail, the reward is monumental – a trip out west to battle either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in 2024 MLS Cup itself! Having now gone further than any Orlando City SC side has before, this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for – so let’s make it count! 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 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 →