Pat Noonan

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: 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 →