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 Austin FC – 23.03.2024

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After losing 2-0 at fierce rivals Atlanta United, Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC now return to Central Florida to welcome Austin FC to Inter&Co Stadium for the very first time in MLS.

Down in the dumps right now, the Lions are winless in four MLS games, scoreless in three, and currently second bottom in the Eastern Conference in what has truly been a nightmare start to 2024. Continue reading

Who is Orlando City SC transfer target Julián Álvarez?

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Earlier today, TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) tweeted that Orlando City SC have offered a huge $10 million for River Plate forward Julián Álvarez.

Part of the Argentina squad that won the 2021 Copa América, this huge transfer rumour has #OCTwitter encapsulated right now. Continue reading

Who is Orlando City SC transfer target Emmanuel Mas?

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Yesterday, respected soccer journalist César Luis Merlo tweeted that Orlando City SC had beaten off competition from Independiente to sign recent Boca Juniors left back Emmanuel Mas.

In a translated version of the original tweet, it read: “Emmanuel Mas will play for Orlando City in the MLS… In the next few hours, medical review and contract signing.” Continue reading

Who is Orlando City SC transfer target Nahuel Gallardo?

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On Tuesday, TyC Sports claimed Orlando City SC are negotiating a free loan with an option to buy for River Plate left back Nahuel Gallardo.

In a translated version of the original article, it read: “Orlando City is analysing the possibility of negotiating with River for the loan of Nahuel Gallardo.” Continue reading

Are Orlando City SC looking to sign this Argentine international?

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With Orlando City SC still yet to recruit any players ahead of the 2018 Major League Soccer campaign, Lions fans are eager for any new nuggets of information.

It looks a flimsy link right now but according to a report from Alfredo Pedullà on Tuesday, Orlando City SC are reportedly interested in signing Argentine international defender Jonatan Maidana. Continue reading

Former New York City FC player on trial with Orlando City SC

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Former New York City FC winger Tony Taylor is currently on trial with Orlando City SC having appeared in a behind closed doors friendly against River Plate yesterday.

As referenced by a tweet from @NYCFCNation this afternoon, the 28-year-old attacker was pictured in purple as he aimed to impress onlookers at Orlando City Stadium. Continue reading