Robin Jansson

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: 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: New England Revolution vs Orlando City SC – 13.07.2024

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Could the tide finally be turning? Maybe, just maybe after Orlando City SC emphatically thrashed D.C. United 5-0 at Inter&Co Stadium last Saturday. Just our seventh MLS victory of 2024, it was crucially the first time we’ve achieved back-to-back wins all season.

Completing a 2024 sweep over D.C. United, Orlando City SC ruthlessly punished Troy Lesesne’s poor side and climbed three places into seventh in the East – the coveted final automatic qualification spot for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Form and consistency is what will earn us a place in the post-season and having now achieved crucial must-win victories over Toronto FC and D.C. United, the Lions must now continue in this vein to put some distance between ourselves and the chasing pack in a tight and congested Eastern Conference.

As for Saturday’s opponents New England Revolution, Orlando City SC have NEVER won in eight MLS visits to Gillette Stadium and its artificial turf! However, Caleb Porter’s side come into this game scarred by a 2-0 long-haul defeat at Seattle Sounders last weekend. With Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák grabbing the goals at Lumen Field, this was only the second defeat Revs have suffered in seven having won four straight MLS games in June. Right now, Revs are twelfth in the East, five points adrift of Orlando City SC. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Toronto FC vs Orlando City SC – 03.07.2024

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Before we get into this preview, Orlando City UK wants to send our love and support to Mason Stajduhar who suffered a gruesome leg break in Friday’s game at New York City FC. Fracturing his tibia and fibula in his right leg, Mason will now be placed on Orlando City SC’s Season-Ending Injury List. We’re wishing both Stajduhar and NYCFC’s Malachi Jones the speediest of recoveries following their awful collision that hopefully doesn’t jeopardise their careers.

Defeated 4-2 at Yankee Stadium, Orlando City SC are still waiting to achieve back-to-back MLS victories for the first time this season. Surrendering the chance to temporarily leapfrog our rivals Atlanta United into ninth place and the final MLS Wild Card match slot, the Lions now visit eighth-placed Toronto FC.

A second successive road game for Oscar Pareja’s Lions, Orlando City SC will be looking for a quick response following the NYCFC loss in order to get our flimsy bid to reach the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs back up and running. But having only won one of our last seven MLS fixtures (1-4-2), we need a dramatic upturn in form to save our season from being a complete disaster.

John Herdman’s Toronto FC enter this game still reeling from an embarrassing 97th minute defeat at Atlanta United (2-1) on Saturday. In a dramatic turn of events, TFC goalkeeper Luka Gavran was completely unaware of Jamal Thiaré lurking menacingly on the goal line behind him when preparing for a last-minute goal kick. Seizing the opportunity, Thiaré appeared on Gavran’s blind side as he laid the ball down. Thiaré then stole the ball, rounded Gavran, and effortlessly tapped the ball into an empty net. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: New York City FC vs Orlando City SC – 28.06.2024

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Just where had that performance been all season? Jubilant after defeating Chicago Fire 4-2 at Inter&Co Stadium last Saturday, City’s suffering fanbase was treated to a feel-good evening after finally achieving our second home win of the 2024 MLS regular season. Having only scored 19 league goals all year, we went and grabbed another four in just one night – our most in a single game this season.

A result and a performance we desperately needed, there was big pressure on Oscar Pareja and his Orlando City SC side to beat Fire. Racing into a 3-0 lead in just 29 first-half minutes, this victory was absolutely essential. It not only secured the three points we urgently needed but also prevented Chicago Fire from gaining any points, allowing us to leapfrog them and rise four places to tenth in the Eastern Conference.

Now visiting New York City FC in The Bronx, it’s the Lions’ first trip to Yankee Stadium since July 2021 after the last two away head-to-heads were hosted at Red Bull Arena in Harrison and Citi Field in Queens. Speaking of NYCFC, Nick Cushing’s side head into this game deflated after suffering a third consecutive MLS defeat at Nashville SC (1-0) last Saturday. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Chicago Fire – 22.06.2024

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Orlando City SC could only manage a 2-2 draw at Charlotte FC on Wednesday despite playing a man up for 57 minutes after Scott Arfield’s first-half red card. The Lions were even facing the prospect of a disastrous defeat when Brandt Bronico put Dean Smith’s 10-man side 2-1 ahead in the second-half. However, Facundo Torres‘ 81st minute equaliser saved Oscar Pareja’s Lions further embarrassment in what is turning out to be an awful outlier season.

Right now, City need wins, not draws to climb up from second bottom in the Eastern Conference. However, scoring two goals in a single game is a positive sign, something we haven’t accomplished since our 2-3 win against Philadelphia Union on May 11. Now contesting a must-win game against thirteenth-placed Chicago Fire at Inter&Co Stadium, we have a crucial opportunity to leapfrog the team directly ahead of us.

Speaking of Chicago Fire, they defeated Toronto FC 1-4 last Saturday, achieving back-to-back victories for the first time this season after a terrible nine-game winless streak. Entering this game fresher than Orlando City SC having not played in midweek, Frank Klopas’ side will be encouraged by the Lions’ poor home record (1-3-5) which is currently the joint-worst in Major League Soccer.

In Saturday’s game, City will be wearing rainbow jersey numbers instead of gold to commemorate Pride In Our City Night at Inter&Co Stadium. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC – 19.06.2024

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In 2024, Orlando City SC continue to be a team that leaves you craving much, much more – especially at home in front of our own supporters at Inter&Co Stadium. Just when you thought our season couldn’t get more painful, it just did on Saturday when Los Angeles FC defeated the Lions 1-3 in Central Florida.

You have to laugh, otherwise you’ll cry, such is the dramatic nature of our 2024 demise. With our hopes of reaching the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs fading fast, there are no crumbs of comfort at the minute – and it hurts. At the end of the day, when you’re struggling to score goals, it’s pretty darn hard to win games of soccer!

With nowhere to hide right now, our inability to score is hurting us over and over again. Now winless in six games at Inter&Co Stadium with LAFC’s 1-3 win marking our fifth defeat in nine at home, Saturday’s result was a miserable way to mark the midway point of our sorry Major League Soccer season.

We now officially share the joint-worst home record this 2024 MLS regular season, matching Philadelphia Union’s tally of one win, three draws, and five defeats. Continue reading →