Secondary Transfer Window

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 →

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 →

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC signing Heine Gikling Bruseth

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Linked with Orlando City SC since early August, the Lions have today announced the signing of central midfielder Heine Gikling Bruseth from Kristiansund. Joining MLS as a U22 Initiative player, the 20-year-old has signed a contract through 2026 at Inter&Co Stadium for a fee believed to be worth €1.7 million including bonuses.

On August 7, it seemed the deal had fallen through when Tom Bogert tweeted that “Orlando could not agree a fee”. Despite Kristiansund rejecting several offers from the Lions, the Orlando City SC Front Office persisted in negotiations and ultimately secured their target. In a quiet MLS Secondary Transfer Window, Norway Under-21 international Bruseth will now bring more natural balance to City’s central midfield with his left footed play. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… Yutaro Tsukada signing a first team contract with Orlando City SC

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In news first broken by Manuel Veth back on August 8, the Lions officially announced today that Orlando City B winger Yutaro Tsukada has signed a first team contract with Orlando City SC through 2025 with club options in 2026 and 2027.

The first ‘new’ signing Orlando City SC have completed during the MLS Secondary Transfer Window, things have been super quiet prior to Tsukada’s first team arrival. But Tsukada will soon be joined by Norway Under-21 international Heine Gikling Bruseth after City agreed a €1.7 million deal for the Kristiansund midfielder. Continue reading →

Who is Orlando City SC transfer target Heine Gikling Bruseth?

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Just when it looked as if this MLS Secondary Transfer Window was passing the Lions by, a tweet from @NordiskNorvege yesterday said that Orlando City SC are ramping up their efforts to sign Kristiansund midfielder Heine Gikling Bruseth.

In a translated version of @NordiskNorvege’s tweet – a tweet that credited Norwegian source @NettavisenSport – it said: “Despite several advances rejected by Kristiansund, Orlando City SC is going all out by offering €1.45 million including bonuses.” Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs New York City FC – 20.07.2024

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Our foot is on the gas and we ain’t letting go! Comprehensively defeating Nashville SC 0-3 last night, Orlando City SC have now won four MLS games in a row with three of these wins coming away from home. Solidifying our seventh-placed position in the Eastern Conference, Oscar Pareja’s Lions have surged from 21 points to 33 points in only a fortnight. Talk about a turnaround!

Currently six points ahead of both Toronto FC (eighth place) and CF Montréal (ninth place), the Canadian sides each share 27 points. Significantly, TFC have played one game more (25) than City (24) and were defeated 3-1 at Inter Miami last night – their seventh loss in eight MLS games.

Having built up a fantastic head of steam prior to the 2024 Leagues Cup break, Orlando City SC now host New York City FC at Inter&Co Stadium in our final game before Major League Soccer’s controversial one-month hiatus. Nick Cushing’s NYCFC rescued a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 at Atlanta United last night and are currently placed fifth in the East on 37 points.

In many ways, the 2024 Leagues Cup falls at the worst possible time for Orlando City SC, especially considering our forward momentum in the Eastern Conference. The Leagues Cup is not only a massive inconvenience but also lacks integrity, as it effectively replaced a legitimate 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. But we’ll be sharing our passionate thoughts on this subject next week, so stay tuned! Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs D.C. United – 06.07.2024

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We are finally back to winning ways and not a moment too soon! In a must-win game under pressure, Orlando City SC came from behind to defeat Toronto FC 1-2 at BMO Field yesterday evening. Just as City supporters were getting that sinking feeling again following Derrick Etienne Jr.’s early fifth minute opener, the Lions bounced back with a Martín Ojeda equaliser and a Nicksoen Gomis own goal.

This result, coupled with Atlanta United’s 2-1 loss to New England Revolution last night means that Orlando City SC have now climbed level on points (21) with both Toronto FC and The Five Stripes. With TFC having played one more game (22) than City and Atlanta, the Lions are currently placed tenth in the Eastern Conference, just outside the MLS Wild Card match qualification slots by goal difference. Fortunately, we still have 13 regular season games remaining to right the ship, climb the standings, and seal an automatic qualification spot for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Now hosting D.C. United after two quick-fire road games, City urgently need to improve their home form and turn Inter&Co Stadium back into a fortress as we head down the stretch. If we play to our potential, we should be able to defeat D.C. too. After all, Troy Lesesne’s side are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference (20 points) after suffering a nine-game winless streak, losing six times in this poor run. D.C.’s most recent defeat came last night at Audi Field where they lost 2-3 to FC Cincinnati. Both Christian Benteke and Troy Lesesne were absent due to one-game suspensions too.

Saturday’s game against D.C. will also see Orlando City SC honour Brazilian icon and the team’s first captain, Kaká, as the first-ever Legends’ Terrace inductee. As part of the Lions’ 10th season in Major League Soccer, the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and 2007 Ballon d’Or winner will be celebrated at Legends Night: Kaká, a theme night where Kaká will be inducted in front of City supporters in a post-game ceremony. 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 →

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC selling Ercan Kara to Samsunspor

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Despite the fact Orlando City SC can no longer sign reinforcements with the MLS Secondary Transfer Window closing back on August 2, the Lions today sold Ercan Kara to Turkish Süper Lig side Samsunspor.

Opening up a Designated Player slot on the Lions’ roster ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign, the 27-year-old centre forward departs Exploria Stadium as a divisive figure who for some, City’s playing style inhibited, and for others, failed to live up to high expectations in his one-and-a-half seasons with the club. Continue reading →

Who is Orlando City SC’s new loan signing Iván Angulo?

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Just when you thought Orlando City SC were done this MLS Secondary Transfer Window, the Lions yesterday announced the 12-month loan signing of Iván Angulo.

The 23-year-old Colombian winger has arrived at Exploria Stadium from Brazilian side Palmeiras following another loan spell at Portimonense in Portugal for their 2021/22 Primeira Liga season. Continue reading →