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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 →

STATS PREVIEW: Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC – 05.04.2025

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Orlando City SC’s flair for the dramatic was on full display last Saturday. And given the venue, it was truly a Hollywood ending! On the night, a late surge saw the Lions secure a 1-2 comeback win at LA Galaxy – marking Oscar Pareja’s 200th match in charge and City’s second straight victory at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Having just achieved back-to-back MLS victories, the Lions now head to Subaru Park with revenge on their minds. Philadelphia Union’s 2-4 win on opening night remains Orlando City SC’s only home loss of 2025, but with City’s attack firing on all cylinders and confidence soaring after our first road win of the season, there’s no reason to fear this challenge. Meanwhile, Union are looking to bounce back after a 2-1 loss at Inter Miami, setting the stage for another intense Eastern Conference clash. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: LA Galaxy vs Orlando City SC – 29.03.2025

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Are you not entertained? Recency bias aside, I think we just witnessed one of Orlando City SC’s most complete MLS performances, dismantling an unbeaten D.C. United side (1-3-0) with a dominant 4-1 victory at Inter&Co Stadium. On Javier Otero’s first MLS career start, the Lions were ruthless in attack, with Luis Muriel, Martín Ojeda, and Marco Pašalić continuing their fine form. For the first time in club history, all three of our Designated Players scored in the same game – making Facundo Torres’ absence feel surprisingly manageable. What is this sorcery? Am I dreaming?

Having scored the most goals (13), yet conceded the second-most goals (11) across MLS this season, City now head cross-country to face defending MLS champions LA Galaxy in Carson, California. This is a matchup that could have been the 2024 MLS Cup Final! But Greg Vanney’s side are experiencing a shocking title defence. Galaxy are winless (0-2-3) this season, holding the worst-ever record for a defending MLS champion through five games. Most recently, they salvaged a late 2-2 draw at Minnesota United, but the Lions will be looking to capitalise on their shaky form. 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 →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Toronto FC – 01.03.2025

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“Painful”. Martín Ojeda’s one-word summary said it all as Orlando City SC suffered their first-ever MLS home opener loss, falling 2-4 to Philadelphia Union last Saturday. A disastrous start to the second-half left the Lions with a mountain to climb, overshadowing Marco Pašalić’s debut brace.

“We made mistakes that don’t belong in this game, at this level” said Oscar Pareja who knows a major improvement is needed to restore fan confidence in the season ahead. Continue reading →

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union – 22.02.2025

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After a short, breathless, and exciting off-season of refreshment, anticipation fills the air as Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City SC kick off the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign.

Starting at home for an eleventh consecutive MLS season, City open against Philadelphia Union for the first time after our crushing 2024 Eastern Conference Final defeat to New York Red Bulls back in November. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… the new 2025 Orlando City SC home jersey

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After much anticipation, the new 2025 Orlando City SC away jersey – “The Perfect Storm Kit” – has now officially been unveiled. The release comes prior to a Jersey Launch Event taking place tonight at 1401 Florida Mall Ave, 32809 as part of our “Kickoff to Soccer” activation.

Revealing the new look of our home purple just 10 days before facing Philadelphia Union in our 2025 MLS home opener, The Perfect Storm Kit is our sixth home jersey design in Major League Soccer and will be worn in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Continue reading →

Who is Orlando City SC transfer target Agustín Soria?

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As we approach our 2025 MLS home opener against Philadelphia Union on February 22, the Orlando City SC Front Office continues to work tirelessly to strengthen the squad. After securing ready-made reinforcements in Marco Pašalić and Eduard Atuesta over the past two weeks, our latest target is reportedly young Uruguayan talent Agustín Soria.

Yesterday, journalist Guille López (@glopezferraro) tweeted that Orlando City SC have formalised an offer for the 20-year-old midfielder from Defensor Sporting, following an initial proposal that was deemed insufficient. With a $6 million release clause, Orlando City SC’s persistence signals their commitment to landing the promising youngster. Continue reading →

César Araújo set to stay at Orlando City SC for the 2025 season

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In a major boost for Orlando City SC ahead of the 2025 season, North American transfer expert Tom Bogert tweeted early this morning that midfielder César Araújo is set to remain with the Lions for the upcoming year. Despite strong interest from Uruguayan giants Nacional, who attempted to secure Araújo’s signature this winter, sources indicate that the 22-year-old will stay at Inter&Co Stadium for the 2025 campaign.

Araújo’s current contract with Orlando City SC expires on December 31, 2025, with no club options available, putting the club in a delicate position. Had a transfer to Nacional or Belgrano gone through, the Lions would’ve secured a fee for the once-capped Uruguay international, rather than potentially losing him for free in 12 months.

However, with Orlando City SC holding strong ambitions to take the next step and win MLS Cup in 2025, it seems that, reportedly against Araújo’s wishes, the club has taken a firm stance and rejected the idea of him leaving this winter. As all City supporters know, with Facundo Torres already gone this winter, losing César Araújo as well would’ve been a disastrous blow to the squad. Continue reading →

Twitter reacts to… Palmeiras signing Facundo Torres from Orlando City SC

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After the heartbreak of our 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs exit on November 30, Orlando City SC fans face more sadness today, with Facundo Torres completing his $12 million + $2 million transfer to Brazilian giants Palmeiras.

In truth, City supporters have had nearly two whole weeks to digest Facu’s departure, especially after Palmeiras agreed terms with Facundo Torres on December 9 before Cruz Azul appeared set to hijack the move. But in the end, Verdão have got their man.

This transfer not only sets a new club record outbound fee for Orlando City SC, surpassing the $9.5 million West Bromwich Albion paid for Daryl Dike. It also sees City bid farewell to probably the greatest Lion of all-time! Continue reading →