Tag: Orlando City

Orlando City avoids Sacramento Republic cupset to take 2022 U.S. Open Cup

Midnight struck for Sacramento’s Cinderella story, as Orlando won their first-ever trophy

Orlando City, it’s time to go get a trophy case for Exploria Stadium.

Orlando won the 2022 U.S. Open Cup final Wednesday night, as a quick-fire double from Facundo Torres and a late strike from Benji Michel gave the Lions a 3-0 win over an upstart Sacramento Republic FC side.

Fittingly for a cup final that played out amid accusations of spying, the atmosphere was tense. Hard challenges from both teams were frequent, while ESPN’s broadcast reported that coaches Mark Briggs and Oscar Pareja were exchanging words along the touchline.

In front of goal, however, there was little to report. Orlando’s Ercan Kara didn’t react fast enough in a scramble to tuck a great chance away, while Maalique Foster’s long-range effort for Sacramento flew a yard wide soon thereafter.

The second half carried on in that vein, with the Republic successfully slowing play down and frustrating an MLS opponent, just as they had against Sporting Kansas City, the LA Galaxy, and the San Jose Earthquakes on their path to the final. The first non-MLS club to make an Open Cup final since 2008 were dictating the terms, even as Orlando had most of the possession.

In the 75th minute, though, a disaster for Sacramento, and for neutrals everywhere. A giveaway deep in the Republic half from defender Dan Casey was blocked by Orlando forward Iván Angulo, and Michel—a game-changing substitute brought in just minutes earlier by Pareja—adroitly passed back for the Uruguayan international Torres to fizz a shot into the top corner.

Sacramento had not trailed at any point in the competition, and seemed rattled at the deficit. Minutes later, things went from bad to worse: a ball over the top drew goalkeeper Matt Vitiello, but Michel beat him to it. Michel nodded it over Vitiello, only to be wiped out from behind by Casey. Referee Ramy Touchan will rarely have as easy a penalty to call, and Torres suddenly had himself a brace after making no mistake from the spot.

Sacramento went direct trying to come up with one more miracle, but the goal came at the other end, as Michel raced onto a through ball, drew Vitiello to an angle, and then slipped a finish past him and into the bottom corner.

Watch the goals that gave Orlando the Open Cup

[lawrence-related id=5341,5164,5329]

Niko Gioacchini on his move to Orlando City, USMNT hopes, and his ‘Momager’

The USMNT forward is hoping to make a last push for a World Cup spot after moving to MLS

Consecutive phone calls last month sparked Niko Gioacchini’s move to Major League Soccer — the first from his agent, the second from his mother.

Both delivered the news of Orlando City’s interest in making the 22-year-old USMNT forward its marquee summer signing.

With a year left on his contract at French second-tier side Caen, and having spent the previous campaign on loan in Ligue 1 with Montpellier, Gioacchini knew it was time to find a new club — and to follow his instincts halfway across the world.

“(My mom) asked me, straight up, ‘Niko, what do you want?’ She is very straightforward; she doesn’t beat around the bush under any circumstance,” Gioacchini told Pro Soccer Wire.

“She asked if I wanted to go back home, play in the MLS, stay in Europe. She doesn’t tell me what to do. She asks questions and allows me to understand what my options. That’s why I consider her my manager, my ‘Momager,’ if you will.”

WATCH: MLS is live on ESPN+!  Get ESPN+

Intrigued by Oscar Pareja’s project, and with hopes of impressing Gregg Berhalter in time for the 2022 World Cup, Gioacchini made a permanent move stateside on July 20. He signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with a club option for 2025.

“Niko is an exciting young player that has a great ability to break lines and has a keen eye for goal,” Luiz Muzzi, Orlando City’s EVP of soccer operations and general manager, said in a release. “He’s begun to work his way into the national team pool already and we look forward to him furthering his young career with us here in Orlando.”

During his loan spell at Montpellier, Gioacchini collected three assists in just 473 minutes of league action. It was a beneficial experience, but one with which he feels he could have done more.

“I may not have been given the best opportunity. Obviously, it’s one of the best leagues in the world,” Gioacchini said. “It’s difficult to play in, and difficult to find a spot. I just didn’t get that confidence booster, that goal that really shoots your confidence straight up into the sky and allows you to perform better and better.”

Photo by Pascal Guyot/AFP via Getty Images

Gioacchini debuted for Orlando City on July 27 with a five-minute cameo in the team’s 5-1 thrashing of New York Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. He’s since made two appearances in MLS contests, clocking up 35 minutes in losses to D.C. United and New England Revolution.

It will take some time, Gioacchini admits, to develop chemistry with Orlando’s retooled cast of attacking players. There is also an adjustment period to the brutal humidity and summertime temperatures approaching triple digits throughout the U.S.

“When I first got here, I thought it wasn’t going to be too bad and that I would get accustomed to it,” Gioacchini said. “Two weeks in, I was like, ‘Wow, this is hot.’ If you do the right procedures, if you hydrate, sooner or later the weather becomes normal.

“I can’t complain. It’s better than the freezing cold.”

The Kansas City native said his only previous trip to Central Florida was when he took part in a U-12 showcase near Walt Disney World more than a decade ago. Gioacchini said he felt encouraged by Orlando given the success of fellow USMNT striker Daryl Dike at the club.

Dike bagged 19 goals in 41 matches for Orlando during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, ultimately securing a $9.5 million transfer to West Brom in January.

“I had backing, even more reason to consider the proposition and the project,” Gioacchini said. “Through the phone calls, I didn’t get the feeling that this was not something we would consider. It was really positivity. … I heard what I needed to hear, and that’s how my decision was made.”

Orlando City hopes Gioacchini can make an impact in its pursuit of a third straight trip to the playoffs. The club also completed loan signings for Colombian winger Ivan Angulo and Peruvian midfielder Wilder Cartagena — from Palmeiras and Ittihad Kalba, respectively — prior to last week’s MLS transfer deadline.

With 10 games left in the regular season, the Lions sit on the wrong side of the bubble, level on points (30) with Chicago Fire but six goals worse on differential. Orlando City also hosts USL Championship side Sacramento Republic in the U.S. Open Cup final on September 7 with a chance to hoist an elusive trophy.

Should he hit the ground running, Gioacchini could re-enter the World Cup conversation. He played five times in last year’s Gold Cup, scoring against Martinique and assisting the winner against Qatar in the semis.

Photo by Tim Vizer/AFP via Getty Images)

No clear candidate has emerged for the No. 9 position. Jordan Pefok, who scored on his Bundesliga debut for Union Berlin at the weekend, is among the pool’s few in-form strikers along with FC Dallas’ Jesus Ferreira and FC Cincinnati’s Brandon Vazquez.

“This is a place where I can develop, and will develop,” Gioacchini said.

“Obviously, the USMNT concept and the World Cup did cross my mind. It allowed me to think about it. But that was not the main reason why I chose Orlando.

“I wish the best to everyone; I really do. It’s important that we go as far as we can at the World Cup, and hopefully I will be a part of it — whether I am a nine, a left or right winger or a midfielder. Let’s see where that will be in a few months.”

[lawrence-related id=5916,5910,5871]

MLS Madness spreads nationwide as league breaks goalscoring record

MLS was, even by MLS standards, completely bonkers Saturday night

Summer in MLS can be a rough time. You’re too far away from the real pressure of making or missing the playoffs, it’s hot and humid everywhere, teams are figuring it out after transfer window moves. It can feel very much like everyone’s biding their time for September and October.

Not August 6. MLS Madness™ took hold in nearly every corner of the country, with goals galore, teams scoring and conceding in the deepest depths of stoppage time, big-name stars scoring bangers, and everyone basically went bananas. It was a perfect advertisement for the league: fun, flawed, weird, and inexplicable.

For one thing, MLS broke a league record for goals scored in one night. Across 13 games Saturday night, teams combined for 57 goals, an average of well over four per game. The old record of 46 was left in the dust.

As the league itself once said, This Stuff Kicks!

In chronological order, let’s go through one of the wildest nights in MLS history:

Crazy things happen when Wayne Rooney faces Orlando City

Late drama just seems to happen whenever Rooney faces the Lions at Audi Field

Wayne Rooney’s first MLS game as a coach came against Orlando City, the team he victimized for his most memorable moment as an MLS player.

And on Sunday night, just like he did four years ago, Rooney helped D.C. United beat Orlando at the death with a dramatic late winner.

This time though, it was Rooney’s in-game adjustments and motivation from the sidelines, rather than his heroic work on the field, that earned DCU a famous comeback win.

Every D.C. United fan remembers Rooney’s heroics against Orlando City in 2018. His remarkable goal-saving run and tackle was followed by an inch-perfect cross from long range for Luciano Acosta’s winner.

That moment was in the heat of a playoff race, while Sunday’s win still saw DCU end the night in last place. But it still provided a real moment of optimism that Rooney the MLS coach could be as successful as Rooney the MLS player.

WATCH: MLS is live on ESPN+!  Get ESPN+

Trailing 1-0 entering stoppage time, DCU got a goal from Chris Durkin to tie the game and then Taxi Foutas won it with a volley after a tremendous first-time volleyed cross from Kimarni Smith.

After the game, Rooney gave credit to his predecessor Chad Ashton – who served as interim coach before moving back to his role as assistant – for his suggestion to move Smith to left back.

“It was a little bit of a gamble, a risk, which we felt we could take. Fair play to Chad. He suggested it. Give him a lot of credit for that,” Rooney said.

The road to the postseason is still a steep one for United, which sits eight points below the playoff line. But the team has at least taken a first step in the right direction under Rooney, who could be the right man at the right time in D.C. – yet again.

“The season has to start now,” said Rooney.

Watch DCU’s two late goals vs. Orlando City

[lawrence-related id=5435,5395,5391]

Orlando City roars into 2022 U.S. Open Cup final with 5-1 demolition of New York Red Bulls

Orlando will host the U.S. Open Cup final after a big win

César Araújo wasn’t supposed to be the hero, but Orlando City is in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup final after the young midfielder scored his first two goals for the club in a wild 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls Thursday night.

Despite the typical Florida heat, a high-tempo, acrimonious game saw both teams create plenty of chances. Patryk Klimala’s bicycle kick thwacked off the crossbar, with Luquinhas nearly scoring in the chaos that followed only for Pedro Gallese to make a sharp save.

Klimala beat Gallese again just minutes later, but that 20-yard bid thumped off the post and away to safety. Orlando were struggling as the half wore on, but produced a beautiful 39th minute counter-attack that ended with Alexandre Pato firing over the bar from a promising spot.

There were chances galore, but in first half stoppage time Lewis Morgan finally produced the finish required. The Red Bulls went long on the counter, and while Klimala’s pass missed Omir Fernandez, Morgan pinged a laser of a first-time shot into the upper corner to give the visitors the lead.

It wasn’t enough for the Red Bulls to actually get into the locker room ahead, though. With virtually the last play of the half, Antonio Carlos snapped a header down past Carlos Coronel, only for it to, you guessed it, hit the post. Orlando’s César Araújo swept the rebound home, capping off a wild half.

The clouds opened during the break, but nothing much else changed. Joao Moutinho’s cutback fooled the Red Bulls defense, leaving a window for Maurico Pereyra to make it 2-1 roughly 100 seconds after play resumed.

Just after the hour mark, Araújo bagged a brace in a near repeat of his first goal. Again, it was an Orlando corner that wasn’t initially cleared, and though it didn’t take a shot off the post this time, Araújo guided the rebound home through a herd of players.

From there, Orlando were rampant on the counter. Facundo Torres, amid suspicions of Benji Michel being offside earlier in the counter, made it 4-1, a goal that required nearly a full minute of discussion between referee Victor Rivas and his crew to sort out. Michel then cleverly flicked a fifth past Coronel seven minutes later.

The win means Orlando is guaranteed to host the Open Cup final, which will take place in either the first or second week of September. They’ll play either Sporting Kansas City or Sacramento Republic FC.

Check out all the goals here!

[lawrence-related id=5164,3794]

Orlando City complete 2022 US Open Cup semifinalist field after knocking out Nashville SC

Drama in Florida as Orlando goes through

The 2022 U.S. Open Cup semifinals are now completely set, as Orlando City emerged from a penalty kick shootout to eliminate 10-man Nashville SC Wednesday night.

With the winner of the game holding the top hosting priority for the Open Cup final after last week’s draw, both sides fielded close to their best eleven. Nashville made just two changes to the team that beat D.C. United 3-1 on the road on Saturday, while Orlando had rotated against FC Cincinnati in order to field starters like Mauricio Pereyra and Robin Jansson in the cup.

A sneaky finish from Nashville star Hany Mukhtar gave the Tennessean side a win at Orlando. The German DP seemed to have no angle on Alex Muyl’s cross, but threw a foot around his marker to gently guide a shot past a wrong-footed Pedro Gallese.

However, four minutes into stoppage time, and with Gallese sent forward for a last-ditch free kick, the Lions drew level. Benji Michel almost appeared lost in midair while winning the header on Alexandre Pato’s initial service, but he ended up knocking the ball down perfectly for Rodrigo Schlegel to fire home a dramatic equalizer.

Nashville substitute Sean Davis picked up a second yellow card just 50 seconds into extra time, opening the door for Orlando to complete their comeback.

Orlando pushed for a winner, but Nashville’s 10 men held on, carrying the match to penalties. Alex Muyl missed the visitors’ opening attempt in the tiebreaker, but Elliott Panicco’s save on Andres Perea kept Orlando from putting the game to bed.

Finally, in the seventh round, Gallese dove to his right to deny Eric Miller, propelling Orlando through to a semifinal they’ll get to play in front of their own fans.

2022 Open Cup semifinal venue/time

July 27: Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls
Exploria Stadium (Orlando, FL) – 7:30pm Eastern

July 27: Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sporting Kansas City
Heart Heath Park (Sacramento, CA) – 10:30pm Eastern

Both games will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+.

[lawrence-related id=3794,3722,2254]

US Open Cup semifinal and final hosting scenarios revealed

Sacramento gets a home semifinal!

U.S. Soccer conducted the final draw for the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, revealing who would host July’s two semifinal games, as well as determining the hosting priority for the final in September.

Neutrals got one outcome they wanted, with USL Championship club Sacramento Republic FC ending up the host of the western side of the bracket’s semifinal. Sacramento will host Sporting Kansas City at Heart Health Park, a venue in which they’ve tasted defeat just once in 16 Open Cup games over the years.

Sacramento produced a stunning upset Tuesday night to earn their place in the semifinals, defeating the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Over in the east, the winner of the Orlando City vs. Nashville SC quarterfinal (which will take place in Florida on June 29) will host the other semifinal, with the New York Red Bulls heading to either Exploria Stadium or Geodis Park.

Both semifinals do not have announced dates or times, though U.S. Soccer has scheduled both to be played on either July 26 or July 27.

The good news for Sacramento turned sour in the draw for hosting priority in the final. The Republic were drawn into the lowest priority, meaning that no matter who wins in the east, Sacramento will have to head on the road. The Orlando/Nashville winner got top priority, with Sporting KC second and the Red Bulls in third.

The date and time of the final is not settled, with U.S. Soccer stating that the game could be played on September 6-7 or September 13-14.

[lawrence-related id=3722,2254,1560]

Portland y Orlando en busca de la Concachampions

El torneo MLS is Back llega a su fin esta noche con la gran final entre Portland Timbers y Orlando City en un torneo atípico que se llevó a cabo en las instalaciones del Walt Disney Resort de Orlando, Florida. El duelo de estrategas sudamericanos es …

El torneo MLS is Back llega a su fin esta noche con la gran final entre Portland Timbers y Orlando City en un torneo atípico que se llevó a cabo en las instalaciones del Walt Disney Resort de Orlando, Florida.

El duelo de estrategas sudamericanos es un partido aparte, pues el colombiano Óscar Pareja del Orlando City se enfrenta al venezolano Giovanni Savarese del Portland Timbers.

Pareja con solo ocho meses al frente de Orlando City y Savarese desde 2018 al frente de Portland buscarán el título de un torneo que entregará un millón de dólares al ganador así como el pase a la Concacaf Champions League 2021.

Los números del MLS is Back

Récord Guinness por el torneo de futbol profesional más grande organizado en una sola sede.

50 partidos, 25 equipos, 750 jugadores y 500 empleados. Algunas cifras del evento.

25 años de historia celebra la MLS este 2020, por lo que el MLS is Back será recordado siempre como el torneo atípico del cuarto de siglo.

[vertical-gallery id=14407]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Orlando City y Portland por la final del MLS is Back

El sorprendente Orlando City se clasificó a la final del MLS is Back venciendo por marcador de 3-1 al Minnesota que se despidió del torneo con una buena participación. Lo veníamos anticipando, el equipo de Orlando hizo muy bien las cosas desde el …

El sorprendente Orlando City se clasificó a la final del MLS is Back venciendo por marcador de 3-1 al Minnesota que se despidió del torneo con una buena participación.

Lo veníamos anticipando, el equipo de Orlando hizo muy bien las cosas desde el primer partido y lleva una buena racha de partidos haciendo un futbol efectivo que hoy los tiene en la final y muy cerca de conseguir su pase a la Concachampions 20-21.

Con doblete del portugués Nani, Orlando manejó casi todo el partido con el 2-0 a favor, sin embargo en la parte final del partido Minnesota logró descontar al 83 por conducto de Toye pero no fue suficiente en tiempo de compensación Orlando amplió su ventaja y cerró su boleto a la final.

Nos espera un gran partido el próximo martes entre Timbers y Orlando City, con justicia ambos en la gran final.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

 

Orlando City SC vs. Philadelphia Union, MLS is Back Tournament Live Stream, Schedule, Start Time, TV Channel

MLS is Back Tournament started this week and we have Orlando SC taking on the Philadelphia Union, stream the tournament here!

Major League Soccer is making its return this week with ‘The MLS is Back Tournament’, which is a one-off tournament that the MLS has decided to move forward with despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament champion will qualify for the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League. The Champions League 2020 season is scheduled to resume after the completion of this tournament.

Orlando City SC vs. Philadelphia Union

  • When: Monday, July 20
  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: TUDN
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Below you will find the schedule details of the tournament that will last roughly around a month with the Semifinals and Final in August.

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES

  • July 8: Group Stage begins
  • July 25-28: Knockout Stage (Round of 16) begins
  • July 30-August 1: Quarterfinals
  • August 5-6: Semifinals
  • August 11: Final

We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.