Rodrigo Schlegel Could Keep Starting Job as Center Back
Share this story
Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
Young center back Rodrigo Schlegel became an instant club hero for Orlando City with his heroic performance as an emergency goalkeeper against New York City FC in the MLS Cup playoffs last season. After such an iconic moment, it can be easy to overlook Schlegel’s actual value as a player. Through four games in 2021, Schlegel is proving to be much more than just a folk hero.
Starting center back Robin Jansson, who has started 50 regular season games for Orlando since joining in 2019, has been dealing with an injury since the start of this season. With Jansson out, Schlegel has filled in on the back line. The 24-year-old has more than lived up to the standards of his Swedish teammate, helping the Lions concede only two goals this season.
NYCFC’s Playoff Run is Cut Short
Share this story
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
After a fairly solid display from New York City FC for the better part of 90 minutes, the Cityzens crashed out of the MLS playoffs in a shootout against Orlando City.
The Boys in Blue gifted their rivals an early lead after Anton Tinnerholm failed to clear a cross headed for Orlando City captain Nani. The ball ricocheted off Tinnerholm before hitting his extended arm; referee Allen Chapman had no choice but to point to the spot which Nani comfortably converted five minutes into the game.
It didn’t take long for City to respond. Jesús Medina, who has been in inspired form as of late, provided his team with an excellent delivery from a corner kick which Maxime Chanot converted. It would be the first and only time City beat Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who was one of the outstanding performers of the day.
Orlando City vs. New York City FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match
Share this story
Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando City remains unbeaten after a 1-1 draw at home against New York City FC. After a scoreless first half, Nani gave the Lions a lead in the 52nd minute for his third goal in three games. But João Moutinho, who came on to replace Ruan after halftime, conceded a penalty and Valentin Castellanos slotted it away to equalize. It was a game filled with chances for both sides, but neither was able to capture all three points, as has happened so often in this evenly matched series.
Orlando City SC vs. New York City FC: Final Score 1-1 as the Lions and Pigeons Split the Points Again
Nani’s third amazing goal in three weeks was countered by a penalty kick by Valentin Castellanos in a hard-fought draw.
Share this story
The Mane Land
Another spectacular Nani goal put Orlando City on top but a penalty kick goal by Valentin Castellanos allowed New York City FC to split the points in a 1-1 draw at Exploria Stadium. Joao Moutinho, who came on for Ruan at halftime after the Brazilian picked up a knock, got Ismael Tajouri-Shradi’s foot instead of the ball in the second half and that gave NYCFC the opportunity from the spot to pull level.
Orlando City vs. New York City FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
The Lions host a team they know very well, and one that will want revenge for last year’s playoff exit.
Share this story
Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
Welcome to your match thread and preview for a Saturday evening match-up between Orlando City and New York City FC at Exploria Stadium (6 p.m., ESPN) . This will be the first of two scheduled meetings between the Lions (1W-0L-2D, 5 points) and Pigeons (2-1-0, 6 points) this season, with the return fixture at Yankee Stadium set for July 25.