Sports

Orlando City Dominates New England, Finish 2nd Place in MLS

Published

3 years ago

October 8, 2023

Duncan McGuire gives a thumbs-up to fans after goal. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — In an era of Messi-dominated headlines and massive overspending for lackluster results; Orlando City remains an anomaly within the league. In December, Oscar Pareja’s tenure at Orlando City will turn four years old. In that time, the Lions have slowly reformed themselves into a sleeping giant in the Eastern Conference. This 3-2 result against the Revs proves that Orlando City has evolved into a scary team. Coupled with their narrow win mid-week against Nashville, this nine-game unbeaten run secures home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Purple Revolution is officially here.

Orlando City’s formula to success has been unorthodox, to say the least. Nonetheless, last night’s victory over New England — especially the offensive fluidity in the first half — was a testament to how far this team has come.

Just three short years ago, Orlando was a one-dimensional team relying on the heroics of a Nani, Mueller, or Dyke to turn a game around. After Nani’s departure in 2021, Orlando City indexed into South American talent with the likes of Facundo Torres, Cesar Araujo, and Antonio Carlos the summer prior.

Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Torres’ debut season was a smashing success as Orlando City won their first piece of silverware with the U.S. Open Cup trophy. The following summer, Orlando doubled down on their prospects in the southern hemisphere. Martin Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique both made the jump from Argentina to the United States.

Wilder Cartagena, the Peruvian ball-stopper, became a fundamental pairing alongside Araujo in midfield. But the real ace in the hole was Ivan Angulo’s loan transfer from Palmeiras. Once the Colombian international found his footing in an Orlando City shirt; Orlando’s offense has never looked better.

Ivan Angulo in disbelief after a near-miss on goal. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Where does Orlando’s depth rank among the best?

One of the best attributes of Orlando City’s nine-game unbeaten run is their strength in numbers. Orlando City possesses four players with more than ten goal contributions (goals + assists) on their roster. Martin Ojeda and Torres are the crafty left-footed wingers that can play on either side of the field. When Torres is on the right wing, the objective is to cut inside and score. When he occupies the left wing, the gameplan tends to be a lofted cross into space. Then, players like Angulo and Mauricio Pereyra fill in the gaps in midfield.

No championship-caliber team is complete without a plethora of strikers. Luckily, Orlando City has that in droves with their star rookie of the year candidate Duncan McGuire. After last night’s header, the Omaha native has 11 goals in 17 starts to his tally. Ramiro Enrique shared a lot of his time with the now-departed Ercan Kara. Even still, the former Banfield product has been efficient in front of the goal for Orlando City. He is averaging .46 goals/assists per 90 minutes which is a number that can only improve once he finds regularity. In fact, McGuire was called up to the United States Men’s Olympic National Team Sunday morning.

Playoff aspirations higher than ever before

So how does Orlando fare against the rest of the conference for their playoff run? Since their last loss to Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup, they have beaten or taken points off every team in the top five of the Eastern Conference. This is the first year Orlando City surpassed a +10 goal differential since their shortened 2020 season.

The best part about it? The City Beautiful is playing a beautiful brand of soccer that all fans can love. In a year where massive Messi headlines have dominated the league, the real storyline out of Florida is how Orlando City continues to churn out a successful style of play that dazzles the fans but also remains potent against the league’s best defenses.

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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | info@floridanationalnews.com

Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

(more…)

Basketball

UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay

Published

5 days ago

October 7, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Jacksonville Waves battle at the rim against the Charlotte Crown during UPSHOT League action in Jacksonville. Photo by Nisey Spruill/FNN Sports.

New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games

Published

2 weeks ago

October 1, 2026

FNN SPORTS

New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.

The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.

“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.

$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs

The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.

The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.

Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.

Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7

The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.

Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.

“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.

Merchandise Deals Start at $15

The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.

Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.

SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation

The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.

According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.

Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans

Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.

“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.