Sports

Orlando City SC Extends Unbeaten Streak to Five Games in 1-1 Draw Against New York City FC

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2024

Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Orlando City SC continued their impressive run of form by extending their unbeaten streak to five games with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against New York City FC. The match, held at Yankee Stadium, saw both teams display tactical prowess and resilience.

The Lions took the lead early in the game with a goal from Mauricio Pereyra, showcasing their attacking intent. However, New York City FC equalized in the second half with a strike from Gabriel Pereira, ensuring the points were shared.

Orlando City’s defense held firm against a persistent NYCFC attack, and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made several key saves to maintain the draw. This result keeps Orlando City firmly in the playoff contention, demonstrating their consistency and competitive edge in the league.

Key Highlights:

Goals: Mauricio Pereyra (Orlando City), Gabriel Pereira (NYCFC)
Strong Defense: Pedro Gallese’s crucial saves helped secure the draw.
Unbeaten Streak: Orlando City extends their unbeaten run to five games.

Orlando City SC Head Coach Oscar Pareja

Opening Statement

“Big effort from the players after these couple weeks that we had been playing every three days. I would like to value that effort. Two teams tried to put a good performance, and from our side, in the first half, we had control, but we were not as dangerous as we were coming in the prior games. They kept possession sometimes in their half, but not a dangerous place so we were in that side control. But we wanted more. Nico [Lodeiro] was helping us just to do a job, or in a position that is not very frequent for him, but I think he did great. And in the second half, it seems like we brought more energy and we started creating better chances and we have the game 1-0, which is something that this year has been a challenge for us to open the games. And then this goal that we concede, this is where we have that sensation of frustration for us that it was not that they did a lot of stuff to tie the game…and we had a few very clear options, including that last one that I, we all thought it was Luis [Muriel’s] moment to unbalance the game. We work with a bit of frustration, but as well, we are very proud of what the boys have done.”

On adjusting to New York’s press after midweek game

“They have very talented players, especially up front, and not just one or two. But I think all of them have that differential in the technique, and they’re dangerous there. And, especially in the first half, they changed the structure from the way they played the last games. And it caused us a little to adjust. We were trying kind of to readjust, and the way they were pressuring us in the beginning, it caused us to adapt to it. Then, we make a couple variations in the way we arrive from behind, and we have some advantages positionally with Rafa [Santos] and we moved Wilder [Cartagena] and César [Araújo], just try to unclog the game there. And I think we were successful at that. That’s why the second half looked like we were better. But you’re right, in the first half it was tough just to get out of that pressure or to find our best ways to do it. There were so many times we were feeling uncomfortable.”

On New York City FC’s goal and the tactical changes for the team

“They came and pressured our midfielders. We really understand the game well when we have that kind of pressure and how to use our spaces. We know that they pressed us and how we can jump lines and not get it through that first man, in this case Wilder or César. But we just find the far guys that are able to receive. In the first half we couldn’t see much. We started to find our midfielders, but they were under pressure after the first pass. I was patient with it because I noticed after 20 minutes that New York started getting tired and they reduced the pressure which allowed us to find the spaces. In the second half while they were pressing, we were missing that pass. That’s where the frustration came from because it was not much more than that. It was this moment that changed our result. I have to give credit to the boys because it’s easy in those moments to just start kicking the ball around but we’re not that. We’re a team who can change the game back to our radar of sequences. But I’m not taking that personally.”

Orlando City SC Forward Ramiro Enrique

Opening Statement

“First off, thank you. It always makes me happy to score a goal. As a striker it’s really important to be able to score, but I think tonight we leave the game with a little bit of a sour taste in our mouths because we felt like we had that game and that we should’ve won. But to be able to score again is always good.”

On breaking through New York City FC’s defense

“This is a team that plays really well and with superiority, especially with the quality of their goalkeeper, [Matt Freese], it’s really difficult to score on him and convert those chances. But at the end of the day we still have to play with our ideas and find our touches and I think tonight we were really strong with our ideas of the long balls, the diagonals and being superior in that, and thankfully we were able to find a way to score tonight. But it’s just really difficult to play against them.”

On what he learned tonight playing against a tough defense

“I think confidence, right? Confidence in what we’re doing and how we’re playing and the way that we’re going about things. I think we’re playing really well; we’re continuing to work hard. We’re doing things really well, so just continuing to bring that forward into each and every game, continue to play each game and approach each game with attitude, humility and professionalism as we’ve been approaching these last games, and just to continue doing that and leave, continue leaving everything we have out on the field each game.”

Orlando City SC Defender Robin Jansson

Opening Statement

“Tough game. Two teams that really wanted it. I think New York [City FC] was a little bit better in the first half and we were a little bit better in the second, getting some good chances and it was a tough one today. They did it well and it was hard to play them, but overall, I think coming from a game two days ago and going into this one, I think we did a great job, the whole team. We scored first and they equalized which feels bitter directly after, but we take the points and move on.”

On the pace of tonight’s game

“I think you can put all those criteria in there. It’s been a tough week for most of the team, but at the end of the day it’s our job and we tried to go for the three points. We were up 1-0 but we got one point. When the game is this tight, we take the points and move on from here and we have found great momentum in the game before winning four in a row. Just continue grinding as a team. I think we have the unit working better together on the field that’s more synchronized with the way we work both offensively and defensively.”

On adjusting to New York City FC’s play style

“We knew before that they normally step up with their midfielders, but today we wanted to play more through the middle. But you have to adapt and find an easier game when you know they’re coming to press you. We knew it before. They’re very good at finding balls earlier in behind to put pressure on you in space. I think in the second half we did better coming in behind them.”

Related Topics:New York City FC Orlando City Soccer

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Orlando Storm Quarterback Jack Plummer Named 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2026

Willie David

Orlando Storm Quarterback Jack Plummer Named 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player

Source: The UFL / Orlando Storm

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The United Football League has named Orlando Storm quarterback Jack Plummer the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player after a record-setting regular season that helped lead the franchise to the league’s best record.

Plummer becomes the third quarterback to earn the UFL’s highest individual honor, following Bryce Perkins of the Michigan Panthers in 2025 and Adrian Martinez of the Birmingham Stallions in 2024.

The award was selected by a panel of league and team executives, coaches, players, media members and broadcast partners based on performances during the recently completed 10-game regular season.

Plummer Credits Team, Coaches

“It is an incredible honor to be named the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player,” Plummer said. “While my name may be on this award, it truly belongs to so many people who have helped me along this journey.”

Plummer thanked his teammates and coaching staff, specifically Orlando Storm head coach Anthony Becht, for helping him reach the milestone.

“I also want to extend a special thank you to Coach Becht,” Plummer said. “His leadership, trust and belief in me have had a tremendous impact on my development as a player and as a person.”

Dominant Season Under Center

In the Storm’s inaugural season, Plummer guided Orlando to an 8-2 record and the No. 1 seed entering the postseason.

He led the UFL in passing yards (2,188), completions (195) and quarterback rating (104.1) while throwing 17 touchdown passes. Plummer completed 65% of his passes and threw just one interception all season.

The Storm offense led the league with an average of 208.3 passing yards per game.

“Jack personifies exactly what an elite UFL quarterback should look like,” Becht said. “His leadership, his ability to process information and make plays at any moment made him the most valuable player in the UFL.”

Historic Numbers and Signature Moments

Plummer scored or accounted for a touchdown in every game this season and threw at least one touchdown pass in nine of Orlando’s 10 regular-season contests.

He completed 75% or more of his passes in three games and recorded three-touchdown performances in victories against the Louisville Kings and D.C. Defenders.

Among his most impressive accomplishments was setting a UFL record with 255 consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception.

Plummer also earned UFL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 8 after leading Orlando to a 34-21 victory over the Dallas Renegades that clinched a playoff berth.

In that game, he threw for 238 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, including a spectacular 71-yard touchdown run that remains the longest rushing play by a quarterback in the UFL this season.

Storm Set for Playoff Run

With Plummer leading the offense, Orlando enters the playoffs as the league’s top seed and one of the favorites to compete for the 2026 UFL Championship.

Sports

USMNT Opens FIFA World Cup 2026 With Historic 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay

Published

4 days ago

June 12, 2026

FNN SPORTS

LOS ANGELES (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 before a crowd of 70,492 at Los Angeles Stadium.

Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half, while midfielder Gio Reyna added a late goal as the United States collected three points in its Group D opener and moved to the top of the standings.

The crowd was the seventh-largest ever to watch the USMNT in a FIFA World Cup match and the largest since the 1994 World Cup. The four-goal performance also marked the highest-scoring World Cup match in U.S. men’s national team history.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Paraguay tested goalkeeper Matt Freese less than two minutes into his World Cup debut, but the Americans responded immediately.

The United States opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla redirected a pass into his own net following a dangerous attacking sequence involving Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

The Americans continued to control possession and create chances, eventually doubling their lead in the 31st minute.

Balogun Makes World Cup History

Pulisic delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Balogun finished clinically into the lower-right corner for his first FIFA World Cup goal.

Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time after receiving a long pass from Malik Tillman. The striker fought through a challenge, beat another defender and curled a left-footed shot into the upper-left corner to give the United States a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.

The brace made Balogun the first American player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930.

Defense Holds Strong

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made one lineup change from the team’s final World Cup send-off match against Germany, inserting center back Chris Richards after his recovery from an ankle injury.

Richards anchored a defense that included veteran captain Tim Ream and World Cup debutants Alex Freeman and Matt Freese. The U.S. limited Paraguay to just one shot on target throughout the match.

Paraguay’s lone goal came in the 73rd minute when Mauricio capitalized on a loose ball following a free-kick sequence to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Reyna Finishes the Job

The Americans continued pressing for a fourth goal deep into stoppage time. In the eighth minute of added time, substitute Gio Reyna received a pass from Alex Freeman, turned toward goal and curled a brilliant shot into the left side of the net to seal the 4-1 victory.

The United States outshot Paraguay 16-9 and dominated much of the match while allowing only one shot on goal.

Group D Standings

With the victory, the United States temporarily sits atop Group D. Australia and Türkiye were scheduled to play later in the day at BC Place in Vancouver.

The Americans continue group play on June 19 in Seattle against Australia before returning to Los Angeles on June 25 to face Türkiye in the final Group D match.

Goal Scorers

7′ — Own Goal (Damián Bobadilla), USA leads 1-0
31′ — Folarin Balogun (Christian Pulisic), USA leads 2-0
45’+ — Folarin Balogun (Malik Tillman), USA leads 3-0
73′ — Mauricio (Julio Enciso), Paraguay cuts deficit to 3-1
90+8′ — Gio Reyna (Alex Freeman), USA wins 4-1

Sports

GM Brands Dominate Detroit as Cadillac and Corvette Capture IMSA Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic Wins

Published

2 weeks ago

May 31, 2026

FNN NEWS

DETROIT (FNN SPORTS) — Cadillac and Chevrolet celebrated a historic hometown sweep Saturday as both General Motors brands captured class victories in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.

Competing in the shadow of General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters along the Detroit Riverwalk, the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber dominated the 100-minute race to secure the overall victory and Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class win.

In Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims powered the No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R to victory, giving Chevrolet a celebrated win on its home turf.

Cadillac Continues Detroit Dominance

The No. 31 Cadillac controlled the race from start to finish, executing a near-flawless performance in front of General Motors executives, employees, and supporters.

The victory marked Cadillac’s fifth IMSA triumph in Detroit, adding to previous wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. The result also extended the No. 31 team’s streak to seven consecutive GTP podium finishes.

“To do it here at the home of GM and Cadillac with so many friends and family with us, my team absolutely nailed it,” Aitken said after the race.

The No. 25 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 finished second in class, while the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R completed the GTP podium.

Meanwhile, the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 earned the IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award with its fourth-place finish.

Corvette Capitalizes on Late-Race Drama

While Cadillac’s victory was largely under control, the GTD PRO race featured significant late-race drama.

Garcia nearly lost the lead when Jack Hawksworth attempted a pass entering Turn 1 in the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3. Contact between the two cars triggered a penalty against Hawksworth, whose Lexus received a drive-through penalty for incident responsibility.

Despite the pressure, Garcia maintained control on the final restart to secure his first IMSA victory in Detroit and the 32nd IMSA win of his career.

“Super happy to be in victory lane in Chevrolet land,” Garcia said. “I think all the big bosses will be very happy, as we are. It was a fantastic drive by Alex, who put the car on pole and opened a big gap early.”

The late-race chaos opened the door for the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Temerario GT3 driven by Andrea Caldarelli and Sandy Mitchell to earn the new car’s first podium finish in second place.

The No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 driven by Christopher Mies and Frederic Vervisch rounded out the GTD PRO podium in third.

Championship Battle Tightens Heading to Watkins Glen

Both class winners started from the Motul Pole Award position and successfully converted pole into victory despite two late caution periods that reshuffled the field and intensified competition during the closing laps.

The victory unofficially moves Aitken into the lead of the GTP championship standings, while the No. 4 Corvette pairing of Nicky Catsburg and Tommy Milner maintains the GTD PRO points lead, though by a reduced margin.

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns June 28 for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, one of the premier endurance races on the North American sports car calendar.