Sports

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

Published

6 months 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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Sports

Buccaneers’ Playoff Hopes Dashed: Baker Mayfield Takes Responsibility for Costly Errors

Published

6 days ago

January 13, 2025

FNN SPORTS

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – In a critical playoff matchup, quarterback Baker Mayfield took center stage both on the field and at the postgame press conference. Despite flashes of brilliance this season, the Buccaneers’ season ended in disappointment after a loss to the Washington Commanders. Mayfield, known for his grit and accountability, didn’t shy away from taking ownership of the team’s missed opportunities.

“It comes back to me just timing it up correctly,” said Mayfield, referring to a fumble on a jet sweep play deep in their own territory. “The timing of it, not great. Being backed up, defense had just done a hell of a job getting us the ball. Another fourth-down stop, and, yeah, unfortunate, but that falls on me.”

The Buccaneers struggled offensively, managing only seven possessions during the game. Penalties and missed third-down conversions plagued the first half, limiting the team’s ability to establish a rhythm. “In the second quarter, the penalties didn’t help us out, getting into longer yardage situations. We weren’t helping ourselves out,” Mayfield added.

Despite these challenges, the Bucs’ defense kept the team in the game with several key stops, including a crucial fourth-down stand. Offensively, the team capitalized briefly with a two-minute drill to tie the game at halftime, but inconsistency returned in the second half.

Mayfield admitted that the offense’s inability to capitalize on defensive efforts proved costly: “Not doing all the little things right will always come back to beat you in playoff mode because you’re always playing a good team in the playoffs, and they’re going to capitalize. They did that.”

One of the game’s turning points came late when a mistimed snap on second-and-one at the goal line resulted in another missed opportunity. “We were trying to get them to jump offsides. I think Graham [Barton] thought they did or were in the neutral zone,” explained Mayfield. The miscommunication underscored the team’s lack of execution in high-pressure moments.

Reflecting on the season as a whole, Mayfield acknowledged both the disappointment and the growth the team experienced. “It’s disappointing overall because I believe in this team,” he said. “But looking back, you try to take a step back and see the big picture. This group fought. A lot of young guys stepped up into huge roles. That should build confidence for them moving forward.”

As the Buccaneers look ahead, the team faces significant decisions in the offseason, including roster adjustments and potential coaching changes. Mayfield, known for his competitive fire, will likely use this season as fuel for improvement.

What’s Next for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers?

Rebuilding Offensive Cohesion: Improving execution in critical moments will be a primary focus.
Roster Changes: Key players stepping into larger roles signal a potential shift in team dynamics.
Coaching Adjustments: Evaluations will determine how the team can maximize talent moving forward.
Mayfield’s Leadership: As a veteran, Baker Mayfield’s offseason preparation will set the tone for 2025.
Redemption Ahead: With playoff lessons learned, the Buccaneers aim to come back stronger next season.

Sports

Todd Bowles Reflects on Buccaneers’ Wildcard Loss to Commanders: “We Had Our Chances”

Published

7 days ago

January 13, 2025

FNN SPORTS

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke candidly during the postgame press conference following the team’s narrow 23-20 Wildcard Playoff loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night. Bowles addressed critical defensive struggles, offensive miscues, and his outlook for the team’s future.

Defensive Struggles and Key Plays
When asked about the defense’s inability to stop Washington on critical downs, Bowles acknowledged the challenge. “Defensively, that’s where it was. He [Jayden Daniels] was making some plays with his feet. We were in position, but he out-athleted us,” Bowles said. The Buccaneers allowed a concerning 55% third-down conversion rate.

Bowles also touched on the struggles with in-routes and breakdowns in coverage. “Some of them were scrambles, and we lost our guys. On the last one, we had bad positioning from the start.”

A costly fumble near their own goal line further shifted momentum in Washington’s favor. “We were supposed to run a jet sweep, but something got discombobulated. We can’t give up field position like that,” Bowles lamented.

Offensive Woes and Penalties
Offensively, penalties and turnovers stifled the Buccaneers’ rhythm. “We were shooting ourselves in the foot on first down with a lot of penalties in the first half,” Bowles explained. Despite the struggles, wide receiver Mike Evans continued to shine, even in a tough matchup against Marshon Lattimore. “Mike’s effort and what he continues to do for us is amazing,” Bowles praised.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield’s late-game turnover was another critical moment. Bowles expressed unwavering support for his quarterback, saying, “He’s your bell cow. We wouldn’t even be here without Baker.”

Rookie Spotlight: Jayden Daniels
Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels proved to be a thorn in Tampa Bay’s side. Bowles was not surprised by his poised performance. “He has no conscience. He’s a heck of a player and lives in the moment. He lived in it every game this year,” Bowles noted.

What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
Despite the loss, Bowles remains optimistic about the team’s future. “We have a great core group going forward. Just got to keep people healthy, add to it, and clean up some spots,” he said. He emphasized the need to improve situational football and create more turnovers, areas where the team struggled this season.

As the Buccaneers head into the offseason, the focus will be on getting key players like Antoine Winfield Jr. back to full strength and reinforcing both the offensive and defensive units. “We’ve got to eat it, take it on the chin, and we’ve got to get better in the future,” Bowles concluded.

______________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Sports

Buccaneers fall 23-20 to Washington Commanders

Published

1 week ago

January 13, 2025

FNN SPORTS

– The Buccaneers fell to the Commanders, 23-20, to end their season. The 49^th season in Buccaneers history resulted in the club extending its franchise record for consecutive postseason berths to five and extending its record for consecutive division titles to four. The Buccaneers remain one of just three teams to have made the playoffs in each of the last five seasons (2020-24).

– QB Baker Mayfield completed 15-of-18 passes (83.3%) for 185 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions to earn a 146.5 passer rating. The 146.5 passer rating is the highest in a postseason contest in franchise history, and the ninth-highest mark by any quarterback in a postseason contest dating back to 2000. Mayfield has recorded a passer rating of 100.0+ in three of his five career postseason contests, and his career postseason passer rating of 105.9 leads all active quarterbacks (min. two games).

HIGHEST SINGLE-GAME PASSER RATING – FRANCHISE POSTSEASON HISTORY

Rank Player Passer Rating

1. Baker Mayfield (1/12/25 vs. WAS) 146.5

2. Tom Brady (2/7/21 vs. KC) 125.8

3. Baker Mayfield (1/15/24 vs. PHI) 119.8

4. Tom Brady (1/16/22 vs. PHI) 115.2

5. Tom Brady (1/9/21 vs. WAS) 104.3

HIGHEST POSTSEASON PASSER RATING – ACTIVE PLAYERS (MIN. 2 GP)

Rank Player Passer Rating

1. Baker Mayfield (TB) 105.9

2. Patrick Mahomes (KC) 105.8

3. Josh Allen (BUF) 102.3

4. C.J. Stroud (HOU) 102.2

5. Matthew Stafford (LAR) 101.7

– Mayfield’s 83.3% completion rate marked the highest by a Buccaneers quarterback in postseason history, and is the second-highest figure in a postseason contest (min. 15 attempts) dating back to 2012.

HIGHEST SINGLE-GAME COMPLETION PCT. – FRANCHISE POSTSEASON HISTORY

Rank Player Comp. Pct.

1. Baker Mayfield (1/12/25 vs. WAS) 83.3%

2. Tom Brady (1/16/22 vs. PHI) 78.4%

3. Tom Brady (2/7/21 vs. KC) 72.4%

HIGHEST SINGLE-GAME COMPLETION PCT. – SINCE 2012

Rank Player Comp. Pct.

1. Josh Allen (BUF – 1/15/22 vs. NE) 84.0%

2. Baker Mayfield (TB – 1/12/25 vs. WAS) 83.3%

3. Jared Goff (DET – 1/14/24 vs. LAR) 81.5%

4. Matt Moore (MIA – 1/8/17 at PIT) 80.6%

5. Deshaun Watson (HOU – 1/4/20 vs. BUF) 80.0%

– WR Mike Evans brought in a team-leading seven receptions for 92 yards and one receiving touchdown. With his score, Evans tied Leonard Fournette (6) for the second-most touchdowns from scrimmage in franchise playoff history, and surpassed Fournette (32) for the second-most playoff points scored by a non-kicker in franchise history.

MOST TOUCHDOWNS FROM SCRIMMAGE – FRANCHISE POSTSEASON HISTORY

Rank Player TD’s

1. Mike Alstott 7

2t. Mike Evans 6

2t. Leonard Fournette 6

4. Rob Gronkowski 3

5t. Many Players Tied 2

MOST POINTS SCORED (NON-KICKER) – FRANCHISE POSTSEASON HISTORY

Rank Player Points

1. Mike Alstott 42

2. Mike Evans 38

3. Leonard Fournette 36

– RB Bucky Irving contributed 83 scrimmage yards and one score on the day. He logged 17 carries for 77 yards (4.5 avg.), establishing a new single-game high for rushing yards by a rookie in franchise playoff history and surpassing the previous mark of 72 set by Warrick Dunn on 12/28/97 vs. Detroit. Irving added six receiving yards, including four on a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to record his first career touchdown catch (regular season or postseason).

– Irving’s 77 rushing yards are the most by a rookie in a playoff game since Kansas City’s Isiah Pacheco amassed 95 yards on 1/21/23 vs. Jacksonville.

– TE Cade Otton brought in two catches for 32 yards. In doing so, Otton surpassed Cameron Brate (221) and Rob Gronkowski (226) for the most playoff receiving yards by a tight end in franchise history.

– LB Lavonte David finished with a team-high-tying eight tackles and 1.0 sack. His sack increased his career postseason total to 3.0 – the fifth-most in franchise history. David ranks second in franchise history in postseason tackles (79), trailing only Derrick Brooks (93).

– S Antoine Winfield Jr. also contributed a team-high-tying eight tackles.

– DL Calijah Kancey finished with one tackle (that went for a loss). He has recorded at least one TFL in each of his three career playoff games, tied with Derrick Brooks and Greg Spires for the third-longest streak by a Buccaneer in franchise history, trailing only Devin White (four) and Shelton Quarles (four).

– K Chase McLaughlin went 2-for-2 on field goal tries, connecting from 50 and 32 yards out. McLaughlin is 6-of-7 on postseason field goal attempts with Tampa Bay, with his six made field goals ranking third in club history. His two made field goals from 50+ yards out in playoff contests are the most in franchise history.