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Orlando Magic Sign Free Agent Robert Baker II, Waive Guard Javonte Smart

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic have officially signed free agent center Robert Baker II, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. As per team policy, the terms of the deal have not been disclosed. In a corresponding move, the Magic waived guard Javonte Smart, who appeared in one preseason game, contributing three points in just over six minutes of play.

Baker II, standing 6’11” and weighing 205 pounds, played in 29 games (18 starts) for College Park in the NBA G League last season, where he averaged 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 28.2 minutes per game, shooting an impressive 52.3% from the field. His versatile skill set and experience playing professionally in Slovakia, Puerto Rico, and Japan have helped prepare him for this opportunity in Orlando.

Though undrafted, Baker II has built a solid career in the NBA G League, amassing 87 career games (47 starts) with teams including Stockton, Lakeland (now Osceola), and College Park, where he has averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.18 blocks per game. He will wear jersey #7 with the Orlando Magic.

Meanwhile, Javonte Smart, who was signed as a free agent by the Magic on September 19, has been waived following his brief preseason appearance.

 

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Orlando City SC to Host Inter Miami CF in 2025 Preseason Florida Derby at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Orlando City SC announced that the Lions will reignite their rivalry with Inter Miami CF in a preseason Florida Derby showdown at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on February 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. This much-anticipated clash, organized in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, brings the excitement of the Florida Derby to Tampa for the first time, expanding the reach of Major League Soccer within the state.

“We can’t wait to bring the excitement of the Orlando/Miami rivalry down the road to our neighbors in Tampa,” said Orlando City SC President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon. “We’re excited to partner with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission on this event and look forward to it being a great addition to our 2025 MLS preseason calendar.”

Ticket Sales and Fan Experience Orlando City SC season ticket members and Recognized Supporter Groups will receive presale access starting on November 12. An additional presale will open for Orlando City email newsletter subscribers on November 13, with general public sales beginning November 14 at SoccerInTampaBay.com.

Fans attending the game will also enjoy a pregame fan festival outside of Raymond James Stadium. The festival, which is free for ticket holders, offers an engaging experience to kick off the highly anticipated Derby, welcoming fans with activities and entertainment before the big match.

The Rivalry Continues Since the inception of the intrastate Derby in 2020, Orlando City SC has held a slight edge, leading the series with five wins, four losses, and four draws against Inter Miami CF. This historic meeting in Tampa adds a new chapter to the rivalry, drawing fans from across Florida for a thrilling display of MLS talent.

Current Season Updates Orlando City SC is also focused on its current playoff run. The Lions will face Charlotte FC on November 9 at Inter&Co Stadium in Round One of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. The teams are tied with one win each in the best-of-three series. The decisive match will kick off at 6 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Florida Derby 2025 Preseason Match: Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF at Raymond James Stadium on February 14, 2025.
  • Ticket Presales: Available to season ticket members on November 12, with general sales on November 14.
  • Fan Experience: Pre-game fan festival free for ticket holders outside Raymond James Stadium.
  • Orlando Holds Rivalry Edge: Orlando City SC leads the Florida Derby series against Inter Miami CF.

 

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Top Seeded Orlando Pride To Host Chicago Red Stars In Clubs First Ever Home Playoff Match

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Orlando Pride MARTA. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

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Orlando City’s shootout loss to Charlotte FC in Game 2

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Source: Orlando City

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – No. 4 Orlando City SC dropped a penalty kick decision on Friday night to No. 5 Charlotte FC in the second game of Round One of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, the two sides went immediately to the penalty shootout after regulation, with the home side ultimately winning 3-1 on penalties.

The two sides will next meet in the final, third game of Round One – the decider in the best-of-three series. The match, presented by Orlando Health, will return to the City Beautiful, with a 6 p.m. ET kickoff at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the link here.

Lions’ goalkeeper Pedro Gallese stood tall in the net on the night, totaling three saves including two point-blank stops in the first half to keep the clean sheet.

Orlando seemed to have found a breakthrough late in the second half after Facundo Torres found the back of the net, but the goal was ultimately called off due to a tight offside decision.

Scoring Summary:
None

Penalty Summary:
ORL – Nico Lodeiro (Saved)
CLT – Patrick Agyemang (Goal)
ORL – Robin Jansson (Missed)
CLT – Karol Swiderski (Goal)
ORL – Luis Muriel (Goal)
CLT – Ashley Westwood (Goal)
ORL – Duncan McGuire (Saved)

Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“Overall, it was a rocky game for both teams. Our second half was much better and, at the end, we could have won it and we have that sensation [of winning]. The other game, that is the PKs, is obviously frustration but it’s part of this game. It’s something that I want to stick with, and the players have to have the [positivity] and courage that we always have to go and finish our game at home [next week]. We’re ready for all of our fans to be there [Inter&Co Stadium] to finish this game at home. It will be fine.”

Match Notes:

  • With the start, Martín Ojeda made his 50th appearance for Orlando City across all competitions.
  • Head Coach Oscar Pareja made no changes to his starting XI from his side’s first match of the series against Charlotte FC.

Next Match: Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9 for a 6 p.m. ET kickoff against Charlotte FC. The match will be the deciding Game Three of the best-of-three Round One.

Teams12F
Charlotte FC000 (3)
Orlando City SC000 (1)

Scoring Summary:
None

Misconduct Summary:
ORL – Robin Jansson (Yellow Card) 35’
CLT – Liel Abada (Yellow Card) 45’
ORL – Rodrigo Schlegel (Yellow Card) 90+2’
ORL – Wilder Cartagena (Yellow Card) 90+7’

Lineups/Substitutions

Orlando City SC – GK Pedro Gallese; D Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (David Brekalo 84’), Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson (c), Rafael Santos (Kyle Smith 74’); M Iván Angulo (Luis Muriel 88’), César Araújo, Wilder Cartagena, Facundo Torres; F Martín Ojeda (Nico Lodeiro 74’), Ramiro Enrique (Duncan McGuire 56’)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Javier Otero; D Mikey Halliday; M Heine Gikling Bruseth, Felipe

Charlotte FC – GK Kristijan Kahlina; D Tim Ream, Nathan Byrne, Adilson Malanda; M Ashley Westwood (c), Brandt Bronico, Djibril Diani, Andrew Privett; F Liel Abada (Iuri Tavares 72’), Kerwin Vargas (Karol Swiderski 75’), Patrick Agyemang

Substitutes Not Used: GK David Bingham; D Jaylin Lindsey, Bill Tuiloma, Jere Uronen; M Jamie Paterson, Júnior Urso; F Tyger Smalls

Details of the Game:
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: Nov. 1, 2024
Attendance: 40,238

Stats:

Possession:
CLT – 44.5%
ORL – 55.5%

Shots:
CLT – 13
ORL – 2

Saves:
CLT – 1
ORL – 3

Fouls:
CLT – 14
ORL – 8

Corners:
CLT – 11
ORL – 3

Heineken Star of the Match: Pedro Gallese

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