Sports
“We cannot lose our heads…” Orlando City Head Coach asks for calm after two home losses in a row
ORLANDO, Fl. (FNN) — In a action-packed MLS Saturday, Orlando City hosted the Western Conference’s Nashville SC this weekend at Exploria Stadium. After winning the two head-to-heads last year, Nashville were determined to get revenge, and that they did. The crafty Nashville side coached by Gary Smith played their textbook game as they lost in possession and passes distributed but relied on their defense and counter-attack to find success. Hany Mukhtar found the net for the first time this season as he assisted the first goal of the night to Fafa Picault.
— Hany Mukhtar duels with Rodrigo Schegel for possession at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Saturday, April 1, 2023. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
Crafty, crafty Nashville
The Orlando Li — or rather, the Orlando Sea Cows for tonight were well in control during bouts of possession. Legitimately looking like a threat against a stoic Nashville defense. Complications for Nashville soon arose as Luke Haakenson & Anibal Godoy both picked up yellows. However, in a bizarre turn of events after a quick free-kick, Fafa Picault latched onto a lofted through ball in the box played by Mukhtar. He managed to chip it over Pedro Gallese to start Orlando’s headache. With just 28 minutes into play Orlando once again find themselves down at Exploria Stadium.
With a goal completely against the run of play Orlando looked deflated for a few minutes. Despite that, Angulo injected the fans with a jolt of his effort and pace. After chasing down the goalkeeper and almost deflecting a ball into the net the fans in downtown Orlando exploded with approval. The message was clear going into the second half — Orlando will not go out without a fight.
— Ivan Angulo enjoying a positive spell of football in his first full year in Orlando as he take on Nashville SC at Exploria Stadium, Saturday, April 1, 2023. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
To start the second half, Felipe came off the pitch for Facundo Torres as the Uruguayan also makes his return from international play. Felipe provided a useful offensive spark that Torres will undoubtedly look to fill. Despite some shots on target, Facundo Torres and co. were unable to break the deadlock despite enjoying 60% possession all game and passing 100 more times as a team.
Keep the balance
Matters went from bad to worse as Nashville’s biggest star Hany Mukhtar got a wonderful through ball from Shaquell Moore. Despite Gallese getting a foot onto it the ball bounced fortunately into the back of the net for Nashville. With the walls coming down on them, Orlando look deflated and without a purpose as the game finished 2-0.
With two home losses in a row, Oscar Pareja and his men are undoubtedly angsty to get back out there and win in front of their fans. Pareja asked for calm and poise in the post-game presser. Exclaiming that Orlando City are not the best team after their away win to Philadelphia Union. But also clarifying that tonight’s loss to Nashville SC does not make them the worst either. The level-headed take will do well to pacify the waters. But there is a sense that a personnel issue on the field may be at play here. Deciding which players to sit and which players to play, and how to play them, are becoming daunting tasks for the Orlando City Head Coach.
— Ramiro Enrique ramps up for a shot against Walker Zimmerman at Exploria Stadium, Saturday, April 1, 2023. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
“We have to keep our heads up. We have responsibility [as coaches] to lure the players together and see how we can use all this chemistry and players we have to do good things. We have a good group and I believe in them. So we have to keep the balance.” — Oscar Pareja on Orlando City’s lack of consistency so far this season.
Sports
Miami Open Presented by Itaú to Feature Elite Tennis, Culinary Delights, and Cultural Celebrations
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The 2025 Miami Open presented by Itaú is set to deliver an unforgettable blend of elite tennis, culinary delights, and cultural celebrations at Hard Rock Stadium from March 16-30. Tennis fans worldwide will gather in Miami Gardens to witness top-ranked players compete in an atmosphere brimming with excitement and entertainment.
Star-Studded Tennis Lineup
This year’s entry list boasts 21 title-winning players from the season, featuring 15 Grand Slam champions and 32 players who have collectively claimed 125 ATP and WTA 1000-level titles. Spectators can expect intense competition from tennis icons like Novak Djokovic, Iga Świątek, Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka, and rising star João Fonseca.
Culinary Delights and Signature Drinks
The Miami Open is more than just tennis—it’s a culinary playground. New dining experiences include Zuma, the globally acclaimed Japanese hotspot, along with fresh entries like Fabel Miami and Miami Slice. Fan favorites Bodega Taqueria y Tequila and Kiki on the River return with signature Mexican and Greek flavors.
For drinks, fans can savor the tournament’s signature Ace Paloma by Dobel or indulge in a Brugal Cafecito Martini at La Casa Brugal. The Stella Artois Racquet Club offers a variety of refreshing beers for guests to enjoy.
Theme Days and Special Events
The Miami Open will host fan-focused theme days, celebrating various cultures and causes, including:
- March 16 – Opening Day presented by bakerly: A free fan event featuring live music, family entertainment, and a fashion show with Miami Open x Lacoste’s latest styles.
- March 19 – Brazilian Heritage Day presented by Itaú: Enjoy vibrant performances and authentic Brazilian cocktails.
- March 20 – Hispanic Heritage Day presented by PNC Bank: Delight in Hispanic cuisine, music, and themed cocktails.
- March 24 – Women’s Empowerment Day presented by Gillette Venus: Featuring a panel with Martina Navratilova, Morgan Riddle, and Jenny Nguyen.
- March 25 – Out at the Open: A day of pride celebrations with giveaways and performances.
- March 27 – College Night presented by DoorDash: Featuring student DJs, mascots, and the exclusive DashPass Lounge.
- March 29 – Kids Day: Fun-filled activities for families, including face painting, live shows, and giveaways.
Exciting Additions for 2025
The 2025 Miami Open introduces the Publix Padel Cup, showcasing the growing global sport of padel with matches running from March 27-30. The Ultra Park by Padel Lux will feature luxurious padel courts for fans to enjoy throughout the event.
‘Miami Open presented by Itau’.
Returning for another year is the inspiring Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational from March 26-28, with former champion Dana Mathewson serving as Assistant Tournament Director.
Fashion, Experiences, and More
The tournament’s fashion scene shines with the Miami Open Shop, presenting a revamped merchandise collection featuring exclusive apparel by Lacoste. Fans can get a preview of the latest styles during the Miami Open x Lacoste Fashion Show on March 16 at 3 p.m.
Gondola during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Mar. 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Jose Pineiro/South Florida Stadium)
For breathtaking views, guests can board the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Skyview Gondola, offering a scenic ride over Hard Rock Stadium’s grounds and Miami’s skyline.
Ticket Information
Fans can choose from Single Session Tickets with reserved seats on the stadium court or an affordable Ground Pass to enjoy outer court matches and the lively event atmosphere.
For the full schedule, sponsor details, and ticket information, visit www.miamiopen.com.
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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Russell Henley wins his first red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. This is Henley’s fifth win on the PGA Tour.
Russell Henley is greeted by his family on the 18th green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
Henley finished at 11 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 70 today. Collin Morikawa finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, finished today at 4 under par, tied for 11th place.
Scottie Scheffler tees off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
Sports
Orlando Pride Drops 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup Final to Washington Spirit in 4-2 Penalty Shootout
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Pride suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup Final, falling to Washington Spirit in a penalty shootout at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday night. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regulation, the match was decided in an end-of-regulation shootout, where the Spirit edged out the Pride 4-2.
Credit: Orlando Pride
Rafaelle Marks Return with a Goal
Brazilian defender Rafaelle made a triumphant return to the lineup after being removed from the Season-Ending Injury List earlier in the week. She made an immediate impact, scoring in the 41st minute to give the Pride the lead. The goal, her first of the 2025 season, was also her first since August 20, 2023, when she debuted for Orlando.
The Washington Spirit responded in the 72nd minute with a free-kick goal from Leicy Santos, who expertly placed the ball into the top-right corner past Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Recap
In the high-stakes shootout, Orlando’s Julie Doyle and Angelina converted their penalties, but Summer Yates missed, and Ally Lemos’ shot was saved. Washington was clinical, with Ashley Hatch, Rebeca Bernal, Narumi Miura, and Tara McKeown all converting to secure the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup title.
Head Coach Seb Hines Reacts
Following the tough loss, Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines reflected on the team’s performance:
“Football is a cruel game, and losing in penalties is never easy. I thought we did really well throughout the game. Our pressing looked sharp, and we had some good opportunities. This being our first game of the year and a Final, of course, we wanted to win. Losing a Final and not lifting the trophy is hard, but this will fuel our hunger to continue building on our success from last year.”
- – Other Sports News
Match Notes
- Rafaelle scored her first goal since her 2023 debut for the Pride.
- Prisca Chilufya made her Pride debut as a second-half substitute.
- The Pride fielded nine of the same starters from the 2024 NWSL Championship match, also against Washington.
Match Stats
Possession: Orlando (52.2%) | Washington (47.8%)
Shots: Orlando (13) | Washington (9)
Saves: Orlando (2) | Washington (3)
Fouls: Orlando (12) | Washington (18)
What’s Next?
The Orlando Pride now turn their focus to the 2025 NWSL regular season, kicking off next Friday, March 14, against Chicago Stars FC at Inter&Co Stadium. Before the match, the club will hold a special banner-raising ceremony to commemorate their 2024 NWSL Shield and 2024 NWSL Championship titles. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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