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.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
