Pedro Gallese — Player of the Match Performance
- Alonso Contreras
- May 5
- 2 min read
🧤 Pedro Gallese — Player of the Match Performance
🔒 Clean Sheet #5 of the Season
Pedro Gallese continues to anchor Orlando’s defense with consistency and elite shot-stopping. This match was arguably one of his best performances of the season, not only statistically but also in terms of decisive impact under pressure.
🧱 Key Performance Metrics (vs. Chicago Fire)
Metric | Value |
Shots Faced | 5 |
Shots on Target Saved | 4/4 |
Clean Sheet | ✅ |
Saves Inside the Box | 3 |
High Claims | 2 |
Punches | 1 |
Crosses Defended | 4 (successful) |
Sweeper Actions | 3 |
Distribution Accuracy | 72% (18/25 passes) |
Long Balls | 8/12 successful |
Touches | 39 |
Player of the Match | ⭐ |
🧤 Notable Saves
12’ – Save vs. Cuypers (xG 0.80):
A phenomenal reflex save. Cuypers was 1v1 with Gallese after a through ball. Gallese closed the angle quickly and made a strong low save with his right leg.
This was a match-defining moment, preventing a near-certain goal.
23’ – Save from Maren Haile-Selassie:
A diving parry to his right after a curler aimed at the far post. Gallese's footwork and positioning were textbook.
34’ – Save vs. Federico Navarro:
A reaction stop from a close-range header following a set piece. Showed good anticipation.
78’ – Sweeper Keeper Action:
Rushed out of the box to intercept a long ball behind Orlando’s high line, keeping Cuypers from a clean breakaway.
🧠 Tactical Impact
Leadership: Vocal throughout, organizing a defense that often had to be wary of counters even with a man advantage.
Confidence Under Pressure: With Chicago relying on direct play and set pieces post-red card, Gallese’s aerial dominance and composure kept Orlando secure.
Game Management: Took the sting out of the game with smart distribution and effective game tempo control late in the second half.
Best XI Matchday 11

📈 Season Overview – Pedro Gallese (2025 so far)
Category | Value |
Matches Played | 11 |
Clean Sheets | 5 |
Goals Conceded | 9 |
Save Percentage | ~81% |
Saves per Match | 3.2 |
Goals Prevented (Post-Shot xG vs. Goals Conceded) | +2.4 |
⚠️ Gallese ranks among top 3 MLS keepers for shot-stopping efficiency and clean sheets in 2025.
🎯 Final Verdict
Pedro Gallese’s performance was a clinic in high-level goalkeeping. His early saves, especially the one on Cuypers, were pivotal in keeping Orlando in the game during their most vulnerable moments. With 5 clean sheets now, Gallese is not just the last line of defense — he’s Orlando’s most consistent performer this season.