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Lion Links: 8/23/16

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Happy Tuesday, Mane Landers! It's a short stint this week between games, with our Saturday (victory?) draw against Colorado just barely in the rear view and our battle against Toronto hurtling towards us, but this is the glory of soccer season — always another game to look forward to. Enjoy it while we can, we're headed into match day 25 and we'll soon only have nine more to go! So let's get to the links!

Pride’s Steph Catley Out for Season

So this broke yesterday afternoon but for anyone who was trapped under a rock, or not religiously following our Mane Land coverage, you may have missed this devastating news. Steph Catley, the Orlando Pride’s workhorse defender who has proven consistency and maturity on the back line this season, broke her foot during Olympic play for the Australian Women’s Soccer side, the Matildas. She is going to be sorely missed on the pitch, as Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni said he’s “disappointed and devastated” for the team’s hopes of clinching a playoff berth, and I couldn’t agree more. Everyone here at the The Mane Land wishes Steph a speedy and safe recovery and we can’t wait to see her back in 2017.

Nocerino Makes Goal.com's Team of the Week

Alongside strong performers like Stefan Frei, Justin Meram, Federico Higuaín, and Jozy Altidore, Orlando City’s own Antonio Nocerino has made the bench for Goal.com’s Team of the Week. Obviously this substantial improvement in play from the defensive midfielder was noticed in our own The Mane Land Five Takeaways and in awarding him our Man of the Match for Saturday night’s performance, but it’s nice to see that his efforts are being recognized outside of our humble musings. Here’s to the improved performance and to hopes that this recognition can keep propelling his momentum forward.

Toronto FC Tops MLS Power Rankings

Well, it can never be said that our Lions don’t love a challenge. And hopefully they are up for it as we look forward to our midweek battle against the Reds, who have just been bumped into the top spot in the MLS Power Rankings after their 3-1 win over Philadelphia this past weekend. Orlando, by the way, sits comfortably in the middle of the pack at No. 11, ahead of strong sides San Jose Earthquakes (No. 12) and Montreal Impact (No. 13), and just one spot behind the Philadelphia Union (No. 10). Optimists unite, because with the news of likely availability of Kevin Molino and Seb Hines who have been out for injury, we’re really doing okay, all things considered.

Rogers Gets Abused

It’s 2016 folks, which means that certain language and behavior is no longer tolerated, and for good reason. So it’s sad to see that former USMNT and current LA Galaxy defender Robbie Rogers claims a USL opponent used a homophobic slur repeatedly when Rogers lined up for LA Galaxy II against Orange County Blues while rehabbing after injury. Rogers, who publicly announced he was gay in 2013, is one of the few major pro sports athletes to play as an openly gay individual and it’s a shame that he has to take this kind of abuse. MLS has already responded by saying the league and USL are investigating the matter.

It also should not be forgotten that as well as homophobia, racism, xenophobia and other nasty elements of hate are still pervasive in the beautiful game, and it needs to be stamped out.

NYCFC Seeks Tax Bond for New Stadium

In this week's edition of #BoughtNotBuilt, Yankee Stadium LLC has requested $1.4 Billion (billion with a B) in tax-exempt revenue bonds from the New York City Industrial Development Agency in order to fund a few pet projects, some of which may have some relation to trying to eventually, possibly build an actual soccer-specific stadium for NYCFC, which is in the second of an indeterminate number of years of playing at Yankee Stadium.

As a reminder, the beautiful, brand new stadium that the Lions are currently building is estimated to cost just over a 10th of that, at $155 million, and is 100% privately funded. Ahem.

This Week's News of the Stupid

FIFA eSports Player Sean “Dragonn” Allen, who finished runner up in the 2016 FIFA Interactive World Cup and was signed to a contract with West Ham United, is in a bit of a pickle after he apparently wagered a bet against a fellow FIFA player for £100, which he apparently has now refused to pay after the Dutch beat him in two games, 2-1. Allen is claimed to have blocked his rival on Facebook when he was pursued for payment. Very important reading here, folks.

Well that's it from me, Mane Landers. Stay tuned to the site today as we get ready for Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. kickoff at The Citrus Bowl Camping World Stadium, and fingers crossed that we can pull three points off the Canucks and put that nasty red line behind us.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

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  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/30/24

Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.

San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano

The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.

U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.

English Premier League Approves Spending Cap

Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.

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That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/29/24

Orlando City and OCB lose to Toronto, Pride beat the Spirit in Washington, EPL title race update, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was a mixed weekend for our teams, with the Pride winning, while Orlando City and OCB lost. I’ve been busy covering high school volleyball, badminton, and soccer throughout the past week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Lose at Home to Toronto FC

Orlando City SC saw its four-match unbeaten streak come to an end, losing 2-1 to Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Duncan McGuire scored the opening goal to put Orlando ahead in the first half. The Lions held on to the 1-0 lead until late in the second half, when goals from Tyrese Spicer and Prince Owusu put the Reds up 2-1, and they were able to hang on and walk out of Orlando with all three points. Toronto FC has won two in a row in league play and is fourth in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Meanwhile, the Lions are in 13th with nine points. Orlando City will look to bounce back Saturday at home as it takes on FC Cincinnati.  

Pride Grab Road Win Over Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride held on to defeat the Washington Spirit 3-2 at Audi Field Friday — their third straight victory. Angelina scored to put the Pride ahead in the first half, but the Spirit equalized just before halftime. Barbra Banda scored her first goal for the Pride, and Summer Yates added her third goal of the season, giving the Pride a 3-1 advantage in the second half. Ashley Hatch pulled one back for the Spirit on a howler by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, but the Pride keep their unbeaten streak alive at six matches (3-0-3). Orlando remains undefeated and is fourth in the NWSL table with 12 points. Next up for the Pride is a pair of home matches this week, starting Wednesday at home against the North Carolina Courage. Orlando will host Racing Louisville FC Sunday.

OCB Falls at Home to Toronto FC II

Like the first team, Orlando City B also lost 2-1 to Toronto FC II in its first home match at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions went down early in the match when Charles Sharp scored for Toronto FC II to take a 1-0 lead. Wilfredo Rivera scored the equalizer in the second half to tie the match, however, late in the second half, Jesus Batiz scored the game-winning goal to seal the win for Toronto. The Young Lions have yet to win a match at home, but has played well on the road this season and are on a four-match unbeaten streak away. The Young Lions will face MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference leaders Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. 

Manchester City and Arsenal Win to Keep EPL Title Race Close

The Premier League title race is going down to the wire as Manchester City and Arsenal won their matches over the weekend. Arsenal held on to defeat rival Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in the North London Derby. That result moves Arsenal into first with 80 points with three matches remaining. Manchester City shut out Nottingham Forest 2-0 and is second, with 79 points and still four matches left to play. Liverpool dropped points to West Ham in a 2-2 draw, putting another blow to the Reds’ title chances and leaving them in third with 75 points and three matches left.  

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  • If you missed it, check out the first goal from Pride forward Barbra Banda.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.

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