Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/30/17
Welcome to this Thursday’s edition of Lion Links. We are back to Lions soccer this weekend as Orlando City is set to take on Columbus Crew SC in an away game that will mark OCSC’s first road trip of the season. I’m personally looking forward to watching the matchup between Ola Kamara and Jonathan Spector.
Orlando City is sure to be tested in this away game, and I, for one, am hoping the Lions overcome road anxiety and find a way to get three points. For now though, lets dig into some Links.
Larin is a Wanted Man
Cyle Larin is on fire and there’s no denying that. His rise in popularity only comes with more mentions of his name far and wide. His talent as a goal scorer is evident on the field, and with this season underway, Larin is a star that is already shining bright.
Larin is getting interest from Goodison Park, the home of Everton FC. With the possibility of its star-studded striker Romelu Lukaku likely leaving in the summer, the Toffees will be left with a void that needs to be filled. Insert in the reported rumors about Everton expressing interest to sign Larin as Lukaku’s replacement and things are looking steamy.
Fans of Everton reacted to the Larin interest, and many seem somewhat excited about the prospect of Cyle joining:
I'm a big fan of Larin's finishing ability, would be a good fit for Everton even if Rom stays https://t.co/j3O79c2Qb0
— Texan Evertonian (@ThScottishMessi) March 27, 2017
I cannot think of anything that would make me happier! @Everton @TheBlueRoomEFC #CanMNT https://t.co/bVyvRyviB0
— Nathan Martin (@nathanmartin82) March 27, 2017
Along with the big dogs of Everton, Larin has attracted attention from two Sky Bet Championship sides. Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion are two clubs interested in what the striker can bring to the table.
Those goals have now taken Larin’s overall goalscoring tally for Orlando City to 35 in just 63 appearances for the American outfit and it has been reported that the striker is attracting the attention of a number of English clubs.
Of course our hope as fans is for the beloved striker to stay on board with Orlando City as the main man up top but with other suitors knocking on the door, Larin may be harder and harder to keep.
Orlando City Development Academy Rises to Number Two
The Orlando City Development Academy U-17/18 team has risen to number two in the country after securing two more wins in competitive play.
Character seems to be the common denominator throughout the academy as many of the teams struggled but found ways to overcome the challenges they were presented with.
“Both games were really hard for the boys,” Academy Director and U-17/18s head coach David Longwell said. “They went down in the first game but fought back. I’m really proud of the character they showed.”
Paul Clowes’ Rise With Orlando City
Can you imagine being a part of the marketing team for a new stadium and then playing in that new stadium?
As a marketing intern for Orlando City in 2014, this is the exact situation that Paul Clowes has found himself in. From marketing intern to Orlando City B midfielder.
Clowes will walk onto the field Thursday night at 7:30 as a midfielder for Orlando City B (0-1-0) when the United Soccer League team hosts Louisville City FC (0-1-0) in its home opener at Orlando City Stadium.
“Oh, it’ll be fantastic to walk out,” Clowes said. “It is kind of a proud moment for me to play in that new stadium that I was helping to promote. To see it physically there in downtown, in a city that loves soccer so much, it gave me goose bumps the first time I walked through.”
OCSC Promote Gallagher to Chief Revenue Officer
Chris Gallagher goes from vice president of sales to his new position as OCSC’s chief revenue officer. Gallagher has over 20 years of sales experience across major brands such as the NFL, MLB, and NHL — where he worked in the Florida Panthers’ front office with our own managing editor in the early ‘00s. His success in MLS with Orlando City has helped him move up the ranks, and Gallagher now occupies the position of CRO.
“As we settle into our new home, it is important that we congratulate and celebrate together what a historic occasion this move represents. It is also important that we look toward the future and continue to advance the Club we hold so dear,” Orlando City SC Chief Executive Officer Alex Leitão said.
Under Gallagher, the club stuffed the Citrus Bowl with 60,000+ fans twice, sold out its season ticket allotment and built a waiting list in the thousands.
Orlando City on Facebook Live
The debut of Orlando City on Facebook Live is finally going to be a reality. With MLS recently agreeing with Facebook to stream regular season games on the website, Orlando City will be participating for the first time in this venture.
While the stream will be a first for Orlando City, the Orlando Pride became the first professional team to stream a full regular season match on Facebook Live in 2016. The fans responded with 400,000 tuning in for the stream.
You can tune in on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on Univision Deportes’ Facebook page. You can also watch via traditional means on your television. The match will be available in English on Univision Deportes via the SAP feature.
Pride Improve to 3-0 in the Preseason
In a scrimmage against the University of Florida in Gainesville, the Orlando Pride captured a 3-0 win. The goal scorers of the game were Kristen Edmonds, Chioma Ubogagu, and Christina Burkenroad. The match may have ended 3-0, but it was the first 45 minutes that set the teams that far apart, as all three goals were captured in the first half of the game.
FINAL: Pride – 3 | Florida – 0 #FillTheBowl
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 29, 2017
Kick Around
- The U.S. Womens National Team suffered a setback as Lindsay Horan has been ruled out of training camp and matches against Russia due to injury. In her place will be 17-year-old midfielder Jaelin Howell, who will be looking to make an impact.
- Real Salt Lake has a new coach as the club has officially hired Mike Petke after the firing of Jeff Cassar.
- The internet got salty yesterday (nothing new) after two different sorts of blunders happened. One was the revealing of the Cristiano Ronaldo sculpture which did not do Ronaldo any justice in the looks department. The internet indeed had quite the field day with the statue’s poor resemblance of Ronaldo. Check out some of the best tweets as compiled by www.people.com. The second blunder came when a reporter asked new Chicago Fire player Bastian Schweinsteiger if he thought that the Chicago Fire could win the World Cup. Rightfully confused by the question, Schweini responded in the best possible way he could after the direction of the question was shifted. One of our own had fun with it, though.
If @ussoccer can't win the World Cup, I really hope @ChicagoFire do. https://t.co/RssaA7a2r3
— Jonathan Spector (@JSpector23) March 29, 2017
Well, that is all from me today. If you want related and unrelated information to all things soccer then I may be the follow you desire. Cash me right here: @awesomeniemeier.
Let’s leave you with something to smile about:
.@OrlandoCitySC head coach Jason Kreis says Kaka has begun running and hopes to have him back out on the training pitch next week. #CityOn27
— Christian Bruey (@CBrueyWFTV) March 29, 2017
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/8/25
Orlando City primed for moves, Emily Sams’ USWNT call-up, MLS transfer news, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Was it cold enough for you this morning? I know in Tallahassee it was quite chilly, but I’m not complaining. Remember to bring in your plants unless you want to replace a bunch after they freeze. Despite the chill, there are still things going on in the Orlando soccer-sphere. Let’s get to the links.
Lions on the Hunt
I know everyone is wondering why news around potential Orlando City signings is so lacking, but that’s par for the course with this club. That being said, the nice sum of cash from the Facundo Torres deal means that the Lions have the resources to find the right high quality player (or players) to improve the squad. I know it’s frustrating that nothing has happened yet, but there’s still plenty of time for Luiz Muzzi and company to get some business done.
Pride Defender Emily Sams Called Up to USWNT Camp
The 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year has received another call-up by Emma Hayes to the USWNT’s January training camp in Los Angeles. Sams will be one of 26 players on the camp roster. Of note, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Rose Lavelle will not be in attendance as each is recovering from injuries or surgery. The list of defenders besides Sams includes Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnet, and Jenna Nighswonger among others. We wish Sams good luck and a safe, healthy return.
Berman Wins Innovator of the Year
If you’re not familiar with Jessica Berman, you should take the time to do some research. Since taking over as NWSL Commissioner in the spring of 2022, the league has improved its visibility and made some sweeping changes — like eliminating the draft. As a result, Berman was named SI’s 2024 Innovator of the Year. Berman’s impact as commissioner mirrors Haley Carter’s impact with the Orlando Pride. The league was dealing with scandals, brought in Berman, and now things have improved. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
MLS Signings and Transfers
Orlando City might not be making much news, but other MLS clubs are making moves. CF Montreal has acquired Giacomo Vrioni from the New England Revolution.
The Colorado Rapids have signed homegrown midfielder Sam Bassett through 2025 with options for 2026-2028. San Diego SC signed 29-year-old Argentinian defender Franco Negri after adding him during Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. The San Jose Earthquakes sent goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa to Liga MX side Cruz Azul. The New York Red Bulls will be adding Poland youth international Wiktor Bogacz from Polish second division 1 Liga club Miedz Legnica
Finally, Boca Juniors made a bid to sign Alan Velasco from FC Dallas.
Free Kicks
- Emma Hayes isn’t just focusing on the senior USWNT side. She is determined to develop the next generation of Under-23 players.
- The Washington Spirit have exercised the mutual 2028 option on Tara McKeown’s contract.
- Welsh club The New Saints are still waiting on the transfer fee for Brad Young after selling the player to Saudi Pro League team Al-Orobah. FIFA is looking into the matter.
- Speaking of FIFA, Bonita Mersiades is a FIFA whistleblower with the inside scoop on soccer’s governing body’s culture of bribery and corruption. I’m sure you’re totally surprised.
- San Diego Wave FC appointed Jonas Eidevall as the new head coach for the club. Eidevall was previously manager of Arsenal Women and joins on a three-year deal.
- Costa Rica has hired former Mexico coach Miguel Herrera as its new manager. You’ll be able to see him and the rest of the Costa Rican team later this month when they play the USMNT at Inter&Co Stadium.
- Several NWSL team stadiums are going green with sustainable initiatives and features. However, I’m a little skeptical of Shell Energy Stadium if I’m being honest.
- I am not a violent person by my nature, but I don’t know what I’ll do if this happens. Ugh. Musk is the opposite of the values of the city and people of Liverpool. We couldn’t publish my actual reaction.
That will do it for today. Stay warm out there.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/7/25
MLS transfer happenings, USMNT January camp roster announced, Christian Pulisic stars for AC Milan, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! I returned to work after a nice little break for the holidays and frankly, I’m struggling. I don’t mind being back, it’s just difficult getting back into a routine after being away for so long. Alas, I’ll survive somehow. We have plenty to discuss in today’s American-heavy edition of Lion Links, so let’s get into the news.
MLS Transfer Happenings
There are a lot of MLS moves we need to get caught up on, starting with Austin FC’s signing of Brandon Vazquez as a Designated Player from CF Monterrey. Vazquez joins on a four-year deal after Austin sent $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to the San Diego Earthquakes to jump to the top of the league’s waiver order. We then move to the New England Revolution, which sent midfielder Emmanuel Boateng to San Diego FC in exchange for $200,000 in 2025 GAM. The Revs have also recalled midfielder Noel Buck from his loan with Southampton. The Chicago Fire have signed Danish winger Phillip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge, with his contract running through the end of the 2028 season. Finally, CF Montreal has reportedly traded $650,000 in GAM and an international roster spot to the LA Galaxy in exchange for center back Jalen Neal.
January Camp Roster Announced
The United States Men’s National Team has announced the 24-man roster for its annual January camp. The team will convene today in Ft. Lauderdale with a squad primarily made up of MLS players, as is usually the case. Zack Steffen is easily the most experienced of the four goalkeepers, with Patrick Schulte the only other one to be capped. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman make up the veteran core of defenders, while none of the four midfielders have more than one cap to their name. Jesus Ferreira is the most seasoned of the seven forwards, with Brian White the only other one to have earned a cap.
Christian Pulisic Stars in Supercoppa Final
AC Milan erased a 2-0 second half deficit in the Italian Supercoppa final on Monday, roaring back to win the trophy with Christian Pulisic taking on a starring role. The American winger snuck into the box in the 80th minute and executed a great turn and finish to level the game at 2-2 in the 80th minute.
He then helped create Tammy Abraham’s game-winner, playing an outstanding ball to release Rafael Leao down the right wing, who squared it for Abraham to tap home and win new boss Sergio Conceicao his first trophy with the club after just two games.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are several other American players who will take part in games this week, so get them all marked down on your calendar so you don’t miss anything. We start on Wednesday, when Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic will play host to Dundee United in Scottish Premier League action. Thursday sees Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Watford in the third round of the FA Cup, and things wrap up on Friday with Cole Campbell, Giovanni Reyna, and Borussia Dortmund facing off against Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga action.
Free Kicks
- The NWSL has announced the competition calendar for the upcoming 2025 season.
- Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, and Anna Moorhouse have been nominated for the EA Sports FC 25 Team of the Year.
- The oldest living person in the world is now believed to be a soccer-loving nun from Brazil.
- Numerous fan groups have called for Joan Laporta to resign as president of Barcelona, following the team’s failures to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the season.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/6/25
Orlando City reportedly bids for Alejandro Zendejas, Antonee Robinson named U.S. Male Player of the Year, Americans abroad, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour and Wrigley Field this past week, but I got a chance to watch some soccer over the weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Transfer Bid for Alejandro Zendejas Rejected
Liga MX side Club America has reportedly rejected a bid from Orlando City for American winger Alejandro “Alex” Zendejas. Talks have stalled as Club America sorts out manager Andre Jardine’s future with the club, as he has been linked to Brazilian side Botafogo. Zendejas has four goals and five assists in 19 matches so far this season for Club America. Orlando City has an open Designated Player spot after the club sold Facundo Torres to Palmeiras last month. The Lions will reportedly prioritize other targets during the winter transfer window.
Antonee Robinson Named U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year
On Sunday, Fulham and United States Men’s National Team defender Antonee Robinson was voted the 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. Robinson won 55% of the vote and was also a finalist for the award in 2022. He started 11 matches for the USMNT and had an assist in its 1-0 win against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Robinson had a solid year at Fulham, recording 10 assists in 37 matches, and won the club’s 2023-2024 Player of the Year award. Robinson beat out AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, and Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream. He’s the first defender to win the award since Oguchi Onyewu won it in 2006.
Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad
We had another busy weekend featuring several Americans in action in Europe. Cristian Pulisic returned to AC Milan for Friday’s Italian Super Cup semifinal matchup against Juventus that also included Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Yunus Musah. Pulisic scored the equalizer from the penalty spot to tie the match in the second half, helping AC Milan overcome a 1-0 deficit to defeat Juventus 2-1 and book a spot in the Italian Super Cup final against Inter Milan later today. Gianluca Busio played a full 90 minutes for Venezia as his side fought to secure a 1-1 draw against Empoli in Serie A action. Auston Trusty scored his first goal for Celtic as his side defeated St. Mirren 3-0.
Premier League Weekend Roundup
There are plenty of results in the Premier League to catch you up on from the weekend. Former Lion goalkeeper Brandon Austin made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur. Unfortunately, his side fell to Newcastle United 2-1. Manchester City defeated West Ham United 4-1 to get back-to-back Premier League victories, Bournemouth defeated Everton 1-0, Aston Villa edged past Leicester City 2-1, and Brentford dominated Southampton with a 5-0 win. Crystal Palace and Chelsea battled to a 1-1 draw, while Brighton and Arsenal also played to a 1-1 draw. On Sunday, Raul Jimenez scored twice as Fulham fought back for a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town. The Liverpool and Manchester United match also ended in a 2-2 draw. We have one Premier League matchup later today, as Wolverhampton faces Nottingham Forest.
Free Kicks
- The Houston Dash have hired former North Carolina Courage assistant coach Fabrice Gautrat as its next head coach. Fabrice is married to Orlando Pride midfielder Morgan Gautrat.
- The San Diego Wave and former Orlando Pride midfielder Emily van Egmond have reached a mutual agreement to part ways. She spent three seasons with the Wave, scoring two goals and adding two assists in 70 matches across all competitions.
- Charlotte FC is reportedly finalizing a deal to re-sign Pep Biel on a loan deal from Olympiakos.
- Toronto FC is reportedly trying to move forward Lorenzo Insigne before the 2025 MLS season begins.
- PSV Eindhoven has reportedly rejected an offer from Club America for American right back Richy Ledezma.
- Major League Soccer’s official match ball for the upcoming 2025 season features the league’s original colors.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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