Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/3/17

Published

8 years ago

on

Happy Thursday, Lion Nation. We’re just one day away from the weekend and two days removed from the Lions invading the French part of Canada and the Pride returning to the pitch to take on Chicago in search of that elusive first win against the Red Stars. OCB just played last night (more on that below) but the young Lions will also get back to it on Saturday at Cincinnati.

But there’s still soccer to be played tonight while we wait. Up to seven Pride players could be in action on the final match day of the inaugural Tournament of Nations tonight, with Brazil meeting Australia in the early game, and the United States taking on Japan in the nightcap.

Let’s burn some minutes between now and then with a few morning links.

OCB Unbeaten in Six but Draws Fifth Straight

Orlando City B is good at keeping teams from scoring. The young Lions have conceded just twice in six games during their current 1-0-5 unbeaten streak. The problem is that OCB is bad at scoring goals, having found the net just three times in that same span. The team has gone goal-less in two straight matches as it drew 0-0 against the City Islanders last night, just days after a scoreless draw at Charleston. The good news is that the Lions created more chances after Pierre Da Silva returned from suspension. But the ball has to go home. Is it too good for its home?!

MLS All-Stars Draw Real Madrid but Lose Penalty Shootout

Dom Dwyer’s first goal since being traded from Sporting Kansas City to Orlando City didn’t come in a league game. Dwyer scored to pull the MLS All-Stars level with Real Madrid, 1-1, but the Spanish team won a penalty shootout, 4-2. Here’s Dom’s goal:

Dwyer was one of two MLS players who failed to score in the penalty shootout, however (Gio dos Santos hit the bar), after having his attempt saved. Kaká showed well, nearly getting a first-half assist after setting up David Villa, but the NYCFC man had his shot saved by Keylor Navas from point-blank range. Here’s how Villa ruined a perfectly good assist from the captain:

And, in case you went to bed early Tuesday night, the MLS Homegrown Team scored a stoppage-time equalizer to draw the Chivas de Guadalajara U-20 team, 2-2. Chicago Fire product Djordje Mihailovic also scored for the MLS Homegrowns, who are showing technical improvements.

Pride’s Pressley Reinvented Herself for 2017

If you’ve watched the Orlando Pride these first two seasons in club history, there’s no doubt one player’s improvement from 2016 to 2017 stands out above the rest — defender Toni Pressley. Her play on the field is the result of a physical and mental transformation that started this past off-season. Pressley began a detailed running and lifting program in the off-season in addition to going vegan to transform herself physically. She also has turned to hypnosis videos to help with relaxation, concentration, and confidence. These life changes have paid off this season for the Florida State product, who claimed a starting spot on the back line and scored her first NWSL goal.

Unhappy Ending in Atlanta

Orlando City fans had a disappointing end to the game on Saturday in Atlanta when Hector Villalba scored two minutes into stoppage time to tie the game. But three fans had an even worse end to the day, as they were arrested for damaging metal bleachers at Bobby Dodd Stadium by jumping up and down on them.

The three men were charged with damage to property, according to a Georgia Tech incident report obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cage and Pandya were booked into the Fulton County Jail. Ambrose was not.

Without having been there, I can only speculate what happened, but many people jump on bleachers in an attempt to make more noise. People jump on the aluminum flooring in the safe standing section at Orlando City Stadium to do just that. But when you do it and the seat breaks…well, there are consequences. I asked about the situation prior to last night’s Orlando City B match and a club spokesman said Orlando City was aware of the arrests but had no official comment. However, whether intentional destruction or not, it’s always important to represent our club in the best possible manner, so thinking through any possible consequences in advance is always a good idea.

Neymar Saga Nears an End

The long transfer saga of Barcelona winger Neymar seems to be coming to a close, as the player informed the Spanish club on Wednesday of his desire to leave. Now it’s all up to PSG to pay the sizable escape clause in his contract to sign the Brazilian. Lionel Messi bade farewell to his teammate on Instagram.

"It was an enormous pleasure to have shared all these years with you friend Neymar," Messi wrote, alongside a video montage of the pair's highlights as team-mates and friends. 

"I wish you luck in this new stage of your life. I love you."

Free Kicks

  • FC Cincinnati’s magical run in the U.S. Open Cup continued last night with a 1-0 win over Miami FC. Cincy is the first non-MLS team to reach the semifinals since 2011. Good riddance, Florida-based NASL team!
  • With VAR coming to MLS this week, Four Four Two’s Andrew King picked out five moments from the first half of the season that would have been different with video replay, including Rafa Ramos’ red card against Chicago.
  • Speaking of Chicago, not only did that city host this year’s MLS All-Star Game, but it’s becoming a hotbed for European clubs seeking to expand their worldwide brands.
  • If you hate the triple-stripe Adidas look, you’re not going to like this story but the athletic apparel company is extending its MLS deal and throwing boat loads of money at the league. Adidas will be on MLS kits through 2024.
  • More and more African-born players are finding success by moving to MLS.
  • Those born on this date include longtime Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy (1925), legendary crooner Tony Bennett (1926), wrestler Haystacks Calhoun (1934), actor Martin Sheen (1940), noted businesswoman and jailbird Martha Stewart (1941), hockey’s Marcel Dionne (1951), Alan Parsons Project saxophonist Ian Bairnson (1953), football’s Todd Christensen (1956), Scrubs and Office Space actor John McGinley (1959), Metallica’s James Hetfield (1963), Texas A&M football coach Kevin Sumlin (1964), baseball’s Rod Beck (1968), Tom Brady (1977), Lost actress Evangeline Lilly (1979), U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte (1984), and Rams running back Todd Gurley (1994).

That’s all my time this morning, folks. Enjoy your Thursday, and check back with The Mane Land tonight for coverage of the final round of the Tournament of Nations.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Published

16 hours ago

on

April 2, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

April 1, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/31/25

Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

March 31, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work but will attend the Chicago Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field later this week. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Beats LA Galaxy on the Road

On Saturday, Orlando City fought back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy struck early in the first half to jump on top. In the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick after Eduard Atuesta was taken down in the box, and Martin Ojeda buried the spot kick to tie the match at one. In the 90th minute, Luis Muriel scored the winning goal on a long-range free kick to complete the comeback. Orlando is on a three-match unbeaten streak and beat the LA Galaxy for the third consecutive time. Orlando City’s next match will be on the road Saturday against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

Orlando Pride Defeat San Diego Wave at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium and extended their win streak to three matches to start the season. After a scoreless first half, Haley McCutcheon scored to give Orlando the lead. The Wave equalized before Marta converted a penalty kick goal to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride are off to a great start this season, outscoring their opponents 10-1, and are atop the NWSL standings ahead of the Kansas City Current on goal difference. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will be on the road in their next match against the Seattle Reign on April 12.

NWSL Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s third week of matches is in the books. On Friday, the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC match ended in a scoreless draw. The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, with Ashley Hatch scoring both goals. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Utah Royals 3-0, while the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage match ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, the Chicago Stars fell 1-0 to Racing Louisville and remain winless, while Angel City FC edged the Seattle Reign 2-1 to secure its first win of the season.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Recap

The FA Cup quarterfinals wrapped up with thrilling drama as four clubs booked a spot in the semifinals. Crystal Palace cruised to a 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Nottingham Forest edged Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw to advance. Aston Villa dominated Preston North End as Marcus Rashford scored twice to seal a 3-0 win, while Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1. The FA Cup semifinals are set for April 26 as Crystal Palace faces Aston Villa while Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester City.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City GM Luiz Muzzi provided some insight in an ESPN.com article on player transfers and highlighted the importance of building connections with different clubs to facilitate transfers.
  • Former Lion Benji Michel is going to play for HJK Helsinki.
  • That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

Continue Reading

Trending