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Lion Links: 11/2/17

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7 years ago

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Hello out there to all the lovely people of The Mane Land. Hope your Thursday is off to a bright start and that you accomplish all you set out to do, on what is sure to be a very lovely day outside.

Before I jump into the Lion Links for the day, I just want to take the time to address something very important. Orlando City and The Ruckus have lost a very important member of their family. Joseph Campo, who is more commonly known as Purple Deadpool, passed away in a fatal car accident Tuesday. Joey often led the wall with passion, and was a great role model in his community. He leaves behind his family, his partner, and his son. The Ruckus has organized a GoFundMe to help Joey’s family with the memorial costs, so if there is anything that you would like to — or are able to — donate, you can do so here. Rest easy, Joey.

Kaká’s Strike Up For Goal of the Year

Remember that ridiculous thunderbolt of a goal that Kaká scored against Atlanta United at the end of July? You know, the one that the TV crew was too busy showing a highlight that they completely missed the goal happen? Yeah, now you remember! Well that ludicrous strike is up for MLS Goal of the Year, and it’s all handled by fan voting. So make sure you get on and vote for your captain one last time, so he can go out of MLS on top in this regard. Voting will remain open until Nov. 14.

Good Guy Antonio Nocerino

Ahead of this Saturday’s Fuerza Puerto Rico Friendly match, the Orlando Sentinel’s Alicia DelGallo reports that Antonio Nocerino and his family have donated 100 tickets to the game this Saturday. He did this knowing that Orlando has a very big heart, and he wanted to help bring in as many people as possible to help Puerto Rico. A reminder that all proceeds from this game will be donated to the United for Puerto Rico initiative, which will help the island recover from the utter devastation that was caused by Hurricane Maria. Tickets are still available for this game through Ticketmaster. This is also your last chance to catch Kaká play in Orlando City purple, so this is an event you don’t want to miss, and it is for a fantastic cause.

Steph Catley is Really Busy

Orlando Pride defender Steph Catley has been around the world and back over the last year. Representing three different teams, the Orlando Pride, Melbourne City, and the Australian Women’s National Team, Catley has managed to have maybe four days off all year. She’s been on so many flights around the world that she has completely lost track of how many she’s been on. Between those three teams she has made 48 appearances this season and logged 4,280 minutes of game time. She missed only one game with the Pride, and only one minute with Melbourne City. She also played every minute of her nine appearances with the Matildas. At 23 years of age, that is quite a resume for the young Australian, and boy, does she deserve a vacation. Steph, we all salute you. I even just took a break from typing to slow clap in front of my computer, and I recommend you do the same.

Houston Dynamo Goalkeeper Tyler Deric Arrested

Reports have come out that the Houston Dynamo starting goalkeeper Tyler Deric has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault of a family member early Tuesday morning. Not much is known as of right now. All we know is that he was released on $1,000 bond, and has a court hearing on Tuesday. And as for his playing status in the Major League Soccer, he is suspended until otherwise noted, and will miss out on the Dynamo’s playoff game this Sunday against the Portland Timbers. After the first leg of the playoff match against the Timbers, the Dynamo are tied on aggregate, 0-0, so missing their shot stopper could be a problem.

More of the Same for U.S. Soccer?

We all know that Sunil Gulati is on the hot seat after the U.S. Men’s National Team crashed and burned out of 2018 World Cup qualifying. But now more and more people keep tossing their hat in the ring, at a shot to potentially become the next president of U.S. Soccer. The most recent and most interesting name is Sunil Gulati’s second in command, Carlos Cordeiro. Many believed Cordeiro would stay in support of his good friend Gulati and were shocked to find out that he announced his intention to run, and in doing so proposed a plan that will include significant structural changes to the U.S. Soccer system.

Free Kicks

  • FourFourTwo reporter Paul Tenorio made mention that not only are Crew fans at a loss if the team decides to leave Columbus, but the kids in the academy will find themselves in awful situations.
  • The Philadelphia Union have announced that they will not renew the contracts of several key players. Some of the players on their way out may look relatively good in purple. Just saying.
  • Yet another delay in the case of the NASL vs. U.S. Soccer. This is part of the NASL’s fight to remain at Division 2 status. We should get some more clarity on this case next week.
  • In light of the start of ‘Movember’ or ‘No Shave November,’ whatever you wish to call it, FOX Soccer imagined what it would be like if top clean shaven players were to participate in the event.
  • Champions League action was plentiful yesterday, and, in case you missed any results, we have them all here:

That’s all the links we have for you today. Thanks for stopping by. Today I leave you yet again with another ultra corny and lame dad joke, but this time, this one just resonates with me deeply.

See you all at the stadium on Saturday for the last time in 2017.

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Lion Links: 11/21/24

Marta’s chance to shine in NWSL Championship, NWSL and MLS award winners announced, 2025 SheBelieves Cup details, and more.

Published

23 hours ago

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November 21, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been spending most of this week plotting out some holiday shopping to make things a little less stressful for myself over the next few weeks. A big weekend filled with Orlando soccer awaits us, so make sure to get any errands or obligations out of the way sooner rather than later. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Spotlight Falls On Marta in NWSL Championship

There are plenty of storylines heading into Saturday’s NWSL Championship between the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit, including Marta’s opportunity to put an exclamation point on what has been an excellent season for the Pride. Orlando has been enjoying the fruits of its labor this season after a rebuild over the past few years that’s included plenty of change in the City Beautiful. Marta has been a constant, however, enduring some difficult seasons since joining the Pride and adapting her game She’s scored in both of the Pride’s playoff games so far and has a chance to author a storybook ending on Saturday.

Ann-Katrin Berger Named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year

NJ/NY Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was named 2024 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, beating out the Pride’s Anna Moorhouse and Utah Royals FC’s Mandy Haught for the honor. It was Berger’s first year in the NWSL and she’s the first European player to win the award. She only conceded 16 goals across her 22 matches for Gotham this season and was a key reason behind her team’s success. I’m not too surprised that Moorhouse did not win, considering how solid the Pride’s defense was as a whole, but this won’t take anything away from a record-breaking season for her.

Wilfried Nancy Named MLS Coach of the Year

Columbus Crew Head Coach Wilfried Nancy was voted 2024 MLS Coach of the Year after a historic season in which the Crew set club records in both points and goals. The Crew also won the Leagues Cup this summer and their 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign included advancing past Tigres and Monterrey en route to the final. This is Nancy’s first time being named Coach of the Year and he has been a finalist for the award every year since 2021. The Frenchman received 40.02% of the vote, winning the award over Inter Miami’s Gerardo Martino and Colorado Rapids Head Coach Chris Armas.

2025 SheBelieves Cup Details Unveiled

The 10th annual SheBelieves Cup will take place next year and the tournament will return to its usual format where each of the four teams plays each other once. The United States Women’s National Team will host Japan, Colombia, and Australia in February in what should be an exciting tournament. The U.S. will take on Colombia on Feb. 20 in Houston before facing Australia in Arizona on Feb. 23 and finishing the tournament on Feb. 26 against Japan at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. These games will also be the first domestic games of 2025 for the USWNT as it prepares to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Eric Quill Named FC Dallas Head Coach

FC Dallas announced that Eric Quill will become the team’s next head coach. Quill joins Dallas after a great year with New Mexico United that included trips to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals and USL Championship Western Conference semifinals. It’s also a reunion of sorts for Quill, as he previously coached North Texas SC and was named USL League One Coach of the Year with the club in 2019. Dallas missed out on the playoffs this season, with Peter Luccin coaching the team on an interim basis after the firing of Nico Estevez in June.

Free Kicks

  • District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser challenged Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to a bet involving this weekend’s NWSL Championship, with embarrassing lightshows on the line.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 11/20/24

Martin Ojeda could be a key factor against Atlanta, Seb Hines wins Coach of the Year, Lions abroad, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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November 20, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good Wednesday morning, Mane Landers. For long time readers, you might remember me as a staple in your Lion Links but having stepped away on sabbatical. Today, I’m honored to be called off the bench and fill in for Dave. My life has been filled with being a first-time father along with taking over as commissioner of a soccer league and my normal day job. Through all of it, I have stayed true to catching as many Orlando City matches as I can or at least the highlights. TML is my go-to source for all things purple, so I’m glad to pitch in and talk about what is happening around the City Beautiful and soccer once again. So, let’s get into the links!

Lions’ Not-So Secret Weapons

Orlando City is ready to take on Atlanta United on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. According to Andrew Wiebe of MLSsoccer.com, midfielder Martín Ojeda and the home field advantage of Inter&Co Stadium will be the key to victory for Oscar Pareja to finally lift the cup with Orlando. On the other side of the ball, Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan is in impeccable form and will give the Five Stripes an opportunity to advance again despite being the underdogs.

Seb Hines Wins Major Award

The National Women’s Soccer League announced Pride Head Coach Seb Hines has been named the 2024 NWSL Coach of the Year. Following his stint as a player for Orlando City and coaching at the youth level, Hines became the Pride’s interim head coach in June 2022 before getting the gig full time. This season was his best yet with Orlando, finding 18 wins and leading a team that scored a club-record 46 goals along the way. He learned about his award from his players:

Internationals Take The Pitch

Tuesday gave some Lions the chance to represent their home nations. Orlando City right back Dagur Dan Thorhallsson entered the UEFA Nations League match between Wales and Iceland in the 75th-minute, but Iceland fell 4-1 after scoring first. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese gained another start for Peru in its CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Argentina but couldn’t earn a shutout in a 1-0 loss.

Record MLS Signing Reported

FC Cincinnati has splashed the cash and has reportedly completed the signing of 23-year-old Cercle Brugge forward Kévin Denkey. The transfer fee of $16.2 million is an MLS record, passing the previous $16 million that Atlanta United spent to acquired Thiago Almada in 2022. The signing of Denkey to a four-year contract fills a gap at forward for Cincinnati. The length of the deal appears to make him the centerpiece of the team as only one player on the roster has guaranteed contract years beyond 2026, and only striker Kevin Kelsy has option years into 2028 and 2029, but he is currently on loan.

Inter&Co Stadium Will Host Orlando Cup

Coming in January 2025, the Orlando Cup Pro Series will bring clubs Santos FC, Atlético Nacional, and Fortaleza to our home stadium. These will be preseason matches for the participating teams to help them tune up and grow their brands in the United States.

Free Kicks

That’s a wrap on links for the day. I wish you all the best with the rest of you week. Who else is excited for a big Orlando soccer weekend? Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 11/19/24

Orlando Pride players honored, USMNT beats Jamaica, USWNT roster announced, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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November 19, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Happy Tuesday, everyone! We’ve had a busy few days with the Orlando Pride advancing to the NWSL Championship in style, and games continuing to come thick and fast during the international break. Things aren’t slowing down around here though, as the Pride will play for a trophy on Saturday, and Orlando City faces Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday. Today also marks 11 years since Orlando City was announced as the 21st MLS club. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Pride Players Named to NWSL Best XI

On top of advancing to the NWSL Championship, a number of Orlando Pride players have been honored with places in the league’s Best XI First Team and Best XI Second Team. Emily Sams, Marta, and Barbra Banda made the cut for the First Team, while Anna Moorhouse and Kerry Abello were chosen for the Second Team.

Sams started in all 13 of the Pride’s shutouts, while Marta had 10 goal contributions on the year and Banda bagged 13 goals and six assists in her first year in the league. A big congratulations to all five players!

USMNT Routs Jamaica

The United States Men’s National Team ran riot over Jamaica in the second leg of its Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series, winning by a score of 4-2 in St. Louis. The Yanks used a dominant first half to put the game away early, with two Christian Pulisic goals and Ricardo Pepi’s second goal in as many games giving the Americans a 3-0 lead at halftime. In the first 45 minutes, the USMNT enjoyed 70% possession and took six shots to the visitors’ two, with the majority of the action being played in Jamaica’s half. The game opened up more in the second half with Demari Gray grabbing a brace, but the Yanks were never truly threatened and advanced to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals.

USWNT Roster Announced

The United States Women’s National Team has announced its roster for upcoming friendlies against England and the Netherlands. Emma Hayes has named a 24-player roster for the two games, both of which will take place overseas. The roster features a familiar face, as the Orlando Pride’s Sams was named to the squad as a center back. The team also features Lily Yohannes, who recently announced her decision to play for the USWNT, and she will face the other team she was eligible to declare for in the Netherlands. To date, Sams has made two appearances for the USWNT and could be in line to double that number. The Yanks will face England at Wembley on Nov. 30, and then take on the Dutch on Dec. 3 at ADO Den Haag Stadium.

UEFA Nations League Roundup

The international break continued yesterday and there are a number of results to catch up on. In Europe, Croatia and Portugal both advanced to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw, and Scotland used a late goal by Andy Robertson to beat Poland 2-1, with the result sending the Scots to a playoff that will determine if they’ll be relegated from League A, while Poland dropped into League B. San Marino won just its second game in 20 years by beating Liechtenstein 3-1 to move up into League C. Finally, Denmark advanced to the quarterfinals courtesy of a scoreless draw with Serbia.

Free Kicks

  • Come meet Duncan McGuire tomorrow and enjoy some chicken to boot.

That’s all I have for you today. Vamos Orlando!

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