Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/10/17
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Happy Friday, everyone! Are you still in shock at the roster announcement this week? Are you getting numb yet to the transfer rumors and all the joy and sweat that comes along with them? Have you settled into the off-season comfortably and just riding this wave with no cares in the world because whatever happens happens? Well, let me see if I can brighten your day with the choicest links from around the web to get you up to speed with everything.
Morgan Scores Again but USWNT Draws Canada
Alex Morgan scored her fifth goal in her last six international games but it wasn’t enough to win in Canada, as Adriana Leon tied the game in the second half. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in Vancouver in front of a huge crowd of more than 28,000. It wasn’t the best-played game with both teams’ press creating problems for the other and a not-so-great playing surface causing players issues in trying to figure out how to properly weight their passes. Morgan was the only Orlando player to see the field. Jill Ellis left the Pride’s Ashlyn Harris on the bench and Chioma Ubogagu didn’t dress.
Robinho Leads Orlando Rumor Mill
One of the latest rumors making the rounds links Brazilian forward Robinho to a move to Orlando City. The former Manchester City and Real Madrid striker currently plays with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil. Money is rumored to be the main sticking point with some sources, while other sources have other messages:
On the Robinho to Orlando City rumors, my sources say there is "no chance" and he is not part of the club's offseason strategy at the moment.
— Alicia Rose DelGallo (@OSAliciaD) November 9, 2017
Get ready folks, this off-season is going to get fun.
Edwards Lands on USL Awards Finalists List
The 2017 USL awards finalists have been revealed, and a couple of names stand out. Orlando City and OCB goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. is up for Goalkeeper of the Year and former Lion, and current Louisville City FC head coach, James O’Connor is nominated for Coach of the Year.
Pride Fan Vote Winners for 2017
At 1 p.m. this afternoon, the Orlando Pride will announce their Golden Swans winners for 2017, but the fan vote winners have already been released. Here are just a couple of them for your viewing pleasure:
Next up in the 2017 #GoldenSwans…
The 2017 Assist of the Year goes to… *Drum roll*
🏆@alikrieger🏆 pic.twitter.com/indfSgEFDU
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) November 9, 2017
The #GoldenSwans Save of the Year winner knows a thing or two about winning fan votes for saves!
🏆@Ashlyn_Harris🏆 pic.twitter.com/SZG5vb5FlF
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) November 9, 2017
Revolution Have a New Head Coach
It is official. Brad Friedel has been named as the New England Revolution’s new head coach. Friedel has a pretty extensive, and impressive, resume both domestically and internationally. Leaving his coaching position on the U-19 USMNT, Friedel becomes the seventh coach for the Revs.
Rolfe Hangs Up His Cleats
After a 13-year career both domestically and internationally, Chris Rolfe, striker for D.C. United, has announced his retirement. If his name isn't that familiar, then head on over and get familiar with where he sits all-time in a number of MLS record categories. You can read his statement below:
Thank you, everyone ⚽️! @dcunited @ChicagoFire @aabsportdk @MLS @Section8Chicago @SectorLatino12 @ScreamingEagles @Barra_Brava @DaytonFlyers @ussoccer @daytondailynews pic.twitter.com/tRzzrcqkTV
— Chris Rolfe (@ChrisRolfe17) November 9, 2017
World Cup Ball Released
Here it is in all its glory, the 2018 FIFA World Cup official match ball:
Introducing Telstar 18 – the Official Match Ball for the 2018 FIFA #WorldCup! pic.twitter.com/nOqseEElQp
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 9, 2017
Look familiar to you? Well, depending on your age, or how far down the YouTube video rabbit hole you have ventured, it should. Bringing 1970 to 2018, the ball even includes an NFC chip.
Free Kicks
- Poor Cristiano Ronaldo. Even after winning the Ballon d’Or, again, he just cannot seem to find his stride in club play.
- Sam Allardyce keeps pushing, and hopefully it will go no further than being excellent fodder for the American soccer pundit. Remember how long he was England’s manager?
Sam Allardyce has confirmed his interest in holding talks over the U.S. national team job: https://t.co/H8llqgVWBd pic.twitter.com/KAdbF63a3K
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 9, 2017
- Ever wonder just how much footy is on television in the United States? I know I have. Now we can scratch that itch, at least for this past month.
- Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara was named the MLS 2017 Defender of the Year.
- Want to have your say on the state of affairs of American Soccer? Head on over to this ProSoccerTalk link and let them know exactly what you think, crying Jordan memes and all!
- As a polite reminder to everyone, there are cameras everywhere, and they tell all.
And just remember, Mane Landers, the end is not nigh. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it isn’t a train. It is Cake, singing the song of survival for us all. Enjoy the sweet serenade of living to fight another day, and let’s get ready for the weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/6/24
Amanda Allen loaned to Lexington SC, Alex Morgan announces retirement, USMNT prepares for Canada, and more.
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Happy Friday! I don’t have many plans this weekend, but am still looking forward to the next few days after a hectic week. When not working, I plan on finally starting Book of Night by Holly Black and figuring out how to make the most out of some dark rum I was gifted. For now though, let’s get to today’s links from around the soccer world!
Amanda Allen Loaned to Lexington SC
The Orlando Pride have loaned forward Amanda Allen to Lexington SC for the remainder of the USL Super League season. This decision should give Allen some valuable minutes, and the loan includes a right to recall as well. The 19-year-old has made 17 appearances since joining the Pride and had an assist in this year’s season opener. She is also currently in Colombia for the U-20 Women’s World Cup and her Canada squad takes on Brazil tonight. Hopefully she’s able to tear it up in the USL Super League’s inaugural season.
Alex Morgan Announces Her Retirement
American forward Alex Morgan has announced that she will retire after the San Diego Wave’s match on Sunday. She also announced that she is pregnant with her second child.
In her 224 international appearances, Morgan scored 123 goals and was a major force behind the USWNT’s back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. At the club level, she has played in every year of the NWSL’s existence and joined the Orlando Pride ahead of their inaugural season in 2016. In her six years in Orlando, Morgan recorded 23 goals and 10 assists in 69 appearances. Off the field, she’s been an outspoken supporter of equality and increased investment in women’s sports. We wish her the best of luck after a legendary career.
USMNT Faces Canada on Saturday
The United States Men’s National Team will take on Canada on Saturday in Kansas City in the first of two friendlies this month. Plenty has changed since the U.S. beat Canada in a penalty shootout in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, particularly on the sideline. American coach Jesse Marsch was hired by Canada in May, while the U.S. will be led by Mikey Varas in an interim capacity amid buzz that Mauricio Pochettino will take over. The U.S. is without Giovanni Reyna for these friendlies due to injury, with Cade Cowell replacing him. Canada boasts a talented roster that includes a trio of former Lions in Cyle Larin, Richie Laryea, and Kamal Miller. After this match, the USMNT will take on New Zealand on Tuesday.
Keeping Up With International Soccer
San Marino may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it arguably had the biggest win of a busy day of international soccer after beating Liechtenstein 1-0 for its first competitive victory. Elsewhere in the UEFA Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia, while Spain was held to a scoreless draw in Serbia.
The third round of AFC World Cup qualifying is underway and Australia was upset 1-0 at home by Bahrain. Japan suffered no such setback though, dominating China in a 7-0 home win. Palestine drew 0-0 against South Korea in Seoul, which is no easy task.
CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers have also resumed, and Bolivia came up with a huge 4-0 win in high altitude against Venezuela to move up the table. We may see some Lions in action today. Facundo Torres and Uruguay take on Paraguay, while Pedro Gallese, Wilder Cartagena, and Peru host Colombia.
Free Kicks
- FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano won MLS Goal of the Matchday for scoring from nearly 80 yards out to beat CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. Orlando’s Facundo Torres placed second in the voting for his volleyed strike against Nashville SC.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Ella Stevens was named NWSL Player of the Month after recording three goals and two assists in August.
- Argentina beat Brazil in blind soccer at the Paralympics, ending Brazil’s unbeaten streak that has lasted the past 20 years. France and Argentina will face off in the gold medal game on Saturday.
- Chris Jurasek has stepped down as Chelsea’s chief executive after a year in the position, with Jason Gannon replacing him.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/5/24
Orlando City partners with Sporting CP, Barbra Banda nominated for Ballon d’Or, Orlando Pride prepare for Chicago, and more.
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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going smoothly for you as we gear up for plenty of club and international soccer over the next few days. I’ve been getting plenty of reading done when not working and am looking forward to another trip to my local bookstore this weekend. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Partners With Sporting CP
Orlando City and Portuguese club Sporting CP have officially agreed to be technical partners, meaning they will share information and methodologies in regards to player development, recruitment, and more. The two clubs have had links before, with former Lions Nani and Uri Rosell joining Orlando from Sporting. The two clubs will also organize training periods for academy players to train with the other club in a different environment. Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira spoke on how this partnership will help both clubs moving forward.
“This is an agreement that will foster a great exchange of information for the betterment of both sets of players and coaches, setting both clubs up for even more success in the future. The culture within both clubs is very similar and we’re excited to see the benefits this partnership brings for everyone involved, especially in an academy level.”
Barbra Banda Nominated for 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda was one of 30 players nominated for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or, which is one of the top honors in women’s soccer. Since joining the Pride in March, Banda has scored 12 goals in 14 matches this season and is the first NWSL player to score 10 goals in her first 10 league appearances. The 24-year-old also had four goals and an assist with Zambia in this summer’s Olympics.
She’s joined on the nomination list by five United States Women’s National Team players: Alyssa Naeher, Sophia Smith, Malory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Lindsey Horan. I’m not surprised to see as many players who play for European clubs nominated, but I do think San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma was snubbed. The winner will be announced in Paris on Oct. 28.
Orlando Pride Prepare for Chicago
After a dominant 2-0 win at home against NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday. It’s the second match between them this season, with the two sides splitting the points in a 1-1 draw in Orlando on March 29. The Pride sit atop the NWSL standings, and it should be a tough road game against a Chicago side fighting to keep its playoff position. Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the difficulty of playing in Chicago, as well as how the Pride have been able to score in different ways this year.
Croix Bethune Out for the Season
Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune suffered a torn meniscus, reportedly while throwing out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game, and will miss the remainder of the NWSL season as a result. It’s brutal news for Bethune, who was the clear frontrunner for NWSL Rookie of the Year and just an assist shy of breaking the NWSL record of 10. She finishes with five goals and 10 assists in her rookie campaign, and also made the trip to Paris this summer for the Olympics with the USWNT. Her injury is also a blow to the Spirit’s NWSL Shield aspirations, as they are currently six points behind the Pride and now without one of their best playmakers.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy the sights and sounds from the Pride’s rainy win over Gotham. The video exemplifies just how fun the Pride have been to watch this year.
- Carlos Bocanegra is no longer the vice president and technical director of Atlanta United, with President and CEO Garth Lagerwey taking over in an interim capacity for the rest of the season.
- Sporting Kansas City transferred American defender Kayden Pierre to Genk in Belgium’s top flight.
- The U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team won 2-0 against Morocco in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the Pride’s Ally Lemos coming off the bench in the second half. The team’s last group stage game will be on Saturday against Paraguay.
- For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi were nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
- Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after being left off the Italian club’s 23-man roster for the Serie A season. Galatasaray has won all three of its matches so far this Super Lig season and will compete in the Europa League.
- AS Roma added 35-year-old center back Mats Hummels on a free transfer to bolster its defense.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/4/24
Facundo Torres’ great week, Lions on international duty, Celia nominated for an award, and more.
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Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. While there’s no chance at a another nine-point weekend since Orlando City doesn’t play, that doesn’t mean a six-point weekend is off the table with both the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B in action this Sunday.
Let’s get to the links.
Summer of Facundo
It seems that when the temperature heats up in Central Florida, so does Facundo Torres. Orlando City’s attacker has made a habit the last few years of starting slow before coming into form over the summer months. That has been the case once again this season, but it’s something that Torres wishes he could change. I also would like him to be in form for a longer stretch of the season. At least for now, he’s playing well enough to make MLS Team of the Matchday. He’s also up for Goal of the Matchday, so go vote soon.
More Lions on International Duty
Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena have been called up for international duty with Peru. The two Orlando City starters make three so far, as Uruguay selected Torres for the national team on Monday. Peru will play Colombia Friday, followed by a match against Ecuador on Tuesday. The trio are just a few of the many MLS players that will represent their respective national teams.
Pride’s Celia Nominated for Impact Award
Orlando Pride defender Celia has been nominated for the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award presented by Nationwide. She is one of 14 players chosen — one from each NWSL club — for her work with a community partner. Celia’s partner is SpaceKids Global, a non-profit focused on STEAM+ (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). There will be an appreciation night on Sept. 28 when the Pride host the Houston Dash. There will be a fan vote in October, and fans can select their nominee to win the award.
U-20 USWNT Back in Action Today
Ally Lemos of the Orlando Pride will be with the U-20 USWNT when it faces off against Morocco in the team’s second match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup today. The match is scheduled for 9 p.m. this evening, and you can watch it on FS2 or Telemundo. Lemos did not get any minutes in the U.S. loss to defending champion Spain on Sunday. The Americans will need a result if they hope to make the knockout rounds. Here’s hoping Lemos gets some minutes and is able to help the U.S. secure a victory.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride topped another power rankings list. This time it’s the Goal.com rankings. Also, water is wet.
- Check out which Americans are in action abroad heading into the international break.
- The Professional Footballers’ Association held a training camp for players who were not picked up in the last transfer window and are out of contract.
- The NWSL is running into the same problem as other leagues around the world. The players are playing in too many matches between club and country.
- Former Orlando Pride and current Angel City defender Ali Riley is facing the possibility that she may need to retire from professional soccer due to a nerve issue in her left leg. We wish her the best, no matter what the outcome.
- Lastly, don’t forget to vote for Adriana for NWSL Goal of the Week.
That will do it for today. The Lions are on an international break, but the Pride will try to keep the undefeated streak going Sunday, and OCB will be on the road in a big match against Crown Legacy as well. Check back as we get you ready for all the action. Vamos Orlando.
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