Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/15/17

Published

7 years ago

on

A busy Tuesday has us going all over the place through the soccer ranks, from youth to professional to TV and beyond. So nothing fancy today, let’s get right to it!

Youth Shines in Last USMNT Match of 2017

The U.S. Men’s National Team played in its final match of the 2017 season, a 1-1 draw against No. 3 Portugal. Interim Head Coach Dave Sarachan went with a youth-driven lineup featuring first-timers Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams.

McKennie, 19, from Schalke FC (Bundesliga), had a fantastic debut as he scored once — and nearly made it a brace — and was all over the field. Most impressive were his box-to-box efforts and his overall complete show of his game.

World Cup Misses Engage in Conversations for 2018 Event

NIT? Europa? HeBelieves Cup? Not that I’m a fan of any of these names, but it looks like the head of social media steam — along with the fact that giant after giant keeps falling — has these teams debating a second-rate international event in 2018.

With the likes of the USA, Italy, Ghana, Netherlands, Cameroon, Chile, Greece, China, and Ivory Coast not making it to Russia, U.S. Soccer and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) have begun early conversations to host such an event.

Not only do I love this because we would get to see these teams, but it’s a wildly huge advantage to still get our young national team players some experience against some of the best countries in the world in the absence of a World Cup. My fingers are definitely crossed.

Atlanta United and Memphis Join the USL Ranks

Atlanta United has officially ended its two-year partnership with the Charleston Battery and will own and operate its own USL team in 2018. The team will train out of the club’s Marietta headquarters, but no name has been given as of yet. They will play their home matches out of Coolray Field in Gwinnett County.

The USL also announced today that it has approved the franchise rights to an ownership group in Memphis. While no name of the group or club was decided, it is largely speculated that the Memphis Redbirds ownership group is at the forefront for this opportunity, which will join the league in 2019.

MLS Outlines its Top 10 Stories with No Sight of MNUTD

MLS came out Tuesday with its top 10 stories of 2017, and there’s a gaping hole roughly the size of Minnesota. That’s right, MLS’s 22nd team doesn’t find itself a place inside the story lines, but its expansion counterpart — Atlanta United — does. We often thought the league’s new darling has been ATL, but Minnesota United — a club that has brought in two of the largest league sponsors by name, in Allianz and Target — should be getting more love here.

If anything, most of these story lines don’t even happen in MLS or on the field, which does just feel like a miss all around for this article.

MLS Expansion Draft for LAFC Set; Other Off-Season Details

Set your clocks for Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. as LAFC starts to build out its roster with current MLS Players.

In case you’re not familiar with the guidelines, here you go:

“All 22 existing MLS clubs will be able to protect 11 players prior to the Expansion Draft; Generation adidas players and off-budget Homegrown Players are automatically exempt from selection and do not need to be protected. Only a single player can be drafted from any one club.

The complete list of players eligible for selection in the Expansion Draft will be released on Dec. 10 by 5:30 pm ET.”

Be on the lookout from us on players we feel should be protected in the coming weeks.

And in case you feel the need to keep watch over the rest of the off-season:

Orlando Professional Teams Visit Orlando Health

Orlando City and Pride players visited Orlando Health Tuesday to check out the new South Seminole Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. While I’m sure it’s very nice, I’m going to hope these are the only types of visits of this kind.

Nike Friendlies Kick Off This December

The official dates of the Nike Friendlies and U.S. Soccer Academy Showcase in Bradenton, FL have been released. If you want to catch up on some of the upcoming talent coming through the system, this is your chance.

The friendlies consist of men’s and women's U-17 teams competing in a round robin event. The U.S., Brazil, and England feature on both sides with the Netherlands and Finland rounding out, respectively, the men’s and women's fields.

Fox Sports Involved in FIFA Bribes?

Not much has come on this story as of yet, but Fox Sports is being implicated in FIFA bribing scandals, among a handful of other networks.

Buddy Dyer In for Orlando Hosting the World Cup

Looks like Orlando City and the Central Florida Sports Commission have the backing of the city’s government. While this should be expected, you’d be surprised how often there can be disconnects between the two. So it’s good to see everyone on board with what will be a tough fight amongst the remaining 32 cities.

Free Kicks

  • Florida Tropics SC player Lucas Montelares makes the MASL Team of the Week.

Have a great rest of the week, and to leave you with a bit of humor I give you this:

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/20/24

Orlando City’s 2025 MLS season schedule announced, MLS mock drafts, MLS clubs making moves, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

December 20, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! I finally have everything squared away after a week of hustling and bustling, meaning I can thankfully avoid the stores this weekend and just relax before next week’s chaos. I’m still trying to nail down what I’ll be cooking as my contribution for my family’s holiday dinner, but it should be fun trialing some options over the next few days. For now though, let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City’s 2025 MLS Schedule Announced

MLS revealed the schedule for the 2025 season and Orlando City’s first game of the season will be at home against the Philadelphia Union on Feb. 22. Orlando has yet to start a season on the road since joining the league back in 2015. The Lions aren’t scheduled to play against expansion club San Diego FC this year, but they will play their first road game against St. Louis City on June 25. While a majority of Orlando’s games will be on Saturdays, they do have a pair of games on Sundays against Inter Miami, including a rivalry week showdown on May 18. Decision Day will be on Oct. 18, with the Lions on the road to take on Toronto FC to close out the regular season.

Predicting the 2025 MLS SuperDraft

The MLS SuperDraft is set to take place today and Top Drawer Soccer did a mock draft to predict how the first two rounds will go. Orlando City currently has the 27th pick in the first round and Top Drawer Soccer has them selecting defensive midfielder Jackson Castro out of Creighton. The pick makes enough sense to me, as Orlando lost some depth in its midfield following the 2024 season and Castro was Duncan McGuire’s teammate on a strong Creighton team a couple of years ago. The Lions were also predicted to take West Virginia winger Sergio Ors Navarro and Kentucky forward Logan Dorsey in the second round.

Travis Clark of MLSsoccer.com also did a mock draft of the first round, with Orlando taking Cornell winger Alioune Ka. Interestingly enough, both mock drafts have NCAA leading scorer Emil Jaaskelainen going in the first round after Orlando’s pick. I’m pretty excited to see how it all shakes out today and learn which players will become the latest Lions on the team.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The off-season is bringing plenty of change across the league as teams continue wheeling and dealing in preparation for the 2025 season. The New England Revolution made a splash by trading away up to $3.25 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Miami in exchange for attacker Leonardo Campana. The 24-year-old should give a needed boost to a New England team that only scored 37 goals this season. As for Miami, it now has an MLS-trade record fee of $2.5 million in guaranteed GAM and an open Designated Player spot at its disposal.

The LA Galaxy traded away 2024 MLS Cup MVP Gastón Brugman and a conditional $100,000 in GAM to Nashville SC in exchange for midfielder Sean Davis. Brugman will help Nashville fill the gap left by Anibal Godoy, who joined San Diego FC as a free agent. FC Dallas also added a free agent, signing defender Lalas Abubakar to a two-year deal.

GAM Amounts Revealed for Each MLS Club

MLS pulled back the curtain a bit and unveiled the amount of General Allocation Money that each team had as of Dec. 10. Orlando City’s total comes in at $3,990,312, which is a pretty hefty amount that can be used to improve the team. Atlanta United’s $6,503,478 is the most in the league, while the Houston Dynamo are at the other end of the spectrum with just $2,063,538. The Campana trade helps put these amounts into perspective, but there are many uses for GAM and it’s interesting to see where each club stands. It’s also just nice to get some transparency from the league about this and hopefully that trend continues in 2025.

Free Kicks

  • The National Independent Soccer Association will reportedly no longer be sanctioned by the United States Soccer Foundation next year, which would leave MLS NEXT Pro and USL League One as the third-division leagues in the U.S.
  • Tottenham beat Manchester United 4-3 to claim the final semifinal spot in the EFL Cup, with Son Heung-Min scoring directly from a corner kick. Tottenham will face off against Liverpool in the next round, with Newcastle and Arsenal squaring off in the other semifinal.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I wish you all a relaxing weekend and a very happy holidays!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/19/24

Preparing for the MLS SuperDraft, New York Red Bulls sign Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Tim Weah injured, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

December 19, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve knocked out all of my shopping except for one gift I’m still trying to procure. I have a lead on it though and high hopes that I can get a literal bow on it before traveling to visit my family next week. For now though, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Getting Ready for the MLS SuperDraft

The 2025 MLS SuperDraft will take place on Friday and the league released the list of 477 eligible players clubs can choose from. This year’s Generation Adidas class includes Cornell forward Alex Harris, North Carolina left back Tate Johnson, Wisconsin forward Dean Boltz, and UC Santa Barbara defensive midfielder Manu Duah. Those players likely won’t be on the board by the time Orlando City’s 27th overall pick rolls around, but the team has proven in the past it isn’t afraid to make a trade for a top prospect.

Here’s a nice position-by-position breakdown of some of the best players available on Friday. I personally think Orlando could use some depth at center back, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the team rolls the dice on a center forward given its track record. Unfortunately, we’ll have to follow along with each pick on the league’s website rather than a stream.

MLS Transfer Roundup

After falling in the MLS Cup final earlier this month, the New York Red Bulls have added some firepower by signing Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as a Designated Player. The 35-year-old heads to MLS after playing for Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Stoke City, and Schalke 04 over the past 10 years. The Red Bulls now have a fairly dangerous trio of Designated Players in Choupo-Moting, Emil Forsberg, and Dante Vanzeir.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the New England Revolution added midfielder Jackson Yueill as a free agent. The 27-year-old signed a three-year contract that includes options for 2028 and 2029. D.C. United traded away $150,000 in General Allocation Money to Nashville SC in exchange for defender Lukas MacNaughton. FC Dallas signed midfielder Ramiro Benetti, who has spent the past two seasons with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in Brazil. Veteran defender Nick Lima has returned to the San Jose Earthquakes, signing a two-year contract with the club.

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

The injuries continue to rack up for the Americans, as Tim Weah will miss some time after sustaining a thigh injury earlier this week in Juventus’ win over Cagliari. In better news for Americans plying their trade abroad, forward Ricardo Pepi scored twice in PSV Eindhoven’s 8-0 win against Koninklijke HFC in the KNVB Cup. Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool are all reportedly interested in left back Antonee Robinson, who turned some heads with a pair of assists on Sunday.

EFL Cup Semifinals Nearly Set

The EFL Cup semifinals are setting up to be a heavyweight affair, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle all advancing from the quarterfinals. The day belonged to Gabriel Jesus, who scored his first hat trick for Arsenal in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Liverpool extended its unbeaten streak to 20 games across all competitions after a 2-1 win over Southampton, while Newcastle United beat Brentford thanks to a brace from Sandro Tonali. The final semifinalist will come from today’s match between Manchester United and Tottenham, with the draw taking place afterwards.

Free Kicks

  • The NWSL Shield and Championship trophy paid a visit to WFTV’s studios, and it’s still a bit surreal that the Orlando Pride secured both pieces of silverware this season.

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/18/24

Another report on the Facundo Torres transfer, Marta wins her own award, Becky Sauerbrunn retires, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

December 18, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. For those that celebrate Christmas, we’re only a week out, so I hope you’ve gotten your shopping done. If not, no judgement from me, just encouragement. I know you can do it! I think we can all do with a little more encouragement these days. For now, let’s get to the links.

Torres Deal Done?

WESH is reporting that the Facundo Torres to Palmeiras deal is done. As of this writing, there has been no confirmation from either club, but it is reasonable to think where there’s this much smoke, there’s fire. Torres may have scored his last goal in purple, and will leave as the club’s all-time leader in that category after three seasons. According to the report, Torres signed a five-year deal with the Brazilian club. We will provide updates as information becomes available.

Marta Wins Marta Award

In the most appropriate award selection in history, Marta has won the inaugural FIFA award for the best goal in women’s soccer, aptly named The FIFA Marta Award.

The award winning goal came in Brazil’s international friendly against Jamaica in June, as the Brazilian made a nice move to clear a defender and then sent in a long-range shot. Check it out.

Marta received the award at FIFA’s “The Best” Award ceremony in Doha, Qatar.

USWNT Legend Becky Sauerbrunn Retires

Former USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn is retiring from professional soccer. The legendary defender has played in the NWSL in every year of it’s existence. She retires having won three championships, one NWSL Shield, multiple Women’s World Cups, and Olympic medals. Sauerbrunn is definitively one of the best to ever wear a U.S. jersey.

NWSL, MLS NEXT Pro Expand

The NWSL is entering into exclusive negotiations with a Denver-area group regarding the league’s next expansion franchise. Denver was picked above both Cincinnati and Cleveland. The expansion fee is in the $105-$120 million range.

MLS NEXT Pro is also adding another new team. Until a new name, logo, and brand are settled on, the team will be called West Michigan Soccer. The team will be the sixth independent club in MLS NEXT Pro. Orlando City B won’t have the opportunity to play the new team until 2027.

Free Kicks

  • Torres’ goal against Nashville made it into a compilation of volleyed goals from the MLS Twitter account.

That will do it for today. Keep checking in as our Orlando City and Orlando Pride Season in Review pieces continue. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending