Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/19/17
Good morning, Mane Landers, I hope you’re having a good weekend as we start to gear up for the holiday season. Today might as well be a holiday as Nov. 19 marks Orlando City’s MLS-iversary (name in progress). On this day in 2013, Orlando City was named as the 21st MLS franchise and, since then, we have seen some incredible football in our City Beautiful.
So, while it may sting that we haven’t seen our Lions in the playoffs, let’s take today to rejoice in the fact that we made it to MLS and don’t have to worry about fighting for a spot like Cincinnati, Nashville, or Detroit. Now, let’s get to some Lion Links!
Pride Players Continue to Shine in W-League
While the NWSL off-season continues, many players continue their campaigns over in the W-League in Australia. Round 4 has just finished up and the teams are starting to find their footing with four games already played. As many of you already know, the Orlando Pride have four players competing in the W-League and all have found their place with their Australian clubs.
This past weekend, Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy were on the losing end of a 3-2 result as Melbourne City fell to Sydney FC, although Kennedy was able to “earn” a goal for her side by sending in a header that resulted in an own goal against Sydney.
Meanwhile in last night’s late night contests, Toni Pressley found the back of the net for the second straight week as she and Canberra United edged the Newcastle Jets 2-1 late last night. Rachel Hill’s hot streak continued as she scored a goal in the Perth Glory’s 3-1 win against the Melbourne Victory. After Round 4, Hill leads the W-League in both goals (six) and chances created (14).
If you missed out on this week’s W-League action, try to check it out next weekend in Round 5, when Catley and Kennedy face off against Hill and the Perth Glory on Nov. 25 at 12 a.m. ET.
USMNT Future May be Found in Orlando
While everything seems to be up in the air regarding the direction that should be taken for the USMNT after its shock exit from World Cup qualifying, the future of the national team will undoubtedly be in the hands of the current youth. Many players who are rising up the ranks of U-20 or U-18 teams are currently plying their trade in Europe but there are a couple of rising stars right here in Orlando that shouldn’t be overlooked. Both Tommy Redding and Pierre Da Silva have experience as “Baby Nats” and are steadily growing with Orlando City.
The MLS Coaching Carousel Keeps Spinning
With the sudden departure of Caleb Porter from the Portland Timbers, the MLS coaching scene has a new, and lucrative, vacancy. Steven Goff over at the Washington Post took the time to write up each and every coaching situation in MLS, highlighting the vacancies of Colorado and Portland while also weighing in on some of the new kids on the block like Brad Friedel and Bob Bradley. As for Orlando City, Jason Kreis was described as having “full support” from management and likely has a longer leash than most once the 2018 season kicks off.
Going back to Porter though, the move has left many scratching their heads as they try to figure out why Porter left Portland. Maybe he wants to make a run at the USMNT position. Or perhaps he has his eyes on a job overseas with a bigger club in a bigger league. Or maybe he will take “personal time off” from coaching and wait around to pounce on a good coaching opportunity here in the U.S. If Kreis has another bad year and that aforementioned “full support” starts to wane, then Porter may be the leading candidate should he want it.
NCAA Soccer Tournaments Continue
The 2017 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament continues into its second round today and a few Orlando City academy products will take the field.
- Eli Lockaby and No. 16 VCU is set to play Butler at 5 p.m.
- Michael Melvin of No. 8 Clemson will take on Coastal Carolina at 6 p.m.
- Raul Aguilera and No. 3 UNC will play against North Carolina Wilmington at 7 p.m.
- Landen Haig from No. 1 Wake Forest faces off with Columbia at 5 p.m., although our Mane Land academy expert Sean Rollins doesn’t expect Haig to play in this one.
Meanwhile, the 2017 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament moves on to the third round. The UCF women have already been eliminated but there are still a couple teams from the Sunshine State to root for. Florida State, which has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, will take on Stanford, while the University of Florida will look to avenge UCF by beating the team that eliminated the Knights, Washington State University.
The Return of Zlatan
After battling a knee injury the past seven months, international superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovich took the field for Manchester United yesterday. The Swedish striker was subbed on late and didn’t impact the result but the crowd was all cheers as one of the game’s best returned to the pitch. After the game, Zlatan had some choice words when asked how he came back as quickly as he did.
"Because lions don't recover like humans" 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/9n9Vr4uKPq
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 18, 2017
This isn’t the first time he’s referred to himself as a lion. Now if we could only get him to call himself one in a contract.
Free Kicks
- Apparently the USSF and the NASL agreed to a settlement that would’ve granted the NASL Division 2 status and then it completely fell apart within days.
- Chicago Fire center back Joao Meira announced he is leaving the Fire. Orlando isn’t in dire need of a center back but he’s an incredible talent.
- Check out FIFA’s week in numbers, as it puts figures to how impressive Peru’s streak is and how staggering Italy’s failure to qualify is.
- Clint Dempsey says that if he gets a call-up for Qatar then he can’t say no.
- The Florida Tropics won 5-4 against the Baltimore Blast.
That’s all I’ve got for you guys today! Have a blessed Sunday, Mane Landers.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/2/24
The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.
It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.
The Pride Dominate the Courage
The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.
OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month
Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.
The Billionaires Clubs
Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.
USMNT News
I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.
In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.
Free Kicks
- Despite Bayern Leverkusen’s 46-match unbeaten run, and winning the Bundesliga title, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi believes his team can defeat the German club in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday.
- Borussia Dortmund defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie between the two clubs. Dortmund’s Niclas Fullkrug provided the only goal.
- Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have bigger plans for their club than previously suspected. The pair want to potentially increase the capacity of their stadium, SToK Racecourse, to 55,000 seats.
- Never pulled the trigger on the Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass? Now, you can get it for the remainder of the season at a 30% discount. Once you get past the Messi ads the coverage is pretty good.
- Former USWNT player Carli Lloyd is pregnant, though it was a long journey to get there. She shares her story of unexplained infertility and multiple rounds of IVF treatments. Congratulations, Carli.
That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/1/24
Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.
Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday
Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:
“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”
Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight
After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.
Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards
Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.
Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract
Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.
“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”
Free Kicks
- Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
- Spirit defender Anna Heilferty will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury in the team’s loss to the Pride.
- American forward Haji Wright scored his 19th goal across all competitions in Coventry City’s 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town. He will have a chance to make it 20 when Coventry hosts Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
- The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.
That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/30/24
Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.
Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.
San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano
The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.
U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid
The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.
English Premier League Approves Spending Cap
Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.
Free Kicks
- The Pride have risen to third in CBSsports.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Meanwhile, Orlando City is down to 20th in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- There are a number of Americans playing in midweek games, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar.
- Speaking of Americans, Jesse Marsch has been linked with South Korea’s managerial opening.
- Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny have purchased a minority stake in Necaxa.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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