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Lion Links: 11/23/17

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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! It’s that annual day we Americans like to sit around, eat and drink too much, watch sports on TV, and ignore all the annoying things our families are doing.

No no, the other day we Americans like to sit around, eat and drink too much, watch sports on TV, and ignore all the annoying things our families are doing. Anyway, whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, we hope you have a great day.

Before we get into the news, I wanted to let everyone know about a big sale at our Mane Land shop that is good all day from Black Friday (tomorrow) through Cyber Monday (Nov. 27). By using the code SBNCYBER15 you can get a full 15% off your purchase of our various shirts. Here’s a link to our store. We’re working on some new designs but for now we have two. I’m partial to this one, which comes in various styles:

Now, here are some tasty Lion Links for you to chew on while you wait for the main course.

Kaká Could Go Work for AC Milan

According to Todo Mercado Web, former Orlando City captain Kaká was headed to Italy to discuss a possible executive position with AC Milan. According to the site,

A cordial talk between the parties is expected and a mutual collaboration for the future will be discussed.

The former Lion is also due to speak with Sao Paulo after the Brazilian side’s season concludes, so Kaká’s playing days may not necessarily be over. Stay tuned.

Orlando City Has Biggest Rebuilding Job

Old friend Paul Tenorio over at FourFourTwo wrote about the five biggest MLS renovation projects and he’s got Orlando City right at the top of his list. I don’t disagree that there’s a rebuild going on but I think it was a bigger one before 2017 than it is now, after the additions of Yoshimar Yotun, Jonathan Spector, Scott Sutter, and Dom Dwyer. As Tenorio points out, Dwyer is without a long-term contract but I remain convinced it will get done. Some of the dead weight is gone and I think a few more will go before March. How does Tenorio see the rebuild?

So, what does Orlando City have to do? They have some nice core pieces in place – Joe Bendik, Jonathan Spector, Yoshi Yotun, Will Johnson and Dwyer up the spine of this team. Scott Sutter showed well at right back. Donny Toia is a decent MLS left back. Everything else is up for grabs. Four starting jobs still need to be claimed, including a playmaker to replace Kaka, a center back to pair with Spector and two midfielders that can keep the ball and cover ground defensively.

He also points out the team’s depth, which is certainly an issue right now, but it remains to be seen if some players are brought back at a lower price and if Yotun is the kind of DP the club now covets, I think we’ll see a big upgrade at No. 10 for 2018. Of course, that might be my purple-tinted glasses.

Orlando’s Aussies Help Matildas Win Again

Orlando Pride stars Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy both started for Australia in a 3-0 win over China in Melbourne in the wee hours of Wednesday morning Eastern Time. The Pride duo helped keep a clean sheet, while former Pride forward Lisa De Vanna also started and former Orlando defender Laura Alleway was on the substitute’s bench. Catley came off at halftime with her team ahead, 1-0.

Sam Kerr scored a brace and Tameka Butt added a goal as the Matildas won their sixth consecutive match. The teams will play again on Sunday in Geelong.

Pride Players Shortlisted for CONCACAF Awards

The CONCACAF Awards shortlists were announced yesterday and are available for fan and media voting. There are plenty of Orlando Pride folks to vote for, including Alex Morgan up for Female Player of the Year, Ashlyn Harris for Female Goalkeeper of the Year, Ali Krieger among the defenders, and Tom Sermanni for top coach in the women’s game. But, since CONCACAF included Aussie star Sam Kerr, who plays pro soccer within the CONCACAF footprint in the NWSL, it’s curious that the organization did not include Marta. [/CONCACAF’d] On the men’s side, you can vote for Christian Pulisic and several other MLS and USMNT players for the various awards.

Bradley Throws Shade at Columbus

Following Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw between the Columbus Crew and Toronto FC, midfielder Michael Bradley talked openly about how Columbus just isn’t getting it done and he wouldn’t blame ownership for moving the team to Austin. But sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it. Bradley, who had spent 90 minutes being booed by a crowd of 21,000+ had this to say:

“On one hand, you feel for the small group of loyal supporters that they have, who have been here since the beginning, who continue to support the team and come out week after week,” Bradley said.

“On the other hand, you can’t deny the fact that things here have really fallen behind in terms of the atmosphere in the stadium, the quality of the stadium, what it’s like to play here. I don’t know who’s at fault for that.

“From what I gather, there’s a lot going on and I get that and as an outsider I don’t know what that falls on, but again the reality is just that, as the league has continued to grow and grow, and this is not the only one, but this is one of a few markets that has not kept pace.”

Hey, everyone’s entitled to their opinion, and in some ways the Crew haven’t grown like some teams have around the league — though you could argue fairly successfully that the man who wants to move the team is firmly to blame for some of that lack of growth — but to use words like “small group of loyal fans” is being intentionally nasty. Bradley’s next reception at Mapfre Stadium is likely to be a little frostier than the boos he got on Tuesday. Should be fun.

Free Kicks

  • Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann wants to follow in David Beckham’s footsteps and play in MLS some day. I’ve got a purple kit for him if he can be here by March.
  • Beverly Hills parents drive a kids’ soccer ref to quit. You don’t want to miss the parting letter to the parents.
  • Australia made the World Cup but manager Ange Postecoglou has stepped down as the team’s coach.
  • Those born on this date include 14th U.S. President, Franklin Pierce (1804), horror film star Boris Karloff (1887), Harpo Marx (1888), baseball’s Luis Tiant (1940), Bruce Hornsby (1954), Grease 2 and Empire Records actor Maxwell Caulfield (1959), Nerdist CEO and Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick (1971), hockey’s Saku Koivu (1974) and Nicklas Backstrom (1987), and Miley Cyrus (1992).

That’s all my time on this festive holiday. Please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. And if you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, you could always celebrate Rex Manning Day.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/13/24

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions on International Duty

Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.

The NWSL Playoffs Continue

The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.

NWSL Award Voting Open

The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.

Pepi is Ready

The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.

Free Kicks

  • In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
  • England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
  • The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
  • Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
  • We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
  • We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
  • Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/12/24

Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City’s Playoff Path

It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.

What to Watch For With the USMNT

It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.

Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States

The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.

Free Kicks

  • NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/11/24

Orlando City and Orlando Pride advance in the playoffs, MLS and NWSL playoff roundups, USMNT roster announced, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Alex Corrie

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you in Florida. Happy Veteran’s Day to all those who have served or are currently serving in the military. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour during the holiday weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Advance to Eastern Conference Semifinals

Orlando City defeated Charlotte FC 4-1 in penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second straight year. The Lions were down 1-0 late in the match, with their run in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs about to end. However, Duncan McGuire was pulled down in the box and Orlando was awarded a penalty kick deep in stoppage time. Facundo Torres had his penalty kick saved but scored on the rebound to tie the game at 1-1. In the penalty shootout, Pedro Gallese came up with big saves, and every Lion converted their kick to book Orlando’s ticket into the next round. It took three matches, but the Lions are through and will face Atlanta United at home Nov. 24.

Pride Secure First Playoff Win Against the Chicago Red Stars

The Orlando Pride defeated the Chicago Red Stars 4-1 on Friday at Inter&Co Stadium to secure their first-ever NWSL playoff win. Barbra Banda scored twice, and Haley McCutcheon and Marta each added one for Orlando. The Red Stars pulled one back with a goal from Jameese Joseph, but the Pride dominated the match from start to finish and advanced to the semifinals. The Pride will face the Kansas City Current at home Sunday with a spot in the NWSL Championship on the line.

First Round of MLS Playoffs Wraps Up

It was a wild weekend to conclude the first round of the 2024 MLS playoffs, with plenty of Game 3 drama. Let’s start with a big upset in South Florida, as Atlanta United got two goals from Jamal Thiare and won 3-2 win against Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami. New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 6-5 in penalties after a scoreless draw and will move on to face the New York Red Bulls in a playoff edition of the Hudson River Derby in the next round. Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, and FC Cincinnati were the three highest seeds in the Eastern Conference and all three were eliminated after the first round. Out west, LAFC secured a 1-0 over the Vancouver Whitecaps with Mateusz Bogusz scoring the lone goal to advance. LAFC will take on the Seattle Sounders, while the LA Galaxy will face Minnesota United in the Western Conference semifinals.

NWSL Playoff Quarterfinals Roundup

The first round of the 2024 NWSL playoffs is also in the books. The Kansas City Current defeated the North Carolina Courage 1-0 Saturday. Temwa Chawinga scored for the Current and extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches. There were two more matches on Sunday, and the Washington Spirit fought back from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Bay FC 2-1 to advance. NJ/NY Gotham FC edged the Portland Thorns 2-1 with Rose Lavelle scoring the winning goal late in stoppage time. Gotham and the Spirit will square off on Saturday at Audi Field.

USMNT Roster Announced for Nations League

United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the 25-man roster for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Jamaica. Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, and Chris Richards are a few of the defenders called up, while the midfield includes Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah. Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah, and Brandon Vazquez are some of the attackers to keep an eye on. Goalkeepers Matt Turner and Zack Steffen were called up alongside Patrick Schulte and Diego Kochen. Orlando City’s Duncan McGuire was not called up, and Real Salt Lake forward Diego Luna is another notable player who wasn’t selected. The USMNT will face Jamaica in a two-legged series this week, with the first match in Kingston Thursday followed by the second leg Monday at City Park in St. Louis.

Free Kicks

  • In case you missed it, check out this video of Facundo Torres’ equalizer on Orlando City’s social media page to secure his 20th goal of the year.
  • The Orlando Pride honored Brazilian midfielder Luana before their playoff win on Friday.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.

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