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Lion Links: 12/20/17

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7 years ago

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I don’t know about you, but I’m getting excited. This time of year always has me jacked up. Minus the craziness of getting through last-minute Christmas shopping, everything is finally ramping up. Champions League knockout rounds have been drawn, MLS off-season is hitting full swing, and at the end of the day we’re hitting the new year, which for whatever reason — probably the Cleveland fan in me — has me optimistic over the entire soccer landscape. I’m jacked up on good holiday vibes, so lets get into it.

Orlando City Set to Kick Off 2018 Against D.C. United

If you didn't already hear, Orlando City has officially announced its kickoff match for the 2018 MLS season, and the Lions will face off with D.C. United at home. This will be the fourth time in a row City will open at home, as it looks to start off 2018 right against a D.C. United that hit its stride in the back half the year with additions like Paul Arriola.

All I can say is: ARE WE THERE YET?

Morgan, Krieger, and Marta Selected in CONCACAF’s Best XI

CONCACAF announced its Best XI for 2017 and, to no surprise, the Orlando Pride found their way to multiple spots on the list. Alex Morgan, Marta, and Ali Krieger were all honored after a banner 2017.

If there was one gripe, it has to be the rehashing of FIFA Player of the Year debates where Carli Lloyd was again given a prestigious honor despite being injured for a decent chunk of the year. This left Matilda and Sky Blue FC forward Sam Kerr off an awards list again. Quite frankly, I don’t know how this is still happening.

MLS Nashville Bound? Sounds Like It

It appears that MLS will be announcing its newest city — and one of two new expansion teams — Tuesday afternoon:

Jeff Carlisle isn't the only one talking, as Sports Illustrated’s Brian Straus reports:

The league all but confirmed Tuesday morning that the Nashville bid fronted by local billionaire John Ingram and supported by the Wilf brothers, who own the Minnesota Vikings, has been accepted. MLS commissioner Don Garber will join Ingram, Tennessee governor Bill Haslam and Nashville mayor Megan Barry at an event Wednesday afternoon at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where they’ll announce the city’s entry.

And if that isn't enough, a judge recently threw out a lawsuit intended to block the creation of a soccer-specific stadium in Nashville.

Is this a good thing for MLS? You can argue absolutely, especially regionally, as the South gains another team and the MLS soccer map gets more diverse. Is Nashville going to support a team well? That remains to be seen, but they did have a Tennessee state record for the Gold Cup with over 47,000 in attendance in July at Nissan Stadium (I worked that U.S. game and the atmosphere was solid for it being in a football stadium). And you have to consider that as far as expendable sports dollars go, there’s only two other pro franchises to contend with.

If this is true, this leaves Detroit, Cincinnati, and Sacramento as the remaining cities vying for an MLS expansion club. It’s anyone's guess right now as to who will win that last spot.

Leo Pereira Looks to Stay in Brazil

Center back Leo Periera, who was on loan from Clube Atlético Paranaense — City's official Brazilian partner club — has had his option picked up by his parent club for the 2018 season. While the defender filled in at times in 2017, the youngster never really settled in as the center back musical chairs certainly didn't help. As a reminder of his 2017 season, here was our final season grade.

This will add a very valuable international spot back to the roster for GM Niki Budalic to utilize this off-season.

Speculation on New Pride Players as Sermanni Returns from Europe

It’s every good manager’s role to actively scout, but it seems that Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni may have something up his sleeve with his recent trip to Europe. With Camila injured, and Australians Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy out of contract (yet considering extension offers), Sermanni went to Europe in search of what could be a few new additions to the Pride in 2018. Backline Soccer ponders who the possible targets could be.

Your USSF Presidential Candidate Update

Paul Caligiuri starts off with an open letter to the Federation, most notably calling out the recent issue of USSF’s board of directors looking to finalize a general manager position before the new president can even be elected. Couldn't agree more with him that the timing is very odd and seems like a control grab — my words, not his — by an organization’s board set to protect itself and its power.

Michael Winograd, my current preference, sat down with Yahoo! Sports’ Henry Bushnell to discuss many of his takes but the article mainly highlights Winograd’s take on the youth soccer industry. Youth soccer has a multitude of issues, and one very big one being that the Aspen Institute illuminates in regards to participation of athletes ages 6-12.

For you Eric Wynalda fans, here’s his new website where you can keep tabs on all his stances, forums, etc.

Another OCB Alum Finds a Home

Defender Zach Carroll has found a home with Reno 1868 FC. The 23-year-old center back will move to his third team in three years despite earning second-team All-USL in 2016 with New York Red Bulls II and a year with Orlando City B that had many excited about his future prospects.

This is just another player in a line of multiple OCB players who has found his way out of town, giving OCB supporters continued heartburn on what is to come for 2018.

All the best, Zach.

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So until next week, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, or simply just enjoy some free vacation time. Cheers!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/22/25

Orlando City transfer rumors, Orlando Pride preseason begins, USMNT at Inter&Co, and more.

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3 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

By

Dan MacDonald, The ManeLand

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Up here in Tallahassee, I’m waking up to snow/sleet, closed schools, closed government offices, and potentially icy roads. Many people will get an extra day off of work, however, I still get to go to work. I’m sure you can imagine how happy I am about that. Enough of my winter grumbling. Let’s get to the links but not until after we wish Orlando City fullback Michael Halliday a happy 22nd birthday.

Orlando City Reportedly Targeting Croatian International

While I can no longer say that Orlando City hasn’t signed any new players, the club is still moving at its traditionally slow speed as compared to other MLS clubs. We had the signing of Nicolas Rodriguez last week. Now, we have Tom Bogert report of yet another winger prospect for the club in Croatian Marco Pasalic from HNK Rijeka, though it is not a done deal. Hopefully the other targets Bogert mentions are of the striker variety.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881755961125449765?s=46&t=pMoq7Wulqfb35D7C8ydroA

Pride Preseason Begins

The 2024 NWSL champions are back to defend their title. The Orlando Pride returned to training on Tuesday. The club hasn’t needed to add many pieces, though some of the players already here, like Simone Charley and Grace Chanda, haven’t actually played any minutes for the Pride yet. Most of the chemistry is in place for Seb Hines, but reinforcing those bonds will be the challenge as the Pride look to repeat.

USMNT at Inter&Co Tonight

Hopefully you have tickets to the USMNT friendly match versus Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The match starts at 7 p.m. and there are television and streaming options if you’re not going in person. Despite the squad having 14 players with three or fewer caps, Mauricio Pochettino does not consider this an “alternative” squad, nor does he want the players to think of themselves like that.

Girma Reportedly Nearing Completion of Chelsea Move

USWNT defender Naomi Girma is reportedly headed to Chelsea FC Women for a record $1.1 million transfer fee. That is a very big chunk of change for San Diego FC to use to try to replace one of the best defenders in the world. The deal is not complete as of Tuesday evening, but according to the original report from The Athletic, it is close to being done. Girma would be the first women’s soccer player to earn a transfer fee of over $1 million.

MLS Transfer Updates

Other MLS clubs keep on putting pen to paper when it comes to new players. The Chicago Fire are bringing in Jonathan Bamba on a Designated Player deal from La Liga side Celta de Vigo. The Luca de la Torre loan from Spain’s RC Celta de Vigo to San Diego FC is also official.

https://twitter.com/sandiegofc/status/1881741042904350864

Cucho Hernandez evidently wants to stay with the Columbus Crew, though he is still waiting on a new offer.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881786193693823104

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https://twitter.com/weareangelcity/status/1881749040863588770?s=12&t=_WZBNG4ILAyRLdwBeB4mpQ
  • Keep your eyes peeled later today for the NWSL schedule drop.
https://twitter.com/nwsl/status/1881749035218042954?s=46&t=pN-YJp3s7ZQlCXqnTAgSfw

That will do it for today. Stay warm out there, my friends. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/21/25

Orlando Pride release preseason camp roster, scouting Costa Rica, women’s soccer transfer grades, and more.

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1 day ago

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January 21, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone! If you had yesterday off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then I hope you enjoyed some restful time off. If not, then I hope you got your week started off on a good and productive note. There’s a lot going on around here this week as the United States Men’s National Team is in town, and Orlando City will play its first preseason match on Saturday. That means we have plenty to discuss, so let’s dig into today’s links.

Orlando Pride Drop Preseason Roster

Monday might have been a holiday but the Orlando Pride were busy, as they announced the roster for their upcoming preseason camp. Almost all of the usual suspects from the 2024 season are back, as the Pride return 98% of the player-minutes from last season and every single scorer. Mariana Larroquette is on the list although she’s currently on loan in Argentina, and Amanda Allen is likewise included after her loan at Lexington Sporting Club was terminated due to a torn labrum. The biggest intrigue comes from the trio of non-roster invitees: goalkeeper DeAira Jackson, midfielder Aryssa Mahrt, and forward Simone Jackson.

Scouting Costa Rica

The USMNT takes on Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium to wrap up the team’s annual January camp. Like the U.S., Costa Rica is bringing a roster devoid of the majority of its important players. Costa Rica also has a new manager at the helm in Miguel Herrera, who will take charge of the team for the very first time on Wednesday. Herrera typically lines his teams up in a 5-3-2 where the wingbacks take on a very important role and the team looks to hit on the counter while staying compact at the back. This will be the last time we see the USMNT in action until the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in early March.

Women’s Soccer January Transfer Grades

January has been a busy time for transfers in the women’s soccer world, so which teams have done the best business? Well, the Orlando Pride received an A grade for signing Marta to a new two-year deal, retaining a player who helped the team win its first ever trophies. Liverpool got an A for signing Julia Bartel on loan from Chelsea. Leicester City made an interesting call by transferring goalkeeper Lize Kop to Tottenham despite just being a point above the relegation zone. The Foxes get a C for the move, while Spurs get a B+ for adding a capable netminder.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans taking part in some very important games over the course of this week. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus face Club Brugge today in the UEFA Champions League, while Ricardo Pepi, Richy Ledezma, Esmir Bajraktarević, Malik Tillman and PSV Eindhoven take on Crvena Zvezda in the same competition. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will play Girona in the UCL on Wednesday, while Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic take on Young Boys. On Friday, John Tolkin could make his Bundesliga debut when his new team, Holstein Kiel, travels to face Wolfsburg.

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  • Orlando Pride players reported for their preseason physicals on Monday.
  • Meanwhile, Orlando City took on the dreaded beep test during Monday’s training session.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/20/25

Orlando City signs Nicolas Rodriguez, Jack Lynn announces retirement, USMNT defeats Venezuela in friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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January 20, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Over the past week, I’ve been working and covering high school ice hockey. It will be a busy week in Orlando, with the United States Men’s National Team’s match against Costa Rica on Wednesday and Orlando City’s first preseason match against Atletico Mineiro on Saturday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Signs Nicolas Rodriguez

Orlando City announced on Friday that the club has signed forward Nicolas Rodriguez from Fortaleza CEIF in Colombia’s top flight. The deal is through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028, and Rodriguez will occupy a MLS U22 Initiative slot. Rodriguez made 19 appearances for Fortaleza, recording 1,607 minutes, five goals, and three assists during the 2024 Primera A Clausura season. The Lions add a young attacking player the club can develop and Rodriguez can play on the right wing, the right side of a three-man midfield, or in the No. 10 spot.

Jack Lynn Announces Retirement

Orlando City forward Jack Lynn announced his retirement from professional soccer on Saturday. Lynn was drafted by Orlando in the first round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He became a regular starter for Orlando City B, scoring a team-record 38 goals in over three seasons with the MLS NEXT Pro side. Lynn also won the Golden Boot with 19 goals during the 2023 season and became the first OCB player to be named MLS NEXT Pro MVP. He played sparingly with the first team, but he scored twice last season as his role increased. The Lions will likely look to add another striker for more depth up top.

Orlando Pride Acquire Allocation Money in Trade

On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced that the club has acquired $50,000 in Allocation Money from the Washington Spirit. In exchange, the Pride sent the Spirit a 2025 international roster spot. The Pride will face the Spirit in the NWSL Challenge Cup final on March 7 at Inter&Co Stadium.

USMNT Defeats Venezuela in Friendly

The USMNT defeated Venezuela 3-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday in a friendly. Jack McGlynn and Patrick Agyemang scored in the first half to give the USMNT a 2-0 lead just before halftime. Matko Milijevic scored the third goal for the Americans in the second half, with Venezuela pulling one back thanks to a goal from Jorge Yriarte. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has led the USMNT to winning four out of its first five matches since he took charge last September. The USMNT’s next match will be against Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium.

Alyssa Naeher Named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

On Saturday, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was voted 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Naeher won 40% of the vote, while defender Naomi Girma finished in second with 32%. In her final year with the USWNT, Naeher ended 2024 with 18 starts, playing 1,170 minutes and only conceding 11 goals. She played a crucial role with clutch saves to help the USWNT win the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, and gold at the Olympics in Paris. Naeher is the second goalkeeper to win the award since Hope Solo won it in 2009.

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  • Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has reached an agreement with the club on a record-breaking contract that extends his deal through 2034.

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

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