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Lion Links: 12/23/17

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Happy holiday weekend, everyone! I get four days off in a row starting today (if you don’t count the labor of love that is running this site) and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m run down and think I’m getting a cold as I type this intro, so I’m definitely in need of a little rest and relaxation — once I finish with the holiday shopping, that is. Ugh.

Hopefully you’ve seen that we’ve begun our third straight year of picking the top 10 moments of the club (including all three of Orlando City, Orlando Pride, and OCB) from the year that was. Our 2017 version started Thursday and No. 9 will be up later today, with one posted daily from now through New Year’s Eve.

Serva Says Goodbye to Orlando

Former Orlando City defensive midfielder Servando Carrasco handled himself with class on and off the pitch while a Lion, and he grew to love the City Beautiful in his time here. After being selected by the LA Galaxy in Thursday’s Re-Entry Draft Stage 2, Carrasco penned a heartfelt goodbye to fans and staff on his Instagram.

Being part of the first OCSC team to ever walk through that purple tunnel towards The Wall, scoring 2 goals in injury time to salvage a point in front of 62,000 fans at Citrus Bowl, and the moment of silence in the 49th minute to honor the victims of the Pulse shooting – these are just a few of the memories that I’ll always carry with me. To the fans who’ve supported us through both highs and lows as a young club, your loyalty is never taken for granted and you continue to be the heartbeat of this team. To the behind the scenes staff who work their asses off and rarely get any of the credit, the team values you more than you know. Thank you for putting up with our tireless demand for sleeveless practice shirts, last minute ticket requests, and any other ridiculous ask you’ve had to deal with. To the coaches, it’s been a pleasure to play on your teams. You helped me grow as a player and learn more about myself in the process. Lastly, to my teammates. Because of you, I leave Orlando an avid fisherman, lover of Catan and crosswords, a fan of country music, and a better golfer – last one is debatable. The best part about this game is the people you meet along the way. I’m lucky to say that I’ve shared that locker room with some great players but even better people throughout these last 3 years. See ya in the fall.

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We wish Servando the best of luck with the Galaxy (except against Orlando, of course) and we’ll never forget his game-winning goal in front of The Wall against the New York Red Bulls. Seems weird to think it’s just been about a year since the Lions brought him back.

Orlando Pride Players Make Another ‘Best of 2017’ List

The folks over at The Offside Rule have put together their list of the 100 best women players in the world for 2017 and the Orlando Pride are well represented, as you might expect. Marta tops the Pride players at No. 4 behind (in order) midfielder Lieke Martens of FC Barcelona and the Netherlands, Denmark and Wolfsburg striker Pernille Harder, and Aussie striker Sam Kerr of Sky Blue FC — the highest rated NWSL player. Alex Morgan checks in at No. 8 (the third NWSL star on the list), with Steph Catley 57th, Ali Krieger 71st, Alanna Kennedy 85th, and Camila 89th. I have no real quibbles with their list other than Julie Ertz being too low at No. 33.

#SaveTheCrew Presents Video to Austin Residents

I’ve been pretty vocal about my support for the #SaveTheCrew movement. Columbus is one of the founding franchises of Major League Soccer and the league’s history should be preserved. There’s no good reason to move the team that can’t be addressed. To their credit, Crew fans have tried about every way they can to save their team, as they should, and this now includes a pretty emotional video message to the people of Austin, TX.

Hits you right in the feels. Good luck, Crew fans. It seems to me the commissioner and owner have their minds made up already but I do hope you pull it off.

Pulisic to Manchester United?

Look, transfer rumors are just rumors to me until they’re not, but this one made me do a double-take. The Daily Mail says English giants Manchester United have interest in young USMNT star Christian Pulisic. The Reds are in the midst of a good season under Jose Mourinho, albeit in a year when it looks like their cross-town rivals at Manchester City look unbeatable for the top spot — and despite a horrific defensive effort in the league cup earlier this week. A creative attacking player on the wing like Pulisic makes sense for United and he’d be in one of the great pressure cookers in the world, which could bring out his best. Still, rumors are just rumors until proven otherwise.

Two Convicted (So Far) in FIFA Trial

A pair of South American officials have been convicted of racketeering conspiracy in the Brooklyn FIFA trial, while a third awaits further deliberation from the jury. Jose Maria Marin of Brazil and Juan Angel Napout of Paraguay, were convicted, while jurors have yet to reach a decision on the fate of former Peruvian federation president Manuel Burga. The details so far:

The three had been arrested in 2015. Prosecutors accused them of agreeing to take millions of dollars in bribes from businessmen seeking to lock up lucrative media rights or influence hosting rights for the World Cup and other major tournaments controlled by FIFA.

Marin, the former president of Brazil’s soccer federation, and Napout, formerly president of Paraguay’s soccer federation and of the South American soccer governing body CONMEBOL, also were convicted of other charges. Both were acquitted of some lesser counts.

It’s wrong to say cheaters never prosper. They prosper until they get caught and convicted. It will be interested to see what the punishment ends up being.

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That’s it for me this morning. I’ll leave you with a Christmas classic. If you can identify more than five of the artists in this video, I’m afraid I’ve got bad news. You’re old. Like me.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/14/24

MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions

Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.

Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.

Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50

ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.

Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year

The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.

USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

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  • In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.

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

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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.

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  • 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.

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

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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