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Lion Links: 4/29/18

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7 years ago

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Happy match day, Mane Landers! I trust you’ve all had an excellent weekend so far. Between a charity race event, fishing, writing, and the Pride taking home a point last night, my weekend has been quite pleasant. Another positive result today from the boys in purple would most certainly cap off the final weekend of the month of April.

The Lions take on the Rapids in a few hours (depending on when you’re reading this) and if you’re anything like me, you’re counting down the minutes until kickoff. Hopefully the boys can add to their current streak and keep that beautiful April momentum rolling.

While we wait in eager anticipation, I’m here to provide you some Lion Link relief. That said, enjoy your Sunday serving:

Marta’s Curler the Difference in Draw with Reign

The #Legend herself was the difference for the Pride on the evening, as they came back from a one-goal deficit against the Seattle Reign to tie the match and earn a point in a 1-1 draw. This one was truly a battle as the women in purple found themselves in a physical bout that saw 10 fouls in the first half alone. As always, Marta shone brightly, as her equalizer was not only the difference between a loss and a draw, but also the feature highlight of the match. Her curler into the upper right corner was absolutely top drawer, and only serves to further highlight her importance to the squad. Marta, and her attacking counterpart Alex Morgan, have been involved in 29 of the Pride’s last 40 goals. Now that’s what you call influential play from the Pride’s brightest stars.

Also, appreciate the #Legend:

The Search for a USMNT General Manager Narrows

The USMNT needs a new head coach…but first, U.S. Soccer decided it needs a body in the newly-created position of general manager. An experienced search committee comprised of Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director (and former USMNT captain) Carlos Bocanegra, U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn, board member Angela Hucles, and many others will be tasked with selecting the lucky candidate. The first task for the newly appointed GM? Hire a head coach to guide the men’s side out of temporary international irrelevance by changing the culture surrounding the program. Surely no easy task.

“We’re using this now as an opportunity,” he said. “We didn’t want to get to this stage where we missed the World Cup, because everyone would love to be there. But we have to use this now as an opportunity to really self-reflect. What are we doing that’s not working very well? What are we doing that’s going okay but we can improve? And then how are we going to get there? Because now we need to make some changes. We need to really dig in deep and evaluate: Where are we? Let’s have a hard look at ourselves.”

Bocanegra made it a point to emphasize the importance of the younger players in the system that have superstar potential, but stressed that the right GM and head coach would need to be appointed to truly develop these budding athletes. It’s not necessarily a crossroads for the program, but an experienced and qualified appointee would be massive in the country’s fight to claim legitimate victories on a global scale.

MLS vs. Liga MX: The Gap is Closing

The gulf in glass between Mexico’s Liga MX and MLS has been quite vast throughout the past few decades, but it appears that MLS clubs are finally starting to catch up to their Mexican counterparts. Toronto FC, despite falling to Liga MX’s Chivas in the Concacaf Champion’s League final, has been a highlight and fixture in the later stages of the tournament for years now and seems poised to capture the crown at some point in the future. Toronto impressed during this year’s tournament as the Reds beat Mexican champions Tigres and also downed América, one of the most famous clubs in North America. It wasn’t just the Canadian-based side that did well either, as the New York Red Bulls also managed to seize victories on Mexican soil. Why are MLS clubs all of a sudden in the mix? More transfer capital, dedicated front offices, increased talent levels, and the league’s desire to reach parity with our Mexican brethren.

Teams Are Doing What with Targeted Allocation Money (TAM)?

No, seriously, what is TAM? In a nutshell, it’s use-it-or-lose-it money that’s distributed to MLS clubs for use in the transfer market. The difference now, born from the league’s changes last December, is that TAM is broken into two categories; discretionary and non-discretionary. Because discretionary TAM expires after two transfer windows, MLS clubs are forced to spend what they can and then lose the remaining funds during the next playing season. Non-discretionary funds, on the other hand, expire after four transfer windows. This allows teams to spend their discretionary TAM (roughly $2.8 million) and save their non-discretionary funds (around $1.2 million) for the following years, a tactic that many clubs are utilizing today in order to enable bigger transfers down the road. The drawback of spending discretionary TAM? Teams aren’t permitted to receive anything in trades from other sides outside of cap relief for players brought in on that bill. I know, it’s a bit confusing, but Sam Stejskal over at mlssoccer.com wrote a little piece that might help clear things up for you.

Free Kicks

  • The young Lions continue to impress as they took on the renowned IMG Academy this weekend. The U-15s won (3-0), the U-16/17s won (5-0), and the U-18/19s won (6-1). Not too shabby, boys!

  • Former Lion Amobi Okugo is betting on himself as he attempts to land his next professional contract in Europe, going on trial with SC Preußen Münster in Germany’s third tier.
  • A personal favorite of mine growing up, Liverpool legend Stevie G (Steven Gerrard) is headed to Rangers to become manager. He’ll be taking Gary McAllister with him as his assistant coach.
  • Our neighbors to the north have released the official logo of the newly created Canadian Premier League.

  • Into soccer simulation games? Check out my sim of choice, Hattrick! It’s a beautifully crafted, top-to-bottom management game where you control every aspect of your club: the players, transfers, matches, tactics, fans, finances, stadium, youth setup, etc. (the list truly goes on and on). You can check it out by clicking here. Reach out if you’re interested and need a bit of guidance in starting your new club!
  • And last but not least, props to Aston Villa F.C. and Orlando City UK for showin’ the purple love during their match yesterday at Aston Villa Park. It wasn’t for us? Who cares? Still purple.

That’s all I’ve got for you today, folks. Enjoy the Lions’ match in Colorado, and then have an excellent week.

Also Mane Landers, just remember, you may be cool, but you’ll never be sophisticated-black-glasses-Tom-Sermanni-sauntering-into-Orlando-City-Stadium cool. #TheHeightOfChic

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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

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December 20, 2024

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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.

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  • 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!

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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

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December 19, 2024

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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.

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  • 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!

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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

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December 18, 2024

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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!

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