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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

Lion Links: 4/3/25

Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

Published

23 hours ago

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April 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!

Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials

Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.

Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty

Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.

Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.

USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season

American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
  • San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
  • New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
  • El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
  • Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

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That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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