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Lion Links: 4/29/18

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8 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: 9/11/26

Antoine Griezmann makes Team of the Matchday, reliving the Pride’s win over Houston, academy players head to U.S. training camp, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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September 11, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann watching his shot go in the net against FC Dallas in a friendly.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Today is the first of three straight days of games featuring Orlando soccer and hopefully the teams can replicate their impressive results last weekend as they push for the playoffs. Apart from working and enjoying the soccer, I plan on making some pasta by hand, so wish me luck in that endeavor. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Antoine Griezmann Makes Team of the Matchday

Orlando City star Antoine Griezmann was the only Lion to make the MLS Team of the Matchday following Orlando’s 3-2 win over Atlanta United. He scored twice and came up with a crucial goal-line clearance to lead the Lions to victory on the road. Griezmann has now scored in four straight games and already has seven goals so far this season despite only playing nine games. Hopefully he can keep finding the back of the net when Orlando hosts a Toronto FC side that has only lost once since the World Cup break.

Reliving the Pride’s Victory Over Houston

The Orlando Pride released a video of the sights and sounds from the team’s 3-1 win against the Houston Dash. It was interim head coach Yolanda Thomas’ first game at the helm and the team was able to get a win after an emotional week. From the different angles of Orlando’s goals to Thomas’ speech to the team following the win, it’s a great watch. The Pride will aim to make it another three points tonight when they play on the road against the Kansas City Current tonight.

Orlando City Academy Players Head to Camp

There are four Orlando City academy players heading to Georgia for the U.S. U-15 and U-16 boys national teams’ training camps at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center. Goalkeeper Luan Silva and defender Zorian Civil were called up for the U-16 team, while goalkeeper Mario Martinez Reyes and forward Molina Baladi will be joining the U-15 team. Hopefully they’ll all be able to impress at camp as they continue to develop for both club and country.

Uncertainty Looms Over Racing Louisville’s Future

Racing Louisville ranks near the bottom of the NWSL in both attendance and spending and there are questions circling the club regarding its investment and future in the league. Along with this, forward Emma Sears reportedly requested a trade from the club this summer and 2025 NWSL Coach of the Year Bev Yanez’s contract is set to end after this season. A sale may very well be in the club’s future, with relocation possibly on the table as well. Louisville made the playoffs for the first time last year, but the club has lost 14 games so far this season and is 13th in the league standings.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando Pride moved up a spot to 11th in the CBS Sports NWSL power rankings after beating the Houston Dash.
  • American right back Sergino Dest scored the equalizer in PSV Eindhoven’s 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links: 9/10/26

Orlando City beats Atlanta United, Orlando’s soccer history, U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team draws against Japan, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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September 10, 2026

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Image of Inter&Co Stadium at night.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m feeling pretty good after Orlando City’s win on Wednesday and am hoping the good times keep rolling through this weekend’s games. After a rough August, September has thankfully been kind to Orlando’s soccer teams. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Beats Atlanta United On the Road

The Lions are coming back to Orlando with all three points after winning 3-2 against rival Atlanta United. It looked like it would be a rough night for Orlando after an early own goal, but Antoine Griezmann continues to excel in purple (or gold, as was the case on Wednesday night). Atlanta made it close in the end because of a second own goal, but Orlando ultimately secured the win to climb further up the MLS standings. The Lions will be back in action on Saturday with a home game against Toronto FC before traveling to play the Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday.

Orlando’s History as a Soccer City

The United States Men’s National Team will play at Inter.co Stadium later this month in its first match since the World Cup. The soccer-specific stadium has been no stranger to hosting the U.S national teams since opening in 2017 and has also hosted Concacaf Gold Cup and FIFA Club World Cup games, along with the NWSL Championship and NCAA Women’s College Cup final. The City Beautiful has been a place for soccer for decades, hosting World Cup and Olympic soccer while also having club teams at various levels over the years. Orlando City lifting the U.S. Open Cup trophy in 2022 and the Orlando Pride winning the double in 2024 have helped solidify the city’s reputation as a soccer city as well.

U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team Held to Draw

The United States U-20 Women’s National Team drew 2-2 against Japan in its second game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The U.S. struck first thanks to a goal from Ainsley McCammon in the first half, but Japan equalized in the 74th minute. Alex Buck restored the U.S. lead a minute later, but Japan knotted things up again and the Yanks could not find a winner despite some late chances. It’s a tough result for the U.S., which lost its first group game against Italy. It can still qualify for the knockout round, but would need some help from other results even if it wins against New Zealand on Saturday.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The UEFA Champions League’s league phase is underway this week and there still has yet to be a draw so far. VfB Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic was the standout performer from Wednesday’s slate of games, scoring a hat trick within a 12-minute stretch in a 3-1 win against Viking FK. Elsewhere across Europe, Arsenal edged past Napoli in a 1-0 win in Italy, Barcelona got its campaign started with a big 5-1 win against Feyenoord, and Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda remains an NWSL MVP candidate, although Ashley Sanchez is starting to run away with it with 18 goals so far this season.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/9/26

Orlando City plays Atlanta, Griezmann gets fined, Banda a Ballon d’Or contender, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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September 9, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann taking a set piece against Monterrey in Leagues Cup action.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s also match day for Orlando City. The fixture congestion is back for the next couple of weeks which means plenty of opportunity to watch the Lions in action. I’m looking forward to seeing Martin Ojeda fully integrate back into the offense with Antione Griezmann. We will have more match prep later today, but for now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads to Atlanta

Orlando City is headed north to take on Atlanta United tonight. Both teams have been playing better of late, but this is still an opportunity for the Lions to get all three points from a rival on the road. Atlanta has struggled to score goals this season, and Orlando City’s offensive weapons are many, and the team is rising up the MLS power rankings, thanks to the win over San Diego FC. It’s a double match week, so it will be interesting to see how Atlanta rotates players based on availability.

Grizi Gets Fined

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann an undisclosed amount for violating the League’s policy regarding throwing/kicking an object toward fans in the match against San Diego FC. Here is the “incident” in case you missed it during the match.

If the fine was more than a dollar, it was too much. That’s not true, a dollar is also too much.

Pride in the News

The Orlando Pride made history in the 3-1 win over the Houston Dash. The victory made Yolanda Thomas the first Black woman in a head coach’s role in NWSL history, and only the fourth female coach to win their first-ever NWSL match in charge. It also comes as no surprise that Barbra Banda is a nominee for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Pochettino’s Big Plans

Mauricio Pochettino wants to make the USMNT one of the “most powerful” international teams in the world. That is a pretty ambitious goal, though I like the high aspirations. Pochettino is now in charge of the procedural and developmental sides of the game. He will have some time to experiment before the next World Cup, including utilizing more MLS homegrowns.

Free Kicks

  • Marco Pasalic has been called up to the Croatian National Team for the UEFA Nations League matches later this month and in the first part of October. Croatia will be playing Czechia, England, and Spain.
  • Ivan Angulo will be sporting a new look at the match tonight. Hopefully it helps him score goals on his breakaway opportunities.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for live match updates and we will also have a recap of the match tonight and more coverage tomorrow. Vamos Orlando!

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