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Lion Links: 5/2/18

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7 years ago

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We have got a lot of news for you today, so I’ll say a quick hello and hope you’re all gearing up for a great weekend of Cinco De Mayo and Orlando City going for win No. 6 in a row. Also, congrats to my modern GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Real Madrid for making it to their third Champions League final in a row — and fourth in five years — after yesterday’s victory in one of the best matches of the tournament against Bayern Munich.

We’ve got news on the Pride match later today, City focusing on language, transfer rumors, and so much more. So get to reading! Or read slowly and ignore work, really your choice. But let’s not forget to wish Orlando City Assistant Coach Miles Joseph a happy birthday as well!

Is Orlando a Legitimate Eastern Conference Threat?

MLS Soccer gave their take on Orlando City being a contender for their big question of the week:

Bobby Warshaw ends up on the fence knowing it’s early and the mitigating factors to this five-game win streak — the longest of any team this season. Which I think is the right take. City has had an easy run lately against lower teams and — other than the San Jose match — hasn't looked in control in most, but rather coming back in matches to grind out points (not bad to do but you can’t live on that).

The next month will give some clearer answers on where City stands as they face teams like Atlanta United, NYCFC, and Toronto. All the while trying to get Jonathan Spector and Uri Rosell into the mix after both have missed considerable time.

Morgan and Harris Questionable for Today’s Match; Ashlyn Not Suspended

The Orlando Pride travel to Chicago today to face off against the second-place Red Stars tonight at 7:30 p.m. However, they could be without two of their best players as Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris are questionable as of this morning. Morgan has a hyperextended left knee and Harris has a hyperextended left elbow, according to the latest NWSL injury report.

While both are losses, the Pride can hope to replace Morgan much easier with the depth across the front three. Sydney Leroux could be pushed to the central forward role with Rachel Hill most likely starting on the right side.

Harris would be replaced by Haley Kopmeyer who started for the Seattle Reign last season. She is no Aubrey Bledsoe, however, who has been nominated for NWSL Save of the Week every week this season, including winning for the second week in row.

One bit of good news is that Ashlyn, if healthy, will be available for selection. After her incident with Seattle Reign forward Jodie Taylor was reviewed by the league, it has been found that there will be no action taken. It was admittedly a rough challenge and could have gone in either direction. Personally I think the Pride got lucky.

Stay tuned to Twitter to get up to date information on both players.

Orlando City’s Off-the-Field Communication Work a Focus

Go read this article. It is a very good perspective in the area of psychology that is often ignored (by fans/media). Orlando City and its mental coach and Video Analyst Guillermo Sánchez have focused on communication to help build synergy is a vast multicultural element.

“When you have a team of a lot of cultures — I think we have around 12 … if you count coaching staff and staff, we have a lot more than that — it’s important for them to get to know each other so any type of communication can flow better,” said Sánchez, Orlando City’s mental coach and video analyst.

One can hope that all this focus is a contributing factor to the recent wining streak and one that will continue to help the team come together over the course of the season as City has some many new players learning English like Josué Colmán and Lamine Sané.

Ali Krieger Enjoying Her TV Work

If you’re not at the stadium watching, you should have seen Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger spending time with the local TV coverage breaking down some soccer.

“Right now, it’s a bit of a hobby, obviously my first focus is this team and getting in the playoffs and winning this season,” Krieger said. “When I do have time, I really enjoy going in and to hang out and chat and getting my little 10 minutes and still be a part of the game and doing anything for this wonderful club.”

I watched her work with BeIn Sports during USMNT World Cup Qualifying and very much enjoyed her a part of the crew. While it’s a hobby today, strong female voices in the media are always needed and hopefully this turns into a great post-playing career opportunity for her.

Tally Hall Finding a New Purpose in Orlando

Former Orlando City goalkeeper Tally Hall has been seen around the stadium as of late. If you've noticed him, you’d see he’s in a different type of uniform. A great story for a great guy finding his way after professional soccer.

Where Five Yanks Abroad Could be Heading This Summer

FourFourTwo USA recently looked at five hot names in the U.S. National Team pool that could be on the move from their current clubs:

  • Christian Pulisic – Borussia Dortmund BVB
  • Bobby Wood – Hamburg SC
  • Emerson Hyndman – Bournemouth
  • Geoff Cameron – Stoke City
  • Tyler Adams – New York Red Bulls

These names breed interest on both sides of the pond as we may see the likes of Wood and Cameron back home while Adams should be going the opposite direction. Overall I think Wood moving to the Netherlands (think Jozy Altidore’s best European season) or MLS would be the right move. He needs some confidence after a rough year and either location would be great for him.

I think Adams and Pulisic are in different situations than Wood, albeit similar between themselves. These young rising stars need to be on the pitch. I have no issue if Adams stays for another year of seasoning in the MLS where he can get continual time. Although I will say if a team like Schalke could pair him with a U.S. national like Weston McKennie, that would be fun.

Pulisic is the name to watch this summer but he needs the same thing. Moving to a Liverpool where you’re battling the likes of Sadio Mané, Mo Salah, and Roberto Firmino for playing time isn't going to help. More time on the field at his age is the right move and one more year at Dortmund might not be too bad.

Free Kicks:

That was a lot for you! So hopefully we were able to keep you away from work for as long as you needed. Go Pride tonight and City on Sunday. And don’t forget to have a margarita or two on Saturday. 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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25 minutes 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

Free Kicks

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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

By

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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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