Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/1/18
What’s up, Mane Landers? It’s crazy to think that it’s already June, yet here we are. Almost half of 2018 is done and gone. We’ve got a lot to catch you up on as far as Orlando soccer news, so I’ll skip most of the chit-chat so you all can scroll right down to the juicy bits below.
Orlando City Suspends Atlanta United Supporter Groups
For the next three games that Atlanta United will play in Orlando City Stadium, Atlanta’s supporter groups will have their privileges revoked. This decision comes after Orlando City shared video footage of Atlanta supporters throwing debris with Atlanta United and the club did not respond appropriately in Orlando’s eyes. Here is Orlando’s statement on the reasoning behind the ban:
“On May 15, Orlando City SC shared video footage and images with Atlanta United FC of five of its fans throwing objects during the match. Atlanta United failed to respond with the names of the offenders or ask for an extension within the appropriate window of time.”
However, Atlanta disagrees in a statement of its own according to Dirty South Soccer, stating that it did ask for an extension and that Orlando’s decision is premature.
We disagree with the unsubstantiated and premature position that the Orlando City SC organization has taken regarding our visiting fans and have asked for an extension to further investigate alleged supporter involvement. We feel this action is inconsistent with League policy and practice and as such we will be calling for League review.
We continue to assist Orlando City SC with their follow-up on incidents of Atlanta United fan misconduct and believe in accountability for these behaviors, as well as for the misconduct displayed by OCSC fans at the conclusion of the May 13 match.
With a league review looming, this is far from the end of this feud as the search for the truth continues. Regardless of where you stand, let’s make sure we continue to make Orlando City Stadium a safe and welcoming place for all fans, no matter what colors you’re wearing.
RJ Allen Preparing for Rematch Against New York City FC
Orlando City right back RJ Allen will have more than just winning on his mind when the Lions take on New York City FC tomorrow night (7:30 p.m. ET). Allen will return to New York to face off against his former club for the second time this MLS season. In the game earlier this March, Allen played 76 minutes but the Lions ultimately fell to NYCFC, 2-0. Now, the New Jersey native is ready for this weekend’s task of defeating NYCFC and his former teammates.
“This weekend is a big test, an emotional one for me, going back to New York,” Allen told MLSsoccer.com. “To have the opportunity to play against some old friends, which you never want to lose to your brothers or close friends. I have some good relationships on that team, and I’m looking forward to seeing them and battle it out between the lines.”
Mohamed El-Munir Balancing His Passion and His Faith
A practicing Muslim, Orlando City left back Mohamed El-Munir is one of many people in the world who observe Ramadan, a month that has Muslims fast from early in the morning to late each night. However, observing Ramadan while also playing professional soccer in MLS is a careful balancing act for El-Munir as he strengthens both his faith and fitness. This isn’t Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis’ first time managing a Muslim player during Ramadan and he and the rest of the Orlando City coaching staff are openly communicating with the Libyan defender to ensure that he can practice his religion while also staying in form as the MLS season wears on.
Patrick Vieira Praises Kreis Before Match
It’s no secret that NYCFC Head Coach Patrick Vieira and Jason Kreis are far from best friends. However, there is a mutual professional respect between the only two NYCFC managers in the club’s history. Things may have gotten heated between the two coaches last season, but Vieira had kind words for Kreis before the two clubs clash tomorrow night.
“He’s doing a really good job in Orlando and he won the title here and you don’t win it just like that,” Vieira said, referring to the MLS Cup Kreis won with Real Salt Lake in 2009. “He’s, I believe, one of the most experienced and one of the coaches who know better the league and he’s doing a really good job for Orlando.”
Pride Players Win NWSL Weekly Awards
The Orlando Pride are starting to find their groove in the NWSL after a slow start and players are beginning to be recognized more and more. Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris’ knee save against the phenomenal Sam Kerr to deny the Chicago Red Stars an equalizer earned her Save of the Week honors.
Meanwhile, Sydney Leroux won Goal of the Week for her diving header to start the Pride’s second half scoring spree. It was the first of two goals within a few minutes for Leroux and the forward’s first goal as a member of the Pride.
But that’s not all. Orlando Pride fullback Poliana was featured in the NWSL’s “Three Moments” from the week for her last-ditch defending.
A Tale of Two Brazilian Midfielders
It’s the best of times and the worst of times if you’re an Orlando Pride fan. Okay, so maybe it’s not that dramatic, but the latest injury news coming out of training comes with some good and some bad. The good is that Brazilian midfielder Camila is nearing her season debut after a knee injury from last season has kept her sidelined so far in 2018. Head Coach Tom Sermanni even said that Camila could start soon if necessary, but that the club is understandably letting her get to full strength.
The bad news is that five-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta was notably absent from training due to a reported calf strain. Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious and she can still play in the Pride’s road match against the Seattle Reign this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.
Back out at Orlando Pride training. No Marta — she’s had some calf pain and is being evaluated — and a couple of folks are off the to side.
— Jordan Culver (@JordanCulver) May 31, 2018
Free Kicks
- An Orlando business owner is suing Orlando City, claiming that the vibrations from the stadium’s construction efforts damaged his equipment.
- The National Soccer Hall of Fame has announced its 2018 induction class, including MLS commissioner Don Garber and United States Women’s National Team star Cindy Parlow Cone. Check out the full list of inductees and their unique stories on how they became major figures in U.S. soccer.
- Former Orlando City and Orlando City B defender Conor Donovan has a new job after being signed by the Houston Dynamo. Congrats, Conor!
- USWNT phenom Mallory Pugh is out for an undetermined amount of time after a knee injury. We should know the full extent of the Washington Spirit forward in due time.
- Portland Timbers striker Samuel Armenteros has won his second-straight MLS Goal of the Week after his nifty goal featuring one of the best first touches I’ve seen in some time.
- Soccer legend Zinedine Zidane is stepping down as manager of Real Madrid, just five days after the Spanish club won the Champions League. I heard the United States Men’s National team is hiring. Hey, I can dream can’t I?
That’s all I’ve got for you today, Mane Landers. I’ve got a birthday between today and next Friday so I’ll see you guys when I’m older. Have a great Friday everyone! We leave you with news that Alex Morgan appears in a Maroon 5 video.
So excited to be part of @maroon5’s new #GirlsLikeYou music video with so many incredible women! 🙌🏼 Watch the full video here: https://t.co/f1qpvv4SnF pic.twitter.com/CIiKSHBzuz
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) May 31, 2018
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/17/24
MLSPA releases player salaries, Duncan McGuire discusses move to Blackburn, Orlando Pride prepare for the Seattle Reign, and more.
Happy Friday! The weekend is nearly here, with plenty of soccer both here in the domestic leagues and abroad. I have a pretty packed weekend but am looking forward to watching Orlando City and the Orlando Pride in action. It should be a nice next few days, so let’s get it started with today’s links!
MLSPA Releases Player Salaries
The Major League Soccer Players Association unveiled the base salary and guaranteed compensation information for every player under contract with the league as of April 25 — except Wilder Cartagena, apparently. Luis Muriel is the highest-paid Orlando City player, and his $4.3 million in guaranteed compensation is the 12th most in the league, while his base salary is just over $2.83. As for other Orlando newcomers, Nico Lodeiro’s compensation is $800,000 and David Brekalo’s is $683,000.
Lionel Messi predictably tops the list of all players with $20.4 million guaranteed for playing with Inter Miami. To put that number into perspective, it’s more than the compensation of every team in the league except his own team (Miami), Toronto FC, Nashville SC, and the Chicago Fire. Orlando City is 22nd in the league in compensation, clocking in at $15.07 million.
Duncan McGuire Weighs In on Moving to Blackburn
Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire had a hurricane of an off-season due to a transfer saga that nearly saw him join Blackburn Rovers in England. An administration error by Blackburn prevented the move from going through, and McGuire ultimately returned to Orlando. In the time since, there have been reports that Orlando offered him a new contract and that Blackburn still wants him to join in the summer. McGuire spoke about whether he is still interested in a move to Blackburn after the difficult experience.
“It’s tough to say,” McGuire told GOAL.”That was a pretty bad mistake, a pretty bad mistake by them. I’d be open to maybe having a conversation but it would have to be a lot to get me to go back there. On the plane ride back, I just felt like my tail was between my legs. I asked my agent how often this happens and he was like ‘This doesn’t happen’.
“I didn’t burn bridges with my teammates or have it be like ‘Oh you wanted to leave and now you’re back’. When I got back, it was like I never left.”
Orlando Pride Prepare for the Seattle Reign
The Orlando Pride will take their six-game win streak on the road for a match against the Seattle Reign Sunday night. The Reign are coming off of a 4-0 loss to the Portland Thorns in their sixth defeat of the season, but Pride Head Coach Seb Hines discussed how the Reign played better in that match than the score suggests. The Pride have also never won in Washington, and the turf and atmosphere of Lumen Field could give Orlando some trouble after a long trip. Injuries, particularly to the midfield, have made things difficult for the Pride, but midfielder Morgan Gautrat detailed how the team’s chemistry has helped them get results despite the adversity.
Nashville SC Fires Gary Smith
Nashville SC has parted ways with Gary Smith, who had been the club’s only head coach while in MLS. Smith joined Nashville back in 2018, coaching the team for two seasons in the USL Championship before. With a defensive style, Smith led the team to MLS playoff appearances in all four years but couldn’t put together a deep run. Nashville is currently 10th in the Eastern Conference and Rumba Munthali will serve as the club’s interim head coach while the club searches for a new permanent coach.
Charlotte FC Transfers Enzo Copetti Out
Another Designated Player is leaving Charlotte FC, as the club transferred Enzo Copetti to Rosario Central in Argentina’s top flight. The forward recorded eight goals and three assists across all competitions while with Charlotte, and has played less than 500 minutes this season. Copetti is the latest Designated Player transferred out since Dean Smith took over as Charlotte’s head coach, with Kamil Jozwiak sent to Granada and Karol Swiderski loaned to Hellas Verona. Despite the turnover, Charlotte sits fifth in the Eastern Conference and could make some noise this season if it brings in the right players in the summer transfer window.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Miguel Gallardo spoke with the folks over at The Blazing Musket about the New England Revolution and the art of goalkeeping.
- Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Derek Sanderson, who played for many teams across many leagues back in the 1980s, including the American Soccer League’s Orlando Lions.
- Hugo Lloris, Walker Zimmerman, and Sebastian Driussi were a few of the notable names on the MLS Team of the Matchday for Wednesday’s matches. No Orlando City or Inter Miami players made the cut after a scoreless draw in the City Beautiful.
- Detroit City FC acquired land to build a soccer-specific stadium, with plans for it to open by the club’s 2027 season.
- Josh Sargent and Norwich City’s bid for promotion came to an end after a 4-0 loss to Leeds United.
- It didn’t take long for American midfielder Johnny Cardoso to settle in with Real Betis, and it will be interesting to see where he fits in the United States Men’s National Team’s plans this summer.
- CONMEBOL confirmed that rosters for the upcoming Copa America have been increased from 23 players to 26.
- Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson will miss out on the final game of the Premier League season this Sunday and the FA Cup final on May 25 due to an eye injury.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/16/24
Orlando City draws with Inter Miami, Orlando City B loses in Ohio, Austin awarded 2025 MLS All-Star Game, and more.
I hope you’re all having a nice and easy start to your Thursday morning. Orlando City’s match Wednesday night could’ve gone worse, but could’ve gone better as well. As far as rivalry games go, it probably won’t be all too memorable, but I still hope you enjoyed yourself if you went to the game. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Draws Inter Miami at Home
The Lions hosted rival Inter Miami and had to settle for a scoreless draw that featured solid chances for both sides. Orlando remains shorthanded defensively, but Pedro Gallese and the back line of Rodrigo Schlegel, Wilder Cartagena, and David Brekalo did well to get a clean sheet against a Miami side that leads the league in goals by a wide margin. Familiar attacking struggles plagued the Lions though with many chances going unfinished. The Lions will now turn their attention to a trip across the country for a match with the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
Orlando City B Falls On the Road
After earning its first home win last week, Orlando City B was handed its first road defeat of the season in a 4-3 loss against Columbus Crew 2. OCB was without Yutaro Tsukada, who made his debut with the first team, but the team still did well generating chances on offense. The Young Lions took the lead on two different occasions in the match, but they ultimately couldn’t hold on for a result in a rollercoaster of a match. There’s plenty of time for Head Coach Manuel Goldberg to get his team ready for its next match, which is set to take place at Osceola County Stadium on May 26 against Huntsville City FC.
Orlando City Fined After Match in Philadelphia
Following Orlando City’s win over the Philadelphia Union, the club and Head Coach Oscar Pareja have been issued fines by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for the team violating the mass confrontation policy for the second time this season. The violation took place in the 86th minute at Philadelphia, when the Union were awarded their second penalty of the game. Gallese, Nicolas Lodeiro, Ivan Angulo, and Duncan McGuire were issued fines for their role in things as well.
Luis Muriel was also fined an undisclosed amount for embellishment during an incident with Damion Lowe in the 81st minute of the match. You can judge for yourself if the MLS Disciplinary Committee got it right, but what’s not up for debate is that the Lions got the job done on the road and survived an obscene amount of stoppage time.
Austin Will Host 2025 MLS All-Star Game
MLS announced that next year’s MLS All-Star Game will take place at Q2 Stadium in Austin. It will be the first time the event is held there and the first time Texas has hosted it since Houston had it back in 2010. The official date, along with what team the MLS All-Stars will play against, will be announced at a later time. Austin FC entered the league in 2021 and every game played at Q2 Stadium has sold out. There is a strong soccer community there, and I’m glad it will get a chance to show the league what it is all about. I also really like the graphic promoting the event and feel it captures Austin fairly well.
Free Kicks
- It’s been proposed that the first Women’s Club World Cup be held during January and February of 2026. Not many other details are known at this time, but I’m pretty excited regardless, especially with how the Orlando Pride have been playing.
- Juventus beat Atalanta 1-0 to lift the Italian Cup with Dusan Vlahovic scoring the game’s only goal. American midfielder Weston McKennie played every minute of the match, while Timothy Weah came off the bench late.
- American defender Cameron Carter-Vickers also helped his club secure some silverware with Celtic beating Kilmarnock 5-0 to clinch the Scottish Premiership title.
- Former New York City FC head coach Dome Torrent was appointed as the new head coach of San Luis in Liga MX. Orlando City is set to host San Luis on Aug. 4 as part of the Leagues Cup group stage.
- Everett Palache was named as the head coach of the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team and he will prepare the team for the 2024 Deaf Pan American Games in Brazil this November.
- A hat trick by Antoine Griezmann gave Atletico Madrid a 3-0 win over Getafe and a spot in next year’s Champions League.
- Pep Lijnders, who has been an assistant coach with Liverpool since 2018, will be RB Salzburg’s manager after signing a three-year contract with the Austrian club.
- We end our links with a special guest at the match between the Union and NYCFC, as a raccoon was the latest visitor to run rampant at Subaru Park.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/15/24
Tropic Thunder is tonight, OCB plays away today, Americans playing abroad, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday Mane Landers. The next installment of the Tropic Thunder rivalry between the good guys (Orlando City) and the bad guys (Inter Miami) is tonight. I hope you can make it out to the match since there will probably be a bunch of Lionel Messi fans there and more purple in the stands is needed. To get ready for the match, you can listen to the latest edition of The Mane Land PawedCast, and check out our match preview later today . For now, let’s get to the links.
Lions Host Tropic Thunder Tonight
I don’t know why others insist on calling matches between Orlando City and Inter Miami the “Florida Derby.” Our name for the match — Tropic Thunder — is just so much better. Regardless, the Lions host the Herons tonight at Inter&Co Stadium looking to avenge the 5-0 loss from earlier in the season. The spotlight might be on Miami, but the pressure is on Orlando City. The Lions surprised me with their win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. Let’s hope the club can keep the momentum going.
Miami May Be Without Messi Today
While I never want anyone to get seriously injured, I’m not sorry to hear that there is a chance Messi will be unavailable for tonight’s match. It seems that Miami’s magician picked up a minor knee injury in the match against CF Montreal on Saturday. Say what you want, but he is a competitor and could still take the field tonight. Hopefully, he remembers the welcome Cesar Araujo and Wilder Cartagena gave him when he joined the league and decides it’s not worth aggravating the knee.
OCB Back in Action On the Road
The senior squad isn’t the only team playing today as Orlando City B is in Ohio to take on Columbus Crew II at Lower.com Field. You’ll need to take a long lunch to watch this one because kickoff is set for noon. There will be plenty to watch since the two clubs are only separated by one point in the standings, with OCB sitting in sixth place (3-2-3, 13 points) and Crew II in eighth place (3-3-2, 12 points).
Keeping Up With Americans Abroad
Most of us know that Christian Pulisic had a great season with AC Milan after moving to the Serie A club from Chelsea. What I did not know is that Pulisic is the first AC Milan midfielder to score more than 10 goals in a season since former Orlando City star Kaká did it when he was there.
Things are not as bright for Giovanni Reyna at Nottingham Forest. He hasn’t played a ton of minutes for the Premier League side and hasn’t done much when he has played. It was a loan without a purchase option, but Forest is reportedly not interested in making an offer for him regardless.
Free Kicks
- Let’s all give a big congratulations to Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira. He was accepted into the third edition of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management.
- We believe once a Lion, always a Lion, but I didn’t know MLS thought the same thing. Richie Laryea getting the biggest suspension is on brand for anyone related to Orlando City.
- MLSsoccer.com decided that the Lions should be 22nd in its latest power rankings after a road win against the Philadelphia Union. Power rankings are dumb.
- Olivier Giroud has officially signed with LAFC, where he will join former France teammate Hugo Lloris. Perhaps some current Orlando City players could convince their international teammates to come to the City Beautiful. I’m just saying, Facundo Torres plays with Darwin Núñez.
- Wrexham AFC’s men’s and women’s squads are coming to America for the “Wrex Coast Tour” this summer. It’s the women’s team’s first trip to the U.S. Of course, if you want to see either of the teams, you will need to travel to the West Coast to do so.
That will do it for today. Let’s hope that the Lions can get a second win in a row. Vamos Orlando!
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