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Lion Links: 7/3/18

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Good morning, Mane Landers. It was a rough weekend for both Orlando teams as the Pride and Lions each dropped their games. However, there are plenty of other things to distract us from the weekend’s results, so let’s get into those links.

James O’Connor Meets the Media

After taking part in his first training session as the new head coach of Orlando City, James O’Connor met with the media at Orlando City Stadium yesterday. The 38-year-old didn’t shy away from questions about the pressure of taking over a club that’s expected to win this season amidst an eight-game losing streak.

“I think you have to embrace every challenge. I think anyone who knows me knows that I’m very hungry. I’m determined to get success,” he said. “The biggest thing for me is sitting down with the players, trying to establish a relationship, with the players. But when I look at the quality of the players that are here, I’m generally really excited.”

O’Connor will face his first challenge on Saturday when the Lions visit LAFC.

Update on Plans for OCB

General Manager Niki Budalic provided a brief update on the future of Orlando City B in an interview with ProSoccerUSA. Budalic stated that the club is in the “final phases” of bringing back OCB as a USL Division III club for the 2019 season. Budalic also stated his belief that people involved with the club recognize the importance of having a place for young players to develop. The success that New York Red Bulls, in particular, have had with their academy system caused concern among many fans when it was announced that OCB would not be playing this season. Look for more news to be announced as the season progresses.

Harris Up for SOTW

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris has been nominated for the NWSL Save of the Week. Harris’ nomination comes for a 19th-minute stop on a Crystal Dunn shot to keep the game against North Carolina Courage level at 0-0. Unfortunately, the Pride would go on to lose that game, 3-0, but at the time the save was quite an important one. Don’t forget that the Pride are back in action when they face the Washington Spirit this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Orlando City Stadium.

Orlando City Players Return to Training

Good news for Orlando City fans as Yoshimar Yotún has returned from World Cup duty with Peru. Additionally, Justin Meram is back in training after being given three days off by the club for family reasons. Yotún’s return should be especially pleasing to Orlando City fans. The midfielder has been one of the Lions’ best performers since he was signed during last year’s summer window. While Meram hasn’t quite hit the heights that he did with the Columbus Crew, he still has a goal and three assists in league play as well as a goal in the U.S. Open Cup. Additionally, Cristian Higuita trained off to the side as he continues to recover from an adductor injury.

Thai Youth Soccer Team Found

Ecstatic scenes in Thailand yesterday as 12 youth soccer players and their coach were finally located alive in an underground cave. The boys and their coach were found on the ninth day of a search operation by two divers from the United Kingdom. The challenge now facing rescuers is providing food and medical assistance to the group ahead of trying to figure out how to move them with rising waters and muddy conditions making things difficult. Regardless, an important first step has been taken towards the team’s rescue, news that will surely warm the hearts of soccer fans across the world.

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  • Get a day chock full of soccer this Saturday at Orlando City Stadium:

  • Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed his retirement from the Italian national team.
  • Things went from bad to worse for Japan yesterday. Not only was Rabio the psychic octopus chopped up and turned into food after correctly predicting all the results of Japan’s group stage games, but the Samurai Blue then proceeded to blow a two-goal lead over Belgium in their round of 16 game, crashing out of the World Cup. Better luck next time guys.

That’ll do it for me today. As I said earlier, the Pride play Saturday at home, while Orlando City visit LAFC just a few hours earlier at 4:30 pm ET. Vamos Orlando.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/1/24

Orlando City plays Charlotte FC tonight, Orlando Pride get ready for the Seattle Reign, NWSL playoff scenarios, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to November, Mane Landers! It’s kind of crazy that there are only two months left of 2024, and I’m not looking forward to the holiday shopping frenzy. I checked on how my resolutions are doing for this year and am going to have to pick up the pace if I want to reach my reading goals. Let’s get this November started with today’s links!

Lions Takes On Charlotte FC Tonight

Orlando City has a chance to book its spot in the next round of the playoffs tonight when it faces off against Charlotte FC at 7:30 p.m. This will be Charlotte’s first playoff game at home since joining the league and it will likely be a loud environment for the Lions to deal with. Charlotte is without Designated Player Pep Biel due to his red card, but midfielders Kerwin Vargas and Patrick Agyemang are more than capable of making an impact. The Lions will have to remain at the top of their game to avoid the series being sent back to Orlando for Game 3 on Nov. 9.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Regular Season Finale

The Orlando Pride will aim to get back on track Saturday night when they take on the Seattle Reign at home in their final game of the regular season. After a pair of losses, a match against the Reign presents a good chance for the team to return to its winning ways after securing its first NWSL Shield. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the international break gives the team a decent chance to reset, as well as how playing at home should give the team a boost.

NWSL Playoff Race Nears Its End

While the Pride secured the top spot in the standings weeks ago, a majority of the league has plenty on the line this weekend. There are three teams in contention for the final two playoff spots, and there’s a three-team race for the second seed in the playoffs. The Portland Thorns can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a result tonight against Angel City FC, while Bay FC can clinch with a result tomorrow night against the Houston Dash. If either team loses, it opens the door for Racing Louisville to snatch a spot in the playoffs on Sunday against the San Diego Wave. After last year’s drama that included the Pride narrowly missing out on the playoffs, I’m glad things are already locked up for Orlando this year.

USWNT’s New Era Off to Strong Start

One of the biggest takeaways from the United States Women’s National Team’s trio of victories in the recent international window was how many new players took the field and impressed. Head Coach Emma Hayes utilized plenty of rotation across the three matches, and Pride defender Emily Sams was one of seven players who made their debut. Sams received a rating of 7 coming off the bench in the team’s win over Argentina, a match that showcased just how deep the U.S. player pool is. It’s been a fantastic past few months for Hayes, who leaned on innovation and experimentation with Chelsea and has the U.S. rebuilding while still staying on top.

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  • Forward Diana Ordonez won’t play in the Dash’s final game of the season after undergoing successful surgery earlier this week.

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

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Lion Links: 10/31/24

Orlando City focused on Game 2, USWNT beats Argentina, U.S. loses in U-17 World Cup, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Halloween! I don’t have any plans for the holiday beyond annoying my cat by dressing him up like a wizard for some photos. Scary movies aren’t exactly my thing either, but I hope you all have a fun time celebrating regardless. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira!

Lions Stay Focused Ahead of Playoff Match

Orlando City will aim to close out its playoff series with Charlotte FC on Friday when the two sides square off in North Carolina. The Lions may be riding high after a solid 2-0 win at home to start its playoff campaign, but Head Coach Oscar Pareja has the team focused on finishing the job to advance to the next round. Pareja spoke about how Orlando’s ability to react and solve problems is a strength and helped the Lions win the first game of the series.

As for Charlotte, MLSsoccer.com‘s Joseph Lowery has it as one of the more likely clubs to turn things around and force a Game 3. Charlotte will have to keep Facundo Torres and Martin Ojeda from running rampant if it wants that to happen. Orlando also won’t have to deal with Charlotte midfielder Pep Biel in Friday’s match, as the appeal for the Designated Player’s red card was rejected.

USWNT Shuts Out Argentina

The United States Women’s National Team closed out the international window with a 3-0 win over Argentina in Louisville. Naomi Girma got the scoring started in the 37th minute, nodding in an easy goal after some poor defending from Argentina for her first international goal. An own goal doubled the USWNT’s lead right before halftime, and then Girma secured her brace with another header in the second half. Goalkeeper Mandy Haught made her USWNT debut, making one save in the shutout. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams did not start this time around, with Head Coach Emma Hayes choosing Eva Gaetino to start alongside Girma in the center of the U.S. defense. However, Sams did enter the game in the second half, coming on in the 70th minute. The USWNT will play its final games of the year when it travels to take on England on Nov. 30 and the Netherlands on Dec. 3 in a pair of tough friendlies.

U.S. Falls in U-17 World Cup Semifinal

The U-17 USWNT lost 1-0 to North Korea in the U-17 World Cup semifinals. After a scoreless first half, Ro Un-hyang scored a great goal to give North Korea the win. The U.S. struggled to get much going on offense and didn’t get a single shot on target in the match. There’s still a chance the U.S. can leave the Dominican Republic with silverware, as it will play for third place against either England or Spain on Sunday.

UEFA Invests in Women’s Soccer

In an effort to grow women’s soccer in Europe, UEFA has pledged $1.08 billion towards all levels of the sport over the next six years. Part of the organization’s goals is to double the number of fully professional national leagues and increase the number of professional players. The plan also includes developing more ways for girls and women to play, coach, and referee, starting at the grassroots level. Although this is a hefty amount of money devoted towards women’s soccer, there’s still plenty of work to do in regards to ensuring women can make a living from soccer.

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  • The City Beautiful is looking good in celebration of both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride being in the postseason this year.
  • MLS Save of the Year went to FC Dallas’s Maarten Paes for his double save to deny Gabriel Pec from the penalty spot. I still prefer Pedro Gallese’s acrobatic double save that was nominated, but this was still nice work from Paes.
  • FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano won MLS Goal of the Year for his strike from 79.81 yards out to beat CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois on Aug. 31.
  • Weston McKennie scored his first goal of the Serie A season by getting his head on the end of a nice cross from fellow American Tim Weah, who later scored the equalizer in Juventus’ 2-2 draw with Parma.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a happy Halloween and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 10/30/24

Orlando City prepares for Charlotte (again), the Pride ready for playoffs, Ballon d’Or issues, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I hope you have your costume ready for tomorrow, and the candy ready for the kiddos. In addition to Halloween, it’s a big week for the club as Orlando City prepares for playoff match number two, and the Pride finish the regular season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Ready for Charlotte, Part Deux

Orlando City is heading into the second match against Charlotte FC riding the good vibes of a 2-0 victory in the first match. Facundo Torres and company executed Oscar Pareja’s game plan to perfection and will look to do so again this Friday. The second match will pose a bigger challenge as this will be the North Carolina-based club’s first-ever home playoff match. The crowd will be big and loud in this must-win match for the home team.

Pride Await Playoff Opponent

We’ve known for weeks that the Orlando Pride will be the number one seed in the NWSL playoffs. What we don’t know is which team the Pride will be playing. If the standings remain the same after this weekend, it will be Bay FC. The other two possibilities are the Portland Thorns or the Chicago Red Stars.

Orlando’s Gone But Not Forgotten

There have been many professionals who have played for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride over the years. While they may no longer wear purple, we still like to keep track of their comings and goings. For example, former Orlando Pride forward Sydney Leroux has signed a new three-year contract that will see her end her career at Angel City FC. Likewise, former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod, has signed with Canadian Northern Super League side Halifax Tides FC.

In not-so-great news, former Orlando City striker Daryl Dike, has to endure yet another setback on his way back from injury for West Bromwich Albion. Dike suffered a mild hamstring issue in training with the first team. We wish him a speedy and full recovery.

The Ballon d’Or Problem

The Orlando Pride’s Marta was seemingly quite upset with Vinícius Júnior not getting the Ballon d’Or this year. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but given Marta’s accomplishments, her opinion carries more weight than many others.

Of course that isn’t the only criticism being leveled at the award. The women’s side of the award has been treated with disdain and marginalized consistently over the years. This year was no exception. Given that the award ceremony took place during the women’s international break. Many nominees and winners for the various awards, including USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes, were unable to attend. Given how fast the women’s game is growing, it’s time for those giving out the accolades to treat the women equally.

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That will do it for today. I hope everyone has fun and stays safe tomorrow for Halloween. Also, remember to check back as we get you ready for the upcoming Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches. Vamos Orlando!

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