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Lion Links: 7/8/18

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7 years ago

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Howdy, Mane Landers, and happy Sunday. I hope the weekend has been treating you well. I’ve been on vacation (from my real job) since July 3 and it’s been refreshing to…let me cut the bullshit, it’s been awesome. I truly love my job and the people that I work with, but it’s always nice to take a few days off and relax a bit (when I say relax, I really mean sleep in. play soccer, and go to Orangetheory Fitness classes — which are excellent, but I digress).

I’m actually looking forward to heading back into the office on Tuesday: a place where there are true football fans aplenty…and all of our brackets fell apart early. I’m not sure where I stand at the moment compared to my opponents, but I have my $5 at the ready because a Brazil-Spain final sure ain’t happenin’ this go round.

Any who, here’s your Sunday helping of Lion Links. Enjoy!

Orlando City Travels to Los Angeles in James C’Connor’s Debut

It was a late one for supporters here in Orlando and on the East Coast as the Lions traveled across the Continental United States to face MLS newcomers Los Angeles FC with an 11 p.m. kickoff. James O’Connor’s first lineup in charge of the Lions was an interesting look that featured Josué Colmán on the left flank, Dom Dywer up top, and Chris Mueller on the right. It was an unfortunate debut for O’Connor, as his Lions side lost for a ninth straight league match, 4-1. Of course, VAR was back at it in disallowing a Dom Dwyer equalizer, ruling Justin Meram offside. There’s no doubt going to be a lot of upset supporters with what seems to be a trend in being on the wrong end of VAR rulings, but hey, this is Orlando.

Also be sure to keep an eye out later today for Guilherme Torres’ five takeaways and our bearded guy’s player grades and Man of the Match.

Orlando Pride Come Back Against the Washington Spirit, 2-1

The Pride welcomed the Spirit into Orlando City Stadium last night in an affair that saw the Pride trailing early as Ashley Hatch put the Spirit up with a 25th minute header. The energy was high from the Pride in response though, and they were determined to leave their stamp on the match. Sydney Leroux brought it level just before the break with a good turn and shot to the near post. Marta provided the comeback heroics. Brandon Turton has your in-depth match recap.

World Cup Update: Semifinals are Set

I’m starting this one by saying that this is personally, already, the greatest World Cup I’ve ever witnessed (my first was Japan/South Korea in 2002). Throughout this entire tournament, and even throughout qualifying for some of these sides, miracles have been seemingly in abundance. For Russia yesterday, the miracles finally ran dry. Through 120 minutes of heart racing play, close calls, and injuries, it was Croatia that emerged triumphantly as they beat Russia on penalties, 2-2 (3-4).

The other quarterfinal yesterday, England-Sweden, was an exhilarating affair that saw England’s Harry Maguire score his first international goal with a first-half header. Dele Alli also notched a header of his own in the second half, and England advances to a semifinal where a tired Croatia side (see above) will be waiting for them.

A World Cup with 48 Countries?

It’s hard to start thinking about the 2022 World Cup when we’re still in the magnificent throes of the current tournament, but Qatari organizers of the 2022 World Cup have stated that they’re open to conversations over altering the format of the tournament in order to host 48 teams, rather than the current number of 32. Qatar, which believes they could host the potential 48-team tournament alone, holds the ability to essentially veto the plan — as FIFA has ruled that the host country’s consent is a precondition to the expansion. The country is excited about the prospects, but also hold caution in the case that it won’t be beneficial to the hosts.

“If we feel that it’s not in favor of us or of football, we won’t go for it,” (Nasser) Al Khater said at the opening of a Qatari hospitality house in Moscow’s Gorky Park. “If the format of a 48-team World Cup is an exciting format, and it doesn’t follow the traditional type of format, yeah, why not? It might add an exciting new element. Maybe it’s a sudden death, one game sudden death and you’re out, and maybe it happens before the rest of the teams come,” Al Khater said.

While a sudden death scenario is unlikely, the talks are in the works. Personally, I don’t see it happening. Europe’s top leagues have pushed back against the idea of losing another weekend of fixtures in November to accommodate World Cup matches, so adding days to the existing format won’t work. Squeezing in those additional matches at this juncture, just four years out, seems impossible if not unwise. That being said, Al Khater has also acknowledged that all preparation for their hosting of the 2022 tournament has been focused on accommodating 32 teams, not 48.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Antonio Nocerino has officially joined Benevento Calcio, of Italy’s Serie B. Cheers and best of luck, Antonio!

  • The U-20 Women’s National Team beat Brazil, 2-1, in their final preparation match before the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and before head coach Jitka Klimkova selects her 21-player roster for next year’s tournament hosted by France. The team will be considered among the strongest contenders to take the Cup.
  • Looks like Mexico’s Hirving Lozano’s World Cup exploits were noticed by some of Europe’s elite, as Manchester United is set to offer up £35 million to PSV for his services. Though something tells me they’ll need to shell out a lot more than that, especially once other clubs voice their inevitable interest.

  • England’s motorways were absolutely deserted yesterday (likely for approximately an hour or two) due to a wide majority of the nation being stuck to television sets to watch their national team beat Sweden, 2-0, and advance to the hallowed semifinal.
  • Speaking of England and their national team, a vehicle company has commissioned professional artists to recreate scenes from the country’s Round of 16 win against Colombia…using the dirt that’s built up on their white vans. The vehicular masterpieces include depictions of Jordan Pickford’s essential penalty kick save in the shootout, Harry Kane in celebration, and the three lions crest with a second star; symbolizing the chance that England has in bringing the cup back home for just the second time in their storied history.
  • Brazilian talisman Neymar has stated that his country’s exit to Belgium in the Round of 16 was the “saddest moment” of his career.
  • Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is “proud” of his country’s heroes and deep run in the tournament, according to a spokesperson of the Kremlin (had to put that last part).
  • Young American and Manchester City prospect Erik Palmer-Brown has been loaned to Eredivisie side NAC Breda. The answer to the quiz question: Earnie Stewart, the soon-to-be USMNT general manager. He played for the club from 1996 to 2003.

  • The General Secretary of the Swiss Football Federation made comments recently that are very likely to spark debate. He believes that a player with dual citizenship should only be permitted to play for a country if they drop their second nationality. The reason? His fear that prospects could benefit from his country’s youth development programs only to bolt for other national teams when the time comes.

That’s about it for me today, folks. Enjoy these World Cup semifinals that are bound to live up to expectations; France-Belgium on Tuesday and Croatia-England on Wednesday, both kick off at 2 p.m. ET.

Have an excellent week, Mane Landers. Push through Monday, and then we’re all smooth sailing into next weekend’s third-place match on Saturday (10 a.m. ET), and then the World Cup final on Sunday (11 a.m. ET). I just don’t want it to end.

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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

15 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: 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: 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

By

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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