Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/28/18

Published

6 years ago

on

Happy Saturday, Mane Landers. I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend. I sure am. I’m looking forward to seeing a good friend’s band play their farewell show later this evening, as their drummer is moving to Michigan. It should be a good time, or at least a much better time than having to sit through yet another frustrating Orlando City performance.

Things just keep spiraling out of control for the Lions, but I’ll continue to shout from the rooftops that there’s still plenty of time to right the ship. I mean, the ship’s taking on water too…but that’s beside the point. Let’s just remain positive, folks.

Before you jump in, we here at The Mane Land want to wish the Orlando Pride’s Ali Krieger (34) and the Lions’ Pierre Da Silva (20) a very special happy birthday!

That said, here’s your Saturday serving of Lion Links. Bon appetite.

Several Lions Facing Disciplinary Action

Following last Saturday’s dramatic (to say the least) 3-2 loss to the Columbus Crew, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued undisclosed fines to the Crew’s Zack Steffen, and City’s Joe Bendik and Uri Rosell for instigating and escalating a mass confrontation during the 94th minute of the Lions’ loss. Head Coach James O’Connor has been issued an official warning for the club’s violation of the League’s policy during the 2018 campaign and the club was fined for its second violation of that policy.

In addition, the same committee issued Orlando City midfielder Cristian Higuita an undisclosed fine for “simulation/embellishment” in the 64th minute of Thursday’s loss to New York City FC. There’s some controversy here, depending on which club you support, but have a gander at the video footage and decide on your own how you feel about the aforementioned disciplinary actions.

Personally? I feel the Lions have been shafted the entire season, and clearly frustrations are boiling over. Higuita clearly took contact in the box on the call in question, but I don’t think he did himself any favors by holding his face after clearly taking no contact to the face. Despite the theatrics, there was contact, and boy has the officiating in City matches been far more than inconsistent throughout the season. As for Uri and Joe, well, don’t do that guys…but I empathize. Once again: theatrics.

Pigeons’ Gaffer Not Happy After Win in Orlando

It’s a bit of salt in the wound, considering the Lions fell to the Pigeons at home, but New York City FC Head Coach Dome Torrent was not satisfied with his team’s performance following his side’s win in Orlando City Soccer Stadium. Apparently, the winning performance wasn’t even remotely close to the standard that Torrent has set for his players, and he was vastly dissatisfied with the match. It must be nice to be unhappy with your team that’s clearly in the playoff picture, a potential favorite to win the MLS Cup, that’s missing its best striker, and still take home three points from a road win. That’s not a frequency that’s been available to Orlando’s supporters — and to hear it from the rival side’s gaffer must certainly feel frustrating.

“I’m not happy tonight,” said the Spaniard postgame. “We were able to win, but I’m not happy with our performance because I can’t play that way. If you want to win MLS, even when [Orlando] play with 10 players [after Shane O’Neill’s ejection], we play bad, really bad. I say in the second half I don’t like to defend deep. I repeat a few times. But I don’t know what happened. Maybe it’s because we won 2-0 in the first half, I don’t know, but we have to improve, improve a lot. Believe me.”

USWNT Players had Concerns Over Jill Ellis Last Year

A report from Sports Illustrated has stated that players from the USWNT confronted then-federation president Sunil Gulati last year before the Tournament of Nations with concerns over Jill Ellis and the direction of the squad, fearing that complacency may have set in following the triumph during the 2015 World Cup final. The players, who haven’t been named, were apparently veterans, and were told that Ellis wouldn’t be going anywhere prior to next summer’s Women’s World Cup…in front of Ellis. It’s an interesting tidbit of news to leak out, especially during the tournament, but the players asked for changes in either Ellis’ leadership and communication methods, or for a new coach in general. Clearly, Ellis is still in charge. Hopefully things go well next summer.

Earnie Stewart Reflects

Stewart’s time as the sporting director of the Philadelphia Union will come to a close on Tuesday as he departs to become the USMNT’s new general manager. While there’s no doubt in the mind of most Union and MLS club supporters that Stewart performed admirably while with the Union, Stewart himself feels like he’s leaving behind an incomplete legacy.

“Building for the future is not something that happens in two and a half years. That takes a lot more time than it’s been,” he told the Inquirer and Daily News. “I wanted to be here for a longer time, because you can’t just build in two and a half years. You can build, but you’re not going to get the fruits from what you build.”

It’s an unfortunate truth for Stewart, but there is a silver lining for him: he might just see some familiar faces within the ranks of the USMNT in the future, perhaps even some from Philadelphia. Just recently, Derrick Jones and Auston Trusty represented the Stars and Stripes in the U-20 World Cup. Clearly, Stewart has an eye for talent and an aptitude for developing young talent.

“That means we went in the right direction,” Stewart said. “There’s a lot of talent coming behind that. Hopefully they hit some national teams and make a lot of minutes [played] within the Philadelphia Union, and ultimately win games.”

Let’s just hope his ambition and abilities translate to consistent and quality play from the USMNT moving forward. I have a good feeling, but I guess I’m playing the optimist here.

Free Kicks

  • Not only is it Ali Kreiger’s birthday, but she’s also just an excellent individual in general. I can’t wait to see her next career move, whether that be coaching, commentating, or anything else relating to the club and sport she’s dedicated her life to. Double cheers to you, Ali. We love you!

🙌

A post shared by Major League Soccer (@mls) on

  • Speaking of the World Cup, remember that Russian youngster that blew the minds of millions with his pacy runs, tenacious play, and eye for goal? Well, Aleksandr Golovin’s World Cup exploits have paid off, as he’s officially made the move to Ligue 1 side Monoco. Well deserved, Aleksandr. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next.
  • This is incredible to even think about…but the upcoming La Liga season will be the first time since the 1999-2000 season that Real Madrid will not have a Ballon d’Or winner within their ranks.

That’s just about all I’ve got for you today, folks. Remember to check back in periodically to stay up to date on all things Orlando City and Orlando Pride, and most importantly, enjoy the remainder of your weekend!

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/22/25

Orlando City transfer rumors, Orlando Pride preseason begins, USMNT at Inter&Co, and more.

Published

1 hour ago

on

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!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/21/25

Orlando Pride release preseason camp roster, scouting Costa Rica, women’s soccer transfer grades, and more.

Published

1 day ago

on

January 21, 2025

By

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!

Continue Reading

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

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending