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Lion Links: 8/11/18

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7 years ago

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Happy Orlando Pride match day, everyone. Your Pride face a huge test today when the Portland Thorns visit Orlando City Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The Pride got their first ever win against the Thorns earlier this season away at Portland but they’ll need another to creep a little bit closer to a 2018 NWSL playoff spot. A draw or a loss tonight by Orlando opens the door for the Thorns as well as the Chicago Red Stars and Utah Royals to jump ahead in the race.

The Lions will fly to D.C. today to take on Wayne Rooney and United in the club’s first trip ever to Audi Field. It’ll be another shorthanded squad as Yoshimar Yotún will sit out his red card suspension (plus another game — more on that below) and Sacha Kljestan didn’t train all week after sustaining an ankle injury on a rough challenge from Brandon Bye last weekend. Orlando is still without Jonathan Spector and Lamine Sané but could see the return of Uri Rosell from a hamstring issue.

With a full slate of soccer ahead this weekend, including the return of the Premier League, let’s start linking.

Lions Reportedly Closing on Carlos Ascues

Orlando City had a quiet summer transfer window but we’ve been hearing rumblings for the last few days about some post-window movement and that appears to be happening. Peruvian international center back/defensive midfielder Carlos Ascues has left Alianza Lima and the 2017 champions wished Ascues well with new club Orlando City on Instagram yesterday. ProSoccerUSA’s Jordan Culver reported that his sources confirmed the two clubs had agreed to terms. The window may be closed but it’s possible a deal in principle was reported to the league prior to the deadline or else the player must essentially be a free agent signing. The big issue now is whether Lamine Sané goes on injured reserve to free up an international slot.

Yotún Suspended Additional Match

Look, at this point we know what’s coming. Orlando City will get the maximum penalty MLS can hand out for any infraction. Such was the case with Yoshimar Yotún’s red card against New England. The MLS Disciplinary Committee has extended Yoshi’s suspension to include the match Aug. 24 against Atlanta United and has fined both Orlando City and Head Coach James O’Connor for violating the league’s mass confrontation policy.

This, however, is a perfectly reasonable soccer play and need not be punished, according to the league.

Alternative angle of the Josef Martinez Headbutt. from
MLS

There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Don Garber will purchase an island solely funded by fines paid by Orlando City. I like all kinds of music, including disco, but DisCo sucks.

Orlando City’s Technology Investment Making a Difference

You never know where Orlando City news will turn up, including on tech outlets. InsideBigData.com ran this piece on how the club we follow is winning on the business side through the LionNation app. The three ways OCSC’s use of the app benefits the club are by providing exclusive content that drives adoption (read: subscribers), creating opportunities for potential sponsors to learn more about the club’s customers, and creating additional ways to get fans to the stadium. It’s an interesting read, and although the app sometimes can be challenging for users, it’s been a successful endeavor for the club.

Tony Rocha’s Versatility Helps Lions in Multiple Ways

Perhaps no one’s stock with Orlando City has risen as much this season as Tony Rocha’s. It’s difficult to even say what position he plays because he’s lined up almost everywhere. Rocha cut his teeth as a professional as a defensive midfielder but this season he’s played his collegiate position of center back as well as left back and at times he’s stood out as one of the team’s better players. James O’Connor has enjoyed Rocha’s flexibility and it’s something he’s cultivating among his players.

“It makes it very hard for the opposition because you never quite sure where that player’s going to end up on the field. We’re pretty intentional with trying to create players like that. They can do a lot, whether it’s in defense or attack and they can play multiple positions.

“I think that gives a little more flexibility, whether it’s a formation or whatever it is, an attacking play or a defensive play, it gives you the flexibility to be able to cause the opposition some problems.”

We’ve seen the same thing lately with the way O’Connor has used Mohamed El-Munir and Yoshimar Yotún as attacking midfielders. After watching a pregame crossbar challenge last weekend, I look forward to seeing backup striker Joe Bendik.

Chicago Fire Suspend Supporters, Coverage Boycotted by HTIOT

A long season in Chicago for the Fire took a turn for the worse this week. The club banned supporters group activities for tonight’s match against the New York Red Bulls and revoked the tickets of 21 season ticket holders after members of the Section 8 independent supporters group participated in a peaceful protest on July 21 by occupying Section 101. That section was formerly used by the Sector Latino supporters group but that entire section of the stadium was closed starting June 9 for persistent acts of violence. Even ticket holders in that section who weren’t at the game and aren’t even in Sector Latino had their tickets canceled. The club closed off the section using chains.

In response to the latest SG ban, SB Nation’s Chicago Fire blog, Hot Time in Old Town, has decided to boycott coverage of tonight’s match in solidarity with their fellow Fire fans. Chicago’s tactics seem a bit heavy handed to an outsider like me, particularly when you consider fans not present for an incident were lumped in with anyone who violated the fan code of conduct. Of course, our own Orlando City is no stranger to fan discipline after banning individuals for participating in throwing objects onto the field back on May 13. Suspending or banning fans is a serious action and it’s a tough balancing act for a club because those are your customers. In OCSC’s case, a strong reaction was necessary to avoid incidents like this but at least they tried to identify specific individuals involved rather than punish an entire section.

LAFC, Timbers Not BFFs Follwing Racial Slur Investigation

The investigation into Adama Diomande’s claim of a racial slur has been completed by the U.S. Open Cup Adjudication and Discipline Panel, and no evidence was found to warrant any punitive action. The alleged incident took place in LAFC’s quarterfinal match against the Portland Timbers and has resulted in the two teams going after each other a bit. Here’s what the panel found:

“there was insufficient evidence to conclude that a racial epithet was used but as a matter of principle, the Panel condemned all forms of racial abuse, stating the use of a racial epithet has no place on or off the soccer field.”

The matter likely came down to one player’s word against another’s, so it’s a tough charge to prove. Meanwhile the two teams got a little heated in the wake of the investigation, with each team issuing a pointed public statement. First, Portland’s statement reads like a “how dare he insinuate such poppycock!” on Diomande in the final paragraph.

Predictably, LAFC didn’t like the way Portland worded that final paragraph and responded with its own statement, including a shot back at the Timbers.

We are disappointed that the Portland Timbers issued a statement that was dismissive of our player and the investigation by concluding it “simply did not happen”. We stand by Adama Diomande and his courageous public statement.

No doubt things could get spicy the next time these teams meet and it’s doubtful they’ll be besties anytime soon.

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That’s all my time for this morning. I’ll be back later with coverage of the Pride against the Thorns after I pay an undisclosed fine to MLS. Enjoy your Saturday!

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Lion Links

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

16 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.

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  • 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

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

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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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