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Lion Links: 8/11/18

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6 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: 1/22/25

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

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18 hours ago

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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

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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!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/21/25

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

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2 days ago

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January 21, 2025

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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.

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  • 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!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/20/25

Orlando City signs Nicolas Rodriguez, Jack Lynn announces retirement, USMNT defeats Venezuela in friendly, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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January 20, 2025

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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.

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  • 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.

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