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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: 4/11/25

Orlando City prepares for the New York Red Bulls, storylines for the Orlando Pride’s road game, Orlando’s U-18 team highlighted, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 11, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a long week for me, but I was able to get some reading done on a pair of books I’ve been meaning to scratch off my list. I don’t have many plans this weekend beyond working, enjoying soccer, and putting my wok through its paces while I try making dan dan noodles for the first time. Fingers crossed. For now though, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Hosts the New York Red Bulls On Saturday

The Lions will welcome the New York Red Bulls to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in another rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference final. It’s already the second meeting between the two teams this season, with them drawing 2-2 at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 15. Both teams have 11 points from seven games this season, although the Red Bulls are still on the hunt for their first road win. Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke about how the team will look to carry momentum from a tough match in Philadelphia into this game against a Red Bulls team that boasts an intense press and an offense led by Emil Forsberg.

Storylines Heading Into Orlando Pride Road Game

The Orlando Pride are back in action Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in a road game against the Seattle Reign, and there’s plenty to watch for. Unbeaten so far, the Pride have the chance to become the fourth team in league history to start the season with four straight wins. Orlando’s defense has been stellar, but Seattle is a tough environment and the Reign scored multiple goals in both games against the Pride last year. For the Reign, this game is a chance for a statement win at home against the defending champs with young players like Jordyn Bugg and Maddie Dahlien leading the charge.

Orlando City’s U-18 Team One to Watch This Weekend

The Generation Adidas Cup kicks off this weekend at IMG Academy in Bradenton and Orlando City’s U-18 squad was noted as one to keep an eye on in the tournament. Orlando won 21 of its 27 games this season. Travis Clark of MLSSoccer.com touted players like Colin Guske and Gustavo Caraballo for powering the offense. Clovis Archange was one of three defenders named to this year’s Rising XI and is joined on the back line by Jackson Platts. Orlando will take on Inter Milan Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in its first game, with LAFC and the Columbus Crew as the other two teams in the group.

2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Groups Are Set

The draw for this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup is complete and the United States Men’s National Team will square off against Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago in group play. Saudi Arabia is the lone guest nation of the tournament and could give the U.S. a tough match when the two nations square off. The USMNT will have plenty of eyes on it for this tournament, especially after falling on its face in the Concacaf Nations League in March.

As for the other groups, Mexico was drawn against Costa Rica, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic in Group A, while Canada will take on Honduras, El Salvador, and Curacao in Group B. Group C will feature Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Guadeloupe.

Free Kicks

  • The MLS Board of Governors authorized further exploration into moving the league’s calendar to mirror the international one that runs from fall to spring. As a result, that possible change can’t happen until 2027 at the earliest.
  • In case you missed it late Wednesday night, enjoy Tristan Blackmon’s goal that booked the Vancouver Whitecaps their spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. They’ll face Inter Miami, with the winner taking on whichever team advances between Tigres and Cruz Azul.
  • Denver’s NWSL team hired Jen Millet as its first president. Millet will be in charge of all business operations and joins after time as Bay FC’s chief operating officer.
  • According to a report from Japanese sports newspaper Sponichi, the USMNT will host Japan for a friendly on Sept. 6 in San Diego.
  • Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana had a game to forget in his team’s 2-2 draw against Lyon in the Europa League, as he spilled the ball that resulted in Lyon’s late equalizer. Despite the mistakes, United Head Coach Ruben Amorim reiterated the confidence he has in his goalkeeper.
  • CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez made an official proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams for the centennial edition of the tournament.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/10/25

Orlando City’s transfer needs, Orlando Pride get ready for the Seattle Reign, Orlando City B wins at home, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 10, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Yesterday was the anniversary of adopting my cat, so I spent most of the day giving him whatever he wanted. Thankfully, that turned out to just be quite a bit of napping for both of us. It’s been nice to just hang out with him and enjoy some soccer throughout the week. We have even more soccer to look forward to this weekend, but let’s get this Thursday started with today’s links!

Transfer Priorities for Eastern Conference Teams

The current transfer window is open until April 23 and Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport dove into what MLS Eastern Conference teams should focus on this window and in the summer. While he noted that adding some depth at center back would be nice, for Orlando City, he chose re-signing midfielder Cesar Araujo as the biggest priority before his contract expires at the end of the year. The 24-year-old has been an integral part of Orlando City’s turnaround under Head Coach Oscar Pareja, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks around in the City Beautiful after this season.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Seattle Reign

With the international break now over, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Seattle Reign on Saturday. The Pride have won their first three matches of the year, conceding just once in the process. Meanwhile, the Reign will aim to right the ship at home this weekend after a 2-1 loss on the road against Angel City FC last month. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how winning in Seattle is difficult, even if the team is undergoing a rebuild of sorts.

Pride midfielder Summer Yates, who is a Washington native and played collegiate soccer in Seattle, also spoke on what it will be like to return to her home state for this match. She also discussed the team’s depth, which is a strength for the Pride as players return from international duty.

Orlando City B Beats New England Revolution II

Orlando City B picked up a win at home Wednesday night, beating New England Revolution II 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Shak Mohammed. Great passing sent Mohammed in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, and he handed New England its first conceded goal of the season. That goal proved to be the difference, as the Young Lions did well defensively to secure their third win and second clean sheet this season. OCB’s next game will be Tuesday against Inter Miami II at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

Philadelphia Union Reportedly Trading Daniel Gazdag

Despite a strong start to the season, the Philadelphia Union are reportedly set to trade away one of their best players to a fellow Eastern Conference team. Designated Player Daniel Gazdag will reportedly be traded to the Columbus Crew for cash. I don’t entirely hate the trade. Trading away a 29-year-old on the last guaranteed year of his contract while undergoing a rebuild makes sense. It also opens the door for Cavan Sullivan or David Vazquez to earn valuable minutes, with Indiana Vassilev available as well. However, Gazdag is the club’s all-time leading scorer and already has two goals and two assists this year. Trading him within the conference to an unbeaten Crew team this early in the season feels a bit like a white flag in regards to Philadelphia’s aspirations this year.

Free Kicks

  • The Europa League quarterfinals kick off today, with Manchester United taking on Lyon and Tottenham facing off against Eintracht Frankfurt. Bodo/Glimt, which leads the tournament so far with 24 goals, will play Lazio, and Rangers will host Athletic Club in Scotland.
  • Following talks with its fan advisory board, Manchester City announced that it will freeze ticket prices for next season.
  • Fabio Cannavaro was fired by Dinamo Zagreb after just 14 competitive matches. The Italian soccer legend was Zagreb’s third coach this season and won five of his 10 league matches at the helm in Croatia.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

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3 days ago

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April 9, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re neck deep into a busy week of soccer with the USWNT late Tuesday night, Orlando City B playing tonight, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on the Saturday schedule this weekend. Don’t you love this time of the year? I love that there’s almost always a soccer match available to watch. Let’s get to the links.

Focus on Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City continues the Lion’s Den Walk and Talk series of interviewing players with a look at center back Rodrigo Schlegel. This is your opportunity to get to know the Argentinian defender. He speaks of his childhood, his family, and his time with Orlando. My favorite part is when he speaks of the matches that have helped define him.

Citrus Kit Fashion

Since 2022, the Orlando Pride have collaborated with artists to create concept kits from the club’s current kit. This season, the club partnered with Sophie Hird on the Citrus Kit. Hird is a British designer and graduate of London College of Fashion. The result has a western flair seen here modeled by Pride defender Cori Dyke.

Bringing handmade kit art to life 🎨Learn More: orlsoccer.co/SophieHird

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T15:00:16.833Z

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

The Custom Pride Kit Series over the years ✨

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T18:20:45.683Z

OCB Hosts New England Revolution II

Orlando City B welcomes New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park tonight. The Young Lions will try to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Chattanooga FC Saturday. It won’t get any easier against Revs II, who sit just above OCB in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Revs II haven’t conceded any goals so far this season, and have scored just as many goals as the Young Lions. The match start time is 7 p.m. and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.

Brazil Defeats USWNT

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated the USWNT 2-1 Tuesday night scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The U.S. got things started early on a goal in the first minute from Catarina Macario, but was unable to add to that later in the match. The Pride’s Angelina got the start for Brazil, but Emily Sams did not appear for the USWNT. Maybe if Sams in subbed on then Amanda Gutierres doesn’t get that winning goal. We’ll never know.

USMNT Players Abroad

Several USMNT players were in action, including former Lion Daryl Dike, who saw action in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Dike subbed on in the 65th minute for the Baggies. It’s been a month since he returned to action following his second torn Achilles tendon. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United defeated Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough 1-0.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer scored for Mansfield Town in EFL League One in a match against Leyton Orient, extending his goal-scoring streak. Seems he finally wanted to score.

Nice to see Dom Dwyer's back in the goals. He's scored in three consecutive games for Mansfield Town in EFL League One after finding the net tonight against Leyton Orient.

— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-04-08T23:32:43.320Z

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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