Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/10/18
The weekend is here, friends. It’s time to throw off the shackles of our nine-to-fives and enjoy two days of freedom, completely unfettered by the bonds of servitude (most of us, anyway). Let’s enjoy them to the fullest with many hours of soccer watching and perhaps a delicious and refreshing beverage or two in a comfy chair.
Don’t forget the Orlando SeaWolves will be playing a preseason match against Brazil tonight at Silver Spurs Arena as part of a doubleheader. Get out and support Orlando’s newest team.
Before we get to the news of the day, I want to remind you that you’re running out of time to vote for Scott Sutter for MLS Goal of the Year. Voting closes tomorrow night at midnight Pacific Time.
Orlando City Youth Players Earn Scholarships
I love hearing stuff like this and, frankly, there’s not enough news like this. Orlando City/Orlando Pride sponsor, Central Florida Audi Dealers, have given scholarships to four Orlando City youth soccer players. Congratulations are in order for Rodney Bargaineer (age 11, from Sanford), Magnoly Isaac (15, Orlando), Courtney Jones (13, Apopka), and Lindsay Sheets (13, Sanford).
“We are very fortunate to have great partners like the Central Florida Audi Dealers who are not only integrated with our professional men’s and women’s teams, but are also invested in helping us at the core youth development levels of our business,” added Orlando City SC Chief Revenue Officer Chris Gallagher. “Audi understands the importance of supporting youth development and shares our vision to provide the best opportunities to young athletes to be part of the fastest growing sport in North America.”
It’s the second consecutive year that Central Florida Audi Dealerships have passed out such scholarships. It’s very cool to kick off today’s Lion Links with such a positive item.
Eddie Johnson Putting Dom, Syd Through Their Paces
Former USMNT and MLS striker Eddie Johnson has found a nice second career training players of all ages. He famously trained Christian Pulisic during his off-season and we told you a few days ago (via linking a story in Lion Links) that he would be working with Orlando City striker Dom Dwyer and Orlando Pride forward Sydney Leroux. Well, now we have visual evidence.
It’s nice to see soccer’s power couple staying sharp and looking to improve so soon after the end of their respective seasons.
U.S. U-20s Win Group A at Concacaf Championship
The U-20 USMNT advanced to the next stage of the U-20 Concacaf Championship after winning Group A last night with a 7-0 victory over Suriname in Bradenton. Alex Mendez and Ayo Akinola each scored a brace in the match.
The tournament now moves into a second group stage, where the winner of each of the two remaining groups will advance to the 2019 U-20 World Cup, which will be held in Poland.
The US will play Honduras and either Haiti, Costa Rica or Saint Lucia, with that stage beginning on Tuesday.
FC Cincinnati Expansion Draft Details Released with Off-Season Calendar
Major League Soccer released its annual off-season calendar yesterday with all of the various draft dates. We already know the SuperDraft will be Jan. 11 in Chicago, but now we know when in December the MLS Expansion Draft, Waiver Draft, and two stages of the Re-Entry Draft will take place. Click the link above for the details. FC Cincinnati may select up to five players on Dec. 11 from the pool of eligible MLS players and each club may lose only one player.
Eric Wynalda Loses Home to Ventura Fire
The fires in California are no joke and our thoughts are with everyone who is in harm’s way or who have homes in the area. Former USMNT star and current Las Vegas Lights coach Eric Wynalda had his house destroyed, including many irreplaceable mementos of his playing and coaching days. Thankfully Eric has his health, but you’ve got to feel for someone who has lost so many memories in the forms of photos, jerseys, etc.
Wynalda said they received an alert on their phones about 12:30 a.m. of a voluntary evacuation. His wife decided to leave then, loading their kids into the car with jewelry, important documents and four suitcases of clothes.
Wynalda said he’d be right behind them and began packing clothes into a smaller sedan. At about 3 a.m., he went upstairs and saw decades worth of soccer memorabilia — jerseys from a career that took him to the 1987 NCAA championship game with San Diego State, to Germany’s Bundesliga, to scoring the first goal in Major League Soccer history, to being the U.S. national team’s all-time leading scorer, to three World Cups, to international all-star games, to several stints as a TV analyst and now to coaching.
By 4 a.m. he got a text from a friend who informed him he was watching Wynalda’s house burn on the local news. Man, that suuuuuuuucks.
Free Kicks
- What do you think of this conceptual home Orlando City kit?
ORLANDO CITY HOME CONCEPT: thoughts? @OrlandoCitySC @adidas @TheManeLand @OrlandoLionsDen @IronLionFirm @PhilHecken pic.twitter.com/Q54lqOnJOg
— EJ-Manuel Miranda (@EJManuelMiranda) November 10, 2018
- Former Orlando City forward and SuperDraft selection Hadji Barry had an outstanding USL season and it caught the eye of his national team. Congrats to Hadji.
- Didier Drogba announced on Twitter that he wasn’t going to retire after his Phoenix Rising FC lost the USL title Thursday evening to Louisville City FC. Much like the way he plays, he did it like a boss.
Retirement🤷🏾♂️??? pic.twitter.com/tMVfsh0SFQ
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) November 9, 2018
- Italy announced the squad that will be playing the United States Men’s National Team in a Nov. 20 friendly. After reading who made the squad, I’m in the mood for lasagna. Also, Kevin Lasagna has one of the all-time great names.
- The Portland Timbers would like you to know that they were just excited about penalties and it wasn’t at all that they thought they advanced on away goals after extra time or anything. Honest!
- Those born on this date include Martin Luther (1483), inventor of the flush toilet George Jennings (1810) — seriously, thank you George! — actor Richard Burton (1925), Jaws sheriff Roy Scheider (1932), ELP bassists/guitarist/vocalist Greg Lake (1947), former college football coach Les Miles (1953), film director Roland Emmerich (1955), writer Neil Gaiman (1960), Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy (1963), actor/comedian Tracy Morgan (1968), former Arsenal/Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann (1969), Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo (1969), and Justified star Walton Goggins (1971).
That’s all my time for today. Enjoy your weekend, folks!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/2/24
The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.
It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.
The Pride Dominate the Courage
The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.
OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month
Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.
The Billionaires Clubs
Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.
USMNT News
I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.
In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.
Free Kicks
- Despite Bayern Leverkusen’s 46-match unbeaten run, and winning the Bundesliga title, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi believes his team can defeat the German club in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday.
- Borussia Dortmund defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie between the two clubs. Dortmund’s Niclas Fullkrug provided the only goal.
- Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have bigger plans for their club than previously suspected. The pair want to potentially increase the capacity of their stadium, SToK Racecourse, to 55,000 seats.
- Never pulled the trigger on the Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass? Now, you can get it for the remainder of the season at a 30% discount. Once you get past the Messi ads the coverage is pretty good.
- Former USWNT player Carli Lloyd is pregnant, though it was a long journey to get there. She shares her story of unexplained infertility and multiple rounds of IVF treatments. Congratulations, Carli.
That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/1/24
Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.
Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday
Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:
“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”
Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight
After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.
Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards
Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.
Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract
Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.
“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”
Free Kicks
- Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
- Spirit defender Anna Heilferty will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury in the team’s loss to the Pride.
- American forward Haji Wright scored his 19th goal across all competitions in Coventry City’s 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town. He will have a chance to make it 20 when Coventry hosts Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
- The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.
That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/30/24
Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.
Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.
San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano
The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.
U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid
The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.
English Premier League Approves Spending Cap
Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.
Free Kicks
- The Pride have risen to third in CBSsports.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Meanwhile, Orlando City is down to 20th in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- There are a number of Americans playing in midweek games, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar.
- Speaking of Americans, Jesse Marsch has been linked with South Korea’s managerial opening.
- Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny have purchased a minority stake in Necaxa.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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