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Lion Links: 11/17/18

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6 years ago

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Welcome to Saturday, everyone. It’s a short week for many of us in the United States, with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, so you could think of this as the beginning of a long weekend with some intermittent and annoying work tasks that still need to be performed.

It might be the off-season but soccer teams never sleep. Let’s get to the news of the day.

Orlando City, Wolfsburg Partner on Both Men’s and Women’s Side

The club has found a fourth overseas partner in the form of VfL Wolfsburg which has teams in both the Bundesliga and Frauen-Bundesliga. Both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride can exchange information freely with the German club on subjects such as player scouting, marketing, sales, etc. While it’s never a bad thing to have more partners, it would be nice to see more concrete collaboration on the player side with some of these partners at some point. What I mean by that is that if, for example, Wolfsburg finds itself with a crowded position group (say…striker or attacking midfield), perhaps a loan to Orlando to get someone some playing time could benefit both sides.

According to Wolfsburg Head of Corporate Development Felix Welling, the Bundesliga side is thinking along those same lines.

“The football side is the core of it, and I think it’s the main driver for an authentic partnership between the clubs,” Welling said. “We are longing to find the first steps for exchanging players from Orlando to Wolfsburg, because here in the U.S. you have a long offseason, and then we can help you with our infrastructure and training sessions in Germany. But also, we have a lot of talented players who are on the verge of going into the Bundesliga, but they need some development and some other things to see while they’re on their way to be professional players. We think the MLS, especially Orlando, both the men’s team and women’s team, have the best fundament for developing youth players who can make it in the Bundesliga afterward.”

Importantly, this is Orlando’s first partnership that involves the women’s team and the Pride can benefit from a VfL Wolfsburg side that has had a lot of success and has become a fixture in the UEFA Champions League.

Said Budalic: “The fact that our seasons overlap presents an opportunity for our women to go and train in Germany. So, this will help give opportunities for our women’s players to continue their development.”

It’s all just talk at this point, of course, but this seems the most promising of all of Orlando City’s partnerships so far.

OCB Signs Second Player for 2019

Just two days after signing the first player in OCB’s existence as a USL League One team — in the form of 17-year-old Jordan Bender — the Young Lions have added 15-year-old Luc Granitur. The youth national team forward is an Orlando City Development Academy product has four goals in six games with the club’s U-18/19 side this season.

“Luc is a unique talent and one who we feel has the proper mentality and ability to play for the first team in time,” OCB general manager Mike Potempa said. “Granitur will be the youngest signing on our roster at just 15 years old, but he is already showing he can handle the level as he is currently our top goal scorer and points leader for the U19s. Once again, it shows we believe in our Academy and we believe in opportunities for young players.”

If Granitur’s name sounds familiar, you may recall that we told you back in September about Granitur’s call-up to the U.S. youth national team camp and last month we linked to Luc being touted as an example of the academy’s successful beginnings at Montverde. I admit that I have yet to see Granitur on the field but I’m excited to see what he can do.

Christian Pulisic Headed to Chelsea?

According to the Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel, Borussia Dortmund and USMNT attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic looks to be making a move from the Bundesliga to EPL side Chelsea in the winter window. The London side will want to make this move quickly as it faces a potential transfer ban for rules violations. A move by Pulisic to Chelsea would be the highest profile USMNT player transfer in quite some time.

Jordan Pickford Uses Water Bottle as a ‘Cheat Sheet’ for Penalties

I’m not sure how widely spread this is, or if it’s even legal, but it’s a smart idea. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wrote out on his water bottle which direction players typically take penalties in case the USMNT was awarded a spot kick on Thursday. Pickford apparently did the same against Colombia in the World Cup, helping him snuff out Carlos Bacca’s effort. He’s stopped three penalties in league play this season. My opinion on this is that if there’s no rule against it, go for it.

U-20 USMNT Advances to 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup

Down the road in Bradenton, the U.S. U-20 men had no trouble dispatching Costa Rica last night, 4-0, clinching a spot in the 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup. Alex Mendez, Ulysses Llanez, Juan Pablo Torres, and Ayo Akinola provided the fireworks for the Baby Nats against the toothless Ticos. Just take a look at this golazo by Mendez that got the U.S. started:

My goodness, what a strike. The U.S. will advance to the Concacaf Championship final against Mexico with either a draw or win against Honduras on Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

Free Kicks

  • The NWSL has made some amendments to players’ eligibility for the college draft. Player registration for the draft opens Monday.
  • An unknown number of referees will protest the suspension of ref David McNamara — who got a three-week ban for forgetting his coin for the flip and having team captains play rock, paper, scissors instead — by also having the captains play rock, paper, scissors this weekend. Why not rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock?
  • The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined three players and added to Dynamo forward Ronaldo Pena’s suspension. Two of the fines were for entering the field of play. Remember how it was a suspension when Antonio Nocerino did it? I remember.
  • Don Garber said MLS and Liga MX are exploring the expansion of the Campeones Cup into a tournament. This is apparently more likely than MLS clubs competing in Copa Libertadores.
  • Those born on this date include astronaut Alan Shepard (1923), science fiction author Alan Dean Foster (1946), football’s Jack Tatum (1948), former Scorpions drummer Herman “Ze German” Rarebell (1949), former Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne bassist Rudy Sarzo (1950), Saturday Night Live alum Kevin Nealon (1953), football’s Warren Moon (1956), Manchester United goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel (1963), baseball’s Gary Sheffield (1968), actor Owen Wilson (1968), actress Chloe Sevigny (1974), former Red Sox slugger David “Big Papi” Ortiz (1975), and NASCAR’s Denny Hamlin (1980).

That’s all my time for this morning. I hope you enjoyed your daily dose of Lion Links. We’ll be back to do it all again tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/4/25

Orlando City gets ready for the Philadelphia Union, OCSC partners with Footy Access, USWNT prepares for Brazil, and more.

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9 hours ago

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April 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Friday! It may feel a bit like the calm before the storm today, as Orlando City, Orlando City B, and the United States Women’s National Team are all in action on Saturday. It all makes for a fun next few days and I’m looking forward to it and also watching some kart racing on Sunday. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Gets Ready For the Philadelphia Union

The Lions are back in action Saturday with an away game against the Philadelphia Union at 7:30 p.m. Orlando has won its past two games and leads the league with 15 goals this season. The Union remain near the top of the Eastern Conference, but have lost two of their past three games. Duncan McGuire detailed how healthy competition and a willingness to defend has the offense firing on all cylinders heading into this match.

This will also be a rematch of the season opener on Feb. 22 when the Union won 4-2 at Inter&Co Stadium. Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell spoke on how Orlando is a different team compared to that match due to changes on offense and center back Robin Jansson’s recovery from a knock.

Orlando City Partners With Footy Access

With the Generation Adidas Cup set to take place later this month, Orlando City has partnered with Footy Access, which is a media company focused on youth soccer. This collaboration means fans will be able to enjoy highlights and interviews from Orlando’s academy as it progresses through the tournament. I’m pretty excited about being able to see how well Orlando’s academy is doing.

MLS NEXT also announced that new rankings focused on development rather than results will be used for its U-13 and U-14 age groups. These rankings will use an analytical formula that measures game play and the caliber of offensive and defensive actions. There will also be encouragement for teams to have their own identities on how they want to play.

USWNT Prepares to Face Brazil in Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team will take on Brazil on Saturday in the first of two friendlies this international break, with the second match set for Tuesday. These friendlies will be rematches of last year’s Olympic gold medal match, which the U.S. won 1-0. Marta has retired from international soccer, but Pride midfielder Angelina was called up for these friendlies, along with former Pride forward Adriana. Lorena, who has only conceded one goal in three games for the Kansas City Current this season, will likely get the start in goal for Brazil behind a talented back line anchored by Tarciane. The USWNT will need to find ways to limit attacking threats like Kerolin and Gabi Portilho as well. These should be matches, with familiar faces on both sides for Orlando fans.

U.S. Set to Host 2031 Women’s World Cup

It looks like the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be held in the U.S., as FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the only bid came from the U.S. and potentially other Concacaf nations. The U.S., which withdrew from hosting the 2027 World Cup, would be the first country to host the tournament three times and last hosted it in 2007. The United Kingdom was also revealed as the lone valid bid to host the 2035 World Cup and it would be the first time the tournament is hosted there.

Free Kicks

  • Shout out to Orlando City’s U-19 team for its title win and securing a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.

That’s all for this fine Friday, I hope you all have a fantastic day and a relaxing weekend!

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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.

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1 day 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.

Free Kicks

  • 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: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

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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.

Free Kicks

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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