Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/24/18

Good Saturday morning, faithful readers. It’s a big day for us here at The Mane Land. On this date four years ago, our little WordPress blog made the move to SB Nation. We are still proud as hell to be here and we’ve enjoyed the progression we’ve had over the years as we were just a tiny little blog getting 200 views on a good day and then just a few months later we were part of one of the premier sports networks on the internet. Thanks to our readers and the many staff members who have contributed since 2014 for helping us get here.
Things have been fairly quiet of late but business should be picking up. The deadline to pick up contract options is fast approaching and so we should receive official word soon on which Lions are coming back, which aren’t, and which might be if they accept new deals. It’ll give us a better handle on what the club will be doing this off-season to rebuild an Orlando City team that quite frankly failed in about every measurable way in 2018. Before OCSC can defy expectations it will need to find a way to at least meet them.
So, what’s going on? I’m glad you asked.
Pareja Interviewed for USMNT Job; Berhalter Closing On a Deal
Doug McIntyre of Yahoo! Sports reported that former FC Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja interviewed for the USMNT job but Columbus Crew gaffer Gregg Berhalter is in the process of finishing up a deal to take the position.
My understanding is that Berhalter and the USSF are currently finalizing an agreement. No deal had been signed as of Wednesday, but if things go to plan the hiring would be announced late next week, a source with knowledge of the situation said. The former USMNT defender would then be formally introduced during a press conference in New York City during the first few days of December.
If the two sides fail to reach an agreement, though, U.S. Soccer would be in a tough spot. Pareja, who resigned Tuesday as FCD’s coach after five seasons, has already agreed to join Liga MX side Club Tijuana, according to Goal.com’s Ives Galarcep. Berhalter and Pareja are the only people U.S. men’s national team GM Earnie Stewart has formally interviewed for the position, sources said.
Think about that. It’s been over a year and only two candidates have been formally interviewed for the USMNT manager position. This federation may need to be burned to the ground so we can start over.
Does Giuseppe Rossi Have an MLS Future in New York?
Italian-American forward Giuseppe Rossi has been kicking (a ball) around the New York Red Bulls’ training facility in New Jersey since being let go by Serie A side Genoa in May. The 31-year-old said he’d like to sit down and talk with the New York teams about a potential MLS move to continue his career.
Conmebol Lobbies FIFA for Two-Year World Cup Cycle
Could the World Cup move from every four years to twice as often? That’s what South American confederation Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez would like to see. Conmebol is chatting up FIFA about a World Cup every two years instead of four, which would allow many world soccer stars to appear in more than two or three during their careers.
“The proposal we have made to Fifa is to play the World Cup every two years and not every four,” Domínguez said. “Instead of having the Nations League in between we can just go ahead every two years and have a World Cup and that is for everyone.
What do you think? Should this prestigious event be bumped up to once every two years?
Zlatan: Off to Milan or Nah?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being a bit noncommittal about rumors about a return to AC Milan. After a sensational first season with the LA Galaxy, it would be understandable for a European team to give the big Swede another look. But is he off to Serie A or some other European location?
“I won’t say ‘no’ and I won’t say ‘yes’,” Ibrahimovic said. “We’ll see… [Gennaro] Gattuso was a great player and is a great coach.”
Free Kicks
- Here’s your viewing guide to USMNT players with their club teams around the world this weekend, courtesy of our friends at Stars and Stripes FC.
- USMNT and New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams wrote a Player’s Tribune piece with some great insight into his background and a heartfelt desire to win MLS Cup.
- The Florida State women reached the NCAA semifinals with a 1-0 win over Penn State, courtesy of this unbelievable blast from Deyna Castellanos.
🎥 | THE ROCKET!
What an incredible goal by Deyna Castellanos to help the Seminoles to a 1-0 lead.
Watch on ESPN3 at https://t.co/nWqn8iOrvd pic.twitter.com/GpkYmEEnGO
— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) November 23, 2018
- Those born on this date include 12th U.S. President Zachary Taylor (1784), hoops legend Oscar Robertson (1938), former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue (1940), original Beatles drummer Pete Best (1941), The A Team actor Dwight Schultz (1947), Star Trek: The Next Generation actress Denise Crosby (1957), actor Garret Dillahunt (1964), actor Colin Hanks (1977), and Tampa Bay quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (1982).
That’s all for me today. Enjoy your weekend. I leave you with scenes from Jonathan Spector’s Thanksgiving holiday.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/5/23
Torres could be turning the corner, lights go out on OCB, U-20 USMNT knocked out of World Cup, and more.

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. It was quite the packed weekend of soccer, so I won’t blame you if you’re a little tired starting out your week. Orlando City’s victory over the New York Red Bulls was certainly the highlight, and I hope the Lions’ form continues next weekend when I come down to Exploria Stadium for the match against the Colorado Rapids. Let’s get to the links.
Torres Could Be Turning a Corner
Facundo Torres scored a brace in the match against the New York City Red Bulls on Saturday night, and perhaps it is the type of performance that will kick his season into gear. We saw the same thing last season, as Torres started slowly but came on in the second half of the season. Hopefully, Saturday’s match serves as notice he is about to do the same in 2023.
Torres’ two goals doubled his production on the season, with three of the four goals coming against the Red Bulls, and two of them on penalty kicks. Orlando City has desperately needed Torres to find his form. His performance earned him a nomination for MLS Player of the Matchday, so vote early and vote often.
Toronto FC II Turns Lights Out on OCB
OCB traveled to the Great White North to take on Toronto FC II at York Lions Stadium in Toronto, Ontario. It was a difficult night for the Young Lions as Toronto took an early lead and then doubled it before the end of the half. Mason Stajduhar made the start for OCB since Javier Otero was on international duty with Venezuela, but he was unable to help OCB, as the team in front of him played poorly.
After Toronto scored the third goal of the match to go up 3-0, the lights in the stadium went out, much like the hopes of any chance at a comeback for the Young Lions. It was supposed to be a short delay, but that was not the case. Ultimately, lights or no lights it was a night to forget for OCB. The lights never came back on and the match was abandoned and ruled a 3-0 final due to a local curfew. Sean Rollins has your partial match recap.
U-20 USMNT Crashes Out of the U-20 World Cup
The U-20 USMNT team lost 2-0 to Uruguay in the quarterfinal match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, continuing a trend of the U.S. bowing out in the same round. Heading into the match, the U.S. hadn’t given up a goal in the competition. That all changed in the 21st minute, when Uruguay’s Anderson Duarte scored to put his side up early. The U.S. didn’t help their cause in the second half thanks to an own goal by Joshua Wynder. Even when the U.S. started to get chances on goal, they would be blocked by their own teammates or take a bounce the wrong way. It was as if all the good luck and quality the team played with to get to the quarterfinal was turned against them. It was fun while it lasted.
U-20 USWNT Falls to Mexico in Concacaf Final
Two days after qualifying for the U-20 Women’s World Cup, thanks to a 2-1 win over Costa Rica, the U-20 USWNT lost to Mexico in the Concacaf U-20 Women’s Championship match by the same 2-1 score. Both teams left it late, with Mailin Orozco starting the scoring for Mexico and Onyeka Gamero equalizing for the U.S. A bit of poor defending allowed Mexico to get the game winning goal from Fatima Servin in the 87th minute.
Free Kicks
- The U-16 Men’s Youth National Team closed out the 2023 International Dream Cup with a 2-1 win over the U-16 Nigeria Youth National Team. Orlando City academy goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo got the start for the U.S.
- Former Lion Cyle Larin’s Real Valladolid were relegated to La Liga 2 thanks to a final day 0-0 draw with Getafe. Larin Lead Real Valladolid with seven goals on the season in only 13 appearances.
- LAFC took on Leon in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League final Sunday night. Leon came into the match up 2-1 on aggregate and won the 2023 Concacaf Champions League.
- During the Concacaf Champions League match, Aaron Long attempted a header for LAFC and had to be subbed off due to concussion protocols. It’s a good example of why the protocols are in place.
- Israel shocked Brazil, defeating the favorites 3-2 in the quarterfinal of the U-20 World Cup. This is Israel’s first appearance at the competition and the team will now face Uruguay in the semifinals.
- There were much bigger names in the $1 million, 7v7 The Soccer Tournament, but in the end it was Newtown Pride that captured the prize, outlasting teams like Wrexham AFC and a team made up of former USWNT players (which lost to Wrexham, 12-0). The club, which beat SLC FC in the final, will donate a portion of their winnings to Sandy Hook Elementary School charities.
- Folarin Balogun scored in his final match for Reims in Ligue 1 and is now looking forward to a call-up to the USMNT at the Nations League competition.
That will do it for today. If you make it either the Orlando City or Orlando Pride match this weekend, I hope to see you. Please say hello.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/3/23
The Orlando Pride hit the road, OCB players called up, USMNT U-20 squad can make history, and more.

Merry match day morning, Mane Landers! I hope you have multiple screens ready as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are in action this evening. Hopefully, it will be a weekend of better results for the clubs, as both are coming off difficult results. It’s been a busy week for me already and it won’t slow down anytime soon, so enjoying matches is a nice break. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Start a Busy Stretch
The Orlando Pride are heading west to play the Houston Dash tonight, followed by an NWSL Challenge Cup match against NJ/NY Gotham FC on Wednesday, and then back to Exploria Stadium to host the Portland Thorns next Sunday. Three games in nine days will test the club’s depth and it’s reasonable to expect a heavily rotated side in the Challenge Cup match. The Pride enter tonight looking for a second straight win over the Dash. To make that a reality the Pride will need to create and this time convert on the chances on goal.
OCB Venezuelan Call-ups
Goalkeeper Javier Otero and fullback/winger Moises Tablante have been called up to the Venezuelan National Football Team for a pair of friendlies this month (translate). Venezuela will face Honduras on June 15 in Washington, D.C. and Guatemala at Rentschler Field on June 18 in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Orlando City B may only be without them for one match, but the team will certainly miss the pair during the time they are on international duty. Otero has been very good in goal, and Tablante has been contributing to the attack. Of course, it is an honor for both to represent their national team and we wish them well.
Pride Month Kicks Off
Both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are celebrating Pride Month with logo changes for both squads. The Pride will be hosting the “Pride in our City” match against the Portland Thorns on June 11 in tribute to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy.
The Lions and the Pride are only two of many other sports teams to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ communities in June. Other teams include the Wilf-owned Minnesota Vikings and Florida-based Major League Baseball club, the Tampa Bay Rays.
USMNT U-20 Opportunities
When the U-20 USMNT squad meets Uruguay on Sunday there is the possibility that some of the players will also make an appearance for the senior squad in the 2026 World Cup. It’s also possible that this team can advance, possibly to the final. If so, they will make history. If the team makes it past Uruguay either Brazil or Israel will await in the semifinal. Of course, the U.S. is not the only team in Argentina with a path to the trophy.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City’s match against the New York Red Bulls is a must watch for the faithful of the two clubs, but evidently not anyone else. Some feel that it is a must-watch in the way a car wreck is. Personally, I think that the way the Red Bulls play contributes to the ugliness way more than Orlando City does, but I am biased. Feel free to check out one of the more “watchable” matches on Saturday night if you want, but I’ll be tuning in to watch our Lions.
- Dallas United was removed from The Soccer Tournament (TST) by tournament officials on the basis of racial slurs made in the team’s match against West Ham United players. Such comments violated the code of conduct for the competition and the West Ham players walked off in protest. Do better, Dallas United.
- The MLS Disciplinary Committee dealt out several fines to some players and one suspension to DC United’s Lewis O’Brien for a serious foul against CF Montreal. Miraculously, no Orlando City players were fined.
- On a happier note, the MLS All-Star week kicks off on July 15. Here is a list of the events for the week. The Leagues Cup follows soon after, with Orlando City starting things off with a match against the Houston Dynamo.
- Members of the USMNT will be playing for their clubs this weekend, including Folarin Balugon in likely his last match for Reims.
- Sergio Ramos will play his last match for Paris Saint-Germain today. Ramos’ contract was not renewed, and he will be available on a free transfer.
- Daniel Farke is out at Borussia Mönchengladbach after just one season. Farke did manage wins against both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but finished in 10th place in the Bundesliga standings.
- Colin Smith is leaving his role as the chief operating officer in charge of the World Cup division for FIFA. He oversaw the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup and the planning of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The departure is amicable and mutually agreed upon.
- If you’re like me, you’ve never heard of the tech brand, Oppo. It is a partially-state owned Chinese company, and does not sell its product in the U.S. Of course, I’m certain you are familiar with former Orlando City player, Kaká. It turns out that he is a “Global Brand Ambassador” for Oppo, and recently made a trip to Indonesia in that role as a part of the company’s partnership with the 2023 UEFA Champions League. This was the welcome he received.
That will do it for today. Check back for our coverage of both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/2/23
Orlando City prepares for the Red Bulls, Pride focused on bouncing back, Inter Miami and Phil Neville part ways, and more.

I hope this Friday finds you well as we all get ready for another weekend of Orlando soccer. Tomorrow is my birthday and I’m looking forward to battling the eternal march of time with some watermelon mojitos and a cheeseburger. It should be a nice weekend. Hopefully the next few days go smoothly for you as well. Now, let’s get this Friday started with today’s links!
Orlando City Prepares for the New York Red Bulls
Orlando City is back in action tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in a road match against the New York Red Bulls. The Lions have not lost in their past four matches against the Red Bulls, including a 1-0 win at home in this year’s season opener. Plenty has changed for the Red Bulls since that match, with Troy Lesesne now at the helm after the dismissal of Gerhard Struber last month. The Lions catch the Red Bulls just a few days after they beat Inter Miami 1-0 on the road. Orlando is currently on a four-game unbeaten streak, but two of the draws were due to allowing late equalizers at home. Captain Mauricio Pereyra talked about the team’s need for consistency throughout a match.
“It’s the belief in the work that we are doing, because nothing is changed from this last game or even in Miami,” he said. “If we compare with the other games, I mean, it’s the same team with the same players and the same quality. The only thing that changed I think, is the mentality and the mindset that we had, that we believe that the work that we’re doing is correct. … Consistency is what we need during the tournament, we see more times during the game against Atlanta. But we have to do it in 90 minutes if you want to get results.”
Pereyra is in his fifth year with the Lions and would make his 100th start for Orlando should he do so tomorrow. Cesar Araujo has been a key part of Orlando’s success since joining the club and could make his 50th appearance in tomorrow’s match. Both midfielders could prove key for Orlando against Luquinhas and the rest of the Red Bulls.
Orlando Pride Aim to Bounce Back
Although they created plenty of chances and played well, the Orlando Pride’s four-game unbeaten run came to an end last weekend against the Chicago Red Stars. Capitalizing on those chances is a focal point for the Pride in training as they get ready for a road match against the Houston Dash tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. It’s the first of three games in seven days for the Pride as they look to maintain their hunger to win despite the recent loss. Midfielder Erika Tymrak spoke on how the team is cultivating a winning culture this year.
“I think it starts in training and [the coaching staff] have created such a good training environment that when we do not get the result we wanted, we are upset, we’re disappointed,” Tymrak said, “We had a few off days after the game, and we just want to get back and play and get better. So I think it’s an important mentality to have and it’ll take us through the season.”
Orlando City B Heads North to Face Toronto FC II
After a May of mixed results, Orlando City B hits the road to take on Toronto FC II this Sunday at 8 p.m. It will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the Young Lions winning 3-2 at Osceola Heritage Park on April 30. The offense is trending in the right direction, with Jack Lynn scoring his fourth goal in three games and Alex Freeman tallying his fifth goal contribution of the season in OCB’s 3-2 win over New York Red Bulls II on Monday. Shak Mohammed, Orlando City’s 2023 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick, also scored his first goal of the season in that match, so hopefully he can build on that moving forward. OCB will face a Toronto side that has lost its past two matches, both on the road.
Phil Neville Fired By Inter Miami
Following its 10th loss in15 games this season, Phil Neville is no longer the head coach of Inter Miami. Neville was named head coach in January of 2021, and led the team to the playoffs last year. However, there’s been a lack of consistency for Miami during his tenure and no club has lost more games this season than the Herons. Miami also parted ways with former Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis, who was named as an assistant coach in March of 2021. Javier Morales will serve as interim head coach, with other coaches remaining in their existing roles, including former Orlando City academy director Darren Powell as an assistant coach.
USMNT Roster Announced for Concacaf Nations League
B.J. Callaghan, who became the interim head coach of the United States Men’s National Team earlier this week, called up 24 players for the training camp roster in preparation of the Concacaf Nations League later this month. Four goalkeepers made this roster before it gets trimmed down to 23 players, including Matt Turner and Maccabi Haifa’s Josh Cohen. Folarin Balogun committed to the U.S. just last month and will be on the team alongside fellow forwards Ricardo Pepi and Alex Zendejas. Tyler Adams is out due to injury, but the midfield is still filled with notable names such as Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and Giovanni Reyna. The U.S. will clash with Mexico on June 15 in Las Vegas, with the championship match taking place against either Canada or Panama on June 18.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride remained in ninth in CBS Sports‘ NWSL power rankings following their 1-0 road loss to the Chicago Red Stars.
- Angel City FC signed French midfielder Amandine Henry to a three-year contract. The 33-year-old joins Angel City after six seasons with Olympique Lyonnais in France.
- The Philadelphia Union have signed defensive midfielder Jose Martinez to a contract extension that will keep him in Philly through 2025, with an option for 2026 as well.
- The NWSL’s expansion team in San Francisco will be called Bay FC, which is an incredibly boring choice, in my opinion.
- American goalkeeper Zack Steffen underwent knee surgery and will reportedly be out for three to four months as a result.
- American defender John Brooks was named Hoffenheim’s Player of the Month. Brooks started in all four of the German club’s matches in May, helping Hoffenheim escape relegation.
- Qualification for next year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup is up for grabs today, as the U.S. takes on Costa Rica and Canada faces Mexico in the Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship semifinals.
- In the U-20 World Cup, Uruguay beat Gambia, 1-0, and will face the U.S. in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
- French striker Karim Benzema will reportedly join Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad when his contract with Real Madrid expires this month.
That’s all for now, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your week.
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