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Lion Links: 12/6/18

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6 years ago

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Happy Thursday, everyone. While this week seemed to be a bit quiet, things picked up yesterday, which shows you how quickly things can change.

Next week should be a busy time, with the half-day trade window on Sunday, the Expansion Draft and start of free agency on Tuesday, the Waiver Draft on Wednesday, Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft on Friday afternoon, and the SeaWolves hosting defending champion Baltimore on Friday night.

But before we get to all of those events, let’s check in on the top stories at this hour.

Orlando City Reportedly Hiring Luiz Muzzi as GM

The Lions might not be without a general manager for long. Just days after parting ways with Niki Budalic, Orlando City is reportedly close to hiring Luiz Muzzi. The 49-year-old has served as FC Dallas vice president of soccer operations since September and has previously worked closely with former FC Dallas Technical Director Fernando Clavijo. Muzzi has been with Dallas since 2012 and is currently responsible for overseeing all aspects of player personnel, scouting and team administration. His experience in MLS and the fact that he’s Brazilian makes Muzzi a terrific candidate for the job and he’d fill the criteria I listed in addressing Orlando City’s biggest priority.

Ideally the hire should be someone with previous GM experience and a wide knowledge of both Major League Soccer’s rules and the worldwide talent pool.

Lions Linked with Brazilian Attacking Player

Speaking of the worldwide talent pool and Brazilians in general, Orlando was reportedly in the mix to sign Vasco da Gama midfielder and right back Yago Pikachu. The speedy, shifty, and smallish attacker won’t likely be coming to Orlando, however, per our source with knowledge of the situation. It’s unfortunate that Pikachu won’t be joining Yoshi in Orlando so that we can make all of the video game jokes, but a new contract for the 26-year-old drove up his price and the Lions have little flexibility at the top end of the roster. Expect mainly mid- to low-end roster moves this off-season unless Orlando can shed one of the bigger contracts.

Orlando Pride Players Make Top Footballers List

The Guardian is putting together a list of the top 100 women footballers in the world and releasing them in chunks. A couple of Orlando Pride and Australia stars are side-by-side on the list so far, as Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond checked in at No. 99 and 98, respectively. So far the list has revealed No. 41-100 and you can bet there are a few Pride players — notably Marta nad Alex Morgan — yet to come as the list unfolds. The list was compiled using a wide variety of judges including players, coaches, journalists, and broadcasters.

Krieger Among NWSL Players Nearing Final Assessment in Coaching Course

A while back we linked to a story about 21 NWSL players who are taking a C License coaching course. Those players are nearing their final assessments after a week of 12-hour sessions and 10 weeks of homework and practicums. Those players include Orlando Pride star defender Ali Krieger, who is coming to appreciate what coaches go through.

“We’ve had to kind of take our player hat off and put our coaching hat on,” said Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger. “I can say I respect my coaches a little bit more now that I’ve been through the course. It’s pretty demanding, yet very rewarding. We’re learning a lot. Our instructors are super-knowledgeable. They’re inspiring and now have become some of our mentors throughout this process.”

“We need more female coaches in the world, especially in the NWSL and in youth development,” she added. “With us having all the knowledge that we have from playing at the highest level and going through different levels throughout our careers, I think we already have that advantage over a lot of other coaches who might just be starting out. And I think we need to start being willing to take these courses and give back in a way.”

Give the full story a read at the link above.

Martinez Named MLS MVP

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez was named Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player on Wednesday, finishing ahead of his teammate, Miguel Almiron. Martinez set a new MLS goal-scoring record this season. I wouldn’t say that either Atlanta player is undeserving but the Five Stripes would have likely still been among the league’s best teams without one or the other — though perhaps not without both. On the other hand, Zlatan Ibrahimovic nearly carried a bad LA Galaxy team to the playoffs by himself, without all the helpful teammates that Martinez and Almiron had. Additionally, Wayne Rooney brought D.C. United back from the dead over the last third of the season. Personally, my choice is Zlatan, although I won’t argue too hard about the other top finishers. Ibra’s 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 games (24 starts) is absurd and he had less talent around him than the others, particularly the Atlanta guys.

Free Kicks

  • Speaking of Almiron, his transfer to Newcastle United is nearly a done deal. Good riddance.
  • James O’Connor reportedly went to Lima, Peru, to check on Yoshi and Carlos Ascues and perhaps to find more Peruvian talent to bring back to Orlando.
  • Bruce Arena could be headed to the Columbus Crew as general manager.
  • U.S. Soccer has two Berhalters in key positions and here’s why the federation is OK with that.
  • Columbus city leaders and partners announced a new plan for the Mapfre Stadium grounds to house the team’s training facility and a sports complex after the team moves into a new stadium. The new facility and stadium would help the new ownership group level the playing field in terms of the club’s assets.
  • Those born on this date include songwriter Ira Gershwin (1896), notorious gangster Baby Face Nelson (1908), football legend Otto Graham (1921), actress JoBeth Williams (1948), Animal House and Amadeus actor Tom Hulce (1953), comedian Steven Wright (1955), R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck (1956), late Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads (1956), filmmaker Judd Apatow (1967), Australian international footballer Tim Cahill (1979), and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny “Football” Manziel (1992).

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Please enjoy the rest of your Thursday and I’ll be back to do this again with you before you know it.

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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.

Published

10 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

Free Kicks

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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1 day 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.

Free Kicks

  • 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

2 days ago

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January 20, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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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