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Lion Links: 1/13/19

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6 years ago

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Hey there, Mane Landers. I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful Florida weather this weekend as you soak in some quality football like yesterday’s Florida Cup. Personally, I’ve just adopted a kitten! It’s been a plan in the making, but my trip to Germany held it off…but I’ve finally pulled the trigger. She’s a Tortie (Tortoiseshell), and she’s currently hiding in my elaborate L-shaped couch. I hope she comes out soon because I haven’t had the opportunity to introduce her to the litter box yet.

Regardless, I’m ecstatic to have a new furry companion. I haven’t yet landed on a name, but I think Java or Bean (Beanie) have potential. She’s beautiful, in brown, orange, black, and white, so if you have any nice suggestions, drop them in the comments section below.

Anyway, back to the reason you’re here; your Sunday serving of delicious Lion Links. Enjoy!

Lions Moving on from Diego

Despite having a three-year offer on the table that was agreed to in principle, Diego Ribas is mulling a new offer from Flamengo and Orlando City is done waiting for the talented No. 10. Diego was going to be a big part of what the Lions wanted to do in 2019 and would make a great mentor for a guy like Josué Colmán, but OCSC isn’t interested in waiting for him to finalize a decision, although the door is reportedly not all the way closed just yet.

“We’re done waiting,” the executive said. “Our offer is off the table because we cannot wait and we will not get into a bidding war. You can’t think twice about an offer that involves a life project like the one we did.”

Orlando Becoming a Hub for Soccer

With an ever-growing supporter base for the Lions and the Pride, notable tournaments like the Florida Cup, featuring internationally renowned clubs, are contributing to an expanding soccer culture here in the Orlando area. The R9 Ronaldo Academy, opened in 2015 by the legendary Brazilian striker of the same name, has seen tremendous growth in its admissions of prospects into its competitive programs. The sport is growing in the Central Florida area, and it’s only a matter of time before the results and development of our state’s youth players comes to fruition. One thing is certain: it’s a good time to be into soccer in the Central Florida area (despite the recent disappointing seasons from the city’s top clubs).

SeaWolves Exact Revenge on Florida Tropics

Gordy Gurson netted four goals and added an assist, and Osvaldo Rojas and Lewis Neal each added a brace to lead the Orlando SeaWolves to a huge 11-6 road win over the Florida Tropics in Lakeland. The ‘Wolves bounced back from a 9-6 defeat in their last trip to Lakeland and picked up their first ever road victory in MASL play. It was also the team’s largest offensive output of its short existence.

2019 MLS SuperDraft: Conservative?

According to mlssoccer.com’s Sam Stejskal, he thinks so. In a class lacking a clear number one and/or number two selection, teams didn’t feel the need to make any aggressive moves. The general feel was that the top seven to 10 prospects were of around the same caliber, which allowed teams to sit back and wait on their pick, rather than trading up to nab their guy. That made this year’s draft noticeably conservative compared to years past.

“I think it has to be a reflection of some of the over the top talent,” Columbus Crew SC president Tim Bezbatchenko told MLSsoccer.com on Friday. “I think in the past there’s been some players that really had something different and unique, and they did this year, but maybe not to the same level. It’s a bit of a reflection of that.”

That doesn’t mean there were no deals struck, of course, as there was plenty of movement. The difference? The movement wasn’t notable or captivating. Stejskal even goes on to hypothesize that the continuing emergence of MLS academies will stymie the quality of future MLS SuperDrafts, with teams looking towards developing their Homegrown talent.

“I think people are more confident with their academy players and people coming through in their USL programs, so maybe they’re not maneuvering as quickly and aggressively,” said Bezbatchenko.

Only time will tell…but what do you think, was this a conservative year for the MLS SuperDraft?

Who Owns Inter Miami?

That’s the question a lot of people are asking right now, as the club has failed to officially disclose its investors — an ethical problem that could potentially throw a huge monkey wrench in Miami’s future MLS plans. as it’s preventing the club from obtaining construction permits for their Miami Freedom Stadium. To boil it down, the local face of the club, Jorge Mas, MasTec chairman, and his brother Jose are investors and own 35% of the team. Sprint chairman Marcelo Claure owns another 35% of the team, with SoftBank’s CEO Masayoshi Son owning 20% and David Beckham owning the remaining 10%. No forms were filed to officially verify these claims however, and there is no evidence to corroborate the team’s investment group. Until the water is no longer muddy, Inter Miami is sitting at a red light — a really, really awkward and seemingly unnecessary red light.

French Federation Hopes to Leave “Strong Legacy” for Women’s Sports

With the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup just around the corner, host country France and its Football Federation has expressed hopes of leaving a strong legacy in France, as they hope to emulate the United States in the respect that women’s footballers are looked up to as role models.

“What I like and what I wish we could bring in France is the atmosphere, the support of the game,” Georges said. “To have role models – because in France, now it’s starting, players are role models. When I came to the U.S. … it was already in the culture, a woman’s football player, you’re a role model.”

Brigitte Henriques, the French Federation’s vice president, and Laura Georges, the secretary general, gave an hour-long presentation in Chicago last Thursday, and spoke about the vast potential this tournament holds. They have their eye on highlighting the value of women’s soccer to their male counterparts, as well.

“What we expect is to have more men’s professional teams supporting the women’s game,” Georges said. “Make sure that they really think: ‘We are doing it because they ask us? No, we are doing it because it’s worth it.’”

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  • Last but certainly not least, we have American U-18 prospect Charlie Kelman netting an impressive goal from midfield after helping out in the tackle that won the ball. Take a bow, sir.

Well, that’s all I’ve got for you today, folks. Now, I need to go find this kitten. Have a great week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/15/24

Barbra Banda speaks about playing alongside Marta, USMNT beats Jamaica, international soccer roundup, and more.

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2 hours ago

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November 15, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I hope the week hasn’t been too rough on you as we gear up for what should be an exciting weekend. There aren’t too many plans lined up for me, but I’m still looking forward to being able to relax a bit over the next few days. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to our favorite Beefy Swede, Robin Jansson!

Barbra Banda on Playing With Marta

It’s an understatement to say it’s been a fantastic year for the Orlando Pride, and NWSL MVP finalists Barbra Banda and Marta have been major reasons for the team’s success. Marta has been with the Pride since 2017 and is thriving in what may be the twilight of her legendary career. Meanwhile, it’s Banda’s first year with the Pride and she’s taken the league by storm alongside Marta. In an interview with Futbol W, which is co-hosted by former Pride player Ali Krieger, Banda spoke about how motivating it is to play with the greatest women’s soccer player of all time.

Battle of the Rebuilds in NWSL Playoffs

Of the four teams remaining in the NWSL playoffs, only NJ/NY Gotham FC was in the playoffs last year. Not only are this year’s semifinalists a testament to how much things can change each year, but it’s also an interesting showcase of the different ways clubs can build a team capable of winning in this league. The Pride capped off a patient and smart rebuild by signing international players like Banda, while the Current have benefited greatly from adding Temwa Chawinga. After winning the NWSL Championship last year, Gotham added several American stars like Rose Lavelle and Crystal Dunn in free agency to do it again. Meanwhile, the Washington Spirit have leaned on a strong rookie class and other young players to reach this point.

USMNT Beats Jamaica in Nations League

The United States Men’s National Team got its quarterfinal series started with a solid 1-0 win over Jamaica in Kingston. Ricardo Pepi scored the lone foal of the game early on with a nice strike after a silky smooth assist from Christian Pulisic. Matt Turner came up with a great save on a penalty kick in the first half, earning a clean sheet the hard way. It wasn’t exactly a comfortable victory for Mauricio Pochettino and the Yanks, but winning on the road in Concacaf is hardly ever comfortable. The two teams will reconvene in St. Louis on Monday with a spot in the semifinals on the line.

Keeping Up With International Soccer

The U.S. obviously isn’t the only nation taking part in the international break, with teams all around the world in action. Paraguay arguably had the biggest win of the day, beating Argentina 2-1 in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Venezuela also had a decent result, drawing 1-1 against Brazil in a match that included a missed penalty by Vinicius Junior.

In 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, and Gabon all booked their tickets to next year’s tournament after the latest round of matches. Saudi Arabia and Australia battled to a scoreless draw in AFC World Cup qualifying, while South Korea moved closer to qualifying after a 3-1 win over Kuwait that featured Son Heung-min’s 50th international goal. There weren’t too many surprises in the UEFA Nations League, with England cruising past Greece and Italy beating Belgium. France was held to a scoreless draw against Israel but still qualified for the quarterfinals.

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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: 11/14/24

MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.

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1 day ago

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November 14, 2024

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions

Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.

Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.

Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50

ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.

Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year

The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.

USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

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  • In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.

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: 11/13/24

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.

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2 days ago

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November 13, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions on International Duty

Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.

The NWSL Playoffs Continue

The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.

NWSL Award Voting Open

The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.

Pepi is Ready

The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.

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  • In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
  • England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
  • The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
  • Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
  • We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
  • We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
  • Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!

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