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Lion Links: 6/3/18

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6 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers! There’s a decent amount on tap today as the U.S. Men’s National Team traveled to Ireland for an international friendly, the Lions clashed with the Pigeons in New York City, and tonight, the Pride take on Seattle Reign FC.

It’s been a fun weekend on my end, I hope it has been for you all as well. If not, cheer up! I’ve got some tasty links for you below, and then you’ve got a potentially outstanding match-up to look forward to at 9 p.m. ET as the Pride play on the west coast against the Reign.

Enough talk, more Links. Here’s your Sunday serving, Mane Landers. Bon appetite:

Orlando City SC Falls Again at New York City FC

The Lions traveled to Yankee Stadium for the second time this season and dominated possession in the first half, and even had a few dangerous attempts of their own. But in the end Orlando City wasted its scoring opportunities en route to a 3-0 road loss. Sacha Kljestan couldn’t keep a penalty kick on the correct side of the post as the Lions hit the woodwork three times.

Make sure you check back later for Guilherme Torres’ five takeaways, too.

Young USMNT Squad Falls Late to Ireland

In a match that opportunistically featured a lot of young faces for the Americans, the boys in the stars and stripes fell just short of a result, losing in the closing seconds to a more seasoned Ireland side. Honestly, the match looked to be ending in a draw, but Ireland rightfully earned the win, as they were the better side on the majority of the day. Bobby Wood got on the score sheet for the Americans, but goals from Ireland’s Graham Burke and Alan Judge turned the game around. Scott Carnevale has your match recap.

Pride Look to Extend Four-Match Road Unbeaten Streak

Today’s match in Seattle, if won or drawn by the Pride, would extend an impressive unbeaten road stint that’s seen the team turn a lackluster start of the campaign into an energizing (hopefully) springboard for more future successes, both home and away. The current road unbeaten streak stands at four (Chicago, Utah, Portland, and Chicago), but an away match to the Reign almost certainly threatens the streak, especially with backup Haley Kopmeyer (earning her first start for the club with Ashlyn Harris out on international duty) being thrown to the wolves, in a trial by fire match-up that’s sure to see a lot of shots from Seattle. Several injuries and international obligations will hinder the Pride in this one (Marta and Rachel Hill will both be out), so it may well be a rough ride. Tom Sermanni himself admitted:

“Our most recent game was one of the most complete games we’ve played in a while but as we seem to be settling in, we’re now heading into a match that will be impacted by both international call-ups and injuries,” Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “That being said, Seattle will also be dealing with its share of disruptions. This hasn’t been an easy month travel-wise, but it is our job to go out there, leave everything on the turf and hopefully be returning from the West Coast with another strong result.”

Regardless, the match is sure to be a cracker, and I’ll surely be tuning in.

Wayne Rooney and D.C. United in Advanced Talks, Move Imminent

According to Sky Sports News, Rooney and D.C. United are in advanced talks over a move to the capital city to become the club’s Designated Player, with the news coming out that a potential deal worth close to $10 million over two years is nearly finalized. The move could become official as soon as Monday, but, should the deal go through, Rooney won’t be available for selection until at least July 10 (when MLS’ Secondary Transfer Window opens). With D.C. United’s new venue set to be unveiled for its first official match on July 16, something tells me that a grand spectacle will go down at a brand new Audi Field, housing a team with a brand new star.

Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Told Teammates He Is Leaving Real Madrid

Not only had the iconic talisman informed his teammates of his departure prior to the Champion’s League final triumph over Liverpool (3-1), but according to Marca’s Jose Felix Diaz, he had apparently informed them weeks before that fatefully historic night in Kiev that saw Real Madrid win a third consecutive European crown (and that’ll unfortunately always be remembered as the night Loris Karius pooped his proverbial pants). Regardless, the news is monumental, and could cause major financial and league-table-tilting waves throughout Europe. Real Madrid’s record holder for all-time goals will not go cheaply, however, and his release clause comes to the tune of around one billion euros. I don’t know what else to say after typing that sentence, so I’m ending this link with a “damn.”

Free Kicks

  • Bobby Warshaw over at mlssoccer.com provides you with a perfect breakdown of the MLS Eastern Conference picture right now, notably keeping a close eye on what looks to become a tight race for the East’s final playoff spots.
  • Although Orlando City’s own Abraham Valbuena bowed out of the video game competition early, the Global Series Playoffs for the eWorld Cup Grand Final began on Monday, and six of the world’s best eMLS representatives are fighting to become the world’s best FIFA champ. I’d still take ‘em all down.

  • Quite the classy move by NYCFC last night, as the club paid tribute on Pride Night to the victims of the tragic shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub. Personally, it was well-received in a profound way. Thank you, and it’s important to remember the victims.

  • The fellas over at mlssoccer.com (Bobby Warshaw and Matthew Doyle) had a nice little conversation about the state of the USMNT’s young future, specifically speaking on Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.
  • Real Salt Lake is reportedly in talks with Paraguayan winger Osmar Leguizamon, a countryman of Lions’ attacker Josué Colmán.
  • An independent panel has rescinded FC Dallas’ Cristian Colman’s red card and suspension following alleged “violent conduct” in the closing minutes of Dallas’ 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy last Wednesday night. Take a gander at the video that’s included in the link…then laugh. If you’re keeping track, that’s three red cards rescinded in a week. Get it together, PRO, you’ve got replay now and everything.
  • England’s gaffer Gareth Southgate has hinted that Jordan Pickford will start in Russia for the country’s opening match vs. Tunisia.
  • Oh, and uh, I also love me some Tim Weah. #TheFuture. His club side PSG took notice too!

That’s about all that’s fit to print today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Pride this evening, and then have a great week. Much love.

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Lion Links

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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3 hours 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

Lion Links: 4/2/25

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

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1 day 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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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