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Lion Links: 6/3/18

Published

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: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

Published

22 hours ago

on

April 9, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re neck deep into a busy week of soccer with the USWNT late Tuesday night, Orlando City B playing tonight, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on the Saturday schedule this weekend. Don’t you love this time of the year? I love that there’s almost always a soccer match available to watch. Let’s get to the links.

Focus on Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City continues the Lion’s Den Walk and Talk series of interviewing players with a look at center back Rodrigo Schlegel. This is your opportunity to get to know the Argentinian defender. He speaks of his childhood, his family, and his time with Orlando. My favorite part is when he speaks of the matches that have helped define him.

Citrus Kit Fashion

Since 2022, the Orlando Pride have collaborated with artists to create concept kits from the club’s current kit. This season, the club partnered with Sophie Hird on the Citrus Kit. Hird is a British designer and graduate of London College of Fashion. The result has a western flair seen here modeled by Pride defender Cori Dyke.

Bringing handmade kit art to life 🎨Learn More: orlsoccer.co/SophieHird

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T15:00:16.833Z

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

The Custom Pride Kit Series over the years ✨

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T18:20:45.683Z

OCB Hosts New England Revolution II

Orlando City B welcomes New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park tonight. The Young Lions will try to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Chattanooga FC Saturday. It won’t get any easier against Revs II, who sit just above OCB in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Revs II haven’t conceded any goals so far this season, and have scored just as many goals as the Young Lions. The match start time is 7 p.m. and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.

Brazil Defeats USWNT

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated the USWNT 2-1 Tuesday night scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The U.S. got things started early on a goal in the first minute from Catarina Macario, but was unable to add to that later in the match. The Pride’s Angelina got the start for Brazil, but Emily Sams did not appear for the USWNT. Maybe if Sams in subbed on then Amanda Gutierres doesn’t get that winning goal. We’ll never know.

USMNT Players Abroad

Several USMNT players were in action, including former Lion Daryl Dike, who saw action in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Dike subbed on in the 65th minute for the Baggies. It’s been a month since he returned to action following his second torn Achilles tendon. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United defeated Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough 1-0.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer scored for Mansfield Town in EFL League One in a match against Leyton Orient, extending his goal-scoring streak. Seems he finally wanted to score.

Nice to see Dom Dwyer's back in the goals. He's scored in three consecutive games for Mansfield Town in EFL League One after finding the net tonight against Leyton Orient.

— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-04-08T23:32:43.320Z

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/8/25

Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

April 8, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City Academy Roundup

The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.

We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.

UEFA Champions League Preview

As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.

Free Kicks

That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/7/25

Lions draw on the road, OCB falls to Chattanooga FC, USWNT beats Brazil, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

April 7, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road

Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.

OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road

Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.

USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.

MLS Weekend Recap

The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.
  • Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
  • Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.
  • Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
  • Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
  • Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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