Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/17/19
What’s up, Mane Landers? We’re coming off rare midweek matches and are diving straight into even more this weekend. Orlando City B is playing tonight and the senior Lions will look to dig themselves out of their recent slump. But before we get to the games in store for us, let’s start this Friday morning on the right foot with some links.
Young Players Earning Experience
In probably one of the most hostile road environments in Major League Soccer, Head Coach James O’Connor deployed a starting team filled with young talent. For many players, it was their first starts of the season and goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh’s MLS debut. Not only did the group of players get needed experience against a quality opponent, but it also gave an opportunity for some of the usual starters to get some rest during this grueling stretch of games.
Lions Weigh In After Losing Performance
With two very tough road games in less than a week, Orlando City’s was sure to be tested. While the Lions didn’t pass either test and get results, I believe they performed better than was expected. But midfielder Dillon Powers, who has already seen this team go through a losing streak during this time of year, is ready for the Lions to move past having decent performances and towards points in the standings.
“Again, I think we have had another good team performance and we have had good performances all year, but I think we need to really get serious with ourselves and start to really commit to results rather than just performances. At the end of the day that is what matters and that is what this is all about. We are happy to play good football but at the end of the day we need to win games.”
Be sure to check out more of what he and other members of Orlando City had to say after the loss in Seattle.
USWNT Cruises Past New Zealand
The U.S. Women’s National Team made quick work of Tom Sermanni’s New Zealand team in a 5-0 win as the two nations work out the kinks before the World Cup. Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan started but couldn’t score in the affair, although the USWNT had no trouble scoring as a whole. Carli Lloyd had a brace and Tobin Heath, Rose Lavelle, and Sam Mewis each pitched in goals of their own to comfortably win. But the biggest moment may have come in the 60th minute as Pride defender Ali Krieger was subbed on for her 100th cap with the USWNT. Congrats Krieger, you earned it.
Brazil Calls Up Pride Players
The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster announcements continue to roll in, with Brazil calling up the 23 women who will take the field for that country this summer. Two Orlando Pride players were called up, with six-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta and defender Camila named to the roster as expected. The pair will be joined by former Pride teammate Monica and the 41-year-old Formiga who is headed to her seventh World Cup — the most of any male or female player.
U.S. Open Cup Second Round Recap
The second round of the U.S. Open Cup has came and went with 22 teams moving forward to the next round. Two amateur teams are left after winning in penalty kicks, with the Florida Soccer Soldiers taking down the Charlotte Independence and Orange County FC defeating Orange County SC.
There’s plenty of action to watch for in the third round, the last before MLS teams get involved. The Tampa Bay Rowdies travel to face OKC Energy FC, Erica Wynalda’s Las Vegas Lights will host Orange County SC, and Anthony Pulis’ St. Louis FC faces off against upset-minded Forward Madison FC.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City captain Nani, who did not travel with the team during the past road trip, is rested and ready to bring the team together for a crucial opportunity for points against FC Cincinnati.
Despite the result, it was a good effort last night, guys! Let's work together and try to get a win at home this weekend. #VamosOrlando #MLS #together #team pic.twitter.com/YCaWQ5R9C1
— Nani (@luisnani) May 16, 2019
- Make sure to head out to Montverde Academy tonight for Orlando City B’s game with Toronto FC II at 7:30 p.m. ET as the team continues to hunt for its first win.
- The U-17 USMNT fell 2-1 to Mexico last night in the Concacaf Championship final. Not the result that was wanted, but great job to the players regardless.
Proud of our boys 🇺🇸
We fall 2-1 in extra time. pic.twitter.com/FGgkw4C7t6
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) May 17, 2019
- Orlando SeaWolves star Gordy Gurson will be playing next season with the rival Florida Tropics.
- To those who stayed up Wednesday night to see Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris’ injury, you know it was bad. The 24-year-old suffered a hamstring injury that could see him out for quite some time, which is bad news for both Sounders and USMNT fans alike.
- Nashville SC acquired David Accam from the Columbus Crew for $450,000 in Targeted Allocation Money, although he will stay with the Crew for the remainder of the season. It’s been a busy month for Accam, who just joined the Crew from the Philadelphia Union a little over a week ago.
- The LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo, and Real Salt Lake will all participate in the MLS and Liga MX tournament this summer.
That’s all from me, folks. I hope you all have an amazing Friday and a great rest of your weekend.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/7/24
Orlando City wins on the road, Ramiro Enrique up for Player of the Matchday, Orlando Pride lift the NWSL Shield, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour and spent my birthday yesterday catching up with friends I haven’t seen in a while. For our clubs in action, Orlando City and the Orlando Pride won, while OCB lost over the weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Beat FC Cincinnati On the Road
Orlando City defeated FC Cincinnati 3-1 at TQL Stadium on Saturday. Ramiro Enrique scored early on, but FC Cincinnati equalized just before halftime. Ivan Angulo scored for Orlando in the second half, and Enrique added his second of the match to secure all three points for the Lions. It was Orlando’s third straight win and the team is fourth in the Eastern Conference table with 52 points. The Lions are off this weekend but will return to action on Oct. 19 at home against Atlanta United for their final game of the regular season.
Ramiro Enrique Up for Player of the Matchday
Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique was nominated for MLS Player of the Matchday for his performance in Cincinnati.
Enrique scored two goals and also assisted on Angulo’s goal to lift the Lions to victory against one of the league’s best teams. The 23-year-old has scored in three of Orlando’s last four matches and has eight goals to his name this season. Other players in the running for MLS Player of the Matchday are Cucho Hernandez of the Columbus Crew, Simon Becher of St. Louis City SC, and Santiago Rodriguez of New York City FC.
Orlando Pride Win the NWSL Shield
On Sunday, the Orlando Pride defeated the Washington Spirit 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium to clinch the NWSL. It’s the first trophy in club history and the Pride extended their unbeaten run to 23 matches as well. After a scoreless first half, Marta scored from the penalty spot to put the Pride in front and an own goal by defender Tara McKeown off a shot from Adriana gave the Pride a 2-0 lead to seal the win. Orlando is atop the NWSL table with 57 points and has a 10-point cushion over the Spirit with three games left this season. The Pride’s next match will be on the road against the Portland Thorns on Friday. Enjoy this moment of the Pride celebrating winning the NWSL Shield as their historic season continues.
Pride Players Named to NWSL Best XI of the Month
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, defender Emily Sams, and forward Marta were named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month for September. This is the second time that Moorhouse has been named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month this season. She registered four clean sheets in five matches last month and made 18 saves as well. Moorhouse also set a new league record with 12 shutouts. Sams also made her second appearance on the NWSL Best XI of the Month. She played in all five matches, won five tackles, and had six interceptions in 450 minutes of play. It’s Marta’s first time on the NWSL Best XI this season, and she scored twice in September to keep Orlando’s offense rolling. All three played vital roles throughout the season to help the Pride keep their unbeaten streak alive.
OCB Falls to FC Cincinnati 2 On Decision Day
Orlando City B lost 3-1 to FC Cincinnati 2 at TQL Stadium on Sunday, falling short of clinching a home playoff match. The Young Lions trailed 2-0 at halftime before Alex Freeman pulled one back in the second half. Gerardo Valenzuela completed his hat trick to give Cincinnati its third goal and the win. With OCB’s defeat, Inter Miami CF II took the Southeast Division title, and OCB dropped from third to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. With the regular season over, the Young Lions will have to wait and see if Cincinnati, Philadelphia Union II, or Miami will choose them as their opponent in the first round of the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. If OCB isn’t chosen, it would travel to face Chicago Fire FC II, which finished fourth in the East.
Free Kicks
- Marta’s contract with the Pride expires at the end of the season, and she told The Athletic ($) she wants to continue playing professional soccer for at least two more seasons.
- USMNT and Borussia Dortmund winger Giovanni Reyna is dealing with a setback in his recovery from a groin injury suffered last month. There is currently no timetable for his return.
- Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas were called into camp for the USMNT’s upcoming friendlies against Panama and Mexico. Folarin Balogun, Johnny Cardoso, and Tim Weah have all withdrawn from the team due to injuries.
- Christian Pulisic scored another goal for AC Milan, as he found the back of the net in his team’s 2-1 loss to Fiorentina in Serie A action. Pulisic has scored six goals across all competitions for Milan this season.
- Austin FC announced that the club has parted ways with its head coach, Josh Wolff.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/4/24
Luis Muriel named to the Team of the Matchday bench, Orlando City B and Alex Freeman earn recognition, Angel City FC disciplined, and more.
Happy Friday! All three of Orlando’s soccer teams are in action this weekend and there’s plenty of reasons to watch them. It should be an exciting next few days to say the least, and it’s still kind of crazy to believe that the Orlando Pride could clinch the NWSL Shield on Sunday. Let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Luis Muriel Makes Team of the Matchday Bench
Orlando City forward Luis Muriel landed on the MLS Team of the Matchday bench for his role in the team’s 2-1 win at home against the Philadelphia Union. The 33-year-old came off the bench in the second half and assisted on both of Orlando’s goals in one of his best performances as a Lion. While it’s a bit disappointing that no Lions were named to the starting lineup of this Team of the Matchday after winning, it’s a testament to how the Lions have been able to find goals in a variety of ways as of late. Hopefully Muriel can keep this momentum rolling as the Lions finish out the rest of the season.
Orlando City B Named MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Month
After winning all four of its games in September, Orlando City B was deservedly chosen as the MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Month. The Young Lions did well on both sides of the ball last month, outscoring opponents 11-2 in that four-game stretch. Forward Jack Lynn scored three goals in September, but right back Alex Freeman was the star of the show and was named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month. The 20-year-old contributed to seven of the team’s 11 goals last month with four goals and three assists.
“It’s an honor to be Player of the Month and I’m glad I could showcase my talent in this league, but more importantly help my team succeed and gain momentum going into the playoffs,” Freeman said. “Vamos Orlando!”
MLS NEXT Pro Decision Day Looms
The final matches of the MLS NEXT Pro regular season will all take place on Sunday afternoon as teams aim to qualify for the playoffs and jockey for positioning. OCB can’t finish any higher than third in the Eastern Conference, but it can secure hosting in the first round and the right to choose its opponent when it takes on FC Cincinnati 2. Nearly every game between Eastern Conference teams on Sunday can also impact OCB’s path forward. There are still five playoff spots up for grabs, so it should be an exciting day. The Western Conference has one playoff spot still to be claimed and five teams in contention, with none of them facing each other.
Angel City FC Disciplined For Salary Cap Violation
The NWSL has imposed disciplinary actions after an investigation into a salary cap violation by Angel City FC. The club has been docked three points this season and fined $200,000 for five side letters with players that weren’t disclosed to the league and affected multi-year agreements. As a result, Angel City exceeded the salary cap by approximately $50,000 for four weeks this season. President Julie Uhrman and General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano were also suspended from conduct related to player transactions for the rest of the year. It’s a strong statement by the league and Angel City is now 12th in the standings with 19 points.
USWNT Will Take On the Netherlands Abroad
The United States Women’s National Team will play its final game of 2024 in the Netherlands when it takes on the Dutch on Dec. 3. The last time these two sides faced off was in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup, with Lindsey Horan equalizing in the second half of a 1-1 draw. This match will come three days after the USWNT plays against England at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 30. Both of these friendlies are against strong European opponents who were not at the Olympics this summer. We’ll see if Head Coach Emma Hayes can keep the USWNT firing on all cylinders to close out the year.
Free Kicks
- Congratulations to Orlando Pride midfielder Luana on completing her chemotherapy!
- Orlando City’s Heine Gikling Bruseth and Michael Halliday are the only Lions eligible for this year’s 22 Under 22 list. We’ll find out if either made the cut when the list is unveiled on Wednesday, although I would be surprised to see either player on it.
- Orlando duo Colin Guske and Tahir Reid-Brown were called up for the U-19 U.S. Men’s National Team’s training camp that includes friendlies against Sweden and Japan in Spain later this month.
- Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga was named NWSL Player of the Month after scoring four goals in five games in September. NWSL Rookie of the Month honors went to San Diego Wave defender Kennedy Wesley, who helped her team win twice last month.
- Clubs participating in the 2025 Club World Cup won’t be required to release players for international duty during the tournament. As a result, the U.S. could be without some of its best players for the Concacaf Gold Cup.
- Lazio, Tottenham, and Lyon remain perfect in the Europa League after winning their second games. An equalizer by Harry Maguire salvaged a 3-3 draw for Manchester United against Porto in a match that included a red card to Bruno Fernandes.
- Kylian Mbappe, who came off the bench for Real Madrid earlier this week, was left off of France’s roster for its upcoming Nations League matches to help him recover from injury.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/3/24
Orlando City wins at home, Eastern Conference playoff picture update, USMNT roster announced, and more.
One of the best parts about Orlando City winning a midweek MLS match is that it makes the rest of the week feel much less like a slog. Having all three of Orlando’s soccer teams performing well is both unfamiliar and pretty great. Let’s dive right into Orlando’s win and more in today’s links!
Orlando City Beats the Philadelphia Union
Orlando City hosted the Philadelphia Union and claimed all three points in a 2-1 win. Luis Muriel came off the bench and changed the game after a scoreless first half, continuing his strong run of form as of late. The Union pulled one back, but the Lions held on for their sixth straight win at home in league play. The Lions remain in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with two games to go. Orlando will be back in action on Saturday with a tough road match against FC Cincinnati.
Eastern Conference Playoff Races Tighten
Although the regular season nears its end, the MLS playoff picture didn’t get much clearer after the midweek matches across the league. New York City FC beat FC Cincinnati 3-2 and the New York Red Bulls won 4-1 against Toronto FC, meaning both teams are still just two points behind the Lions in the standings. Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Charlotte FC clinched a spot in the playoffs after winning 4-3 against the Chicago Fire. Inter Miami also won the Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 road win over the Columbus Crew. D.C. United’s Gabriel Pirani scored twice in stoppage time to lift his team to a dramatic 4-3 win over Nashville.
Mauricio Pochettino Names His First USMNT Roster
United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino called up 25 players for his first training camp at the helm. The roster includes plenty of familiar faces, such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Ream. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen is back in the fold, joining Matt Turner, Patrick Schulte, and Ethan Horvath. Midfielder Giancarlo Busio was also called up for the first time this year. The USMNT will host Panama in a friendly on Oct. 12 in Pocchettino’s first game in charge before a friendly with Mexico on Oct. 15 in Guadalajara.
Keeping Up With Champions League Action
The second round of matches in the Champions League wrapped up and there were some interesting results to enjoy. Despite a red card to goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio in the 59th minute, Juventus mounted a comeback to win 3-2 on the road against RB Leipzig. Mo Salah had a goal and an assist in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Bologna. In the heavyweight match between Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, Jhon Duran beat Manuel Neuer from distance to give Aston Villa the 1-0 win. It was a rough day for the Spanish clubs, as Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Lille, Atletico Madrid fell 4-0 to Benfica, and Girona was beaten 3-2 by Feyenoord.
Free Kicks
- The NWSL unveiled the redesigned NWSL Shield and MVP trophies, which were handcrafted by Tiffany & Co. Hopefully, the Pride can secure some of this brand new silverware on Sunday, because it is gorgeous.
- The live show where MLS NEXT Pro playoff teams choose their opponents will take place on Monday. Orlando City B has already clinched a spot in the playoffs, but Decision Day on Sunday will determine if the Young Lions will get to pick which team they’ll face in the first round. The top three teams in each conference get to choose an opponent, with the fourth-place team facing whichever club is left over.
- Ahead of his team’s clash with the Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit Head Coach Jonatan Giraldez stated that he won’t have a player take the field until they are “100% available.” Spirit forward Trinity Rodman may miss Sunday’s game due to the back injury she suffered last month.
- Former Portland Timbers defender Modou Jadama has unfortunately passed away. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and all affected.
- Senegal sacked Aliou Cisse as its head coach, with the federation citing a government request not to renew his contract. In his time as head coach, Cisse helped Senegal win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and qualify for the past two World Cups.
- A section of Atletico Madrid’s stadium will be closed for three games due to fan behavior in the club’s derby match against Real Madrid.
- Brentford has been off to a hot start in each of its past three English Premier League matches, scoring in under 40 seconds each time out. Although Brentford didn’t end up winning any of those games, it’s still an impressive feat. Someone should tell the Bees they’re allowed to score after the first minute.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
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