Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/26/19

Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. I hope you’re all enjoying this holiday weekend despite the Lions dropping all three points to the Zlatan-less Galaxy on Friday night. It was a tough pill to swallow, and although I remain optimistic, significant improvements are obviously necessary to push this team over a hump that they can’t seem to overcome. Meanwhile, an extremely weakened Pride team will also be seeking to improve, as a decent sized list of players are missing to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. It’s a rough time to be an Orlando supporter, but then again, we’re resilient and used to it. Everyone keep your chins up. And hey, at least we all get to catch the USWNT in action today against Mexico!
Any who, now that my spiel is out of the way, let’s get to these Links. Enjoy.
Orlando Pride Lose 2-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium
The Pride players who didn’t earn a call-up to represent their country traveled to Utah where they took on the Royals last night. Let’s just say this one didn’t go well for the Pride, and a 2-0 loss was the final result. Amy Rodriguez (31’) and Makenzy Doniak (89’) scored for the Royals as the Pride failed to register a goal again. The Pride were outplayed in this match, losing in possession (60-40), passes completed (426 to 268), and pass accuracy (78% to 66%), and the missing players representing their countries were sorely missed. The Pride had 12 corners but failed to capitalize on such a large number of direct opportunities, and ultimately paid the price.
Flávio Augusto Da Silva to Sell OCSC in 2022?
The owner of the club recently declared that he may be open to selling the club when he becomes 50 years old, citing his desire to focus on philanthropy.
“I’m not making a sale announcement. The announcement is that I will dedicate myself to philanthropy,” Da Silva said in an interview with Brazilian outlet Estadão. “But I believe that the apex of a successful entrepreneur is when the market becomes interested in what he has created to the point of wanting to pay for it and fortunately I’m constantly being sought out by investors.”
It’s just a thought for now, but who knows what could happen down the road. It’s always a hectic roller coaster ride being a supporter of this club, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Shelina Zadorsky Named to Canadian National Team
To nobody’s surprise, the Pride’s No. 4 was named to the Canadian Women’s National Team for this summer’s World Cup in France. The team’s theme for the tournament, “Together We Rise,” comes after the Canadians were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup in the quarterfinals. While they’re not considered the favorite to win the tournament, Canada Head Coach Kenneth Heiner-Møller is confident in his team’s ability to compete and win, but also acknowledges that the team has done a good job of taking it a step at a time: a trend that the coach will continue to preach.
“We are going there to win it, but we have been very good at taking things one step at a time,” said Kenneth Heiner-Møller, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team Head Coach and Women’s National EXCEL Director. “We didn’t look beyond the Algarve Cup and we didn’t look beyond matches against England or Spain; we only looked at what was right in front of us. Right now, there are three group matches in front of us and we are focused very clearly on Cameroon, New Zealand and Netherlands.”
A Team We’re All Proud Of
This summer’s World Cup crown is important to the U.S. Women’s National Team, but there’s a message that this team, these women, also wish to send: equality for all.
“I think equality for all requires people who have more [power] right now to give up some, which I think is a good thing for everyone. But some people don’t want to give that up, so they’re doing everything they can to keep all of it,” co-captain Megan Rapinoe said Friday morning during a pre-World Cup media day at Twitter’s New York City headquarters. “I don’t think it’s surprising. Maybe they feel like it is that moment where it is kind of a tipping point, … where things are becoming more equal for everyone, and I guess people are uncomfortable with that.”
In an increasingly divisive time for our country and the world we live in, this team refuses to sit quiet on issues of inequality; whether that be about their own compensation or defending the LGBTQ community. This team has honor, and are brave to speak out and use their platform to hopefully foster change in an unfair world.
“We do have such a big platform to be able to use our voices. And right now, all eyes are on us,” said Morgan, who received criticism and praise a day earlier for a Time magazine interview in which she spoke out about politics, specifically policies separating migrant families and visiting the White House. “… There are also a lot of important issues that are bigger than soccer in the world today, and definitely the abortion laws being changed in some states are one of them. And that’s definitely not one that I’m in agreement on.”
Abby Wambach Named to National Soccer Hall of Fame
Being revealed by a fellow American legend Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach will be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in the class of 2019. Foudy did a great job with the video reveal, welcoming her and her 184 international goals to the prestigious class. Well deserved, Abby!
Brb we’re crying 😭
CONGRATS, @AbbyWambach! 🎉pic.twitter.com/sCpRYSHcWx
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) May 25, 2019
Free Kicks
- Uh-oh. Marta has apparently injured her thigh just days ahead of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Let’s hope the Orlando Pride star is just fine for this summer’s tournament.
- LAFC’s Carlos Vela is currently on pace to outscore Josef Martinez’s recently set record of goals in an MLS season of 31.
- This kid is a champion! I mean, this can’t be healthy for your mouth, but still, a champion!
This young soccer player came up with a creative way to lose his first tooth 😂
(via @SeanKilby1) pic.twitter.com/atKxlqTOs2
— ESPN (@espn) May 25, 2019
- This is just unfortunate, and I don’t really have much else to say about it.
Nog nooit meegemaakt dit pic.twitter.com/sGyixN0gFb
— Harkemase Boys (@HarkemaseBoys) May 25, 2019
- Congratulations are most certainly in order to Celtic for winning the treble (the league, League Cup, and Scottish Cup) for a third consecutive time. It’s been dubbed the “treble-treble,” for obvious reasons.
- Congratulations are also in order to Ocho Cinco, otherwise known as Chad Johnson (long NFL story), as he scored twice for Boca Raton to give the club a 2-0 lead against Breakers FC. Not too shabby for a former Bengals wide receiver. Here’s his first, which actually looks to be a decent header.
Check out @ochocinco's header to give #BocaRatonFC the 1-0 lead!#UPSLGOTW | @DennisPope pic.twitter.com/KyYarGV7uk
— Boca Raton FC (@BocaRatonFC) May 25, 2019
- One more congratulations: way to go Tallahassee SC, taking down Pensacola FC 5-1 for the club’s first-ever historic win!
A 5-1 victory and three points to @TLHSoccerClub! #TLHvPFC #panhandlecup #tothegoal #oronero pic.twitter.com/NaAReyFyKY
— Mike Bonfanti (@bonfantimike) May 26, 2019
- And as always, stay up to date with the results from around the league.
All right folks, that’s all I have for you today. To all of the veterans reading along, thank you for your service to this beautiful country of ours. You are truly appreciated. Enjoy the remainder of this long weekend while you can, because Tuesday is right around the corner.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/2/23
The Pride sign a new keeper, the MLS playoffs continue, the USWNT is in action, and more.

Salutations on this satisfactory Saturday, Mane Landers. We’re heading for the home stretch of 2023, and what a year it has been. Make sure that you are catching all of our Season in Review articles for both the Orlando City and Orlando Pride players. Things tend to happen personnel-wise in December, so be prepared. Until then, let’s check out today’s links. But first, let’s wish a happy 26th birthday to Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar.
Pride Sign a New Keeper
The Orlando Pride signed Finnish goalkeeper Sofia Manner from FC Honka of Finland’s top flight, the Kansallinen Liiga. With the addition of Manner, the Pride have four keepers on the roster heading into 2024. Manner is expected to compete for the starting job, though the same could be said of both Anna Moorhouse and Carly Nelson. It is unlikely all four netminders will be on the Pride once the season starts. Manner has international experience and was the best keeper in the Kansallinen Liiga.
MLS Conference Finals Tonight
I wouldn’t blame you if you decided not to watch the remainder of the MLS playoffs after last weekend’s disappointing result. However, if you are going see how it all sorts out, you might want to study up on the matches. We’re all too aware that the Columbus Crew will be facing FC Cincinnati to see which club wins the Eastern Conference. Over on the other side, LAFC will take on the Houston Dynamo to determine the Western Conference champion.
MLS Player Moves
As the playoffs come to a close, the signings and transfers around the league are ramping up, but who will stay and who will go? New York Red Bulls midfielder Dru Yearwood is heading to Nashville SC as reported by The Athletic (paywalled) since Dax McCarthy is out of contract there and won’t be returning.
The Philadelphia Union have signed midfielder Jesus Bueno to a new three-year contract through 2026 with an option for 2027. Meanwhile, Gustavo Bou won’t be returning to the New England Revolution. So, um…maybe he’d like to come south and score goals for Orlando City rather than against the Lions? Before anyone gets too crazy, it should be on a non-DP deal.
USWNT Hosts China
The USWNT is back in friendly action against China this afternoon in Ft. Lauderdale at 3 p.m. and then on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. in Frisco TX. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore will be in charge since newly-named Head Coach Emma Hayes doesn’t start until the 2023-2024 Women’s Super League season in England is over. Hayes is the current head coach of Chelsea FC Women’s. This is the first match between the two teams since 2018, and a lot has changed. The USWNT has been very solid on defense in 2023, allowing only two goals back in the SheBelieves Cup.
Free Kicks
- If you want to see the USMNT play either Mexico or Argentina in the Copa America, you’d better hope that the USMNT makes it to the final, otherwise you will be disappointed.
- Canadian legend Christine Sinclair received a special message from Wrexham AFC co-owner Ryan Reynolds during an interview. Who knew Sinclair likes gin?
- If you haven’t heard of a “sin bin,” think of it like a penalty box in hockey. The idea has been getting a runout in lower league matches in English football by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) with some good results. It’s not yet confirmed, but MLS may institute the change in 2024. The idea is to reduce dissension by having a player sit for 10 minutes during a match. Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken out against the idea. What do you think of the concept?
- Real Salt Lake has promoted Kurt Schmid to sporting director and interim chief soccer officer.
- Cristiano Ronaldo will have to deal with a $1 billion class-action lawsuit for his role in promoting NFTs for Binance. Maybe that’s why he signed for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League?
- Speaking of the Saudi Pro League, it looks like Mohamed Salah may not be leaving EPL side Liverpool anytime soon. The prolific striker is looking for a new contract to stay at Anfield.
- I’ll take things Pedro Gallese would not do for $400, Alex.
That will do it for today. Please go forth and enjoy your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/1/23
Rodrigo Schlegel fined, MLS roster updates, USWNT faces China tomorrow, and more.

Welcome to December, Mane Landers! It always feels like a good sign when a month starts on a Friday. I don’t have many plans this weekend beyond helping a friend move and trying to make pad Thai for the first time. It should be a nice next few days to reset after a hectic week. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world.
MLS Issues Disciplinary Rulings After Playoff Games
Orlando City center back Rodrigo Schlegel was fined an undisclosed amount by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for not leaving the field in a timely manner after receiving a second yellow card in the team’s playoff match with the Columbus Crew. Schlegel did not crowd the referee or plead his case disruptively, but he did linger a bit before exiting the match. It was one of many fines handed out by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violations during the playoffs, and Crew forward Cucho Hernandez was fined for embellishment for going to ground clutching his face after Schlegel shielded the ball from him.
The Vancouver Whitecaps players and staff received fines and suspensions for their actions during and after their playoff match with LAFC on Nov. 5. Head Coach Vanni Sartini was fined $20,000 and suspended for an additional five games for entering the field of play in a confrontational manner and his comments about the refereeing following his team’s elimination. Vancouver defender Mathias Laborda was also handed a one-match suspension for his actions during the match.
MLS Teams Update Rosters as Deadline Looms
The deadline for MLS teams to decline contract options is today and clubs around the league are getting their affairs in order. The Portland Timbers confirmed that Sebastian Blanco won’t be with the team next year, as he was out of contract after seven seasons with the club. Designated Player Jaroslaw Niezgoda and fellow forward Franck Boli had their options declined by Portland as well. FC Dallas triggered the options on the contracts of midfielder duo Asier Illarramendi and Liam Frasier, while declining the options for midfielder Facundo Quignon and defender Jose Martinez. The New York Red Bulls kept a key part of their defense by signing Dylan Nealis to a contract through the 2024 season. Nashville SC declined seven options, and veterans Dax McCarty and Fafa Picault are out of contract. Both players could be worth keeping an eye on as an Orlando supporter, depending on if Wilder Cartagena and Ivan Angulo will return. According to The Athletic‘s Tom Bogert, McCarty is not likely to return to Nashville.
Racing Louisville Names Beverly Yanez as Head Coach
Beverly Yanez was announced as Racing Louisville’s next head coach after serving as an assistant coach during the 2023 season. The 35-year-old retired as a player in 2020 and was an assistant coach with NJ/NY Gotham FC for two years before joining Louisville prior to this season. Louisville has yet to reach the playoffs since joining the NWSL in 2021 and Yanez is now the club’s third head coach. She’s earned plenty of praise from Louisville’s players and it will be interesting to see how her first season as a head coach goes in 2024.
Alejandro Bedoya Receives Impact Award
Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya won the MLS Impact Award, along with a $100,000 contribution by Audi to The Philadelphia Equity Alliance. Bedoya has worked with the nonprofit to promote inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty. He was also named 2022 MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year for his efforts to make a difference in the Philadelphia community. The Crew’s Darlington Nagbe and Nashville’s Taylor Washington were the other finalists for this year’s award.
Analyzing China Ahead of USWNT Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team will close out its 2023 schedule with a pair of friendlies against China this month. The two nations will clash tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale before playing again in Frisco on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Although China lost all three of its group stage games in this past summer’s World Cup, it recently won the bronze medal in the Asian Games. China fell short in Olympic qualifying though, and 2022 AFC Women’s Coach of the Year Shui Qingxia’s contract was terminated, with Wang Jun taking over in an interim capacity for these friendlies. The USWNT should be able to find success on set pieces and crosses, although China has been working on strength training this year to compensate for that weakness. Tang Jiali, Zhang Linyan, and Shen Menglu are a few of the players in China’s versatile attack that could spell trouble for the Americans.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle started as Brazil’s captain and Marta and Adriana came off the bench in a 4-3 win over Japan in a friendly. In her international debut, 19-year-old forward Priscila gave Brazil the late winner. The two teams will play again on Sunday.
- The Kansas City Current dedicated their press box to journalist and Kansas City native Grant Wahl.
- The New England Revolution have promoted Curt Onalfo to sporting director after four years as the club’s technical director. Onalfo served as the interim sporting director after Bruce Arena’s resignation in September and now gets the job fulltime.
- The MLS Players Association released a statement regarding Matt Miazga’s three-game suspension.
- Pierre Emerick-Aubamayeng scored a bicycle kick and a late winner as part of his hat trick in Marseille’s 4-3 win over Ajax in the Europa League.
- The 2023 Women’s College Cup semifinals kick off tonight, with Florida State facing Clemson and BYU playing Stanford. There are many talented players in action who are worth watching tonight before the NWSL Draft next month.
- Lyon, which is last in Ligue 1 with just seven points from 12 games, has sacked Fabio Grosso after less than three months as head coach.
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: 11/30/23
Orlando City faces big questions, Matt Miazga suspended, Emma Hayes meets USWNT for first time, and more.

November is finally coming to a close. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster of a month for me, with highs, lows, and many things in between. All in all, I’m pretty glad it’s nearly over, although I expect December to be similarly hectic. At least this weather is allowing me to break out some winter clothes and turn on the fireplace in this new apartment. I’m not sure why a fireplace was installed in a Floridian apartment, but I’m not complaining. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Big Decisions Await Orlando City
With Orlando City’s season over, attention now turns to a critical off-season for the club. Head Coach Oscar Pareja is out of contract after leading the Lions to the playoffs for the past four years. The club will also need to decide if it will exercise the 2024 options on the contracts of both Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi and Technical Director and Assistant General Manager Ricardo Moreira. All three have orchestrated Orlando’s transformation that’s included winning its first trophy, having its best season this year, and qualifying for both the Concacaf Champions League and Champions Cup. Potentially transferring Facundo Torres to Europe, filling the empty Designated Player slot, and deciding which players to bring back for 2024 are also on the agenda. However, figuring out who will lead the Lions into this exciting next chapter is paramount. Personally, I think the club should do everything in its power to keep the people who brought Orlando to this point.
Matt Miazga Suspended for Three Games
FC Cincinnati will be without MLS Defender of the Year Matt Miazga for Saturday’s Eastern Conference final, as he was suspended by MLS for three games due to his misconduct after the match with the New York Red Bulls on Nov. 4. Miazga was also fined an undisclosed amount and will undergo a behavioral assessment as part of the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program. Following that aforementioned playoff match, reports surfaced that Miazga gained unauthorized access to an area reserved for the referees and acted aggressively. Any suspended games not served during Cincy’s playoff run will carry over into the 2024 season, although Miazga can petition for a reduction based on compliance with recommended treatment plans.
Emma Hayes Meets With USWNT Players and Staff
Emma Hayes, who was hired as the next United States Women’s National Team Head Coach earlier this month, made the trip to Florida to meet the team for the first time. Although she won’t be coaching the team for its upcoming pair of friendlies against China, she collaborated with interim head coach Twila Kilgore on the latest training camp roster and will continue to work with her until taking over in May. There won’t be much time between Hayes’ official start date and the 2024 Summer Olympics, making these moments of face time between player and future coach all the more important. USWNT captain Lindsey Horan spoke on the team’s goals after meeting Hayes for the first time.
“There’s so much talent in this team, and I don’t think the world has seen enough of it yet just because we need to go out and show it,” Horan said. “We need to be able to mesh together and show everything that we have, and what we’re all about, and how we can really collaborate and play together — be more of a team and be a powerhouse again.
“It’s going to be exciting for us to have her and see what she can do with this team and how she can help us moving forward.”
Ricardo Pepi Sends PSV Into Champions League Knockout Stage
PSV Eindhoven clinched its spot in the next round of the UEFA Champions League in dramatic fashion, with American forward Ricardo Pepi scoring the winner in a 3-2 comeback win over Sevilla in Spain. Trailing 2-0 in the second half, American left back Sergino Dest provided the assist on PSV’s first goal and Pepi found the winner in stoppage time, with fellow American Malik Tillman also coming off the bench. From his little flick to send a teammate forward to his run and clinical header, it was a great goal by the 20-year-old.
Elsewhere in the Champions League, Arsenal beat Lens 6-0 to advance, Real Madrid won 4-2 against Napoli to win its group, and Real Sociedad played to a scoreless draw with RB Salzburg. Manchester United remains in last place of its group after a 3-3 draw with Galatasaray, with goalkeeper Andre Onana unable to stop Hakim Ziyech from scoring off of two free kicks. All’s not lost for United though, as it can still qualify for the round of 16 by beating Bayern Munich at home so long as the other match ends in the group ends in a draw. It all makes for what should be an exciting final matchday in the group stage.
Free Kicks
- The Kansas City Current announced that American midfielder Sam Mewis will not be returning to the club for the 2024 season. The 31-year-old has not played since 2021 as she continues to recover from a knee injury.
- The Utah Royals have signed free agent forward Imani Dorsey on a contract through the 2025 season. Dorsey has most recently played for NJ/NY Gotham FC, although she didn’t participate in this past season due to mental health reasons.
- Manchester United is reportedly ready to move on from Mason Mount just six months after he joined the team from Chelsea.
- Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the video assistant referee involved in a controversial handball that eventually led to Paris Saint-Germain’s equalizer in stoppage time against Newcastle, was removed from his next scheduled duty by UEFA.
- Amidst a four-game winless streak, French club Nantes has fired Pierre Aristouy as its manager, immediately replacing him with Jocelyn Gourvennec.
- We’ll end our links with this interesting article that dives into how Romelu Lukaku unexpectedly arrived at AS Roma and how he’s thriving at the Italian club.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Final Score 2-0 as 10-Man Lions Fall at Home in Extra Time
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride Announce Roster Decisions Following 2023 NWSL Season
-
Lion Links2 weeks ago
Lion Links: 11/22/23
-
Lion Links4 days ago
Lion Links: 11/29/23