Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/20/19

Published

7 years ago

on

Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. Well, here we are. The Lions and Pride have closed out their 2019 campaigns, much to our chagrin, both having failed to reach the postseason again, with the Lions still searching for a new head coach. The life of an Orlando soccer supporter — the ups and the downs (there’s a lot of downs) — it’s a tough life sometimes. Thankfully, the club has some resilient supporters.

I’ll stop myself there before I fall into the rabbit hole rant. Let’s get to these Sunday links, shall we?

MLS Playoffs Are Here

First and foremost, in case you aren’t aware of which teams were awarded first-round byes, it’s Los Angeles FC and New York City FC. Also, check out the Benny Feilhaber Playoff Guide — it’s full of firsthand intel on each team and it’s quite interesting. As expected, Atlanta United FC took down the New England Revolution, 1-0. Michael Parkhurst, an integral figure both on the field and in the locker room, could miss the remainder of the MLS postseason after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the affair. If so, he’s played his last MLS game ashe previously announced his retirement. Also of note, Pity Martinez didn’t play in the match.

The Seattle Sounders won an exciting, high-scoring match against FC Dallas, winning 4-3. Some are already considering it to be one of the greatest playoff matches in MLS history. It was even one of the highest scoring playoff matches of all time, too. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney’s days in D.C. may be over, as D.C. United fell to Toronto FC (in extra time!), 5-1.

On tap today? The Philadelphia Union host the New York Red Bulls (3 p.m. ET), and Minnesota United FC hosts the LA Galaxy (8:30 p.m. ET).

And in case you need the refresher (nobody will know if you click the link, I promise), here’s how extra time and penalty kicks work in MLS.

NWSL Playoffs Begin Today

Consider this a friendly reminder, as we’ve touched on it briefly before, but today marks the day that the North Carolina Courage host Reign FC and the Chicago Red Stars host Portland Thorns FC in NWSL playoff action. The Courage are the easy favorites against Reign FC, but it should provide an entertaining match between two of the strongest teams of 2019. On the other card, all eyes will remain on the Red Stars’ Sam Kerr, NWSL MVP. Will she be able to carry her side to a final with a win against a strong Portland team? The soccer gods shine upon us today, for it is full of quality soccer. Unfortunately, none of it will be coming from the fine athletes of Orlando.

Josh Sargent Shining in Germany

Josh Sargent scored his second goal of the Bundesliga season for his club team, Werder Bremen, in a 1-1 draw against Hertha Berlin. It may not have been the prettiest goal he’s ever scored, but I’m sure it doesn’t make the slightest difference to him. The young man is representing the American brand well, much like some of his international teammates who also ply their trade in the Bundesliga.

VAR Company Issues Public Apology

In a strange, and quite frankly wild, turn of events, VAR company Hawk-Eye Innovations has publicly apologized to the supporters of the Premier League’s Tottenham and Watford for the confusion their technology caused during and following last week’s 1-1 draw. There was drama aplenty in the match — most notably a scoreboard that displayed “No Goal!” and then corrected itself to inform the crowd that the goal was allowed. Ultimately, Tottenham was the benefactor throughout a match marred by questionable calls and even more questionable VAR decisions.

“We are working together with the Professional Game Match Officials Board and the Premier League to understand the root cause of this problem and propose a series of measures to ensure it won’t happen again,” it said in a statement.

Watford coach Quique Sanchez Flores said he is losing faith in the VAR process.

“I was thinking VAR is something objective but I’m starting to think it’s very subjective,” Sanchez Flores said after the game.

Meanwhile Tottenham gaffer Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t think blame should be put on his club for the dramatic affair, but on the Premier League. And it’s clear he’s moving on.

“After Bayern our confidence was on the floor. It was so important the way we achieved the point in the end, we kept fighting,” Pochettino said ”I hope this is the first step we need to build our confidence again.”

Free Kicks

  • Kick back and relish in Nani’s goals from 2018-2019, both with Sporting and Orlando City.
  • We’ve all been tuned in to Christian Pulisic’s journey, and it appears the American icon has hit a valley. But fear not, the man himself believes his scoring touch will return.
  • Leicester City paid tribute to the club’s late owner a year after his tragic passing approaches.

  • Is Liverpool unstoppable? Manchester City gaffer Pep Guardiola thinks so.
  • Jadon Sancho was dropped and fined by his club team, Borussia Dortmund, for arriving later than permitted following Sancho’s Monday match with the Three Lions.
  • I hate (insert expletive here) like this, but it needs to be touched on because it’s important. There’s no room for racism, not only in this game, but in this world. Be better than this.

  • Gigi…how do you do it?

  • This is certainly one way to show the front office that you’re collectively upset with unpaid wages (I mean, who wouldn’t be?). I hear that people are upset with Tigres for scoring during the protest. What do you think?

All right folks, that’s all that’s fit to print on this fine Sunday. Before I take my leave, watch this brilliant celebration. No need to thank me — thank Ciro Immobile.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/21/26

Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, MLS playoff changes reportedly coming, Hall of Fame finalists unveiled, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

August 21, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a rough month for all three of Orlando’s soccer teams, but hopefully they can turn things around this weekend. Things haven’t been great, but surely that just means things can only go up from here, right? Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are on the road this weekend for a match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. It’s been a cruel summer for the Pride, as they’ve lost four of their past five games and are currently 13th in the league standings. Despite being on a three-game winless streak, the Spirit are second in the standings and will be a tough opponent for the Pride to face on the road. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on where the team needs to improve in order to get a result away from home against one of the league’s top teams.

Changes Reportedly Coming to MLS Playoff Format

For the umpteenth time, MLS is reportedly planning on overhauling its playoff format. The changes would go into effect when the league changes its calendar and they include allowing 20 teams to qualify for the playoffs, with the overall league standings being used to determine those top 20 teams. After a play-in round, the remaining 16 teams will play in a double elimination format that also features reseeding between rounds. If these changes do come to pass, hopefully the league decides to stick with it rather than constantly fiddling it with it.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The finalists for the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2027 were announced, with nine candidates making the list in their first year of eligibility. Former Orlando Pride player Ali Krieger is one of those nine, along with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. Central Florida native Graham Zusi was also named as a finalist. The two players who receive the most votes and are on at least half the ballots will make the Hall of Fame, with a third player able to make it if they’re on 75% of ballots.

Storylines Ahead of English Premier League Season

The English Premier League season begins today with Arsenal starting its title defense at home against Coventry City. Arsenal has a talented team once again, but it will be interesting to see how much of a challenge Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City can pose with new managers at the helm. Managers seem to be a focal point this season, as other storylines include whether or not Michael Carrick and Unai Emery can keep succeeding at Manchester United and Aston Villa, respectively. I’m just hoping we have an exciting title race by the time spring rolls around.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann tied with Robert Lewandowski for the second-highest rating of all MLS players in EA Sports FC 27.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/20/26

Orlando City defeated at home, Simone Jackson loaned to FC Rosengard, U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup roster unveiled, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

August 20, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

I think we can confidently say Orlando City’s Wednesday night excellence has come to an end after last night’s loss. I’m not going to claim the new kits are cursed after just two games, but I’ve bought some sage just in case. Before we get to that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Orlando City Falls at Home

The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire and got burned in a 2-1 loss that included a lengthy weather delay that paused things right before halftime. The Fire struck first with an early goal, but Orlando leveled things after the lightning storm passed. However, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty kick from a needless foul in the box for the winner, with the Lions failing to claw their way back a second time. It’s a disappointing result at home and Orlando will need to figure things out before hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Simone Jackson Heads to Sweden on Loan

The Orlando Pride loaned forward Simone Jackson to FC Rosengard in Sweden through June of 2027. Jackson was signed by the Pride in 2025 after four years playing collegiately at the University of Southern California and she has since made 20 appearances for the club. Hopefully this move gives her some more minutes to develop her game abroad so that she can make an impact with the Pride when she returns next summer.

U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster Announced

United States U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Vicky Jepson called up 21 players for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, including eight from NWSL clubs. Goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Nyanya Touray, and forward Emeri Adames are a few of the U.S. players to keep an eye out for this tournament.

The team will be without notable eligible players like Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg though, as youth tournaments take place outside of official FIFA windows when teams are required to release players. United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes also spoke on the importance of tournaments like this one to develop talent while uncertainty looms over the event due to UEFA’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The U.S. is set to start its campaign on Sept. 6 against Italy.

Americans to Watch in the English Premier League

The English Premier League season kicks off this weekend and there are a number of Americans to root for across the league. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are all still in the league but have new managers at the helm of their respective teams. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United avoided relegation last season and will look to build on that, while Haji Wright and Coventry City will fight to stay after earning promotion last season. Unfortunately, Wright will miss multiple weeks at the start of the season due to a quad injury.

Free Kicks

  • Alhassan Yusuf scored a hat trick in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over D.C. United, with Jack Harrison recording three assists.
  • Americans Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both played every minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of its matchup against the Austrian club in UEFA Champions League qualifying
  • Bay FC announced that the club and midfielder Tess Boade mutually agreed to terminate her contract, which was set to end after this season. Boade had been with the club since being selected in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft and was the captain last season.
  • Aston Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a reported $40 million transfer fee. Suzuki played for Japan at the recent World Cup and it will be interesting to see what this move means for Emiliano Martinez’s future at the club.
  • Brighton is covering the cost of tickets for its fans who will be making the trip to the Arctic Circle for its UEFA Conference League playoff match against Tromso in Norway.

That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/19/26

Orlando City match day, Colin Guske reportedly being loaned to RSL, Banda is an MVP candidate, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

August 19, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City plays in a midweek match that thankfully isn’t a Leagues Cup match. There are those who will say they’re sad the Lions are out of Don Garber’s cash grab competition, but I’m not one of them. The U.S. Open Cup and the MLS regular season provide plenty of fixtures for now. The schedule congestion is real, as we can see this week. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Match Day

Orlando City hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire tonight in an Eastern Conference clash. Defending against Lewandowski and Philip Zinckernagel will be a tough task for the Lions’ defense. Orlando City will need its offense to keep pace with the Fire if the Lions are going to take any points from the match. It will be interesting to see both Antoine Griezmann and Lewandowski on the pitch at the same time. Here is your official match guide from the club. Our match preview will drop later this morning at 11 a.m. You can also listen to our thoughts on the match on The Mane Land PawedCast.

Go West, Young Guske

It appears that Orlando City is loaning midfielder/defender Colin Guske to Real Salt Lake, according to Tom Bogert. This is not entirely surprising given how crowded Orlando City’s defensive midfield is with Joran Gerbet and Wilder Cartagena healthy and Luis Otavio rounding into form, not to mention Eduard Atuesta and Braian Ojeda once they return. It’s a good opportunity for Guske to get some minutes, given he’s a bit down on the depth chart with the senior team — far enough down to see more minutes recently at center back with the first team than in the midfield.

MVP Candidate Banda

Despite being away for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and not scoring in her first game back, Barbra Banda maintains her slim lead in the Golden Boot competition and is still a League MVP candidate. If she hopes to win either of those accolades, she will need to resume scoring. The upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to extend that lead.

U.S. National Team News

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia Union and will occupy a Designated Player spot. Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo has been signed by Premier League club Crystal Palace. Of course, there are other USMNT players already playing in Europe, and some are making a quick return to form following the World Cup. USWNT players are also experiencing ups and downs in the NWSL.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is headed to CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda División in Spain.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending