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Lion Links: 10/20/19

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5 years ago

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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.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

Published

23 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 1, 2024

By

,
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/30/24

Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 30, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.

San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano

The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.

U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.

English Premier League Approves Spending Cap

Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.

Free Kicks

That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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