Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/31/20
The end of the month is finally here. March didn’t really pan out how any of us expected, did it? Still, I hope you’re safe and here’s looking forward to a better April. I don’t know that things will get any better, but we can still maintain a good attitude. I wonder what type of April Fool’s Day jokes will be played? With the way things are, do you think it’s better to play some jokes to lighten the mood or are people not in the right frame of mind to enjoy it? I’m undecided. For now, let’s take a look at today’s links!
MLS Unites Initiative
Major League Soccer partnered with the MLS Player’s Association to launch MLS Unites, a league-wide platform designed to highlight efforts by clubs, players, and MLS to inform and educate fans during the coronavirus crisis. Each club is contributing in its own way, and Orlando is no exception.
“Orlando City are utilizing social media and web platforms as a way to keep fans engaged remotely with the club and up to date on all important information. In addition to posting updated league and governmental news as it happens, City is posting a weekly roundup video featuring the club’s reporter, that recaps the current mandates as well as highlights of the players’ individualized, at-home activities. In addition, Spectra — the food service provider for Exploria Stadium — donated 1500 pounds of food to the Christian Service Center for Central Florida. A larger project is currently in the works that will empower the club and its fans to give back to the local community that may have been impacted by this unprecedented situation.”
Gallardo Evaluates Perea’s Game
Former Orlando City keeper Miguel Gallardo (who recently made it to the Sweet 16 in The Mane Land Bracketology competition) took time to break down the limited film we have on Andrés Perea. Gallardo highlighted his use of space, ball control, and defensive skills.
.@migallardo01 is back and breaking down Andrés Perea's game. @Audi | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/7aGmapB8aO
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 30, 2020
National Doctor’s Day Messages
Yesterday was National Doctors’ Day, and the Orlando Pride coaches and players had a message for those putting their lives on the line today and everyday.
Not all heroes wear capes. Thank you to the Doctors at @OrlandoHealth and all over the country for their work. #NationalDoctorsDay pic.twitter.com/dVUJxheXnO
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 30, 2020
Of course, the guys got in on the thanks as well.
Today we say thank you to all the Doctors at @OrlandoHealth and all around the country working to make a difference. #NationalDoctorsDay pic.twitter.com/qaHwKUIstL
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 30, 2020
We here at The Mane Land add our belated thanks as well.
2020 Olympics Rescheduled
We now have official dates for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan that were officially postponed one week ago. The rescheduled games will begin in 2021 on July 23 and end on Aug. 8. This is the only time in history that the Olympics have been cancelled or postponed for any reason other than war. The Paralympics were also postponed, and have been rescheduled for Aug. 24 through Sept. 5, 2021. The dates are exactly one year after the original dates for the competition. This will allow the least amount of disruption for the athletes who maintain rigorous training regimens.
Remember Chris Schuler?
There once was a time when Orlando City trotted out a hodge podge of center back pairings rather than stick with a strong pair. One of those players was Chris Schuler, who was originally drafted by Real Salt Lake in 2010. He was loaned out and then suffered a string of injuries that derailed his career. A depleted Orlando City brought him in during the 2018 season, and he competed in 10 matches before being let go. Currently, Schuler works for U.S. Soccer as an events coordinator.
Belarus Still Playing Soccer
The Belarusian Premier League stands alone atop the sports mountain. The league has already made 10 television deals with various countries to allow people to watch live soccer matches. As such, the league has actually spread out its scheduling Friday through Sunday to allow people to watch all the matches. Those with access are already picking their new favorite Belarusian Premier League clubs to support.
Authorities in Belarus are taking special precautions during the matches, though they are still allowing fans into the stadiums. The derby between FC Minsk and Dinamo Minsk had 3,000 supporters in the stands.
Major Players and Staff Take Pay Cuts
Players and board members at Barcelona agreed to take a 70% pay cut to make sure that non-sporting staff recieve pay during the current crisis. Juventus players and manager Maurizio Sarri agreed to give up four months of salary to do the same. In the Bundesliga, several clubs, including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Union Berlin, and Borussia Monchengladbach, have taken reduced pay to help the non-sporting staff. Expect other clubs to take similar measures, though the English Premier League is looking for an all-encompassing solution rather than club by club.
Free Kicks
- Evan Weston had a nice chat with former Orlando City midfielder Antonio Nocerino to discuss past games and his current role with the club.
- Emily van Egmond just doesn’t stop. She’s barely finished winning the W-League and she’s back at it with some one-on-one training with her dad.
Some 1 on 1 iso training today with @gary_egmond and his hidden fitness 😅⚽️🤙 pic.twitter.com/aWqBqfFosk
— Emily Van Egmond (@Em_surf) March 30, 2020
- Orlando City’s Benji Michel and Jordan Bender will be instructors at the SIMA Junior Elite – Legends of the Game Summer Camp. OCB’s Mason Lamb will also lend his talents. The camp is scheduled to take place in the middle of July this year.
Our SIMA Junior Elite – Legends of the Game Summer Camp will be instructed by the likes of Salif Diao, Oguchi Onyewu, Jordan Bender, Benji Michel, Mason Lamb and Frederico Moojen who each have professional experience!
Learn more and register at https://t.co/6A20LUiA6J pic.twitter.com/a31jvbjgKi
— Montverde Soccer (@SIMA_MVAsoccer) March 30, 2020
- USL League Two is committed to playing a 2020 season, even though the developmental league might have to get creative. It may even bring in teams from other leagues to make it happen, once it’s able to do so.
- AS Roma delivered care packages to each of its season ticket holders over 75 years old.
- You’ve already missed some of this replay action, but there’s still time to watch some matches that don’t include Orlando City.
- MLS is using FIFA 20 to simulate matches that aren’t being played, and Orlando City defeated Red Bulls 1-0 on a 39th minute rebound goal from Dom Dwyer (1:03 minute in video).
Week 5 @MLS Results, not IRL, but in SIM life. 🎮@BFordLancer48 breaks it down@SportingKC vs. @realsaltlake@TimbersFC vs. @PhilaUnion
@NewYorkRedBulls vs. @OrlandoCitySC
#FIFA20 https://t.co/AcZjYIw7zk pic.twitter.com/ZiCWAnUsfW— 🎮 Major League Soccer (@eMLS) March 30, 2020
That was quite a bit for a Tuesday morning. Stay safe and vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/3/24
MLS roster profiles revealed, Marta’s best moments, Kelley O’Hara announces her retirement, and more.
Happy Friday! We’ve reached the homestretch of the week and I couldn’t be happier. A busy weekend awaits me, but I’m hoping for some quiet, nice moments to offset some of the hustle and bustle. It’s also another weekend packed with Orlando soccer to enjoy, so make sure to plan your next couple of days accordingly. But for now, let’s get to the links!
MLS Unveils Club Roster Details
There’s a little more transparency in Major League Soccer after the league released helpful snapshots of each club that detail the composition of each roster. From Designated Players and MLS U22 Initiative Players to international roster slots and contract lengths, the graphics are easy to comprehend and give a nice look behind the curtain on each team. Using this, we can see that Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo no longer takes up a U22 Initiative slot and that the team also has an open international roster slot. It should be a fairly nice reference guide for fans moving forward, as well as a way to check out how other MLS teams are building their rosters.
Emily Sams Earns Recognition as Potential USWNT Player
Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was mentioned as one of the top 20 eligible Americans who have yet to make an appearance with the United States Women’s National Team according to Pro Soccer Wire. The shout out is well deserved, as Sams has helped anchor a Pride defense that’s only given up seven goals this season. Only time will tell if Sams will earn a call-up once Emma Hayes is at the helm of the USWNT, but it does feel inevitable given how she’s been playing. Other notable players on the list include Ajax’s Lily Yohannes, Washington Spirit rookie Croix Bethune, and Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden.
Marta’s Top Moments
All For XI compiled some of the best moments from Marta’s career into a tidy top five. Considering how prolific she has been for Brazil over the years, it was nice to see a pair of goals from her time with the Pride receive some recognition. Both of those moments were from 2018, with her free kick to equalize against the Seattle Reign placing fifth and her solo effort to stun the Spirit taking third. It’s fitting though that the top moment on the list showcases the impact she’s had off the field, as it’s Marta’s emotional speech after Brazil’s exit in the 2019 World Cup.
Kelley O’Hara Will Retire After 2024 Season
USWNT defender Kelley O’Hara announced that she will retire from professional soccer following the 2024 season. Over the course of her international career, she’s played in four World Cups, three Olympic Games, and was named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2019. O’Hara has played in every NWSL season since the league’s inception, winning the title with the Spirit in 2021 and again with NJ/NY Gotham FC last year. She joined Gotham as the first free agent signing in NWSL history and she is set to close out her illustrious career there.
Free Kicks
- Curve Fragrances was named the official fragrance partner of Orlando City. As part of the partnership, there will be giveaways and product sampling at select games this season.
- Wrexham’s women’s squad for The Soccer Tournament this summer will include a trio of former Pride players, with Bridget Callahan, Danica Evans, and Nickolette Driesse all taking part. I can’t wait to see if Callahan will make SkoRed a rallying cry at the tournament.
- Orlando City won’t have to contend with FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza tomorrow, as he will miss the next six to eight weeks due to a broken jaw suffered in an off-field incident.
- The Europa League semifinals are underway and Bayer Leverkusen extended its unbeaten run to 47 games after a 2-0 road win against Roma. In the other matchup, Atalanta and Marseille drew 1-1 in France.
- American midfielder Johnny Cardoso hasn’t been with Real Betis for long, but he’s doing well enough that Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old.
- Lucas Hernandez suffered an ACL injury in Paris Saint-Germain’s loss to Borussia Dortmund and will miss out on this summer’s Euros with France.
- Reims and Will Still have mutually agreed to part ways, with the coach leaving now despite just having three games left in the Ligue 1 season. It will be interesting to see where the 31-year-old coaches next, as he had a notable 19-game unbeaten stretch with Reims last season.
- Here’s a detailed dive into the obstacles Everton has faced in recent years, as well as how the club has avoided relegation amid another difficult season.
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: 5/2/24
The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.
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
- Despite Bayern Leverkusen’s 46-match unbeaten run, and winning the Bundesliga title, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi believes his team can defeat the German club in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday.
- Borussia Dortmund defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie between the two clubs. Dortmund’s Niclas Fullkrug provided the only goal.
- Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have bigger plans for their club than previously suspected. The pair want to potentially increase the capacity of their stadium, SToK Racecourse, to 55,000 seats.
- Never pulled the trigger on the Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass? Now, you can get it for the remainder of the season at a 30% discount. Once you get past the Messi ads the coverage is pretty good.
- Former USWNT player Carli Lloyd is pregnant, though it was a long journey to get there. She shares her story of unexplained infertility and multiple rounds of IVF treatments. Congratulations, Carli.
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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/1/24
Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.
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.
- Spirit defender Anna Heilferty will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury in the team’s loss to the Pride.
- American forward Haji Wright scored his 19th goal across all competitions in Coventry City’s 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town. He will have a chance to make it 20 when Coventry hosts Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
- 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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