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Lion Links: 4/19/20

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5 years ago

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Happy Sunday, everyone. Sorry for the later-than-usual start. For me, motivation seems to be at an all-time low and just keeps getting worse the longer I feel trapped. I was able to get outside for about a 40-minute walk yesterday, so that was a nice pick-me-up after rain wiped out much of my ability to get outside during non-work hours this week.

It honestly feels like we’re living in the first few lines of “Band on the Run.”

Stuck inside these four walls,
Sent inside forever,
Never seeing no one
Nice again like you

It’s day 32,341 of our stay-at-home mandate, or at least it feels like it. I haven’t quite bought the entire internet yet, but I have been doing way more online shopping than is healthy since this all started and I’ve even been contemplating buying a turntable over the past few days. Since I’m a person who couldn’t wait to get rid of vinyl because of the pops, cracks, and skips that come along with that format, this illustrates a real problem and maybe I should seek some virtual counseling.

It’s been about a month and a half since Orlando City played at Colorado and since the shutdown we’ve missed the beginning of the OCB season and today was the day the Orlando Pride were supposed to start their 2020 NWSL campaign against Sky Blue FC. I remain hopeful of a 2020 season but not especially optimistic given the lack of a vaccine. We’ve done a decent job of flattening the curve with our social distancing efforts but to abandon those efforts now would be a bit like abandoning a parachute after it has done a decent job of slowing our descent toward the ground. Let’s keep doing what we’re doing for now and hope the rest sorts itself out soon.

In the meantime, here is the news of the day.

Miggy on Benji

Orlando City broadcaster, former goalkeeper, and friend of the PawedCast Miguel Gallardo took some time to break down the explosive attacking movement of Homegrown forward Benji Michel in his latest analysis video. Nobody looked as dangerous in the attack at the end of last season as Benji did and, if he can continue to develop, Michel could end up being an outstanding pro for the Lions for years to come. I’m excited at the prospect of seeing him on the pitch when this whole mess is over to see if he can continue to build on the form with which he finished 2019, when he scored three goals and added an assist in his final three matches of the year.

Skinner Pushing Pride Leadership

Without the ability to get together with his players, Orlando Pride gaffer Marc Skinner is leaning on veterans Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger for leadership. The two USWNT veterans hold regular Zoom meetings with their teammates — which include several new faces in 2020 — to get to know them and bond a bit. The Pride coaching staff checks in on players regularly and uses survey feedback to tweak training programs. But so much of maintaining proper fitness and nutrition is up to the players themselves at this time and leadership is critical during this pandemic.

“Ash and Ali are absolutely looking at the leadership style that they want to implement as captains,” Skinner said. “They’ve been touching base and talking about professionalism. They’re looking to themselves and their teammates to be accountable for each other and part of what Ash wanted to do is take control of that.”

…

“The part that we can’t give them at the minute is the feeling of them being part of something bigger than themselves,” Skinner said. “When we get back into it, that’s what the aim will be.”

Separated from his family during this shutdown, Skinner has had to resort to Facetime to stay in contact. This thing has been hard on everyone, but I couldn’t imagine how much more difficult it would be if I were isolated from my wife and daughter.

USMNT Names in the News

As we continue on without soccer games to watch, a couple of young USMNT players are able get healthier and hopefully will be ready to help the Yanks with their World Cup qualifying efforts — whatever those end up looking like — when all this is over. Midfielder Tyler Adams was just getting back onto the field for Red Bull Leipzig. Now the young midfielder is trying to catch up to his teammates fitness-wise and is treating this like it’s a brand new preseason.

“For me, being injured in the beginning of the season and not really being able to participate in preseason, I’m almost having a preseason right now,” Adams said in a Bundesliga conference call on Friday. “For me, this is varied to other players where I’m building up to my full capability now, and getting that full length of fitness, the four weeks of what everyone else had at the beginning of the season, and then a run of games, I’m getting it now.”

Meanwhile, over in England, Christian Pulisic and his Chelsea teammates are in talks with their club about taking pay cuts during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to numerous reports Chelsea’s players are discussing a 10 per cent pay cut along with other measures to help with the Blues’ response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is in talks with captain Cesar Azpilicueta over the issue. Despite a suggestion of a league-wide 30 percent pay cut, there is no general directive from the Premier League who are letting all 20 clubs deal with pay cuts or wage deferrals on their own.

Former USWNT Star Discusses Living with Autoimmune Illness During COVID-19

Shannon Box, a World Cup and Olympic star with the United States Women’s National Team, has not one, but two autoimmune illnesses — lupus and Sjogren’s Syndrome. Both diseases individually could put her at greater risk if she were to be infected by COVID-19. The former USWNT start discussed how she’s been dealing with her health during this pandemic and about the drug hydroxychloroquine — used by lupus sufferers to manage joint and muscle pain, but which is suddenly in short supply after President Trump recommended Americans take it for COVID-19.

In my case, it has always been a medication that I use in combination with another medication. It’s pretty much, as far as I know, the main medication that is given to a lot of lupus patients and RA — rheumatoid arthritis — patients, because it doesn’t have a lot of side effects and it works really well for patients.

There are definitely times that I have missed going back and refilling, and I’ve been off my medication for a couple of days, or I thought I had refills and I didn’t and I had to go to the doctor and it took a couple days. It just sets off an immediate flare. And so it has made me realize that it is controlling my flares a lot more. And even when I do have a flare, it’s making it more minimal.

I encourage you to give this piece a read. Boxx was a pivotal player for the USWNT and it’s sad to think of her barely being able to walk a mile just a few years after retiring as a player.

Free Kicks

  • An MLS guide to soccer analytics.
  • The NWSL season’s delay has cost the league some of its momentum.
  • Those born on this date include Jayne Mansfield (1933), Dudley Moore (1935), Tim Curry (1946), racing’s Al Unser, Jr. (1962), Ashley Judd (1968), James Franco (1978), Kate Hudson (1979), Hayden Christensen (1981), football’s Troy Polamalu (1981), basketball’s Candace Parker (1986), goalkeeper Joe Hart (1987), and tennis star Maria Sharapova (1987).

That’s all I’ve got for you today, folks. Don’t forget, Nani and Abe Valbuena will be taking on Atlanta United today in FIFA 20 in a televised match. (Edit: Sorry, that’s not happening until May 10, apparently, as they drag this out.) It could be interesting if you’re into that sort of thing. Me? Personally, I can’t get into watching other people play video games.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/9/25

Orlando City’s next U.S. Open Cup match date revealed, MLS matches to watch, top soccer club valuations, and more.

Published

12 hours ago

on

May 9, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Friday! I hope the week has treated you well as we get ready for a Mother’s Day weekend packed with soccer. Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are both in action at the same time on Saturday, so make sure to plan accordingly depending on how you want to enjoy the action. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Will Face Nashville in USOC on May 21

Orlando City will officially host Nashville SC on May 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16. That match is sandwiched between a road game against Inter Miami on May 18 and a home game against the Portland Timbers May 24, so at least there won’t be much travel during that week during an already jam-packed month. The Lions reached this stage of the tournament after beating the Tampa Bay Rowdies 5-0 Wednesday, while Nashville won 1-0 against the Chattanooga Red Wolves on Tuesday.

What to Watch In MLS This Weekend

We’ll all be tuned in for Orlando City’s match on Saturday against the New England Revolution, but there’s plenty more MLS action to look forward to as well. Before Orlando’s match, Inter Miami will head to St. Paul to take on a Minnesota United team that leads the league with six clean sheets this season. Another notable match this weekend is a clash between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference standings when the Philadelphia Union host the Columbus Crew. That game has Daniel Gazdag written all over it. Sunday night’s match should be a doozy between two heavyweight Western Conference teams, as LAFC will hit the road to take on the league-leading Vancouver Whitecaps.

MLS Clubs Listed Among World’s Most Valuable

Sportico announced the valuations for the top 50 most valuable soccer clubs in the world, and a whopping 19 MLS teams made the list. The Lions aren’t included, but it’s still neat to see some clubs like Minnesota, Sporting Kansas City, and Charlotte FC listed. LAFC is the highest listed MLS side, coming in at 16th with a $1.28 billion valuation. Real Madrid tops the list at $6.53 billion, and six of the top 10 are from the English Premier League. While valuations aren’t exactly hard evidence of success or influence, I think this is a testament to the growth and parity of MLS through an international lens.

English Clubs Reach Europa League Final

This year’s Europa League final will feature a pair of EPL teams as Manchester United and Tottenham breezed through the semifinals. United overcame a shaky first half to beat Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford, with Mason Mount scoring two of the team’s four goals in the second half. Tottenham avoided an upset in Norway by winning 2-0 against Bodo/Glimt. The final will take place on May 21 in Spain, and there’s both a trophy and Champions League qualification on the line. Both United and Tottenham struggled this season and are respectively 15th and 16th in the league standings, but winning the Europa League is all that matters now.

Free Kicks

  • American midfielder Johnny Cardoso played every minute of Real Betis’ 2-2 result against Fiorentina to advance to the Europa Conference League final, where the Spanish club will face Chelsea on May 28. Enjoy this goal from Antony to help his side prevail.
  • In honor of Mother’s Day, AC Milan players will wear their mothers’ last names on the back of their jerseys in today’s match against Bologna. I love this idea and hope more clubs follow suit moving forward.
  • An ownership group led by David Beckham and Gary Neville acquired Salford City of England’s League Two.
  • Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra’s MMA debut will have to wait, as the 43-year-old’s fight set for May 23 in Paris was postponed.
  • We’ll end our links with what looks to be some unexpected Orlando Pride representation in Vatican City!

That’s all I have for you this time around. Have a fantastic Friday and enjoy the holiday weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/8/25

Orlando City steamrolls the Tampa Bay Rowdies in I-4 Derby, Orlando Pride aim to bounce back, U.S. Open Cup results, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

May 8, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s not often we get to celebrate an Orlando City victory in the middle of the week these days, but hopefully it’s a habit we get used to. The Lions took care of business in my neck of the woods, and it’s given some nice optimism to finish this week strongly. Let’s dive into the big win and more in today’s links!

Orlando City Trounces Tampa Bay Rowdies

Take a bow, Gustavo Caraballo! The 16-year-old was the star of the show in Orlando City’s dominant 5-0 U.S. Open Cup win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, scoring twice to jumpstart Orlando’s attack and making history along the way. There’s plenty of scoring to enjoy, so be sure to check out our full recap!

Hopefully this game was a nice shot in the arm for Orlando’s offense and something to build on in league play. It’s always nice to take down the Rowdies and the Lions are now the last Floridian team standing in the tournament. They’ll host Nashville SC in the round of 16 later this month in what should be a good game in the City Beautiful.

Orlando Pride Aim to Bounce Back in North Carolina

After a 1-0 loss on the road to the Portland Thorns, the Orlando Pride will look to return to their winning ways when they face the North Carolina Courage on Saturday. It’s going to be another tough environment for the Pride to play in, although the Courage have lost two of their three home games so far this season. Pride defender Emily Sams spoke on the team’s mentality heading into this match and how the team can raise its level after a disappointing loss in Portland.

U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 Wraps Up

MLS teams mostly cruised in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 32, but it was still an exciting round of soccer filled with drama. In a vintage “cupset,” the Pittsburgh Riverhounds beat New York City FC 1-0 thanks to a goal in stoppage time from Orlando native Beto Ydrach. Indy Eleven nearly took down the Philadelphia Union, but the MLS side converted all five kicks in the penalty shootout to advance after a 1-1 draw.

The New England Revolution escaped Pawtucket with a 2-1 road win against Rhode Island FC, with 17-year-old Cristiano Oliveira scoring a late winner. Minnesota United squeezed past Louisville City 1-0, the Chicago Fire put Detroit City to the sword in a 4-0 win, and FC Dallas won 3-1 against USL League One side AV Alta FC.

UEFA Champions League Final Set

Paris Saint-Germain did everything it needed to and more at home against Arsenal, winning 2-1 to advance to the UEFA Champions League final. Great saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma and goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi propelled PSG to victory, with Bukayo Saka providing Arsenal’s only goal of the two-leg series. PSG will take on Inter Milan in the final on May 31 and it should be an interesting matchup at Allianz Arena to close out the tournament. Will PSG lift its first Champions League trophy only a year after Kylian Mbappe left the club, or will Inter come out on top after finishing as runner-up in 2023? I can’t wait to find out.

Free Kicks

  • Congratulations to United States Women’s National Team star Mallory Swanson and her husband Dansby Swanson, as the couple announced that they’re expecting their first child!
  • Racing Louisville announced that goalkeeper Katie Lund and midfielder Maddie Pokorny will both miss the remainder of the season due to hip injuries. Jordyn Bloomer, who had five saves in Friday’s win over the Houston Dash, will serve as the team’s goalkeeper in Lund’s stead.
  • The Columbus Crew signed Daniel Gazdag to a contract extension through 2027, with a club option for 2028 as well.
  • Arsene Wenger proposed a change to the offside rule so that attacking players are onside so long as any part of their body is lined up with the last defender. We’ll see if anything comes of this, but it could lead to more goals in the future.
  • Here’s what to watch for in the second legs of the Europa League semifinals. Manchester United will host Athletic Club with a three-goal lead in aggregate, while Tottenham will aim to defend its two-goal advantage in Norway against a Bodo/Glimt side that has key players returning from suspension.
  • Tottenham will be without James Maddison, who is out for the rest of the season after a knee injury sustained in the first leg against Bodo/Glimt.

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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Lion Links

Lion Links 5/7/25

Orlando City takes on the Rowdies, sponsors like MLS, the NWSL is growing, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

May 7, 2025

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day as the Lions begin their 2025 U.S. Open Cup campaign. I’ve repeatedly said on The Mane Land PawedCast that I want Oscar Pareja to focus on this competition more than another one (*cough* Leagues Cup *cough*). That all starts tonight, and I hope you’re as excited as I am. Let’s get to the links.

I-4 Derby Tonight

Orlando City enters the 2025 U.S. Open Cup tonight against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions make the perilous 112-mile trip along I-4 — which feels approximately like flying to Seattle — to take on an old geographical rival. We’re likely to see a rotated lineup for this match, but Pareja said he has confidence in the younger players to get the job done. If you’re not making the trip to Tampa here is how you can watch the match. We will have our normal match coverage for you tonight.

Nobody Likes Nil-Nil

You know something is going on when Orlando City attracts the attention of the national media. Unfortunately, that thing is the overabundance of 0-0 draws in four out of the last five matches. The theory is that the Lions aren’t getting enough service out of the midfield for the players up top. It may be as simple as players getting healthy for Orlando City to reignite the offense. For the sake of a certain The Mane Land editor’s sanity, I hope that is the case.

MLS News and Notes

Soccer’s popularity is growing in the United States. Are decades of being America’s next big sport finally paying off? It seems to actually be the case, at least when it comes to the sponsors. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, brands are investing in MLS and soccer in America. EA Sports is in on the action, partnering with MLS and Apple TV to show four live matches within the EA FC mobile gaming app this season

NWSL Keeps Growing

Big things are also happening in the NWSL. The growth has prompted the league to move its headquarters from one New York office to a bigger New York office. Part of that growth comes from owners like the Washington Spirit’s Michelle Kang. The billionaire is investing in the NWSL, U.S. Soccer, and other leagues and countries throughout the world. On a slightly different scale, Mikaela Shiffrin — the most decorated alpine skier of all time — has invested in the Denver NWSL expansion side.

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That will do it for today. Check back for our coverage of tonight’s match as well as the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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