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Lion Links: 4/27/20

Published

5 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! I know that feels like a bit of a weird way to greet you during these times, but sometimes a little positivity can go a long way. In such a weird way, we’re all alone and in this together at the same time. As such, perhaps we could all try to be a little nicer today.

I’ve started with my usual greeting, but I’m also going to make an effort to reach out to some family and friends today. We’re all probably a little stir crazy, so calling, video chatting, or even texting might make someone’s day. If you’re on social media, try to engage others in some sort of game.

If you’re one of the stir crazy people needing some interaction, reach out to us on Twitter. You can reach us @themaneland, and my Twitter handle is at the top of the page. Now, let’s get to the links.

Skinner’s Future

With Phil Neville leaving as the England Women’s National Team’s manager, talk has started up around who his replacement will be. There are some obvious big names like Jill Ellis, Casey Stoney, and Paul Riley. There is also another name more familiar to Orlando Pride fans. Marc Skinner might be a bit further down the possibility list, but he may still be considered a candidate for the job. While he will likely want to stay and finish the job he started here in Orlando, it’s not out of the question that he would head back to England if offered the position.

Yanks in Germany?

While we’re all waiting for soccer to start back up, the Bundesliga rumors are dialing up for two Americans fullbacks. The United States Men’s National Team’s DeAndre Yedlin has been with Newcastle United since 2016. A move from the English Premier League to Germany’s top flight would be an interesting choice for sure. Yedlin also expressed interest in returning to the Seattle Sounders at some point in his future. The other rumor involves FC Dallas’ Reggie Cannon. Despite being with Dallas for three years, Cannon is ready for a move abroad. So far, these rumors aren’t even associated with a particular club, but we might get more once the European transfer window opens.

La Liga Delays Testing for Players

La Liga has decided to delay coronavirus testing for its players until such time as the Spanish government comes out with protocols for the testing. The decision came after the start of training for the clubs was delayed yet again. The testing was supposed to be the first step in returning to play, and the league hoped to take that step as early as next week. The delay came hours after the Spanish Footballers Association put out a statement expressing the need for the tests and other healthcare supplies to be made available to those with greater needs.

Playing in Empty Stadiums

There has been talk of being able to start various leagues back up sooner if the matches were played with no supporters in the seats. While this is obviously safer than having fans in the stands, there are still plenty of people in the stadium other than the players.

Then there’s the coaching staff — managers, assistants, fitness coaches, physios and a club doctor. Other essential people include a match delegate, an anti-doping official, official photographers and staff from broadcasters (like sound engineers, technicians, camera crew and producers), and medical workers. In England, for example, there needs to be four paramedics and an ambulance driver at every game.

None of that means the leagues won’t open back up with this as the first step, but there are plenty of other issues in addition to those already listed. There’s still a lot to be worked out before we get the game we love back.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Ricardo Moreira is the Director of Scouting and has a very close working relationship with Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi. He is an indispensable member of the organization who uses data and analytics to try to build a better Orlando City.
  • U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team Head Coach Anthony Hudson is doing his best to construct his squad, get to know his players, and contribute to the senior team in the middle of the shutdown. Hudson only took over in January, and as such didn’t have too much time in the job before the world turned upside down.
  • Everton’s Moise Kean broke government lockdown rules by having a house party. So far, there have been no consequences given out, but the club is “appalled” by the player’s actions.
  • ESPN recently brought out a 10-part documentary about the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls called “The Last Dance.” It’s not too surprising given the lack of live sporting events, but wouldn’t it be nice if they gave the same treatment to an MLS team?
  • Serie A officials are eyeing May 18 as the date clubs could start training again, allowing matches to resume sometime in June. Italy was one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus, with 15 players testing positive for the virus.
  • Like so many others, the Princeton Soccer Academy is using alternative training methods for its players due to the pandemic. Zoom, Gotomeeting, and the Techne Futbol app are all being used to direct soccer IQ classroom work, fitness, and agility training programs.

I genuinely hope you all have a great day, and be good to one another.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/21/25

Scott Sutter joins Orlando Pride staff, Pride watch party schedule announced, USMNT falls flat vs. Panama, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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March 21, 2025

By

Carlos Romero, The Mane Land

Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. I just found out that Barbra Banda’s goal didn’t win NWSL Goal of the Week, despite earning the most fan votes. Utterly ridiculous and I hope that Banda takes out the supporters’ frustration this weekend. I need these upcoming matches to take the bad taste of that USMNT match out of my mouth. In the interest of moving on, let’s get to the links.

Former Lion Scott Sutter Joins Orlando Pride Staff

Former Orlando City fullback Scott Sutter has joined Seb Hines’ staff with the Orlando Pride. Sutter was one of three new support staffers announced by the Pride on Thursday and will serve in the role of player development coach. Sutter made 51 appearances with Orlando City in 2017 and 2018, scoring four goals and adding six assists in his time with the club. He joins fellow former Orlando City players Hines and Giles Barnes on the Pride’s staff. Previously, Sutter has coaching experience as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Virginia and as an academy head coach with D.C. United. 

The Pride also named Erin Angelini as the new head of rehabilitation and Tara Kaff as the club’s performance nutritionist. In addition to the new hires, Chris Cafaro and Christi Edson were promoted to head of video performance analysis and head of performance, respectively.

Pride Announce Watch Party Schedule

You can watch the Orlando Pride away matches in the comfort of your own home, but if you crave the excitement of celebrating goals with your follow supporters, you can attend of the club’s official watch parties. These events are scheduled for some of the Pride’s biggest away matches against the best the NWSL has to offer. The match Sunday against NJ/NY Gotham FC is a must-see match and the first of those aforementioned watch parties.

Lifeless USMNT Crashes Out of Nations League

The USMNT lost 1-0 to Panama on a second-half stoppage-time goal from the visitors. The U.S. garnered most of the possession and more shots, but the Yanks couldn’t finish their chances and it came back to haunt them in the end. The loss knocks the U.S. out of the Concacaf Nations League, meaning it will be the first time that the competition isn’t won by the USMNT.

New Women’s World Sevens League

A new 7-v-7 league, Women’s World Sevens, will launch in May with a reported $5 million grand prize pool for each event. Eight clubs will participate in each event, though the participants have not yet been announced. We do know that form USWNT star Tobin Heath will be involved as a player advisor for the events.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Make sure to check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/20/25

Marco Pasalic making an early impact, Seb Hines prepares for NJ/NY Gotham FC, USMNT plays Panama tonight, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

March 20, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Not only do we have Orlando soccer to look forward to this weekend, but there’s plenty of international soccer to enjoy as World Cup qualifying heats up all over the world. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda!

Marco Pasalic Impressing Early On

Former MLS player Dax McCarty weighed on which MLS newcomers have been off to a hot start this season, with Orlando City winger Marco Pasalic earning some recognition. The 24-year-old already has three goals and an assist to his name, shaking off some of the concerns about Orlando’s attack heading into the season. While I think it’s a bit early to say that Pasalic has truly replaced Facundo Torres, it is nice to see that he’s already making an impact in a league that can be a bit difficult to get the hang of for new Designated Players. Hopefully he can keep the goals coming when the Lions take on D.C. United at home Saturday.

Seb Hines Talks Shop Ahead of Match Against Gotham

The Orlando Pride started their 2025 NWSL season with a dominant 6-0 win over the Chicago Stars and will look to keep the momentum rolling when they face NJ/NY Gotham FC in their first road match of the year on Sunday. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how his team will have to be at its best to get a result against a Gotham side that has plenty of talent and is coached by Juan Carlos Amoros. He also discussed the Pride’s focus on converting more from corner kicks and the versatility that Prisca Chilufya adds to the attack.

USMNT Takes On Panama Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will face off against Panama tonight in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in Los Angeles. Panama has been a thorn in the Yanks’ side in recent years, beating the U.S. in penalties in the 2023 Gold Cup and getting the best of the USMNT again in last year’s Copa America. Tonight’s match will be the toughest test yet for Head Coach Maurico Pochettino, who will have to navigate these two Nations League games without some key defensive players. The winner of tonight’s game will face either Mexico or Canada in Sunday’s final.

Bethany Balcer Stepping Away From Soccer

Racing Louisville forward Bethany Balcer has announced that she will be taking a break from soccer to focus more on who she is outside of soccer.

“The last year and a half I’ve found my identity slowing [sic] slipping away being consumed with soccer and being a professional athlete,” she wrote. “I’ve been chasing things that are material, I’ve become bitter, and I’ve lost my love and joy for the game.”

Balcer has been in the NWSL since 2019 and has been an advocate for players taking care of their mental health. Former Orlando Pride player Sydney Leroux made a similar decision a few days ago, choosing to step away from soccer for her mental health the day before Angel City FC’s season opener. Broadened mental health services was part of the collective bargaining agreement last year for the league and it’s important for players to have improved options when it comes to the mental toll that being a professional athlete can have on them.

Free Kicks

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/19/25

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Pride still on top, USMNT prepares for Panama, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

March 19, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! I hope you’re having a good week so far. Just a reminder that we’re only a day away from the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League match, followed by regular-season matches for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Personally, I love knowing I’ll have matches to watch on three of the next four days. Let’s get to the links.

International Lions

I always have mixed feelings about international call-ups. On one hand, I’m happy for the players to be able to represent their individual countries. On the other hand, I don’t want to lose them for whatever matches they may miss due to being gone. This particular instance sees Pedro Gallese, David Brekalo, and Colin Guske on international duty with Peru, Slovenia, and the USYNT U18s, respectively. OCB’s Justin Ellis also received a call up from the USYNT.

https://twitter.com/orlandocityb/status/1902070133449015775?s=46&t=7FrChjNxAZYi8pIcKH7thA

Having Gallese and Brekalo gone when Christian Benteke is coming to town with D.C. United is not ideal. Regardless, I wish them all the best in the upcoming matches and I hope for an injury-free return.

Orlando Pride are a Hit

Following an NWSL opening match record 6-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC, it should be little surprise that three Orlando Pride players made the CBS NWSL Team of the Week — Anna Moorhouse, thanks to the clean sheet; Angelina for midfield excellence; and Barbra Banda for her goal contributions. One of those goals also rightly won the NWSL Goal of the Week.

Go for launch 🚀

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-03-17T02:02:29.818Z

It’s also entirely unsurprising that the Pride are in the top spot in Sports Illustrated’s NWSL Power Rankings. I know that power rankings are dumb, but I’m not ashamed to admit I like them a bit better when my team is the best.

USMNT Prepares for Panama

The USMNT will play Panama in a Concacaf Nations League semifinal match Thursday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. There have been some roster changes due to injuries. Mauricio Pochettino is replacing Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty with Max Arfsten, Brian Gutiérrez, and, Jack McGlynn. Aside from those changes, the U.S. is bringing the big guns to the match. It’s an opportunity for Pochettino to show what this team can be, especially since he said the U.S. could compete to become the best in the world in as little as five to 10 years.

The Good and Bad of the NWSL

The NWSL is a league that is growing in a sustainable fashion. That is good for teams like the Orlando Pride and for women’s soccer in general. Another example of this growth is the plan for a soccer-specific stadium for the Denver NWSL expansion team. The 14,500-seat stadium will include a public park, surrounding shops, and restaurants.

Of course, there are often growing pains associated with expansion. Pride fans are all too aware of such pains. During the off-season, there were reports of abuse involving Bay FC Head Coach Albertin Montoya. As the NWSL matures as a league, how such matters are addressed will determine the success of the league as a whole.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City jumped up one spot in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings to No. 16. You should all know how serious I take power rankings by now.
  • Remember when Mason Stajduhar collided with a New York City FC player and broke his leg? That player was Malachi Jones, who will undergo another procedure to repair the right tibia fracture he sustained in the collision. I hope for the best for Jones since it’s PRO referees I blame for not raising the offside flag.
  • Canada Head Coach Jesse Marsch replaced former Lion Richie Laryea with Zorhan Bassong for the Concacaf Nations League match Thursday.
  • Despite the growth of the women’s game, there is still a vast disparity between revenue and spending across the board. Hopefully, this gets better with further investment in the various leagues.
  • I know of an MLS club that could use an experienced backup center back.

Matt Hedges isn't retired yet and would like to keep playing, I'm told.The veteran MLS center back would ideally want to return to FC Dallas, his long-time club. No talks have happened yet.Hedges is playing in the U.S. Open Cup with Des Moines Menace tomorrow night.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-03-18T17:00:58.231Z

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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