Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/23/20

Published

4 years ago

on

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you all are hanging in there as October drones on. I’m still trying to get all my ducks in a row before a busy November and the holiday season. Thankfully, we have both Orlando City and Orlando City B action tomorrow afternoon to look forward to. Before we get started on today’s links, let’s wish a happy 23rd birthday to forward Benji Michel!

Daryl Dike Named to MLS 22 Under 22 List

While Michel turns 23 today, fellow Orlando forward Daryl Dike is 20 years old and has done well enough in his rookie season to land on the MLS 22 under 22 list. Ranking at number 10 on the list, Dike’s physicality and finishing ability has made him a strong contender for MLS Rookie of the Year and he’s done well for Orlando with four goals and three assists this year.

One of the top prospects heading into the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, Dike fell to Orlando with the fifth pick and has become a good fit in the center forward position. A season-ending injury to Dom Dwyer earlier this year and a knock to Tesho Akindele opened the door for Dike after he impressed both Oscar Pareja and Luiz Muzzi in training. With five games left this regular season and the playoffs on the horizon, there’s plenty of opportunity for Dike to continue his growth as a Lion.

Lions Near Debuts and Returns

Orlando supporters may get their first look at Matheus Aias tomorrow. After a long wait, the Brazilian forward is finally available for the Lions according to Pareja. Ecuadorian winger Alexander Alvarado is also up for selection, although he likely won’t play tomorrow as he’ll need some time to train under Pareja’s system.

They won’t be the only reinforcements for Orlando. The quarantines for both goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and midfielder Sebas Mendez are in their final day today, giving Pareja some needed help as the team jockeys for playoff position.

Battle for Florida Heats Up

Orlando City will take on Inter Miami tomorrow in the fourth match between the two sides this season and there is plenty to watch for. The Lions beat Miami 2-1 in Exploria Stadium on Sept. 12, but fell to the Herons on the road back on Aug. 22 in their only loss since the MLS is Back Tournament. Orlando will travel to Miami again this weekend, except Miami supporters will be allowed in the stands this time around.

The match is important for both sides as the playoffs near. With injuries and players gone for international duty, Orlando’s center back pairing of Robin Jansson and Antonia Carlos has held it down in defense as one of the more underrated units in MLS. As for Miami’s defense, center back Andres Reyes is ready to return after undergoing surgery for a facial injury earlier this season. I must admit, Reyes looks pretty darn cool with the mask he’ll be wearing in the match if he plays.

Crystal Dunn Traded to the Portland Thorns

With the National Women’s Soccer League season over, Crystal Dunn is heading west to join the Portland Thorns after a three-team trade. Formerly with the North Carolina Courage, Dunn was initially traded to OL Reign for goalkeeper Casey Murphy and $140,000 in allocation money. Then the Thorns acquired Dunn in exchange for a 2022 first-round pick, $200,000 in allocation money, and an international roster spot. The move was sparked by Dunn’s desire to be with her husband, the head athletic trainer for the Thorns. Dunn will also reunite with Thorns Head Coach Mark Parsons, who coached Dunn during her MVP season with the Washington Spirit in 2015.

The NWSL Broke Records in 2020

Despite all of the challenges that come from playing during a pandemic, the NWSL had a remarkable season. It was the first U.S. professional team sport to return this summer and the first to successfully play in a ‘bubble’ situation. In addition, the 2020 Challenge Cup did well during an uncertain time for sports. The league also signed a great broadcast and streaming contract with CBS and Twitch for the Fall Series. All seven of the games broadcast on CBS were the seven most-watched games in NWSL history. On top of that, NWSL mentions on social media skyrocketed by 152% and the league received more media coverage as well. Add in the growing excitement for Racing Louisville FC and Angel City FC, and it all shapes up to be an exciting future for the league.

Free Kicks

  • The Columbus Crew and center back Jonathan Mensah agreed to a multi-year contract extension. The Ghanaian defender has had a great season so far and is a leading candidate for MLS Defensive Player of the Year.
  • Given concerns about the coronavirus, Australia will no longer be making the trip to Europe next month for friendlies and training camps, including a planned friendly against the United States Men’s National Team.
  • Changes were made to the United States Hall of Fame election process to help keep the focus on who made each year’s class rather than who did not. Committees were made to aid in both the screening and voting process, and each class will feature two players, a veteran, and a builder.
  • MLS is collaborating with Girls Academy, a youth soccer platform with over 7,500 players across the U.S., to help develop young players for careers in the sport.
  • Phoenix Rising reinstated head coach Rick Schantz ahead of the team’s USL Championship playoff game tomorrow night. Schantz was placed on administrative leave for being dismissive after the incident involving San Diego Loyal midfielder Collin Martin being called an anti-gay slur during a match. After receiving an apology from Schantz, Martin urged for the coach’s reinstatement.

That’s going to do it for today, folks. I hope you all have a great Friday and a fantastic weekend!

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Published

16 hours ago

on

April 2, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

April 1, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/31/25

Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

March 31, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work but will attend the Chicago Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field later this week. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Beats LA Galaxy on the Road

On Saturday, Orlando City fought back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy struck early in the first half to jump on top. In the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick after Eduard Atuesta was taken down in the box, and Martin Ojeda buried the spot kick to tie the match at one. In the 90th minute, Luis Muriel scored the winning goal on a long-range free kick to complete the comeback. Orlando is on a three-match unbeaten streak and beat the LA Galaxy for the third consecutive time. Orlando City’s next match will be on the road Saturday against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

Orlando Pride Defeat San Diego Wave at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium and extended their win streak to three matches to start the season. After a scoreless first half, Haley McCutcheon scored to give Orlando the lead. The Wave equalized before Marta converted a penalty kick goal to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride are off to a great start this season, outscoring their opponents 10-1, and are atop the NWSL standings ahead of the Kansas City Current on goal difference. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will be on the road in their next match against the Seattle Reign on April 12.

NWSL Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s third week of matches is in the books. On Friday, the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC match ended in a scoreless draw. The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, with Ashley Hatch scoring both goals. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Utah Royals 3-0, while the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage match ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, the Chicago Stars fell 1-0 to Racing Louisville and remain winless, while Angel City FC edged the Seattle Reign 2-1 to secure its first win of the season.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Recap

The FA Cup quarterfinals wrapped up with thrilling drama as four clubs booked a spot in the semifinals. Crystal Palace cruised to a 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Nottingham Forest edged Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw to advance. Aston Villa dominated Preston North End as Marcus Rashford scored twice to seal a 3-0 win, while Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1. The FA Cup semifinals are set for April 26 as Crystal Palace faces Aston Villa while Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester City.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City GM Luiz Muzzi provided some insight in an ESPN.com article on player transfers and highlighted the importance of building connections with different clubs to facilitate transfers.
  • Former Lion Benji Michel is going to play for HJK Helsinki.
  • That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

Continue Reading

Trending