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Lion Links: 11/22/20

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4 years ago

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Happy Sunday, everyone. Several weeks ago I told you about the liquid diet I was on in preparation for a colonoscopy. That got canceled on me about half an hour before I was scheduled to take the prep solution, so at least I didn’t have to go through that part, but guess what? I’m back on a liquid diet in expectation of having the procedure tomorrow.

At least I can sip my liquids secure in the knowledge that Orlando City is in the second round of the playoffs after an incredible turn of events in yesterday’s penalty shootout against New York City FC.

Before we get into the news of the day, let’s all wish Orlando Pride midfielder Taylor Kornieck a happy birthday.

Lions Squeak Past Pigeons on Penalties

I probably don’t have to rehash the details of yesterday’s match to you here, but it’s fun, so why not do it anyway? Nani put the Lions up early with a goal on a penalty kick after he headed a shot off the outstretched arm of Anton Tinnerholm. Orlando then gave the goal right back on a corner kick on which Maxime Chanot moved pesky Junior Urso out of his way with an illegal, but uncalled, two-handed push, then headed home. Then no goals happened for a long time and the game went to kicks from the spot and wackiness ensued and now Rodrigo Schlegel is our new president. That’s the law.

Christopher Adams has your five takeaways from the match later and I’ll have a fresh batch of player grades — hot out of the oven! — and Man of the Match later this morning. We’ll have a photo gallery from Dan MacDonald, too.

Also, you can buy a Schlegel goalkeeper kit in the team shop.

Pareja Consoled Ruan in Locker Room While Winning Save was Reviewed

Oscar Pareja thought the match was over and ran down the tunnel to the locker room, where he found Ruan in tears. After assuring his fullback that Pedro Gallese had bailed him out in penalties, Pareja was informed that the save was under review and he had to return to the pitch. Luckily, it all worked out in the end.

OCSC Supporters Rock the Playoff Tifo

Let’s give a big tip of the cap to the Ruckus and Iron Lion Firm for Saturday’s playoff tifo, which referenced the Clint Eastwood classic, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. The tifo paid homage to Luiz Muzzi, Pareja, and Nani. The tag line under the main tifo said “For some, the season was hell. For us, it was practice.” The movie’s tag line includes the line “For three men, the Civil War wasn’t hell. It was practice.” Great job by all involved and very creative idea.

PRO Stands by Referee Allen Chapman’s Decisions

A lot of ire from fans was directed toward the confusion on the pitch during the penalty shootout when Pedro Gallese was sent off with a second yellow card. Allen Chapman didn’t seem to know the rules and nearly allowed Brian Rowe to substitute on for Rodrigo Schlegel. After lengthy consultation with the video assistant referee and the rest of his crew, Chapman sent Rowe back to the bench, paving the way for Schlegel’s heroics. The Professional Referee Organization said that Chapman ultimately made the right decisions.

Of course, it was Chapman’s own inconsistency throughout the match that created the issue to begin with. As tempers escalated throughout the match, Gary Mackay-Steven baited Ruan into retaliating for a garbage move of jamming his hands into the Brazilian’s abdomen and putting all his weight on Ruan to push himself to his feet. Ruan took exception and lashed out, which he shouldn’t have done. It was a selfish and foolish play. But that red card and being down a man no doubt contributed to Gallese’s 103rd-minute yellow card for time wasting, and subsequently to the madness in the shootout. PRO, as we often say, gonna PRO.

Marta Tests Positive for COVID-19

In less fun news, Orlando Pride star Marta has tested positive for COVID-19 while in her native Brazil. As such, she will miss Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against Ecuador. Obviously we hope Marta gets through this quickly and without any difficulties. Meanwhile, Brazil manager Pia Sundhage has replaced Marta on the squad with her Pride teammate, Camila.

U.S. Players Abroad

It was a big day for Americans playing overseas, even if they didn’t score. Josh Sargent set up Werder Bremen’s goal with this nice assist in a 1-1 draw vs. Bayern Munich.

Niko Gioacchini, fresh off his two-goal effort for the USMNT, drew a penalty to set up the winning goal for his team, Caen. John Brooks helped his team keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win. Gio Reyna not only had some good contributions to Borussia Dortmund’s 5-2 win over Hertha Berlin, but he also signed a contract extension.

Free Kicks

  • Erling Haaland won the 2020 Golden Boy award as the best European player under 21 years old. USMNT fullback Sergino Dest finished 13th in the voting.
  • In Saturday’s later first-round Eastern Conference playoff match, the Columbus Crew held off the New York Red Bulls, 3-2.
  • In really icky soccer-related news, Yves Jean-Bart, president of the Haitian Football Federation, has been banned for life for sexual abuse of young players.
  • Those born on this date include Rodney Dangerfield (1921), Robert Vaughn (1932), Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam (1940), Billie Jean King (1943), E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt (1950), Talking Heads bassist Tina Weymouth (1950), Jamie Lee Curtis (1958), The Wire and Lovecraft Country star Michael K. Williams (1966), Boris Becker (1967), Mark Ruffalo (1967), Scarlett Johansson (1984), and England/Roma center back Chris Smalling (1989).

That’s my time for today. Enjoy the rest of our coverage of yesterday’s match as we prepare for whoever is next on the schedule.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

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

Published

23 hours ago

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April 2, 2025

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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!

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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.

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

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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.

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