Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/18/21

Published

3 years ago

on

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was a good weekend to be an Orlando soccer fan. Both the Orlando Pride and Orlando City got results, which is always fantastic. On a personal note, I just started a new job, so there are exciting times all around. As usual, there’s a lot to talk about today, so let’s get to it.

Exploria Stadium Going Back to Full Capacity

Orlando City announced that Exploria Stadium will return to full capacity for both Orlando City and Orlando Pride games starting in June. Specifically, beginning with the Pride’s match against NJ/NY Gotham FC on June 20 and followed by the Lions’ match against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 22, the purple palace will be back open to hosting games at full capacity. The stadium would likely be returning to full capacity even sooner, following the lead of teams like Atlanta United, but the club had already sold tickets in a limited capacity to games through the end of May. Aside from seats near the team benches and the tunnel, all seats will be available.

Antonio Carlos Named to MLS Team of the Week

Antonio Carlos has received his due for his part in Orlando shutting out D.C. United on the road on Sunday. After another strong performance anchoring the Lions’ back line, Carlos was included in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Week. Carlos finished the game with 13 (!) clearances, and three interceptions on the defensive side, which in itself would be plenty impressive. He also chipped in offensively though, with his seven of 11 long balls completed standing out. The defender was rated highly by our own Sean Rollins as well, with a grade of 7/10 that was equal to Man of the Match Mauricio Pereyra. Well done AC!

Mueller Still Wants More

Chris Mueller has now made 100 appearances for Orlando City. Even though he’s been successful going into his fourth year as a Lion, he doesn’t plan to sit on his laurels. After a breakout third season the Money Badger wants to continue to improve on what he has been able to accomplish so far. He spoke about how much his success to this point has meant to him.

“You grow so much as a person away from the field, you grow so much as a player, you learn new things, you gain so many new experiences with so many people and different faces, different cultures. You can’t put a price tag on the experiences that I’ve had.”

Hopefully Cash continues to grow and meet the new goals that he keeps setting for himself.

Losada Critical of Orlando’s Tactics

Hernan Losada wasn’t too pleased with some of Orlando’s tactics during the Lions’ win on Sunday. He wasn’t super high on some of OCSC’s time-wasting tactics, but he was definitely not a fan of the defensive style that the team employed after taking the lead.

“If there is one way to lose, this is the way. A way where you dominate the whole game, a way where the opponent doesn’t know what else to do to neutralize the game, to make time, to park the bus,” he said. “It’s like they didn’t want to play after they scored the goal and that’s a lot for a team with the quality of Orlando, all their stars I didn’t see them on the field and that’s thanks to the effort and the game and the team, the way they worked and played today.”

D.C.’s head man is certainly entitled to his opinion, but I think its a bit left of center. While DCU had 55% of the possession, his side managed only 13 shots and only got one of those on target, so “dominate” is maybe a tad strong. Plus, with Orlando having some trouble playing through a very intense press, and wanting to protect Joao Moutinho — playing his first 90-minute match in nine months — Oscar Pareja simply decided to play defensively and protect what the team had by changing shape and bringing on Robin Jansson. Soccer is a tactical game, and tactical maneuvering during a match is par for the course. Regardless, all’s well that ends well!

Paramount+ Picks Up Brazilian, Argentinan Leagues

It has been announced that Paramount+ has picked up the rights to top flight soccer in Brazil and Argentina. The streaming service will have the exclusive English-language rights to Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileirão Série A, the country’s top flight league. It will also carry matches from Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Futbol. Full coverage of the Brazil’s Serie A starts on May 29. There are some big ticket matches to kick off the 2021 season too, with Flamengo taking on Palmeiras and Sao Paulo facing off against Fluminese. If you happen to already have Paramount+ it might be worth keeping an eye on the league, considering Orlando has a history of signing players from the Brazilian top flight. Oh, and Argentina too!

Free Kicks

  • This is very cool, and a massive congratulations to the young woman involved.

  • Orlando City’s Wilfredo Rivera has been called up for Puerto Rico’s second round of qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.

  • While it won’t help you now, this tweet made me laugh.

  • Harry Kane reportedly wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United among the clubs interested in him.
  • A couple of the NWSL’s big stars have returned stateside following the end of the WSL season.

That does it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

Published

15 hours ago

on

May 1, 2024

By

,
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

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.
  • 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!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/30/24

Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

April 30, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.

San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano

The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.

U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.

English Premier League Approves Spending Cap

Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.

Free Kicks

That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/29/24

Orlando City and OCB lose to Toronto, Pride beat the Spirit in Washington, EPL title race update, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

April 29, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was a mixed weekend for our teams, with the Pride winning, while Orlando City and OCB lost. I’ve been busy covering high school volleyball, badminton, and soccer throughout the past week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Lose at Home to Toronto FC

Orlando City SC saw its four-match unbeaten streak come to an end, losing 2-1 to Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Duncan McGuire scored the opening goal to put Orlando ahead in the first half. The Lions held on to the 1-0 lead until late in the second half, when goals from Tyrese Spicer and Prince Owusu put the Reds up 2-1, and they were able to hang on and walk out of Orlando with all three points. Toronto FC has won two in a row in league play and is fourth in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Meanwhile, the Lions are in 13th with nine points. Orlando City will look to bounce back Saturday at home as it takes on FC Cincinnati.  

Pride Grab Road Win Over Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride held on to defeat the Washington Spirit 3-2 at Audi Field Friday — their third straight victory. Angelina scored to put the Pride ahead in the first half, but the Spirit equalized just before halftime. Barbra Banda scored her first goal for the Pride, and Summer Yates added her third goal of the season, giving the Pride a 3-1 advantage in the second half. Ashley Hatch pulled one back for the Spirit on a howler by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, but the Pride keep their unbeaten streak alive at six matches (3-0-3). Orlando remains undefeated and is fourth in the NWSL table with 12 points. Next up for the Pride is a pair of home matches this week, starting Wednesday at home against the North Carolina Courage. Orlando will host Racing Louisville FC Sunday.

OCB Falls at Home to Toronto FC II

Like the first team, Orlando City B also lost 2-1 to Toronto FC II in its first home match at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions went down early in the match when Charles Sharp scored for Toronto FC II to take a 1-0 lead. Wilfredo Rivera scored the equalizer in the second half to tie the match, however, late in the second half, Jesus Batiz scored the game-winning goal to seal the win for Toronto. The Young Lions have yet to win a match at home, but has played well on the road this season and are on a four-match unbeaten streak away. The Young Lions will face MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference leaders Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. 

Manchester City and Arsenal Win to Keep EPL Title Race Close

The Premier League title race is going down to the wire as Manchester City and Arsenal won their matches over the weekend. Arsenal held on to defeat rival Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in the North London Derby. That result moves Arsenal into first with 80 points with three matches remaining. Manchester City shut out Nottingham Forest 2-0 and is second, with 79 points and still four matches left to play. Liverpool dropped points to West Ham in a 2-2 draw, putting another blow to the Reds’ title chances and leaving them in third with 75 points and three matches left.  

Free Kicks

  • If you missed it, check out the first goal from Pride forward Barbra Banda.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.

Continue Reading

Trending