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Lion Links: 7/2/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you all are staying dry after a pretty rainy week. It’s definitely a great time to be a sports fan with so many events going on and with even more slated for later this month. Before we jump into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan and Orlando City SuperDraft pick Brandon Hackenberg!

Orlando City Linked With Argentinian Left Back

Reports surfaced that the Lions are on the hunt for River Plate left back Nahuel Gallardo, although The Mane Land’s sources don’t indicate any truth to the rumors. The 23-year-old hasn’t played for River Plate since 2019 and his loan with Defensa y Justicia ended on June 30. The Lions could certainly use another left back on the roster, considering injury issues with Joao Moutinho. Kyle Smith has done well filling in at both fullback positions, but it will be interesting to see how the Lions address the needed depth in the future.

Daryl Dike Called Up for Gold Cup

United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter named his 23-man roster for the Concacaf Gold Cup this month and Orlando forward Daryl Dike was selected. Dike’s inclusion doesn’t come as much of a shock and the tournament will give him a great opportunity to make his case for the starting spot during World Cup qualifying later this year. The other center forwards on the roster include Gyasi Zardes, Matthew Hoppe, and Nicholas Gioacchini.

Of the 23 players, 19 are from MLS clubs as Berhalter will use the Gold Cup to get a better look at players other than the usual starters on the first team. Orlando’s Andres Perea and Chris Mueller were both named to the preliminary roster, but neither made the cut. Atlanta United and the Colorado Rapids both have three players on the roster, while New York City FC and D.C. United have two each. Notable names to keep an eye on apart from Dike include Sporting Kansas City’s Gianluca Busio, NYCFC’s James Sands, and the New England Revolution’s Matt Turner.

Orlando Pride Players Named to NWSL Team of the Month

Marta and Courtney Petersen were both selected for the NWSL’s Team of the Month after their impressive performances throughout June. Marta had three assists in the Pride’s four matches in June and now leads the league in assists, alongside former Pride player Carson Pickett. She also scored a stunning goal from range in the Pride’s 3-1 road win against Kansas City. Petersen also scored for the Pride last month, doing so in dramatic fashion late against NJ/NY Gotham FC to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw. While the Pride didn’t have any clean sheets in June, Petersen anchored the defense during a tough month that included three road games.

Sydney Leroux scored twice in the Pride’s win over Kansas City, but was beaten out by the Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman and the North Carolina Courage’s Lynn Williams. With four goals and an assist in June, Williams was also named NWSL Player of the Month.

Young Lions Advance to MLS NEXT Cup Final

Orlando’s U-17 squad won 2-1 against Sacramento Republic FC to book its place in the MLS NEXT Cup final. Ethan Subachan scored Orlando’s first goal in the 23rd minute and then assisted on Gonzalo Agustoni-Chagas’ goal in the 29th. Sacramento scored in the 38th minute to close the gap but the Lions held on for the win even though Orlando City Homegrown Player Thomas Williams was sent off in the 75th minute for a soft second yellow card. Williams won’t be available for the final tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. against Players Development Academy and fellow center back Quembol Gaudalupe limped through the final stages of the match, so we will see if he can play.

USWNT Wins Over Mexico in Send-Off Series

The United States Women’s National Team won 4-0 against Mexico in the first of two matches as part of a Send-Off Series before the Olympics. In the 21st minute, Kristie Mewis found her sister Sam Mewis in front of goal, with the latter then burying the ball into the bottom right corner to get the scoring started. Christen Press then scored in the 39th minute with an assist from Megan Rapinoe to double the USWNT’s lead.

In the 74th minute, Morgan made a great assist after pouncing on a loose ball and Tobin Heath delivered a pinpoint strike from distance to score her first goal of 2021.

Morgan was subbed off in the 78th minute and Press scored again in the 85th to complete her brace. The two teams will play again on Monday night in the USWNT’s final match before heading to Tokyo.

Free Kicks

  • The Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan won MLS Goal of the Week for his great bicycle kick against the Chicago Fire. The 17-year-old received 42.8% of the vote, narrowly surpassing Nani’s 38.7% of the vote after his game-winning goal against Inter Miami.
  • In a puzzling decision, Carles Gil was named MLS Player of the Month for June after logging five assists in three matches. While Gil is certainly a great player, it’s bizarre that he received the distinction when Nani had three goals and three assists in June. One could argue that the Revolution faced tougher opponents in wins over NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls, but they also lost to FC Dallas while Orlando won all three of its games.
  • The Copa America quarterfinals start today with Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Peru squaring off against Paraguay at 5 p.m., before Brazil plays Chile at 8 p.m. Tomorrow, Uruguay and Colombia will play at 6 p.m. and then Orlando’s Sebas Mendez and Ecuador will take on Lionel Messi and Argentina at 9 p.m.
  • Canada also named its Gold Cup roster, with 13 MLS players chosen. Former Lions Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller, and Cyle Larin are all on the roster. It’s worth noting that Toronto FC will be without Laryea, Ayo Akinola, and Jonathan Osorio when it plays Orlando on July 17.
  • The 2020 Euros continue today, with Switzerland taking on Spain at noon before a heavyweight match-up between Belgium and Italy at 3 p.m.
  • The NWSL is working on a rebrand to its visual identity that will be revealed later this year. The rebrand is being led by Soulsight, an agency based in Chicago with clients that include the Tennessee Titans, the NBA, and Gatorade.

That’s going to be it for today. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and rest of your weekend. Make sure to get plenty of rest and to hydrate when you can. Go Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/22/25

Orlando City transfer rumors, Orlando Pride preseason begins, USMNT at Inter&Co, and more.

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5 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

By

Dan MacDonald, The ManeLand

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Up here in Tallahassee, I’m waking up to snow/sleet, closed schools, closed government offices, and potentially icy roads. Many people will get an extra day off of work, however, I still get to go to work. I’m sure you can imagine how happy I am about that. Enough of my winter grumbling. Let’s get to the links but not until after we wish Orlando City fullback Michael Halliday a happy 22nd birthday.

Orlando City Reportedly Targeting Croatian International

While I can no longer say that Orlando City hasn’t signed any new players, the club is still moving at its traditionally slow speed as compared to other MLS clubs. We had the signing of Nicolas Rodriguez last week. Now, we have Tom Bogert report of yet another winger prospect for the club in Croatian Marco Pasalic from HNK Rijeka, though it is not a done deal. Hopefully the other targets Bogert mentions are of the striker variety.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881755961125449765?s=46&t=pMoq7Wulqfb35D7C8ydroA

Pride Preseason Begins

The 2024 NWSL champions are back to defend their title. The Orlando Pride returned to training on Tuesday. The club hasn’t needed to add many pieces, though some of the players already here, like Simone Charley and Grace Chanda, haven’t actually played any minutes for the Pride yet. Most of the chemistry is in place for Seb Hines, but reinforcing those bonds will be the challenge as the Pride look to repeat.

USMNT at Inter&Co Tonight

Hopefully you have tickets to the USMNT friendly match versus Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The match starts at 7 p.m. and there are television and streaming options if you’re not going in person. Despite the squad having 14 players with three or fewer caps, Mauricio Pochettino does not consider this an “alternative” squad, nor does he want the players to think of themselves like that.

Girma Reportedly Nearing Completion of Chelsea Move

USWNT defender Naomi Girma is reportedly headed to Chelsea FC Women for a record $1.1 million transfer fee. That is a very big chunk of change for San Diego FC to use to try to replace one of the best defenders in the world. The deal is not complete as of Tuesday evening, but according to the original report from The Athletic, it is close to being done. Girma would be the first women’s soccer player to earn a transfer fee of over $1 million.

MLS Transfer Updates

Other MLS clubs keep on putting pen to paper when it comes to new players. The Chicago Fire are bringing in Jonathan Bamba on a Designated Player deal from La Liga side Celta de Vigo. The Luca de la Torre loan from Spain’s RC Celta de Vigo to San Diego FC is also official.

https://twitter.com/sandiegofc/status/1881741042904350864

Cucho Hernandez evidently wants to stay with the Columbus Crew, though he is still waiting on a new offer.

https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1881786193693823104

Free Kicks

https://twitter.com/weareangelcity/status/1881749040863588770?s=12&t=_WZBNG4ILAyRLdwBeB4mpQ
  • Keep your eyes peeled later today for the NWSL schedule drop.
https://twitter.com/nwsl/status/1881749035218042954?s=46&t=pN-YJp3s7ZQlCXqnTAgSfw

That will do it for today. Stay warm out there, my friends. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/21/25

Orlando Pride release preseason camp roster, scouting Costa Rica, women’s soccer transfer grades, and more.

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1 day ago

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January 21, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone! If you had yesterday off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then I hope you enjoyed some restful time off. If not, then I hope you got your week started off on a good and productive note. There’s a lot going on around here this week as the United States Men’s National Team is in town, and Orlando City will play its first preseason match on Saturday. That means we have plenty to discuss, so let’s dig into today’s links.

Orlando Pride Drop Preseason Roster

Monday might have been a holiday but the Orlando Pride were busy, as they announced the roster for their upcoming preseason camp. Almost all of the usual suspects from the 2024 season are back, as the Pride return 98% of the player-minutes from last season and every single scorer. Mariana Larroquette is on the list although she’s currently on loan in Argentina, and Amanda Allen is likewise included after her loan at Lexington Sporting Club was terminated due to a torn labrum. The biggest intrigue comes from the trio of non-roster invitees: goalkeeper DeAira Jackson, midfielder Aryssa Mahrt, and forward Simone Jackson.

Scouting Costa Rica

The USMNT takes on Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium to wrap up the team’s annual January camp. Like the U.S., Costa Rica is bringing a roster devoid of the majority of its important players. Costa Rica also has a new manager at the helm in Miguel Herrera, who will take charge of the team for the very first time on Wednesday. Herrera typically lines his teams up in a 5-3-2 where the wingbacks take on a very important role and the team looks to hit on the counter while staying compact at the back. This will be the last time we see the USMNT in action until the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in early March.

Women’s Soccer January Transfer Grades

January has been a busy time for transfers in the women’s soccer world, so which teams have done the best business? Well, the Orlando Pride received an A grade for signing Marta to a new two-year deal, retaining a player who helped the team win its first ever trophies. Liverpool got an A for signing Julia Bartel on loan from Chelsea. Leicester City made an interesting call by transferring goalkeeper Lize Kop to Tottenham despite just being a point above the relegation zone. The Foxes get a C for the move, while Spurs get a B+ for adding a capable netminder.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans taking part in some very important games over the course of this week. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus face Club Brugge today in the UEFA Champions League, while Ricardo Pepi, Richy Ledezma, Esmir Bajraktarević, Malik Tillman and PSV Eindhoven take on Crvena Zvezda in the same competition. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will play Girona in the UCL on Wednesday, while Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic take on Young Boys. On Friday, John Tolkin could make his Bundesliga debut when his new team, Holstein Kiel, travels to face Wolfsburg.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players reported for their preseason physicals on Monday.
  • Meanwhile, Orlando City took on the dreaded beep test during Monday’s training session.

That’s all I have for you today. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/20/25

Orlando City signs Nicolas Rodriguez, Jack Lynn announces retirement, USMNT defeats Venezuela in friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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January 20, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Over the past week, I’ve been working and covering high school ice hockey. It will be a busy week in Orlando, with the United States Men’s National Team’s match against Costa Rica on Wednesday and Orlando City’s first preseason match against Atletico Mineiro on Saturday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Signs Nicolas Rodriguez

Orlando City announced on Friday that the club has signed forward Nicolas Rodriguez from Fortaleza CEIF in Colombia’s top flight. The deal is through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028, and Rodriguez will occupy a MLS U22 Initiative slot. Rodriguez made 19 appearances for Fortaleza, recording 1,607 minutes, five goals, and three assists during the 2024 Primera A Clausura season. The Lions add a young attacking player the club can develop and Rodriguez can play on the right wing, the right side of a three-man midfield, or in the No. 10 spot.

Jack Lynn Announces Retirement

Orlando City forward Jack Lynn announced his retirement from professional soccer on Saturday. Lynn was drafted by Orlando in the first round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He became a regular starter for Orlando City B, scoring a team-record 38 goals in over three seasons with the MLS NEXT Pro side. Lynn also won the Golden Boot with 19 goals during the 2023 season and became the first OCB player to be named MLS NEXT Pro MVP. He played sparingly with the first team, but he scored twice last season as his role increased. The Lions will likely look to add another striker for more depth up top.

Orlando Pride Acquire Allocation Money in Trade

On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced that the club has acquired $50,000 in Allocation Money from the Washington Spirit. In exchange, the Pride sent the Spirit a 2025 international roster spot. The Pride will face the Spirit in the NWSL Challenge Cup final on March 7 at Inter&Co Stadium.

USMNT Defeats Venezuela in Friendly

The USMNT defeated Venezuela 3-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday in a friendly. Jack McGlynn and Patrick Agyemang scored in the first half to give the USMNT a 2-0 lead just before halftime. Matko Milijevic scored the third goal for the Americans in the second half, with Venezuela pulling one back thanks to a goal from Jorge Yriarte. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has led the USMNT to winning four out of its first five matches since he took charge last September. The USMNT’s next match will be against Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium.

Alyssa Naeher Named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

On Saturday, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was voted 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Naeher won 40% of the vote, while defender Naomi Girma finished in second with 32%. In her final year with the USWNT, Naeher ended 2024 with 18 starts, playing 1,170 minutes and only conceding 11 goals. She played a crucial role with clutch saves to help the USWNT win the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, and gold at the Olympics in Paris. Naeher is the second goalkeeper to win the award since Hope Solo won it in 2009.

Free Kicks

  • Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has reached an agreement with the club on a record-breaking contract that extends his deal through 2034.

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

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