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Lion Links: 7/12/21

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4 years ago

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Happy Monday, everybody! I’m bringing you your links this morning and it’s been a great weekend with plenty of action in the world of soccer. The Orlando Pride played Racing Louisville FC to a 1-1 draw while Orlando City had the weekend off. There was even more soccer happening around the world, including the conclusions of two major tournaments and the start of the Concacaf Gold Cup. Let’s dive right in.

Sydney Leroux is Thriving With the Pride

After scoring in stoppage time to salvage a draw for the Pride against Louisville, Leroux now leads the Pride with five goals this season. With Alex Morgan and Marta both away from the team for the Tokyo Olympics, Leroux will need to continue leading the Pride’s offense. Her contributions in attack go beyond putting the ball in the net though as she makes the effort to force turnovers to then torch opponents in transition. But as more teams catch on to the Pride’s game plan, the Pride’s other players will need to step up and support Leroux so that she isn’t playing on an island up top. Forwards Taylor Kornieck and recent addition Jodie Taylor should help carry some of the load from Leroux as well over the next few weeks.

USMNT Starts Gold Cup With Win Over Haiti

Following its victory in the Concacaf Nations League, the United States Men’s National Team opened its Gold Cup campaign with a somewhat lackluster 1-0 victory against Haiti. The scoring opened early in the eighth minute when Columbus Crew forward Gyasi Zardes flicked a deflected cross on for Colorado Rapids left back Sam Vines to coolly head it in for his first international goal. Paul Arriola was subbed off in the 14th minute due to an injury to his right hamstring in yet another setback for the D.C. United midfielder. The USMNT did create some opportunities, mostly through Shaq Moore on the righthand side, but couldn’t find a second goal. Despite the USMNT dominating possession and putting five of its 13 shots on target, Haiti created some chances as well and had 10 shots with three on target.

Orlando’s Daryl Dike made his competitive debut for the USMNT in the second half, coming on as a sub for Jonathan Lewis in the 62nd minute. The forward didn’t do too much with only seven touches, but he did get a shot on target. Sporting Kansas City’s Gianluca Busio made a real impression as a substitute, looking the part of a complete defensive midfielder. It wasn’t the best performance by the USMNT, but it got the job done and the U.S. will host Martinique on Thursday.

Italy Wins Euro 2020 After Penalty Shootout

After a month of games, a Euro 2020 winner was crowned. In a monumental final at Wembley Stadium in London, a resurgent Italy side outlasted England to win 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 deadlock. The match started in glorious fashion for England, with Manchester United fullback Luke Shaw scoring off of a Kieran Trippier cross in just the second minute of action. That was the highlight of the match for England, as the Three Lions played second fiddle to Italy for most of the game. Italy had 66% possession and out-shot England 19-6, putting six of those shots on target while England had two on target. Italy found its equalizer off of a corner kickin the 67th minute when center back Leonardo Bonucci buried the ball into the net after a header hit the post.

In the shootout, England took the early advantage, with Harry Kane and Harry Maguire scoring while Jordan Pickford made a big save on Andrea Belotti. But Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who were both subbed on specifically for the shootout, missed their penalty kicks and put England on the brink with penalty specialist Jorginho up next for Italy. Pickford made an excellent save on the Chelsea midfielder, breathing new life into England only for Bukayo Saka’s following penalty to be saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma to give Italy the win. It was the sixth major trophy won by Italy and just the second Euro final decided by penalties.

Lionel Messi and Argentina Win Copa America

In the long and storied history of Lionel Messi, the greatest soccer player in history in my opinion, the one thing that has eluded him is a senior international trophy. But he and Argentina broke through and won the 2021 Copa America final after a 1-0 victory over Brazil. The lone goal in the match came in the 22nd minute when Rodrigo de Paul played a brilliant long ball in to Angel Di Maria, who then chipped Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson. The rest of the game saw Brazil hunt for an equalizer that never came in a physical match that featured a whopping 41 fouls. It was Argentina’s first major trophy since 1993 and the players celebrated the win with Messi in the best way possible.

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  • In case you missed it, Orlando SuperDraft pick Derek Dodson was loaned to Hartford Athletic. He made his professional debut with the USL Championship club and scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw with New York Red Bulls II. He was also named Man of the Match.

  • Orlando Pride Executive Vice President Amanda Duffy discussed the growth of soccer in Louisville. Duffy played a major role in establishing professional soccer in Louisville and was club president for Louisville City FC in the past before making the jump to the NWSL.
  • New Zealand Head Coach Tom Sermanni criticized the Orlando Pride and North Carolina Courage for refusing to release New Zealand players before today’s deadline while allowing other players to join their respective national teams. Pride defender Ali Riley will now join the New Zealand squad for the Olympics, with the Ferns’ first game of the tournament set for July 21 against Australia.
  • With Chris Armas gone, Toronto FC and forward Jozy Altidore are reconciling and he may be available for selection in Toronto’s game against Orlando this Saturday.
  • Former Lions Cyle Larin, Richie Laryea, and Kamal Miller all started for Canada in its 4-1 win over Martinique in the Gold Cup.
  • Before the Euro final, England fans displayed some shocking behavior outside of Wembley Stadium by trying to force their way inside.

That’s all for me this morning. Have a wonderful day and a fantastic week.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/25/25

Orlando City gets ready for Atlanta United, Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira promoted, NWSL MVP candidates, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 25, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! Today starts three straight days of Orlando soccer to enjoy, so make sure to plan your weekend accordingly. It was a fairly fast week for me, and I was able to read three books somehow. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a very happy 21st birthday to Orlando City winger Nicolas Rodriguez!

Orlando City Gets Ready for Rivalry Match

The Lions are back in action Saturday night against rival Atlanta United in what should be one of the more interesting matchups of the weekend. Both teams are looking for answers on offense heading into this match, as Orlando is coming off of three straight scoreless draws and Atlanta hasn’t won since March. Taking on a rival at home could be just what’s needed for the Lions to jumpstart their attack and return to the form they had earlier this season. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how it’s an important game to win for Orlando, as well as how the offense needs to exercise some calmness to finish its chances.

Orlando City Promotes Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira

Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira were both promoted by Orlando City, with Moreira taking over as the club’s general manager and sporting director and Muzzi becoming senior advisor to ownership, global soccer ventures. It’s a natural step up for Moreira, who joined the club in 2018 and has helped build a competitive roster that’s made the playoffs for the past five seasons. Muzzi’s new role is a bit of a mouthful, but he’ll be taking on an advisory role focused on the growth of the club while working closely with ownership.

“I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Orlando City Soccer Club’s EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager for seven seasons, and I am excited to continue my journey with the club in this new role,” said Luiz Muzzi. “I look forward to working alongside the Wilf family and the leadership team to help shape the future of the club and its continued success, both on and off the field, and I know Orlando City’s Soccer Operations will be in great hands under Ricardo’s leadership.”

Orlando Pride Players in the NWSL MVP Hunt

Now that we’re over a month into the NWSL season, ESPN‘s Jeff Kassouf highlighted the league’s early MVP candidates, and there are a couple of familiar faces in his rankings. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda is predictably in the mix in sixth on the list, as she has three goals and an assist to her name so far. But a surprise inclusion is midfielder Haley McCutcheon, who has impressed on both sides of the ball to earn ninth place in the rankings. While I think the MVP race will ultimately be between scorers like Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Ashley Hatch, and Debinha, it’s pretty great to see McCutcheon receive deserved praise for her performance this year.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The transfer deadline may be over for MLS clubs, but deals that crossed the finish line are still coming in. The Columbus Crew added yet another forward by sending up to $1.2 million to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for Aliyu Ibrahim. The 23-year-old will maintain his U22 Initiative Player status in Columbus and recorded 12 goals and nine assists across 90 appearances for Houston. LAFC signed 26-year-old midfielder Ryan Raposo, who spent the past five seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps and was a free agent this year. St. Louis City also made things official with Simon Becher by making his loan move a permanent one so that he stays with the club.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. Mother’s Day is less than a month away, just as a warning. If the mothers in your life like romance books and you’re looking for a gift, I can’t recommend The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center enough. Have a great Friday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/24/25

Orlando Pride prepare for Angel City FC, MLS deadline day deals, OCB slips in power rankings, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a few days since a rough weekend for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. Time heals all wounds, but let’s also hope it heals offenses considering both teams were shut out. Let’s go ahead and manifest some good officiating this weekend as well while we’re at it. That might be a tall order, but I’m feeling optimistic. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for Angel City FC

The Orlando Pride will look to bounce back when they welcome Angel City FC to the City Beautiful for a home game Friday night. Orlando lost its first game of the year and first home game since 2023 last week against the Washington Spirit, falling 1-0. Angel City is also coming off of its first loss of the season, falling 4-0 at home to NJ/NY Gotham FC at home. Pride defender Kerry Abello spoke on how the Pride will need to create better chances compared to last week as they prepare to right the ship with a home victory.

Orlando City B Drops a Spot in Power Rankings

Although OCB fell from third to fourth in the latest MLS NEXT Pro power rankings, the Young Lions are solidly in the top five teams in the league. OCB was on a bye last weekend, so not moving too much in the rankings can be expected. While the Young Lions fell 3-2 in their last league game against Inter Miami II, spirits are likely high with the team due to the Orlando City U-18 team’s success in the Generation Adidas Cup. Let’s hope the Young Lions can ride that momentum into Sunday night’s match with New York Red Bulls II.

MLS Deadline Day Transfer News

The MLS transfer deadline day has come and gone and there were some notable moves to catch up on. Real Salt Lake’s deal with Boavista for forward Robert Bozenik reportedly collapsed, but the club still added striker William Agada from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for $500,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money and another $350,000 in GAM if he re-signs. Inter Miami traded winger Robert Taylor to Austin FC in exchange for up to $750,000 in GAM, with only $50,000 of that being conditional. Atlanta United traded winger Xande Silva to St. Louis City SC for up to $250,000 in GAM as well.

The Houston Dynamo also have a new forward, signing Toyosi Olusanya from Scottish club St. Mirren. The New England Revolution traded Noel Buck to the San Jose Earthquakes for up to $650,000 in cold, hard cash, reuniting the 20-year-old with Bruce Arena. Frankie Amaya is back in MLS, joining LAFC on loan from Toluca. As of this writing, Minnesota United are reportedly in hot pursuit of Miami’s Julian Gressel.

Sources: Minnesota United in advanced talks to acquire Julian Gressel from Inter Miami.Nothing done yet. Still details to figure out. Optimism something gets done, but not there yet.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-04-24T00:25:26.971Z

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

The race for a place in the English Premier League is heating up in the EFL Championship and Americans are right in the thick of it. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United have already secured promotion, along with Burnley. Forward Haji Wright has scored 12 goals for Coventry City this season, and his club currently holds the final playoff spot. Midfielder Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough are three points behind, while former Lion Daryl Dike and West Brom will need to win their remaining two matches for a shot at sneaking in.

In Italy, Christian Pulisic started in AC Milan’s 3-0 victory over rival Inter to book a spot in the Italian Cup final on May 14. Fellow American Yunus Musah was an unused substitute. Catarina Macario scored twice and Mia Fishel added a goal as well in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Crystal Palace, helping their team get ever closer to winning its sixth straight Women’s Super League title.

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That’s it for today’s links! Make sure to stay hydrated out there as we get closer and closer to summer. Have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/23/25

The Orlando Pride drop, OCSC Academy awards, USMNT characters, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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April 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. This weekend we have the most convenient schedule, with the Orlando Pride playing Friday night, Orlando City on Saturday night, and Orlando City B on Sunday night. It’s nice knowing what I’ll be doing each night. Now, I just need all three teams to get back on the winning side of things. Until then, let’s get to the links.

Bad Pride, Good Pride

It might have been the dumbest way to lose a match against the Washington Spirit, but — actually nevermind, there is no “but” about it. We can, however, decide to move forward rather than dwell on it after today. Unsurprisingly, the Pride dropped in the all-knowing power rankings. All for XI only dropped the Pride one spot to No. 2 since everyone has a bad day now and again. The CBS power ranking dropped the team to No. 3. That was the “bad.” The “good” is that we can revisit the puppies that showed up at Inter&Co Stadium. The loss still hurts, but it’s hard to stay mad after looking at the puppies.

The (OCSC) Academy Awards

Assuming you read Lion Links on Monday morning (or listened to The Mane Land PawedCast this week) you know that the Orlando City SC Academy U-18 team won the Generation Adidas Cup. Now we know that three of the very young Lions — Gustavo Caraballo, Jackson Platts, and Justin Ellis — were named to the U18 Best XI. Additionally, Caraballo and Ellis earned MVP and Top Scorer awards, respectively. It was truly the bright spot of an otherwise forgettable weekend.

Pochettino Prepares

The USMNT did not do well in the Concacaf Nations League, falling to Panama and then Canada in the third place match. Now, U.S. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has to prepare the team for the Gold Cup. Pochettino said that he needs the “right characters” on the squad, whether they are the most talented or not. He also spoke of the need for the players to fight for the badge and the flag. Former USMNT coach Bruce Arena said Pochettino may not be the right man for the job because he’s not an American. The USMNT’s next matches are friendlies against Turkiye and Switzerland on June 7 and June 10, respectively.

MLS Transfer News

The Columbus Crew are making moves. The club received $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for a 2025 international roster slot. The club then sent DeJuan Jones to the San Jose Earthquakes for $425,000 in GAM and a 2025 international roster slot. Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City acquired forward Santiago Muñoz on loan from Liga MX side Santos Laguna.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the full slate of matches coming up.

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