Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/21/21
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USMNTvPanama-WCQ-2022.03.27-28-scaled.jpg)
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope you all are doing well down in Florida. It’s been busy up here for me in Chicago and I haven’t had much time to check out much Gold Cup action beyond watching the U.S. win against Canada on Sunday. Let’s all wish a happy birthday to Anthony Pulis, the former head coach of Orlando City B and a player for Orlando City during the team’s USL days. Now, let’s get to the links.
USWNT Stunned in Olympic Opener
The United States Women’s National Team had a nightmare start to its Olympic campaign, falling 3-0 to Sweden. Sweden’s first goal came in the 25th minute after a header from Stina Blackstenius, who wreaked havoc on the USWNT defense all game long. The Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan started for the USWNT, but was subbed off at halftime. USWNT Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s changes at halftime didn’t change the flow of the game much though as Blackstenius scored again in the 54th minute. Lina Hurtig put the nail in the coffin in the 72nd minute as the USWNT was beaten for the first time since January of 2019. With the USWNT’s 44-match unbeaten streak over, Andonovski’s squad will need to rebound when it plays New Zealand on Saturday at 7:30 a.m.
Brazil had a much better start in Tokyo. Marta became the first player to score in five consecutive Olympic Games, netting a brace in Brazil’s 5-0 win over China. Her first goal got the scoring started in the ninth minute after she pounced on a loose ball in the box. Marta earned her brace in the 74th minute, chasing down a poor clearance to then swivel while shooting and bury the ball in the back of the net.
#Soccer : Encore elle! Marta complète son doublé avec une frappe puissante du côté rapproché pour surprendre la gardienne de la Chine. Le Brésil mène 3-0. @Tokyo2020 #tokyo2020 #rcolympiques pic.twitter.com/5yKL022eb8
— Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) July 21, 2021
The Pride’s Ali Riley is also in action today for New Zealand in a tough match-up against Australia.
Manchester United Reportedly Targeting Marc Skinner
Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner and the front office are reportedly in talks with Manchester United regarding the English club’s vacant manager position. The Women’s Super League season begins on Sept. 3 while the National Women’s Soccer League regular season won’t end until the end of October. If Skinner were to leave the Pride for United before the WSL season starts, the Pride would have to finish the season with an interim coach while making their playoff push. Last September, the Pride exercised Skinner’s contract through 2021 after two seasons filled with struggles due to injuries, international absences, and the pandemic. This year, the Pride started the season with a seven-game unbeaten run, but have since cooled off, with three losses and a draw from the past four games.
Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage Wraps Up
After a lengthy weather delay at Exploria Stadium, Costa Rica and Jamaica battled for the top spot in the Gold Cup’s Group C. After a scoreless first half that included many chances from Jamaica, it was Costa Rica that broke through with a header from Bryan Ruiz in the 53rd minute. Despite a red card to goalkeeper Leonel Moreira in the 72nd minute, Costa Rica held on to win 1-0. The result means the United States Men’s National Team will play Jamaica this Sunday at 9:30 p.m. in Arlington. On the other side of the bracket, Costa Rica will take on Canada. In the other Group C match, Suriname ended its tournament run with its first Gold Cup victory after winning 2-1 against Guadeloupe.
Qatar won 2-0 against Honduras to claim the top spot in Group D and will now take on El Salvador in the knockout stage while Honduras will face Mexico. In the later match at Exploria Stadium, Panama cruised to a 3-1 win over Grenada for third in the group.
Arsenal Pulls Out of Florida Cup
Arsenal canceled its preseason tour to the United States due to a rise of COVID-19 cases within the club. Arsenal was expected to play in the Florida Cup in Orlando this weekend alongside Everton, Inter Milan and Millonarios. Inter Milan and Arsenal were supposed to get the tournament started on July 25, with Everton and Millonarios playing later that night. It has not been determined yet if Arsenal will be replaced with another team on such short notice.
U.S. Open Cup is Officially Canceled for Second Straight Year
The U.S. Soccer Federation officially canceled the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after originally postponing the tournament back in April. A 24-team 2021 Open Cup was considered, but the USSF is instead turning its attention to planning the tournament’s return in 2022. Next year’s edition will feature more teams than ever before and some MLS clubs will start playing as soon as the third round. U.S. Open Cup Commissioner Paul Marstaller expressed his thoughts on improvements for the tournament in 2022.
“After calling off the 2021 edition of the Open Cup due to the remnant effects of COVID-19, we’re excited that we can put next year’s match dates on everyone’s calendar so early,” said Open Cup Commissioner Paul Marstaller. “The 2022 tournament will be the first in memory when all the top players will be available for selection for every round as none of the games involving Division I Major League Soccer or Division II USL Championship clubs will be played during an international call-up period, a necessary feature for building a credible national championship.”
It has not yet been decided how the 2022 Concacaf Champions League berth that would have been awarded to the 2021 Open Cup winner will be distributed. That is expected to be addressed in the coming weeks by U.S. Soccer’s Board of Directors.
Free Kicks
- The Pride have done well to increase their social media growth during 2021.
Through the middle of July, SBJ Atlas took a look at the league leaders in social growth across major league sports.
Does anyone on this list surprise you? pic.twitter.com/L7y3zG1q8w
— Sports Business Journal (@sbjsbd) July 20, 2021
- Check out this video from U.S. Soccer to learn more about Daryl Dike and Reggie Cannon through some interesting debate topics.
- USMNT defender Walker Zimmerman is out of the Gold Cup due to a hamstring injury. New England Revolution center back Henry Kessler will now join the USMNT, alongside San Jose Earthquakes forward Cade Cowell.
- Toronto FC’s Ayo Akinola will likely miss the remainder of the 2021 season after suffering a torn ACL during Canada’s game against the USMNT.
- LAFC is reportedly near a deal to acquire Colombian forward Cristian Arango from Millonarios.
- You’ll need to translate the article from Icelandic, but Everton midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson was reportedly arrested on suspicion of child sex offenses.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, stay safe, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/26/24
Orlando City plays CF Montreal tonight, USWNT wins against Zambia, Marta provides assist in Brazil’s win, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/media_7525626_7203948_compressed.jpg)
Happy Friday! I hope the work week has gone easy on you as we get ready for a weekend filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. The Olympic opening ceremony is also today, and I’m interested to see what the organizers in Paris have come up with. But for now, let’s get this Friday started with today’s links!
Orlando City Takes On CF Montreal Tonight
The Leagues Cup kicks off today and Orlando City will host CF Montreal tonight in its first of two group games. The Lions will then take on Atletico de San Luis on Aug. 4. It’s worth noting that these games will go into a penalty shootout if the score remains level after 90 minutes, with the winner of the shootout getting an extra point. The top two teams of each group advance to the next round and Orlando will play the Philadelphia Union, Cruz Azul, or Charlotte FC if it survives the group stage.
USWNT Beats Zambia in Summer Olympic Opener
The United States Women’s National Team started its Olympic campaign with a dominant 3-0 win against Zambia. The USWNT’s attack looked free and dangerous, with Trinity Rodman striking first and Mallory Swanson scoring twice in quick succession to give the USWNT a comfortable lead. Those goals also came before Zambia was reduced to 10 players after a red card to Pauline Zulu. The Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda both started for Zambia, although Chanda was subbed out in the first half when Zambia had to make changes due to the red card.
There is some bad news along with the good for the USWNT though. Jaedyn Shaw missed out on playing in the opener due to a leg injury, and Sophia Smith had to exit in the 42nd minute.
Marta Assists in Brazil’s Olympic Win
The USWNT was far from the only team to win its first game of this year’s Olympics, as there were no draws after the first round of games. Pride star Marta provided the assist on Brazil’s only goal in a 1-0 win over Nigeria. Marta did well to pick out Gabi Nunes from a tough angle, and the striker had a great first touch and strike to put it away. Pride defender Rafaelle helped secure the shutout, with Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena coming up with huge saves as well. Elsewhere in Group C, Spain’s Aitana Bonmati had a goal and an assist in her team’s 2-1 win against Japan.
New Zealand struck first against Canada in Group A, but the Canadians rallied to come back and win 2-1. France scored three goals in the first half and survived a rally from Colombia in the second half to win 3-2. Germany may have had the most impressive win so far, beating a talented Australian side 3-0.
Analyzing New Zealand Ahead of Olympic Clash
The United States Men’s Olympic Soccer Team will aim to bounce back from a loss to France when it faces New Zealand on Saturday. New Zealand beat Guinea in its first game and is coached by Darren Bazeley, who led New Zealand to the knockout stage of the 2023 U-20 World Cup. Minnesota United center back Michael Boxall and Viking FK midfielder Joe Bell are two of New Zealand’s overage players and give the team some stability. Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, who joined Bournemouth this summer, is capable of coming up with acrobatic saves to give the U.S. fits as well. As for New Zealand’s attack, midfielder Sarpreet Singh and striker Ben Waine are a couple of the dynamic players the U.S. will have to keep in check.
Bev Priestman Removed From Canadian Olympic Team
Canada will have to go the rest of the Olympics without Head Coach Bev Priestman, who was removed from the team by the Canadian Olympic Committee. This decision comes amid a scandal involving spying on New Zealand’s training, which led to Canada Soccer suspending Priestman for the rest of the tournament. Reports have also surfaced that Canada’s men’s and women’s teams have tried to spy on opponents for years, including during the women’s team’s winning campaign in the 2021 Olympics. Only time will tell if Priestman will coach the team after this tournament and if punishments for the team’s actions will be handed out.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City’s Kaleb Harrington received the Spirit of Fair Play Award for his role in the Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game. The East All-Stars were victorious as well, winning 5-0 against the West All-Stars.
- Chicago Red Stars defender Sam Staab was placed on the season-ending injury list after suffering a torn Achilles in the team’s Summer Cup match against NJ/NY Gotham FC.
- FC Cincinnati has signed Chidozie Awaziem from Boavista in Portugal’s top flight to help fill the club’s need at center back due to injuries to Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund.
- Paraguayan center back David Martínez joined Inter Miami on loan from River Plate. The loan lasts through July of next year and also includes a purchase option.
- San Diego FC signed center back Patrick McNair as its fifth player before taking the field next year. McNair will spend the rest of 2024 on loan with West Brom.
- Minnesota United signed midfielder Joseph Rosales to a new contract that will keep him in Minnesota through 2027, with an option for 2028 as well. The 23-year-old is having a breakout year of sorts for the Loons, recording 10 assists in 21 appearances.
- Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly willing to pay Spanish winger Nico Williams double what Barcelona would pay the 22-year-old in order to sign him.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Enjoy the Olympics!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/25/24
Marta’s legacy, Orlando Pride get ready for Monterrey, U.S. men lose to France in Olympic soccer, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/JerPride-106-scaled.jpg)
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m settling back into the swing of things after a weekend trip to Maine that featured so many lobster rolls that I’m pretty sure my veins have more butter than blood in them at this point. All of the soccer going on takes some of the sting out of returning to work at least. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Marta’s Journey to Paris
Orlando Pride and Brazilian star Marta will begin her final international tournament today when Brazil takes on Nigeria this afternoon. Through interviews with the coaches, teammates, and opponents she’s had over the course of her career, ESPN detailed the impact she’s had on soccer. It’s a great feature that I strongly suggest you read in full, as it also touches on the instability of women’s soccer at the club level that she and many others had to battle against. From her teenage years in Brazil to becoming an outspoken ambassador for the sport, there are plenty of great vignettes into her life as a player included as well.
Orlando Pride Prepare for Monterrey
After losing a penalty shootout to the North Carolina Courage in their NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup opener, the Orlando Pride will aim to right the ship when they take on Monterrey on Saturday. It’s been over a month since the Pride have played at home, which should give the team a boost while notable players are at the Olympics. None of the Liga MX teams beat an NWSL team in the first round of matches, and Monterrey lost 3-1 to Racing Louisville. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how he’s excited to see how the team matches up against a team from outside the NWSL, along with how it will be a good experience for the players.
Checking In With Dennis Chin
As part of the recurring series to put a spotlight on those who have played a part in Orlando City’s history, former Lion Dennis Chin spoke on his time in Orlando during the team’s USL days. It’s been 10 years since Chin played in Orlando, where he scored 32 goals across 103 appearances and won the 2012 USL Pro Golden Boot. His family came to Orlando from Jamaica when he was young, and playing for the club gave him a chance to represent the City Beautiful.
“I felt like an extension of what everyone wanted to be,” he explained. “I felt like I was representing not just myself, but the whole city, my family and everyone. To still have that connection and to still feel that love, it just means the world to me.”
Chin tried his hand at coaching after retirement but stated he didn’t enjoy it, instead choosing to start his own player agency. He’s made strides providing player representation since then, using the lessons he learned from his own career to support players.
U.S. Olympic Men’s Team Loses to France
The United States Men’s Olympic Soccer Team had a rough first game in Paris after losing 3-0 to France. After a scoreless first half, Alexandre Lacazette gave France the lead in the 61st minute and Michael Olise scored another soon after. Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire started up top for the U.S. and was subbed off in the 86th minute, right after Loic Bade scored France’s third goal. The next match for the U.S. will be on Saturday against a New Zealand side that won 2-1 against Guinea. The Yanks will need to be sharper in that match and the group stage finale against Guinea on Tuesday if they want to advance.
MLS All-Stars Fall to Liga MX All-Stars
It was a rough night for the MLS All-Stars, who lost 4-1 to the Liga MX All-Stars in Columbus. Monterrey striker German Berterame got the scoring started in the 16th minute, but Columbus Crew duo Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernandez linked up for an equalizer a minute later. The Liga MX All-Stars scored again before halftime and then put the game to bed with a pair of back-to-back goals in the second half. The MLS All-Stars had their chances to score but lacked a finishing touch and weren’t able to claw their way back into the match. Attention now turns to the Leagues Cup, which kicks off on Friday and will pit MLS and Liga MX teams against each other.
Free Kicks
- Former Pride player Ali Riley won’t be taking the field for New Zealand during the Olympics due to a nerve injury. It’s unfortunate news and hopefully she has a smooth recovery from here on out.
- French winger Delphine Cascarino will join the San Diego Wave after the Olympics, signing a contract through the 2026 season. The 27-year-old has been with Lyon since making her professional debut in 2015.
- An assistant coach and analyst for Canada were both removed from the team and sent home after New Zealand reported Canada for disrupting its Olympic training with a drone. Head Coach Bev Priestman withdrew herself from coaching the match as well.
- The Olympic match between Argentina and Morocco had to be suspended for two hours due to fans rushing the field to protest a goal deep in stoppage time. What would have been the equalizer from Argentina was disallowed for offside upon video review after the delay, and Morocco went on to win 2-1.
- American striker Ricardo Pepi scored a hat trick in PSV Eindhoven’s friendly against FC Eindhoven.
- Konrad de la Fuente is headed to Switzerland after being transferred from Marseille to FC Lausanne. The American has spent the past two seasons on loan, playing for Eibar in Spain’s second division last year.
- The Belgian Pro League kicks off on Friday and there are some Americans to keep an eye out for, including Owen Otasowie, Mark McKenzie, and Westerlo duo Bryan Reynolds and Julian Placias.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/24/24
The Olympics are here, the MLS Skills Competition thrilled, the East won the MLS NEXT All-Star game, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PrideUtahJer-188-scaled.jpg)
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. With the start of the Olympics, the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, and the Leagues Cup, it’s tournament time in our soccer world. There is plenty to watch and follow, but I want to take the opportunity to wish my wonderful wife a happy birthday! She is very supportive of my work with The Mane Land, and I appreciate her greatly. Now, let’s get to the links.
Olympic Pride
The Olympics are upon us, and thus the opportunity to watch the Orlando Pride’s representatives in action. You will definitely want to check out the matches, as it is Marta’s last Olympics. The Brazilian is playing in her sixth Olympics, though she isn’t there just because of her name. She has earned it through her play. It’s no surprise to Orlando Pride supporters that Marta secured her place on the squad, as she has looked much more like her old self this season during the Pride’s undefeated regular season run.
MLS Skills Competition and MLS NEXT All-Star Game
The MLS Skills Competition took place Tuesday at Lower.com Field in Columbus, OH. Liga MX won the Shooting Challenge, MLS won the Touch Challenge, Liga MX took the lead again on the Cross & Volley Challenge, and MLS tied things up by winning the Passing Challenge. The Crossbar Challenge tiebreaker went to the visitors, as Liga MX won the overall competition. Special Olympics Ohio received a $25,000 donation as Liga MX’s charity of choice.
The Philadelphia Union’s young star, Cavan Sullivan, scored a goal and provided an assist as the East squad came from two goals down to win 4-2 over the West in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game on Tuesday. Orlando City was represented by Colin Guske and Juan Rojas on the winning side. It was quite a showcase for the future of MLS.
U.S. to Face Host France in Olympic Opener Today
The U-23 USMNT starts its Olympic journey today against host France. Orlando City’s Duncan McGuire will likely be leading the attack for the Yanks. He will be a part of a squad unlike those that many are accustomed to watching, since the normal stars won’t be in attendance. Of course, that does give players like McGuire a chance to shine on the international stage.
USWNT Prepares for Zambia
The USWNT begin its quest for Olympic gold tomorrow against the Zambian National Team. Obviously, Orlando Pride supporters will get to watch Pride players Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda for Zambia. USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes is aware of the expectations surrounding her squad, and knows the challenge that Zambia presents. Hayes said the assumption that the U.S. will simply dominate is “disrespectful” of the growth of the women’s game across the world.
This is Zambia’s second Olympics, though the road to Paris was not an easy one, thanks to the Football Association of Zambia. There are accusations of money laundering by the president of the association, and sexual misconduct by a coach. It really is impressive that the team made it and will compete. Of course, Banda and Chanda are not the totality of the Zambian team, meaning there is a lot more to know about the USWNT’s first opponent.
Free Kicks
- Real Salt Lake recently acquired Lachlan Brook from A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers FC through the 2025 season with options for 2026 and 2027.
- Speaking of RSL, Diego Luna is considering a one-time switch to the Mexican national team after declining the invitation to be an alternate for the U.S. squad at the Olympics.
- The U-20 USMNT defeated Cuba 4-0 on Monday night, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf U-20 Championship. The team has an impressive +13 goal differential through two matches.
- Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler rocked the new Aston Villa kit. I’m not a Villa supporter, but that is still a good get.
- The Concacaf Award Nominees have been announced. U.S. national team players Sophia Smith and Christian Pulisic are up for their respective Player of the Year awards.
- The New Zealand Women’s National Team was allegedly spied on by a drone for the Canadian Women’s National Team during training for the Olympics. The two teams will meet on Friday for their fist match.
- Former Lion Denny Chin has a new gig with Young Money APAA Sports.
- Lionel Messi is nursing an ankle injury, and Luis Suarez has “knee discomfort,” and as such, the pair will miss the MLS All-Star Game.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ohnoanyway.jpg)
- The Orlando Pride are also participating in a school supply drive for the Orlando community, and you can contribute as well. Here’s Simone Charley to tell you all about it.
That will do it for today.
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Final Score 3-1 as Lions Finally Win at Gillette Stadium
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando City B2 weeks ago
Orlando City B vs. Inter Miami II: Final Score 1-1 as OCB Draws Rivals and Claims a Second Point in Penalties
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New England Revolution
-
Podcasts2 weeks ago
PawedCast Episode 432: New England Preview, OCB Set to Host Inter Miami II, and More
-
Orlando Pride6 days ago
Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Lion Links2 weeks ago
Lion Links: 7/15/24