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Lion Links: 10/11/21

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. You’ll notice there was no exclamation point at the end of that greeting, which is due to losses by the Orlando Pride and the United States Men’s National Team this weekend. We should definitely all try to be goldfish as we head into this week.

The Mind Behind Orlando City’s Set Piece Success

Orlando City assistant coach Josema Bazan handles the Lions’ offensive strategy, including on set pieces. While Bazan is responsible for the short corners that Orlando City has taken this season (#BanShortCorners), he’s also helped the team score in recent matches from the corner flag. Both goals in Orlando’s 2-1 win over D.C. United were from corners and Bazan dove into how the team prepares to make the most of set pieces in matches.

Bazan scouts opposing teams by studying how they defend against set pieces to uncover the areas Orlando can exploit in matches and then spending an hour each week in training to prepare the Lions. I find it interesting that, like Ted Lasso, Bazan names the different set piece plays, and can be tight-lipped about which ones are which. While there is plenty of random chance involved in set pieces, Bazan works hard to limit that uncertainty for Orlando in dead ball situations.

“You have to be lucky,” he said. “You’re going to receive 200 crosses, you’re going to touch only five. Maybe one or two are going to be goals. You must believe that this is one of those one or two. … They are random moments. It’s our job to make that [randomness] smaller and smaller.”

Pride Players Continue to Push for Change in the NWSL

Orlando Pride players Alex Morgan and Ali Krieger are allocated players through the U.S. Soccer Federation, meaning their salaries come from U.S. Soccer rather than the club. Regardless, the two are in complete lockstep with their fellow players in advocating for systemic change in the NWSL to better protect players. Krieger praised how the Pride provides her and her teammates with needed support. There are, of course, the resources and facilities, but the Pride’s front office actively engages with players to address any concerns.

“I hope that a lot of teams look at how we as a club here in Orlando handle our players and our staff,” Krieger said. “I feel very proud to be a part of a club that gives us this support and gives us all these resources. Day by day we’re getting better and we’re fighting for more, and they’re listening. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to make us happy. … I really hope that other clubs will use a similar model because I’m proud to be in a club that treats us the way they do.”

USMNT Loses to Panama

The U.S. stumbled in Panama City, losing 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier against Panama with a heavily rotated roster compared to the one that won 2-0 over Jamaica. The Yanks seemed reluctant to build up through the midfield, and instead sent balls over the top. Unfortunately, nothing came of that strategy as the USMNT only had five shots, with none on target. Ricardo Pepi, who scored a brace against Jamaica, came on as a substitute in the 67th minute but wasn’t able to get the U.S. on the scoreboard.

The USMNT now sits second in the Octagon with eight points, placing above third-place Panama due to goal differential. Mexico is at the top of the table after a 3-0 win against Panama while Canada is in fourth and drew 0-0 with Jamaica. The USMNT will try to get back on track when it faces Costa Rica this Wednesday in Columbus.

Keeping Up With Qualifying Around the World

In CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Peru fell 1-0 to Bolivia while Sebas Mendez didn’t play in Ecuador’s 2-1 loss to Venezuela. Brazil’s nine-game win streak in qualifying came to an end after a scoreless draw with Colombia and Lionel Messi scored Argentina’s first goal in a 3-0 win over Uruguay. The next matches will take place this Thursday.

Elsewhere, Nigeria, Mali, and Tanzania all came up with big wins in African qualifiers. The matches continue today and tomorrow with the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, and more nations in action. Belgium, Denmark, and Germany can officially qualify for the World Cup depending on today and tomorrow’s results. In AFC qualifying, Japan has a critical game against Australia tomorrow to salvage its campaign after losing two of its first three matches.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando forward Derek Dodson had an assist in Hartford Athletic’s 2-1 loss against the Charleston Battery. The defeat eliminated Hartford from playoff contention with five games left on its schedule. Hartford’s last game of the season is on Oct. 30, meaning Dodson will return from his loan before the MLS regular season ends.
  • After former Pride and Australia national team player Lisa De Vanna made claims of sexual abuse and harassment while playing for the Matildas, Australian players such as Orlando Pride midfielder Emily van Egmond and Sam Kerr made statements regarding the team’s culture.
  • The Seattle Sounders clinched a spot in the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season after winning 4-1 over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
  • Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe scored to lift France to a 2-1 victory against Spain in the UEFA Nations League final.
  • The 2022 FIFA World Cup may be Neymar’s last as the Brazilian forward discussed the mental toll of playing.

That will be it for today’s links. Check back for our coverage throughout the week as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride make playoff pushes.

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Lion Links: 5/13/25

Martin Ojeda honored, Americans in midweek action, rivalry games on the horizon, and more.

Published

7 hours ago

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May 13, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you’ve been on top of things to start the week, because there’s going to be no time to catch our breath with Orlando City taking on Charlotte FC Wednesday, before facing Inter Miami on Sunday. We’ve got plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s jump right into the links.

Martin Ojeda Honored

After his starring role in Orlando City’s 3-3 draw with the New England Revolution on Saturday, Martin Ojeda has been named to the starting XI of the MLS Team of the Matchday. Ojeda was back in the starting lineup after spending the last few matches nursing a knock and he made the most of his return, scoring all three goals for just the third Orlando City hat trick in the club’s MLS existence and first since 2015. It was a shame that the defense couldn’t help him out on his historic night, but he was Sean Rollins’ clear choice for Man of the Match in his Player Grades piece, and it’s nice to see that he’s getting some much deserved wider recognition as well, even though he was snubbed for Player of the Matchday, which went to Emil Forsberg of the New York Red Bulls. Here’s hoping Ojeda’s success continues.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing games during the working week, and we have some very high stakes at play. Things start today, when Haji Wright and Coventry City try to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit in the Championship promotion playoff semifinal against Sunderland. AC Milan takes on Bologna Wednesday in the Coppa Italia final, with Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah fighting for a chance to lift a trophy. Finally, Thursday has Johnny Cardoso and red-hot Real Betis visiting Rayo Vallecano in La Liga in a game that will have big ramifications on the race for European places.

Rivalry Games on the Horizon

Major League Soccer’s rivalry week is almost upon us, which means we have some heated matchups that we can start looking forward to. First and foremost, as far as we’re concerned, is Orlando City hitting the road to face Inter Miami in a series that is dead even across the board at 5-5-5 in 15 all-time meetings. There’s plenty more though, as El Trafico is the late game on Sunday, and we also get Hell is Real between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew, as well as a Hudson River River Derby that features two teams in wildly different places. The New York Red Bulls hammered the LA Galaxy on Saturday and have won three of their last four in all competitions, while New York City FC was knocked out of the U.S. Open Cup last week, and has lost three of its last four in all competitions.

Carlo Ancelotti to Coach Brazil

Brazil has officially announced that Carlo Ancelotti will take over as the newest coach of the team. The Brazilian Football Confederation announced on Monday that he will leave Real Madrid after the last league game of the season, with his first day on the job for Brazil coming on May 26. Brazil wanted to have a new coach in place for June’s World Cup qualifiers, and Ancelotti will now become the Selecao’s first foreign head coach. As far as Real Madrid is concerned, the club is reportedly finalizing a deal for former player Xabi Alonso to become the new coach as soon as possible. Madrid would ideally like for him to be on the job before the start of this summer’s Club World Cup, and Alonso has already publicly announced that he will not manage Bayer Leverkusen past the end of this season.

Free Kicks

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/12/25

Lions and Pride each draw, Pride wins 2024 Golden Brick Award of Excellence, MLS weekend recap, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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May 12, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida and belated happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there. I’ve been busy at work and catching up with friends all week. Our Lions and Pride both picked up draws over the weekend, while OCB was off.  We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw New England Revolution at Home

Orlando City blew a lead twice and ended up settling for a 3-3 draw against the New England Revolution on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions got off to a great start as Martin Ojeda scored two goals in the first half. The Revolution replied with two goals to tie the match just before halftime. Ojeda added a penalty kick goal in the second half to secure his first hat trick of his career. It was also the first hat trick for Orlando in a decade, and he joins former Lion Cyle Larin as the only players in club history to score a regular-season hat trick.

However, late in the second half, the Lions conceded a penalty to New England, and Carles Gil converted from the spot to get the equalizer as the teams split the points. The Lions will have a quick turnaround with their next match on Wednesday at home against Charlotte FC.

Pride Draw North Carolina Courage on the Road

The Orlando Pride needed a late equalizer to escape WakeMed Soccer Park with a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage on Saturday. The Courage struck first, but Prisca Chilufya scored her first goal of the NWSL season late in stoppage time to secure a draw and keep Orlando from losing two matches in a row. The Pride grabbed a crucial point on the road and are second in the NWSL standings. The next match for the Orlando Pride will be Friday as they face the Kansas City Current at Inter&Co Stadium.

Orlando Pride Wins 2024 Golden Brick Award of Excellence

The Orlando Pride were named winners of the Downtown Orlando Partnerships 2024 Golden Brick Award of Excellence on Friday for the club’s historic 2024 NWSL Championship season and downtown victory parade. The Pride broke the league record for the most points (60), most wins in a season (18), and most clean sheets (13), while finishing the 2024 season unbeaten at home. Orlando Pride President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon expressed his thoughts on Pride winning this award.

“On behalf of our entire Club, I’d like to thank the Downtown Orlando Partnership and its Board of Directors for selecting our organization for this incredible award,” said Orlando Pride President of Business Operations, Jarrod Dillon. “We are incredibly honored to receive this award — a testament to the passion, dedication, and excellence that define our team. Our Club is proud to represent this city, and we hope every Orlando resident shares in this moment of pride. There’s no place we’d rather call home than downtown Orlando — the heart of our community and now the home of the best women’s soccer team in the United States.”

MLS Weekend Recap

The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Minnesota United cruised past Inter Miami with a 4-1 win. The Chicago Fire, FC Cincinnati, San Diego FC, and Nashville SC all won 2-1 matches over Atlanta United, Austin FC, St. Louis City, and Charlotte FC, respectively. Toronto FC defeated D.C. United 2-0 at home, while the San Jose Earthquakes beat the Colorado Rapids 2-0 on the road. Prince Osei Owusu scored the lone goal as CF Montreal beat New York City FC 1-0 and secured its first win of the season. Santiago Moreno scored a late goal in the second half as the Portland Timbers defeated Sporting Kansas City 1-0. Albert Rusnak scored twice as the Seattle Sounders beat the Houston Dynamo 3-1. FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake ended in a 1-1 draw, while the Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew match ended in a 2-2 draw. The LA Galaxy remain winless through 12 matches this season after getting crushed 7-0 by the New York Red Bulls in a rematch of last year’s MLS Cup final. On Sunday, Brian White scored twice as the Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Free Kicks

  • Check out this video on Orlando City’s social media pages featuring some players giving their moms a surprise phone call on Mother’s Day.
  • Orlando Pride defender Kylie Nadaner completed 108 passes on Saturday in their match against the North Carolina Courage, which is the most in Pride history.

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

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Lion Links: 5/9/25

Orlando City’s next U.S. Open Cup match date revealed, MLS matches to watch, top soccer club valuations, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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May 9, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Friday! I hope the week has treated you well as we get ready for a Mother’s Day weekend packed with soccer. Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are both in action at the same time on Saturday, so make sure to plan accordingly depending on how you want to enjoy the action. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Will Face Nashville in USOC on May 21

Orlando City will officially host Nashville SC on May 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16. That match is sandwiched between a road game against Inter Miami on May 18 and a home game against the Portland Timbers May 24, so at least there won’t be much travel during that week during an already jam-packed month. The Lions reached this stage of the tournament after beating the Tampa Bay Rowdies 5-0 Wednesday, while Nashville won 1-0 against the Chattanooga Red Wolves on Tuesday.

What to Watch In MLS This Weekend

We’ll all be tuned in for Orlando City’s match on Saturday against the New England Revolution, but there’s plenty more MLS action to look forward to as well. Before Orlando’s match, Inter Miami will head to St. Paul to take on a Minnesota United team that leads the league with six clean sheets this season. Another notable match this weekend is a clash between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference standings when the Philadelphia Union host the Columbus Crew. That game has Daniel Gazdag written all over it. Sunday night’s match should be a doozy between two heavyweight Western Conference teams, as LAFC will hit the road to take on the league-leading Vancouver Whitecaps.

MLS Clubs Listed Among World’s Most Valuable

Sportico announced the valuations for the top 50 most valuable soccer clubs in the world, and a whopping 19 MLS teams made the list. The Lions aren’t included, but it’s still neat to see some clubs like Minnesota, Sporting Kansas City, and Charlotte FC listed. LAFC is the highest listed MLS side, coming in at 16th with a $1.28 billion valuation. Real Madrid tops the list at $6.53 billion, and six of the top 10 are from the English Premier League. While valuations aren’t exactly hard evidence of success or influence, I think this is a testament to the growth and parity of MLS through an international lens.

English Clubs Reach Europa League Final

This year’s Europa League final will feature a pair of EPL teams as Manchester United and Tottenham breezed through the semifinals. United overcame a shaky first half to beat Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford, with Mason Mount scoring two of the team’s four goals in the second half. Tottenham avoided an upset in Norway by winning 2-0 against Bodo/Glimt. The final will take place on May 21 in Spain, and there’s both a trophy and Champions League qualification on the line. Both United and Tottenham struggled this season and are respectively 15th and 16th in the league standings, but winning the Europa League is all that matters now.

Free Kicks

  • American midfielder Johnny Cardoso played every minute of Real Betis’ 2-2 result against Fiorentina to advance to the Europa Conference League final, where the Spanish club will face Chelsea on May 28. Enjoy this goal from Antony to help his side prevail.
  • In honor of Mother’s Day, AC Milan players will wear their mothers’ last names on the back of their jerseys in today’s match against Bologna. I love this idea and hope more clubs follow suit moving forward.
  • An ownership group led by David Beckham and Gary Neville acquired Salford City of England’s League Two.
  • Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra’s MMA debut will have to wait, as the 43-year-old’s fight set for May 23 in Paris was postponed.
  • We’ll end our links with what looks to be some unexpected Orlando Pride representation in Vatican City!

That’s all I have for you this time around. Have a fantastic Friday and enjoy the holiday weekend!

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