Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/16/22
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you all are doing well as we reach the middle of the work week. It’s been a pretty rough week for me so I’m looking forward to some time off this weekend. Orlando City has a preseason match at Osceola County Stadium today at 2 p.m. against USL Championship side Miami FC, which is coached by former USL Lion and Orlando City B head coach Anthony Pulis. Season ticket members were invited and media will be there to report on it. Let’s get to the links!
Lions Sign Alex Freeman as Homegrown Player
Orlando City signed 17-year-old defender Alex Freeman as a Homegrown Player on a contract through 2025 with an option for an additional year. The Florida native made 30 appearances (28 starts) for the academy’s U-17 squad, contributing eight goals and 15 assists to help the team win the U-17 MLS NEXT Cup last summer. Freeman has impressed during the Lions’ preseason as well, scoring off of a corner kick against Minnesota United on Feb. 3.
He becomes the 12th Homegrown Player in the club’s history and the sixth currently on the team’s roster. General Manager Luiz Muzzi mentioned MLS NEXT Pro as a way for Freeman to earn minutes and continue developing.
“Alex is an exciting young player for us and another important example of hard work and dedication producing results,” said Orlando City General Manager and Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi. “Having him in the first team group for training on a regular basis and the opportunity to get consistent minutes in MLS Next Pro should create a great environment for him to develop his game even further than he already has.”
Concacaf Champions League Gets Started
New York City FC started its Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win in Costa Rica against Santos de Guapiles. Valentin Castellanos converted a penalty in the fifth minute and then scored another goal in the 30th minute. NYCFC midfielder Santiago Rodriguez was sent off in the 68th minute, but the MLS side was able to hold on for the win.
CF Montreal fell 1-0 to Santos Laguna in Mexico, with Alberto Ocejo scoring the game’s only goal in the 88th minute. The second leg will take place in Montreal on Feb. 22 as Wilfried Nancy’s side aims to bounce back.
The New England Revolution are through to the quarterfinals as Haiti’s Cavaly AS withdrew from the competition after being unable to obtain the required visas to travel to the U.S. for the series. In the quarterfinals, the Revolution will take on whichever club advances between Pumas UNAM and Deportivo Saprissa.
UEFA Champions League Returns
The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage is underway. One thing to remember is that away goals won’t serve as a tiebreaker for the first time in over 50 years. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain faced off in Paris, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the game-winner in stoppage time to give PSG a 1-0 win.
KYLIAN MBAPPE. IN STOPPAGE TIME. WOW. 😳 pic.twitter.com/0YhxWgCnC8
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 15, 2022
In the other game, Manchester City scored four goals in the first half to cruise to a 5-0 victory against Sporting CP in Lisbon. Riyad Mahrez struck first in the seventh minute and Bernardo Silva had a brace with goals in the 17th and 44th minutes. Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling also found the back of the net to all but secure City’s place in the next round barring a complete collapse at home on March 9.
In today’s action, American midfielder Brenden Aaronson and RB Salzburg will host Bayern Munich while Liverpool and Inter Milan will square off at San Siro.
More MLS Clubs Unveil New Kits
It’s that time of the preseason where MLS clubs show off their new kits for the upcoming season and there are some interesting ones this year. The Colorado Rapids revealed their new primary jersey featuring a design meant to reflect the mountainous region.
A nod to the place we call home… 5,280 feet above sea level 🏔#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/4dfRnhHCb2
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) February 15, 2022
The Portland Timbers’ new secondary jersey includes plenty of pink and florals as a nod to the city’s moniker as the Rose City. A checkerboard of blue diamonds against a green background highlights the Seattle Sounders’ new Legacy Green kit. The LA Galaxy opted for a simple design for its primary jersey that includes plenty of white and stars. Orlando City’s jersey reveal will take place this Friday and the club has been teasing it on Twitter.
Sunsets over @ExploriaStadium 🌇 @orlandohealth | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/kL7gESr4Pf
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 16, 2022
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Chelsee Washington is on loan with Canberra United in Australia and scored her second goal in three games.
We interrupt your second half viewing with this cracking goal from Washington.#UnitedAlways #WSWvCBR pic.twitter.com/JFn8enVWSi
— Canberra United (@CanberraUnited) February 15, 2022
- LAFC forward Carlos Vela and Galaxy forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez both spoke about their futures playing for Mexico and the rivalry between their clubs.
- St. Louis City SC’s stadium will be named Centene Stadium after the club announced a 15-year naming rights partnership with the healthcare company.
- Aaronson isn’t the only American in action this week as Sergino Dest, Tyler Adams, and others are also playing this week.
- The U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team roster was announced for the 2022 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship later this month in the Dominican Republic.
- Manchester United moved into fourth place in the English Premier League standings after winning 2-0 against Brighton and Hove Albion. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of 2022, ending a 47-day scoring drought.
- A survey by FIFPRO revealed that 75 percent of players want the World Cup to take place every four years.
That’s going to be all I have for you today. Have a good Wednesday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/8/24
Orlando Pride move up in power rankings, OCSC will celebrate Pride Month, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re halfway through the week and I hope you’re doing well. Personally, I love Wednesdays, because in my job they are effectively my “Friday,” as my day off is on Thursday. So, as such, I love bringing you the news to start out your midweek morning. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Nearly Top Power Rankings
The Orlando Pride are at the top of the NWSL standings with 18 points, and are riding a five-match winning streak while staying undefeated so far this season. If you thought that would be enough for the team to top ESPN‘s NWSL power rankings, you’d be wrong. The Pride actually came in at second despite all the factors I listed above, with the Kansas City Current ranked above them. Even more shocking is that the writer admits he doesn’t have much of a reason for not ranking the Pride first. I’m not sure what to do with my hands.
Orlando Soccer Matches Will Celebrate Pride Month
Orlando City and the Orlando Pride will recognize Pride Month during a pair of matches in June at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride are set to host the Utah Royals on June 21 and the Lions will then host the Chicago Fire on June 22. Both matches will include celebrating Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community and honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. There are plenty of additional events throughout Pride Month in the Greater Orlando Area as well. I will be at those matches and I hope to see you there as well.
Orlando City B Hosts New York Red Bulls II Tonight
OCB will try to follow up a result on the road with its first result at home tonight at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Forwards Yutaro Tsukada and Shak Mohammed lead the attack for the Young Lions as the club plays only its third home match of the season — and only the second at its actual home field. There’s plenty to look for from OCB as it takes on New York Red Bulls II at 7 p.m. Try to make it to the match if you are able.
U.S. Soccer Doubles Down
The battle between the USWNT and U.S. Soccer over equal pay has been going on for years. Now, U.S. Soccer has reportedly employed Washington D.C. lobbying firms to provide what the organization asserts are “accurate information and factual numbers” to policy makers. Spokespersons for the players’ associations of both the USWNT and USMNT expressed disappointment regarding the move by U.S. Soccer. The issue is front and center as two congresswomen have proposed legislation to block funding for the 2026 World Cup unless equal pay is enacted.
Free Kicks
- Were you wondering how good Barbra Banda has been since arriving in Orlando? Me neither, but here is a cool stat from OptaJack on her shot production.
- Orlando City fans know all too well how good FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta is at scoring goals. Now, the striker is in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. and expressed a desire to play for the USMNT. It would be nice to have him score goals for a team I support.
- Nottingham Forest’s point reduction appeal was rejected by the independent board overseeing the decision. Only three points separate Nottingham from Luton Town and the relegation zone with two matches left this season.
- I know that some Orlando City fans were hoping to see Thiago Silva join the Lions after he left Chelsea, but that rumor never made sense financially, and the defender has chosen to rejoin his old Brazilian club, Fluminense.
- It’s not often that someone follows up an unpopular decision with an even more unpopular explanation for that decision, but that is exactly what MLS Commissioner Don Garber did when explaining that the U.S. Open Cup didn’t offer a competition that “drives value” and that “rises to the level where fans care about it.” I’m sure everyone will now understand the decision. Well done, Commish.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/7/24
Barbra Banda up for NWSL Goal of the Week, Americans in midweek action, Champions League preview, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s teams over the weekend, as Orlando City B drew 1-1 with Chattanooga FC and lost the subsequent shootout, Orlando City lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, and the Orlando Pride won 1-0 over Racing Louisville. As usual, we have a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s dig into the links.
Barbra Banda Up for Goal of the Week
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her strike in the 77th minute against the North Carolina Courage last Wednesday. Banda controlled the ball off a throw-in, turned, and drove across the box before slotting a low shot past Casey Murphy for the Pride’s fourth and final goal of the game. She scored twice in that game and scored again in Sunday’s win over Racing Louisville. Banda now has four goals in four games — including at least one in each of her three starts since appearing off the bench in her debut — and shows no sign of slowing down. Make sure you go vote for her to win this week’s award!
Americans in Midweek Action
As usual, there are a number of Americans playing games this week, so make sure you mark down any that you want to tune in for. Wednesday has Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey traveling to El Volcan to take on Tigres in the quarterfinals of the Clausura. Moving to Friday, Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, and Venezia have a chance to gain promotion to Serie A if they beat Spezia and Como loses. On the other side of things, former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini and Como play Cosenza, and will secure automatic promotion as long as they don’t have a worse result than Venezia.
UEFA Champions League Preview
The UEFA Champions League continues this week with the second legs of the two semifinal matchups. In this afternoon’s game, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has said that even Kylian Mbappe will have to work hard defensively if his team is going to progress to the final. Borussia Dortmund leads that tie 1-0, and will need to rely on a defense that has kept five clean sheets in this year’s tournament. However, the German club has a concerning record away from home, where it has lost nine of its last 11 games. In tomorrow’s game between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, this season’s La Liga winner will hope its finishing prowess continues from the first leg, when it turned two chances into two goals.
European Transfer Rumor Roundup
With European seasons drawing to a close, the transfer rumor mill is starting to heat up, which means there are several items worth discussing today. First, Manchester United will reportedly face competition to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Chelsea and PSG are said to also be interested in signing the Frenchman, who was instrumental in his side’s 4-0 drubbing of the Red Devils yesterday. Staying in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has said he intends to be part of the transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, confirming that he does not intend to leave in the summer. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich is said to have agreed to personal terms with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. David Moyes has confirmed he will leave West Ham at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that the Hammers have reached an agreement with Julen Lopetegui to be the team’s new manager.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held steady at 20th in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Bruno Fernandes missed a club match due to injury for the first time in his career, as he did not play in Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace.
- Speaking of that match, the Premier League outfitted the referee with a camera for the first time in that game, with the footage to be released at a later date.
- Angel City FC will enter a team in The Soccer Tournament this summer.
- Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds United.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/6/24
Lions lose at home, Orlando Pride win, OCB draws Chattanooga FC, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was another mixed weekend for our teams as the Lions lost, the Pride won, and OCB drew. As for me, I’ve been busy managing the broadcast operations for the NISA league’s matches this weekend and also got a chance to cover high school soccer, softball, and badminton. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose at Home to FC Cincinnati
Orlando City lost at home for the second straight weekend with a 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Luciano Acosta scored the lone goal for Cincinnati just seconds into the match. Orlando City went down to 10 men when defender Rodrigo Schlegel received a red card in the first half. The Lions had some chances to get back in this one, including a free kick opportunity in the second half when Wilder Cartagena scored what would have been the equalizer, but Facundo Torres was ruled offside, and the goal was waved off. Cincinnati also dropped to 10 men late in the second half as defender Bret Halsey received his second yellow for a foul on Ivan Angulo and knocked the ball out to waste time. Still, FC Cincinnati found a way to hang on for the victory, securing its third win in a row. Orlando City will look to rebound on Saturday as it takes on the Philadelphia Union at Suburu Park.
Orlando Pride Win at Home Against Racing Louisville FC
The Orlando Pride defeated Racing Louisville FC on Sunday, 1-0, at Inter&Co Stadium, winning their fifth straight game. Barbra Banda scored the lone goal of the match and now has four goals for the Pride this season. The Pride remain undefeated in league play, keeping their unbeaten streak alive at eight matches (5-0-3). Orlando also moved up to first in the NWSL table with 18 points. The Pride will be back home on Saturday to face Bay FC.
OCB Draws Chattanooga FC
Orlando City B drew 1-1 on the road against Chattanooga FC on Saturday. The Young Lions trailed early in the first half as Mehdi Ouamri put Chattanooga FC in front 1-0. Later in the first half, OCB got an equalizer, with forward Shak Mohammed finding the back of the net to score his second goal of the season. The match went to penalties after 90 minutes of action, where Chattanooga FC won the extra point with a 5-4 win over OCB. Despite not getting the extra point in penalties, the Young Lions still keep their road unbeaten streak alive at five. OCB will have a quick turnaround with its next match at Osceola County Stadium on Wednesday against New York Red Bulls II.
European Soccer Roundup
Real Madrid clinched the La Liga title on Saturday, defeating Cadiz 3-0, while their rivals Barcelona dropped points in a 4-2 loss to Girona over the weekend. Madrid has now won La Liga for the 36th time and still has a shot of adding another trophy if it gets past Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to reach the final next month. Elsewhere, we had plenty of drama in England. Let’s start in the EFL Championship, where Ipswich Town joined Leicester City, getting promoted to the Premier League after a 2-0 victory against Huddersfield Town. Leeds United, Southhampton, West Brom, and Norwich City will go to the playoffs to determine the third club to secure promotion. Arsenal won 3-0 over Bournemouth, while Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 win over Wolves to keep the EPL title race tight. Arsenal is in first with 83 points, with two matches remaining, while Manchester City is just behind in second with 82 points and three matches left to play.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos gave insight on her first NWSL start for the Pride after their match against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday.
- PSV Eindhoven clinched the Eredivisie title on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Sparta Rotterdam. American Malik Tillman played for 90 minutes, while Ricardo Pepi came off the bench and added an assist.
- USMNT midfielder Christian Pulisic put on a solid performance and contributed an assist for AC Milan in a 3-3 draw against Genoa on Saturday.
- USWNT forward Catarina Macario came off the bench for Chelsea in the second half and made WSL history by adding two assists in 10 minutes in an 8-0 win over Bristol City.
- Despite their manager Xabi Alonso being in the stands serving a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, Bayer Leverkusen dominated Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 and extended its unbeaten streak to 48 matches.
- Wrexham is reportedly targeting Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. His contract expires with the Premier League-bound club at the end of June.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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