Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/30/22
What’s up, Mane Landers? I hope you are all wrapping up a great week. Personally, I was able to get a bit of clearance from my surgeon to finally make my return to soccer and debut in my local league here. I’m no Ercan Kara, but I did put a solid header towards goal in my first minutes back. Who knows — maybe someone will find me playing amateur soccer and call me up in a fairy tale Robin Jansson-esque way. Until then though, I’ll be catching all the Orlando City matches and linking for you here. Let’s get to it!
First Charlotte FC Visit to Orlando
Exploria Stadium will be rocking tonight at 7:30 p.m. as Orlando City takes on Charlotte FC. The visitors will look to build off their road performance from last weekend. The club was able to draw at the Colorado Rapids and secure its first away point of the season. The second half of the match was considered to be the most commanding performance Charlotte has had away from home this season.
Charlotte FC goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina said the match against the Rapids “was important to get some points to increase our confidence.” With earning their first away points against the Rapids, Charlotte has a confidence boost heading into their away trip to Orlando.
The Lions give Charlotte good reason to be confident, too. Having played themselves to a pair of wins at home, the Lions have also lost three matches at Exploria Stadium already in this young season — the most recent coming last week against the New York Red Bulls in a three-goal, shutout loss that we have all been trying to put out of our memory.
Pride Open 2022 NWSL Season on Sunday
The Orlando Pride and Gotham FC meet for the second consecutive week after they drew 1-1 last Saturday in their final 2022 Challenge Cup fixture. This time, more is on the line as it will be the season opener of the 2022 NWSL campaign. The Pride have won just one of their last seven meetings in all competitions with Gotham.
With the official start of the season, Orlando has a clean slate and will be looking to get the ball rolling after finishing as the only team in the Challenge Cup to have not won a single group stage game. The Pride had draws against the Spirit and Gotham, but they took four matches to find the back of the net. Gotham has scored exactly one goal in each of its last five matches and has failed to score multiple goals in any of its last 10 matches in all competitions.
Daryl Dike to Miss USMNT Summer Fixtures
Former Lion and fan favorite Daryl Dike will miss the USMNT’s four summer matches. Dike has been on the sideline since January for West Bromwich Albion as he continues to recover from a leg injury. While this summer would have been a great time for Gregg Berhalter to evaluate the striker, he will not feature for the USMNT’s two friendlies and two Concacaf Nations League games in June.
It appears this is more of West Brom manager Steve Bruce’s decision than anyone else's.
Manager Steve Bruce confirmed he spoke with USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter to explain the situation. “I spoke to Gregg this week,” said Bruce, who previously managed Berhalter as a player during his stint at Crystal Palace in the 2001/02 season.
“They have been very very sensible and they understand the situation. Daryl will not be involved in the internationals. There’s another one in September so that is what he is focusing on. It’s good for Daryl too, so it’s good to clear that up. He can concentrate on what we have put in place to make sure he has a really good summer before he comes back for preseason.
Seattle to Break CCL Final Attendance Record
A record-breaking crowd is set to cheer on the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field Wednesday night when they attempt to make history as the first MLS winners of the Concacaf Champions League against Liga MX’s Pumas UNAM. The club has already sold more than 61,000 tickets for the second-leg match. The first leg was a 2-2 draw in Mexico City that finished with a stoppage time penalty for the Sounders.
They’ll surpass the 61,004 fans that watched CF Montréal face Club América at Stade Olympique in 2015’s second leg. Wednesday’s match could also become the largest-ever crowd on-hand in CCL history, with 66,208 fans attending the 2015 semifinal second leg between Club América and Herediano at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Seattle boasts an unbeaten record when passing the 60,000 attendance mark (7-0-1). It last surpassed the mark during MLS Cup 2019, when 69,274 fans watched the club defeat Toronto FC, 3-1.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City has partnered with Duvin Design Co. for all of your beach-going swimwear needs.
Everywhere you go, take the good vibes with you 🤙
The Rain or Shine collection is now live! ☀️ @DuvinDesign x #OrlandoCity
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) April 29, 2022
- Gotham FC announced Friday that its Aug. 20 match against the Orlando Pride will take place at 7 p.m. in Subaru Park.
- Flávio Augusto da Silva has sold his Windermere home for $5 million now, in addition to selling Orlando City last year.
- Mohamed Salah matched Cristiano Ronaldo as he claimed his second Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year Award.
- Likewise, Chelsea FC’s Sam Kerr has been voted the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year winner.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic says the most Zlatan thing ever in his most recent ESPN interview, “I am best player in history of MLS.”
- Todd Boehly, part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his group have moved to be clear front runners in the race to buy Chelsea FC for more than $4.4 billion.
- Can’t get enough of USMNT players? You can find them playing in 14 matches today and 17 tomorrow. Here is where to watch and stream.
- Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gadi Kinda has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury List after a procedure on his right knee that will require an additional cartilage restoration procedure.
Today marks another match day. Head on down to Exploria Stadium and get loud. Show the new boys in town what a real MLS fan base looks like! Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/4/24
Orlando City falls to Charlotte FC in penalty shootout, Orlando Pride defeat the Seattle Reign, Megan Montefusco retires and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I covered high school cross country state semifinals over the weekend, and I’m getting ready to cover a high school soccer playoff match later this week. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose Penalty Shootout to Charlotte FC
Orlando City fell 3-1 on penalties to Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on Friday night after playing to a scoreless draw in Game 2 of the MLS Cup playoffs. Orlando’s offense struggled to create anything throughout the match in the attack. The best chance came late in the second half when Facundo Torres thought he had scored the game-winner for Orlando, but the assistant referee deemed him to be offside. In the penalty shootout, Luis Muriel was the only Lion to find the back of the net. Nico Lodeiro and Duncan McGuire had their penalty kicks saved by Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, while Robin Jansson’s kick sailed over the net. The Lions will host Charlotte FC in Game 3 at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday with a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals on the line.
Orlando Pride Defeat the Seattle Reign in Regular Season Finale
The Orlando Pride snapped their two-match losing streak and defeated the Seattle Reign 3-2 to close out the 2024 NWSL regular season. Ally Watt, Kerry Abello, and Marta all scored for the Pride. Even though the Reign fought back to keep it close, Orlando held on for the win. The Pride finished the regular season first in the NWSL standings with 60 points. The Pride will take on the Chicago Red Stars in the quarterfinals of the 2024 NWSL playoffs on Friday in their first home playoff match ever. The match will kick off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.
Megan Montefusco Announces Retirement
Orlando Pride defender Megan Montefusco will retire from professional soccer following the 2024 season. She’s played in the NWSL since 2015 and joined the Pride prior to the 2022 season. In her time in Orlando, Montefusco made 45 appearances for Orlando and scored in a 2023 Challenge Cup match against NJ/NY Gotham FC. She did not play in any matches in the 2024 season after undergoing foot surgery during the off-season and was placed on the season-ending injury list. Montefusco finishes her career with 179 appearances, scoring three goals and adding four assists across all competitions.
MLS Playoff Roundup
The first round of the MLS Cup playoffs continued over the weekend, with a few teams booking their spot in the next round. The Columbus Crew’s title defense ended after they lost 5-4 on penalties to the New York Red Bulls after a 2-2 draw. The LA Galaxy dominated the Colorado Rapids 4-1 on the road to advance to the Western Conference semifinals. Minnesota United also moved on, defeating Real Salt Lake in a shootout after a 1-1 draw and the Loons will face the Galaxy. The Seattle Sounders edged past the Houston Dynamo 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to advance to the Western Conference semifinals as well.
New York City FC bounced back with a 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati, while Atlanta United did the same with a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami as both teams stayed alive to force a third game in their series. LAFC fell 3-0 on the road to the Vancouver Whitecaps in a match that included two own goals.
Free Kicks
- The U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team defeated England 3-0 to claim third place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
- The MLS NEXT Pro Cup is set, as North Texas SC will host Philadelphia Union II on Saturday. Both clubs shut out their opponents over the weekend to advance.
- Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah posted a message on social media hinting at his future at the club after he scored the winning goal against Brighton on Saturday.
- Wrexham was eliminated from the FA Cup after a 1-0 defeat against Harrogate Town in the first round.
- In its first league match since firing former manager Erik ten Hag, Manchester United drew 1-1 against Chelsea on Sunday.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/1/24
Orlando City plays Charlotte FC tonight, Orlando Pride get ready for the Seattle Reign, NWSL playoff scenarios, and more.
Welcome to November, Mane Landers! It’s kind of crazy that there are only two months left of 2024, and I’m not looking forward to the holiday shopping frenzy. I checked on how my resolutions are doing for this year and am going to have to pick up the pace if I want to reach my reading goals. Let’s get this November started with today’s links!
Lions Takes On Charlotte FC Tonight
Orlando City has a chance to book its spot in the next round of the playoffs tonight when it faces off against Charlotte FC at 7:30 p.m. This will be Charlotte’s first playoff game at home since joining the league and it will likely be a loud environment for the Lions to deal with. Charlotte is without Designated Player Pep Biel due to his red card, but midfielders Kerwin Vargas and Patrick Agyemang are more than capable of making an impact. The Lions will have to remain at the top of their game to avoid the series being sent back to Orlando for Game 3 on Nov. 9.
Orlando Pride Prepare for Regular Season Finale
The Orlando Pride will aim to get back on track Saturday night when they take on the Seattle Reign at home in their final game of the regular season. After a pair of losses, a match against the Reign presents a good chance for the team to return to its winning ways after securing its first NWSL Shield. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the international break gives the team a decent chance to reset, as well as how playing at home should give the team a boost.
NWSL Playoff Race Nears Its End
While the Pride secured the top spot in the standings weeks ago, a majority of the league has plenty on the line this weekend. There are three teams in contention for the final two playoff spots, and there’s a three-team race for the second seed in the playoffs. The Portland Thorns can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a result tonight against Angel City FC, while Bay FC can clinch with a result tomorrow night against the Houston Dash. If either team loses, it opens the door for Racing Louisville to snatch a spot in the playoffs on Sunday against the San Diego Wave. After last year’s drama that included the Pride narrowly missing out on the playoffs, I’m glad things are already locked up for Orlando this year.
USWNT’s New Era Off to Strong Start
One of the biggest takeaways from the United States Women’s National Team’s trio of victories in the recent international window was how many new players took the field and impressed. Head Coach Emma Hayes utilized plenty of rotation across the three matches, and Pride defender Emily Sams was one of seven players who made their debut. Sams received a rating of 7 coming off the bench in the team’s win over Argentina, a match that showcased just how deep the U.S. player pool is. It’s been a fantastic past few months for Hayes, who leaned on innovation and experimentation with Chelsea and has the U.S. rebuilding while still staying on top.
Free Kicks
- Forward Diana Ordonez won’t play in the Dash’s final game of the season after undergoing successful surgery earlier this week.
- St. Louis City’s home stadium has been named Energizer Park as part of the club’s partnership with the battery manufacturer.
- The NWSL announced the schedule of events leading into the NWSL Championship on Nov. 23. The NWSL Skills Challenge will take place the night prior and the winner of the Lauren Holiday Impact Award will be announced on the day of the match.
- Chicago Fire FC II midfielder David Poreba was named 2024 MLS NEXT Pro MVP after leading the league with 18 goals this season.
- Ruben Amorim stated that there will be clarification on his reported move to Manchester United after Sporting CP’s match today.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and a relaxing weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/31/24
Orlando City focused on Game 2, USWNT beats Argentina, U.S. loses in U-17 World Cup, and more.
Happy Halloween! I don’t have any plans for the holiday beyond annoying my cat by dressing him up like a wizard for some photos. Scary movies aren’t exactly my thing either, but I hope you all have a fun time celebrating regardless. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira!
Lions Stay Focused Ahead of Playoff Match
Orlando City will aim to close out its playoff series with Charlotte FC on Friday when the two sides square off in North Carolina. The Lions may be riding high after a solid 2-0 win at home to start its playoff campaign, but Head Coach Oscar Pareja has the team focused on finishing the job to advance to the next round. Pareja spoke about how Orlando’s ability to react and solve problems is a strength and helped the Lions win the first game of the series.
As for Charlotte, MLSsoccer.com‘s Joseph Lowery has it as one of the more likely clubs to turn things around and force a Game 3. Charlotte will have to keep Facundo Torres and Martin Ojeda from running rampant if it wants that to happen. Orlando also won’t have to deal with Charlotte midfielder Pep Biel in Friday’s match, as the appeal for the Designated Player’s red card was rejected.
USWNT Shuts Out Argentina
The United States Women’s National Team closed out the international window with a 3-0 win over Argentina in Louisville. Naomi Girma got the scoring started in the 37th minute, nodding in an easy goal after some poor defending from Argentina for her first international goal. An own goal doubled the USWNT’s lead right before halftime, and then Girma secured her brace with another header in the second half. Goalkeeper Mandy Haught made her USWNT debut, making one save in the shutout. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams did not start this time around, with Head Coach Emma Hayes choosing Eva Gaetino to start alongside Girma in the center of the U.S. defense. However, Sams did enter the game in the second half, coming on in the 70th minute. The USWNT will play its final games of the year when it travels to take on England on Nov. 30 and the Netherlands on Dec. 3 in a pair of tough friendlies.
U.S. Falls in U-17 World Cup Semifinal
The U-17 USWNT lost 1-0 to North Korea in the U-17 World Cup semifinals. After a scoreless first half, Ro Un-hyang scored a great goal to give North Korea the win. The U.S. struggled to get much going on offense and didn’t get a single shot on target in the match. There’s still a chance the U.S. can leave the Dominican Republic with silverware, as it will play for third place against either England or Spain on Sunday.
UEFA Invests in Women’s Soccer
In an effort to grow women’s soccer in Europe, UEFA has pledged $1.08 billion towards all levels of the sport over the next six years. Part of the organization’s goals is to double the number of fully professional national leagues and increase the number of professional players. The plan also includes developing more ways for girls and women to play, coach, and referee, starting at the grassroots level. Although this is a hefty amount of money devoted towards women’s soccer, there’s still plenty of work to do in regards to ensuring women can make a living from soccer.
Free Kicks
- The City Beautiful is looking good in celebration of both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride being in the postseason this year.
- MLS Save of the Year went to FC Dallas’s Maarten Paes for his double save to deny Gabriel Pec from the penalty spot. I still prefer Pedro Gallese’s acrobatic double save that was nominated, but this was still nice work from Paes.
- FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano won MLS Goal of the Year for his strike from 79.81 yards out to beat CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois on Aug. 31.
- Weston McKennie scored his first goal of the Serie A season by getting his head on the end of a nice cross from fellow American Tim Weah, who later scored the equalizer in Juventus’ 2-2 draw with Parma.
- Diego Chara will return for a 15th season with the Portland Timbers after signing a contract extension with the club through 2025, with an option for 2026 as well.
- Concacaf announced that next year’s Gold Cup final will take place at NRG Stadium in Houston on July 6.
- In its first game since Erik ten Hag’s firing, Manchester United scored four goals in the first half of a 5-2 win over Leicester City. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both bagged braces in the dominant display at home.
- Jamal Musiala had a hat trick in the first half of Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win against Mainz in the German Cup.
- Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have become co-owners of Wrexham Lager, the brewery that is also one of the team’s sponsors and was founded in 1882.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a happy Halloween and rest of your week!
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