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Lion Links: 7/12/22

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2 years ago

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Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a pretty good weekend for Orlando soccer, as the ladies and gentlemen in purple took six of the nine points on offer. Unfortunately, things aren’t always perfect, but we’ll take what we can get. There’s lots of stuff to talk through today, so let’s get to it.

Cesar Araujo Makes Team of the Week

Following his performance in Orlando City’s 1-0 win over Inter Miami on Saturday, Cesar Araujo has been named to the bench of the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Week. Frankly, a place on the bench seems a little harsh considering he had a mildly absurd eight tackles while also drawing nine fouls. In general, Araujo was the best player on the field for either team, and only a goal or an assist would have improved what was already an excellent performance. Regardless, it’s nice to see him recognized in some way. Here’s hoping he keeps up the good work.

Orlando Pride Partner With Special Olympics

The Orlando Pride have partnered with Special Olympics Florida as part of the 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Program. Gunny Jónsdóttir will serve as the Pride’s ambassador for the program. The club has already held events as part of that partnership, as Exploria Stadium hosted last month’s opening ceremony of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. The Pride also welcomed Orlando’s OUC Eagles at last Friday’s victory over the Houston Dash. The Eagles won the 7-v-7 Division 1 Unified Soccer event, and were honored at halftime of the Pride’s win as a result.

USWNT Squeaks Past Mexico, Wins Group A

In the final match of the Concacaf W Championship, the United States Women’s National Team struggled in the offensive end against Mexico and needed an extremely late goal from Kristie Mewis to defeat the host nation, 1-0. The United States moves on to the semifinals on Thursday at 7 p.m. with plenty to improve on after struggling to put away Mexico — even after the hosts had a player sent off with about 20 minutes remaining. Still, the Yanks found a way to get the result and made it through the group without conceding a goal.

Meanwhile, Ashley Hatch’s tournament is over for the USWNT, as the Washington Spirit forward picked up an injury and was replaced by Sam Coffey.

Gabriel Slonina Set for Chelsea Deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea has reached a verbal agreement with the Chicago Fire for the transfer of goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina. The transfer guru notes that the deal will be for $10 million, not including add-ons, and that Chelsea will submit an official bid later this week to confirm the deal. Slonina will then be loaned back to the Fire, although it’s unclear for how long. Current Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is 30 years old, and likely still has a decent amount of time at the peak of his powers. It’s possible that Chelsea could look to duplicate what the club did with Thibaut Courtois — signing the Belgian in 2011 but sending him on loan deals until the 2014-2015 season, when he took over the starting job from Petr Cech.

Landon Donovan Reportedly a Finalist for San Jose Job

Landon Donovan is reportedly one of six finalists to become the new head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes. San Jose fired Matias Almeyda back in April, with Alex Covelo managing the team as interim head coach ever since. Donovan has reportedly made it to the final round of the interview process, and if he gets the job he will return to the team where he won two MLS Cups before joining the in-state rival LA Galaxy. Donovan is in his third season as the head coach of the USL Championship’s San Diego Loyal, and he led the team to the playoffs last year. If he gets the job, Donovan will join fellow United States Men’s National Team players Steve Cherundolo and Pablo Maestroni as U.S. internationals coaching in MLS.

Luis Suarez Speaks On MLS Offers

Luis Suarez said he has received offers from several Major League Soccer clubs, and that he has not closed the door on anything. However, he also said that he wants to be in the best possible shape for November’s World Cup, and that if a team fails to qualify for the playoffs and his season ends in October, he doesn’t like the idea of not playing for a month. He also noted that some of the interested parties don’t have “slots” (either Designated Player, international, or both) open at the moment, meaning any deal would need to wait until after the 2022 MLS season. Suarez also shot down rumors that he and Lionel Messi have plans to end their careers together at Inter Miami — something that will be welcome news to the ears of Orlando City fans. Although, I suppose he’d hardly come out and tell the world if that really was their plan, would he?

Free Kicks

  • A rumor no longer, former Orlando City captain Nani has signed in the A-League with the Melbourne Victory for two years.
  • The United States Women’s National Team will reportedly play a game at Audi Field during the August/September international window.

  • Premier League teams have spent more than $850 million so far this window, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester City accounting for almost half that number.
  • Someone locked down an Irish flag for Jake Mulraney.

  • The Iranian national team has fired its manager, Dragan Skokic, just four months before the start of the World Cup. The news should prick the ears of USMNT fans, with the Yanks set to take on Iran in their final group stage match of the 2022 World Cup.

That does it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.

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Lion Links: 12/20/24

Orlando City’s 2025 MLS season schedule announced, MLS mock drafts, MLS clubs making moves, and more.

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3 days ago

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December 20, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! I finally have everything squared away after a week of hustling and bustling, meaning I can thankfully avoid the stores this weekend and just relax before next week’s chaos. I’m still trying to nail down what I’ll be cooking as my contribution for my family’s holiday dinner, but it should be fun trialing some options over the next few days. For now though, let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City’s 2025 MLS Schedule Announced

MLS revealed the schedule for the 2025 season and Orlando City’s first game of the season will be at home against the Philadelphia Union on Feb. 22. Orlando has yet to start a season on the road since joining the league back in 2015. The Lions aren’t scheduled to play against expansion club San Diego FC this year, but they will play their first road game against St. Louis City on June 25. While a majority of Orlando’s games will be on Saturdays, they do have a pair of games on Sundays against Inter Miami, including a rivalry week showdown on May 18. Decision Day will be on Oct. 18, with the Lions on the road to take on Toronto FC to close out the regular season.

Predicting the 2025 MLS SuperDraft

The MLS SuperDraft is set to take place today and Top Drawer Soccer did a mock draft to predict how the first two rounds will go. Orlando City currently has the 27th pick in the first round and Top Drawer Soccer has them selecting defensive midfielder Jackson Castro out of Creighton. The pick makes enough sense to me, as Orlando lost some depth in its midfield following the 2024 season and Castro was Duncan McGuire’s teammate on a strong Creighton team a couple of years ago. The Lions were also predicted to take West Virginia winger Sergio Ors Navarro and Kentucky forward Logan Dorsey in the second round.

Travis Clark of MLSsoccer.com also did a mock draft of the first round, with Orlando taking Cornell winger Alioune Ka. Interestingly enough, both mock drafts have NCAA leading scorer Emil Jaaskelainen going in the first round after Orlando’s pick. I’m pretty excited to see how it all shakes out today and learn which players will become the latest Lions on the team.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The off-season is bringing plenty of change across the league as teams continue wheeling and dealing in preparation for the 2025 season. The New England Revolution made a splash by trading away up to $3.25 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Miami in exchange for attacker Leonardo Campana. The 24-year-old should give a needed boost to a New England team that only scored 37 goals this season. As for Miami, it now has an MLS-trade record fee of $2.5 million in guaranteed GAM and an open Designated Player spot at its disposal.

The LA Galaxy traded away 2024 MLS Cup MVP Gastón Brugman and a conditional $100,000 in GAM to Nashville SC in exchange for midfielder Sean Davis. Brugman will help Nashville fill the gap left by Anibal Godoy, who joined San Diego FC as a free agent. FC Dallas also added a free agent, signing defender Lalas Abubakar to a two-year deal.

GAM Amounts Revealed for Each MLS Club

MLS pulled back the curtain a bit and unveiled the amount of General Allocation Money that each team had as of Dec. 10. Orlando City’s total comes in at $3,990,312, which is a pretty hefty amount that can be used to improve the team. Atlanta United’s $6,503,478 is the most in the league, while the Houston Dynamo are at the other end of the spectrum with just $2,063,538. The Campana trade helps put these amounts into perspective, but there are many uses for GAM and it’s interesting to see where each club stands. It’s also just nice to get some transparency from the league about this and hopefully that trend continues in 2025.

Free Kicks

  • The National Independent Soccer Association will reportedly no longer be sanctioned by the United States Soccer Foundation next year, which would leave MLS NEXT Pro and USL League One as the third-division leagues in the U.S.
  • Tottenham beat Manchester United 4-3 to claim the final semifinal spot in the EFL Cup, with Son Heung-Min scoring directly from a corner kick. Tottenham will face off against Liverpool in the next round, with Newcastle and Arsenal squaring off in the other semifinal.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I wish you all a relaxing weekend and a very happy holidays!

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Lion Links: 12/19/24

Preparing for the MLS SuperDraft, New York Red Bulls sign Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Tim Weah injured, and more.

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4 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve knocked out all of my shopping except for one gift I’m still trying to procure. I have a lead on it though and high hopes that I can get a literal bow on it before traveling to visit my family next week. For now though, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Getting Ready for the MLS SuperDraft

The 2025 MLS SuperDraft will take place on Friday and the league released the list of 477 eligible players clubs can choose from. This year’s Generation Adidas class includes Cornell forward Alex Harris, North Carolina left back Tate Johnson, Wisconsin forward Dean Boltz, and UC Santa Barbara defensive midfielder Manu Duah. Those players likely won’t be on the board by the time Orlando City’s 27th overall pick rolls around, but the team has proven in the past it isn’t afraid to make a trade for a top prospect.

Here’s a nice position-by-position breakdown of some of the best players available on Friday. I personally think Orlando could use some depth at center back, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the team rolls the dice on a center forward given its track record. Unfortunately, we’ll have to follow along with each pick on the league’s website rather than a stream.

MLS Transfer Roundup

After falling in the MLS Cup final earlier this month, the New York Red Bulls have added some firepower by signing Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as a Designated Player. The 35-year-old heads to MLS after playing for Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Stoke City, and Schalke 04 over the past 10 years. The Red Bulls now have a fairly dangerous trio of Designated Players in Choupo-Moting, Emil Forsberg, and Dante Vanzeir.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the New England Revolution added midfielder Jackson Yueill as a free agent. The 27-year-old signed a three-year contract that includes options for 2028 and 2029. D.C. United traded away $150,000 in General Allocation Money to Nashville SC in exchange for defender Lukas MacNaughton. FC Dallas signed midfielder Ramiro Benetti, who has spent the past two seasons with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in Brazil. Veteran defender Nick Lima has returned to the San Jose Earthquakes, signing a two-year contract with the club.

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

The injuries continue to rack up for the Americans, as Tim Weah will miss some time after sustaining a thigh injury earlier this week in Juventus’ win over Cagliari. In better news for Americans plying their trade abroad, forward Ricardo Pepi scored twice in PSV Eindhoven’s 8-0 win against Koninklijke HFC in the KNVB Cup. Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool are all reportedly interested in left back Antonee Robinson, who turned some heads with a pair of assists on Sunday.

EFL Cup Semifinals Nearly Set

The EFL Cup semifinals are setting up to be a heavyweight affair, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle all advancing from the quarterfinals. The day belonged to Gabriel Jesus, who scored his first hat trick for Arsenal in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Liverpool extended its unbeaten streak to 20 games across all competitions after a 2-1 win over Southampton, while Newcastle United beat Brentford thanks to a brace from Sandro Tonali. The final semifinalist will come from today’s match between Manchester United and Tottenham, with the draw taking place afterwards.

Free Kicks

  • The NWSL Shield and Championship trophy paid a visit to WFTV’s studios, and it’s still a bit surreal that the Orlando Pride secured both pieces of silverware this season.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 12/18/24

Another report on the Facundo Torres transfer, Marta wins her own award, Becky Sauerbrunn retires, and more.

Published

5 days ago

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December 18, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. For those that celebrate Christmas, we’re only a week out, so I hope you’ve gotten your shopping done. If not, no judgement from me, just encouragement. I know you can do it! I think we can all do with a little more encouragement these days. For now, let’s get to the links.

Torres Deal Done?

WESH is reporting that the Facundo Torres to Palmeiras deal is done. As of this writing, there has been no confirmation from either club, but it is reasonable to think where there’s this much smoke, there’s fire. Torres may have scored his last goal in purple, and will leave as the club’s all-time leader in that category after three seasons. According to the report, Torres signed a five-year deal with the Brazilian club. We will provide updates as information becomes available.

Marta Wins Marta Award

In the most appropriate award selection in history, Marta has won the inaugural FIFA award for the best goal in women’s soccer, aptly named The FIFA Marta Award.

The award winning goal came in Brazil’s international friendly against Jamaica in June, as the Brazilian made a nice move to clear a defender and then sent in a long-range shot. Check it out.

Marta received the award at FIFA’s “The Best” Award ceremony in Doha, Qatar.

USWNT Legend Becky Sauerbrunn Retires

Former USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn is retiring from professional soccer. The legendary defender has played in the NWSL in every year of it’s existence. She retires having won three championships, one NWSL Shield, multiple Women’s World Cups, and Olympic medals. Sauerbrunn is definitively one of the best to ever wear a U.S. jersey.

NWSL, MLS NEXT Pro Expand

The NWSL is entering into exclusive negotiations with a Denver-area group regarding the league’s next expansion franchise. Denver was picked above both Cincinnati and Cleveland. The expansion fee is in the $105-$120 million range.

MLS NEXT Pro is also adding another new team. Until a new name, logo, and brand are settled on, the team will be called West Michigan Soccer. The team will be the sixth independent club in MLS NEXT Pro. Orlando City B won’t have the opportunity to play the new team until 2027.

Free Kicks

  • Torres’ goal against Nashville made it into a compilation of volleyed goals from the MLS Twitter account.

That will do it for today. Keep checking in as our Orlando City and Orlando Pride Season in Review pieces continue. Vamos Orlando!

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