Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/3/22
Happy Saturday, Mane Landers! It is a quiet weekend on the Orlando front as both Orlando City and Orlando Pride are off. The Young Lions of OCB battled last night (more on that below). Before we get to the news of the day, let’s wish Orlando Pride defender Megan Montefusco a happy 30th birthday! Now scroll on down and check out today’s links.
OCB Eliminated From Playoff Contention with New England Loss
Orlando City B needed at least two points Friday night to stay alive for a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. Unfortunately, the Young Lions fell 2-0 to New England Revolution II. Malcolm Fry and Italo scored the goals for the hosts on either side of halftime. Orlando City B still has two matches remaining and while they will not be playing for playoff contention, it still leaves an opportunity for the club to garner minutes for the up and coming players.
While the season did not go as they hoped, there were some shining moments from players like Jack Lynn and Favian Loyola. We look forward to the future they hold with the club.
USWNT vs. Nigeria Friendly Series Preview
Following a successful qualifying campaign for both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship this summer in Monterrey, Mexico, the USWNT returns to the field today against Nigeria. The match is set to be played at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City at 1:30 p.m. After the conclusion of the first leg, the two teams will move to Washington, D.C. and Audi Field for a second meeting on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
This will be the seventh match-up between the nations and the second meeting in two years. The most recent time the two sides met was on June 16, 2021, in Austin, TX, as the teams played in the first-ever soccer match at Austin’s FC’s spectacular Q2 Stadium. The USWNT has a perfect record against African opposition, defeating Nigeria six times in six meetings and South Africa twice in two games. The USWNT has kept clean sheets in each of its last six games against CAF foes.
Tension Builds Around USMNT World Cup Striker Choice
As the USMNT nears closer to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, no debate rings louder than who will be joining the team from the striker pool. Head Coach Gregg Berhalter has acknowledged there will be some “very disappointed” strikers once their September camp roster is announced.
“We’re not bringing six strikers with us. No chance.”
So who goes to Sept. #USMNT camp and who stays home?
Which four are you taking from: Jesus, Pepi, Pefok, Wright, Sargent and Vazquez… pic.twitter.com/ZIEyFjsKLd
— Andrew Wiebe (@andrew_wiebe) September 2, 2022
Of the six potential strikers highlighted in the conversation, Brandon Vazquez is the only player without any previous senior international experience. Vazquez, however, is showing great form for FC Cincinnati with 16 goals and four assists this season, as he makes a name for himself and a case for a call-up. Ricardo Pepi and Jesus Ferreira were both crucial during Concacaf qualifying, as were Jordan Pefok and Josh Sargent to varying degrees. Hadji Wright made a late push following his form in Turkey’s Super Lig.
Berhalter has not yet given a clear answer as to which striker is in prime position to lead the attack at the World Cup. We should have our answer soon enough though as he made it clear all six will not be joining the camp in September.
Bridget Callahan Joins Central Florida Crusaders
The Central Florida Crusaders have announced the signing of former Orlando Pride and UCF Women’s Soccer player Bridgett Callahan. She becomes the second women’s player signed to the team for its inaugural campaign in the NISL.
“Bridget is an energetic and passionate player,” GM and Head Coach Tom Traxler said, “She’s very technical, skillful and her personality matches her playing style. She has an infectious personality that is sure to resonate throughout the team.”
The Florida native from Hollywood was a four-year starter for the UCF women’s soccer program from 2014-2018. Callahan played 75 matches for the Knights, netting nine goals and assisting on an additional two. In 2018, she joined the Orlando Pride and appeared in nine matches over the course of a season and a half.
Free Kicks
- There are many scenarios in which Austin FC could clinch its berth in the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs this weekend.
- As the European transfer window closes, there are quite a few players that experts thought would transfer out of MLS only to still remain.
- Here’s a still very early prediction as to how the MLS playoffs could unfold.
- Riqui Puig of the LA Galaxy won Goal of the Week for Week 28.
- The New York Red Bulls have mutually agreed to terminate defender Tom Edwards’ loan from Championship side Stoke City — allowing him to join Barnsley in League One.
- Want to catch some soccer action while Orlando is off this weekend? Here is your weekend viewing guide of USMNT players abroad.
- Alex Morgan has spoken out after a report from ESPN uncovered an effort by Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson to hide the firing of coach Paul Riley from going public.
- The Washington Spirit have selected Albertin Montoya as their interim head coach for the remaining five games of the 2022 season.
- USMNT defender Sergino Dest is hoping to get more playing time ahead of this year’s World Cup in Qatar after joining Serie A champion AC Milan on transfer deadline day.
- Brazilian fullback Marcelo has signed for Olympiakos after leaving European champions Real Madrid in the summer.
- Paris Saint-Germain must pay $10 million for breaking UEFA financial rules alongside seven other clubs being punished.
- Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not afraid of the supposed “curse of the No. 9 shirt” at the club.
- All soccer matches in Argentina were suspended on Friday after an assassination attempt on the country’s vice president.
That’s all I have for you for, Mane Landers. I hope you take the weekend off to relax and grab some new swag to sport for the U.S. Open Cup final. I can’t wait to jump alongside you all next Wednesday and keep the stadium rocking. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/22/25
Orlando City transfer rumors, Orlando Pride preseason begins, USMNT at Inter&Co, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Up here in Tallahassee, I’m waking up to snow/sleet, closed schools, closed government offices, and potentially icy roads. Many people will get an extra day off of work, however, I still get to go to work. I’m sure you can imagine how happy I am about that. Enough of my winter grumbling. Let’s get to the links but not until after we wish Orlando City fullback Michael Halliday a happy 22nd birthday.
Orlando City Reportedly Targeting Croatian International
While I can no longer say that Orlando City hasn’t signed any new players, the club is still moving at its traditionally slow speed as compared to other MLS clubs. We had the signing of Nicolas Rodriguez last week. Now, we have Tom Bogert report of yet another winger prospect for the club in Croatian Marco Pasalic from HNK Rijeka, though it is not a done deal. Hopefully the other targets Bogert mentions are of the striker variety.
Pride Preseason Begins
The 2024 NWSL champions are back to defend their title. The Orlando Pride returned to training on Tuesday. The club hasn’t needed to add many pieces, though some of the players already here, like Simone Charley and Grace Chanda, haven’t actually played any minutes for the Pride yet. Most of the chemistry is in place for Seb Hines, but reinforcing those bonds will be the challenge as the Pride look to repeat.
USMNT at Inter&Co Tonight
Hopefully you have tickets to the USMNT friendly match versus Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The match starts at 7 p.m. and there are television and streaming options if you’re not going in person. Despite the squad having 14 players with three or fewer caps, Mauricio Pochettino does not consider this an “alternative” squad, nor does he want the players to think of themselves like that.
Girma Reportedly Nearing Completion of Chelsea Move
USWNT defender Naomi Girma is reportedly headed to Chelsea FC Women for a record $1.1 million transfer fee. That is a very big chunk of change for San Diego FC to use to try to replace one of the best defenders in the world. The deal is not complete as of Tuesday evening, but according to the original report from The Athletic, it is close to being done. Girma would be the first women’s soccer player to earn a transfer fee of over $1 million.
MLS Transfer Updates
Other MLS clubs keep on putting pen to paper when it comes to new players. The Chicago Fire are bringing in Jonathan Bamba on a Designated Player deal from La Liga side Celta de Vigo. The Luca de la Torre loan from Spain’s RC Celta de Vigo to San Diego FC is also official.
Cucho Hernandez evidently wants to stay with the Columbus Crew, though he is still waiting on a new offer.
Free Kicks
- I know you might think that Orlando City has a lot to do personnel-wise as the preseason begins, but evidently, the Lions didn’t make the Top 5.
- EUFA Champions League is in full swing, with big names Liverpool and Barcelona winning yesterday. There’s also more to come today.
- Former Orlando Pride player Alanna Kennedy signed a one-year contract with Angel City FC.
- Keep your eyes peeled later today for the NWSL schedule drop.
That will do it for today. Stay warm out there, my friends. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/21/25
Orlando Pride release preseason camp roster, scouting Costa Rica, women’s soccer transfer grades, and more.
Good morning, everyone! If you had yesterday off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then I hope you enjoyed some restful time off. If not, then I hope you got your week started off on a good and productive note. There’s a lot going on around here this week as the United States Men’s National Team is in town, and Orlando City will play its first preseason match on Saturday. That means we have plenty to discuss, so let’s dig into today’s links.
Orlando Pride Drop Preseason Roster
Monday might have been a holiday but the Orlando Pride were busy, as they announced the roster for their upcoming preseason camp. Almost all of the usual suspects from the 2024 season are back, as the Pride return 98% of the player-minutes from last season and every single scorer. Mariana Larroquette is on the list although she’s currently on loan in Argentina, and Amanda Allen is likewise included after her loan at Lexington Sporting Club was terminated due to a torn labrum. The biggest intrigue comes from the trio of non-roster invitees: goalkeeper DeAira Jackson, midfielder Aryssa Mahrt, and forward Simone Jackson.
Scouting Costa Rica
The USMNT takes on Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium to wrap up the team’s annual January camp. Like the U.S., Costa Rica is bringing a roster devoid of the majority of its important players. Costa Rica also has a new manager at the helm in Miguel Herrera, who will take charge of the team for the very first time on Wednesday. Herrera typically lines his teams up in a 5-3-2 where the wingbacks take on a very important role and the team looks to hit on the counter while staying compact at the back. This will be the last time we see the USMNT in action until the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in early March.
Women’s Soccer January Transfer Grades
January has been a busy time for transfers in the women’s soccer world, so which teams have done the best business? Well, the Orlando Pride received an A grade for signing Marta to a new two-year deal, retaining a player who helped the team win its first ever trophies. Liverpool got an A for signing Julia Bartel on loan from Chelsea. Leicester City made an interesting call by transferring goalkeeper Lize Kop to Tottenham despite just being a point above the relegation zone. The Foxes get a C for the move, while Spurs get a B+ for adding a capable netminder.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans taking part in some very important games over the course of this week. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus face Club Brugge today in the UEFA Champions League, while Ricardo Pepi, Richy Ledezma, Esmir Bajraktarević, Malik Tillman and PSV Eindhoven take on Crvena Zvezda in the same competition. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will play Girona in the UCL on Wednesday, while Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic take on Young Boys. On Friday, John Tolkin could make his Bundesliga debut when his new team, Holstein Kiel, travels to face Wolfsburg.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride players reported for their preseason physicals on Monday.
- Meanwhile, Orlando City took on the dreaded beep test during Monday’s training session.
- Toronto FC has signed goalkeeper Luka Gavran to a contract extension that runs through 2027, with an option for 2028.
- Australia Men’s National Team Head Coach Tony Popovic praised MLS as a destination for Australian players, noting the league’s resources and professionalism.
That’s all I have for you today. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/20/25
Orlando City signs Nicolas Rodriguez, Jack Lynn announces retirement, USMNT defeats Venezuela in friendly, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Over the past week, I’ve been working and covering high school ice hockey. It will be a busy week in Orlando, with the United States Men’s National Team’s match against Costa Rica on Wednesday and Orlando City’s first preseason match against Atletico Mineiro on Saturday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Signs Nicolas Rodriguez
Orlando City announced on Friday that the club has signed forward Nicolas Rodriguez from Fortaleza CEIF in Colombia’s top flight. The deal is through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028, and Rodriguez will occupy a MLS U22 Initiative slot. Rodriguez made 19 appearances for Fortaleza, recording 1,607 minutes, five goals, and three assists during the 2024 Primera A Clausura season. The Lions add a young attacking player the club can develop and Rodriguez can play on the right wing, the right side of a three-man midfield, or in the No. 10 spot.
Jack Lynn Announces Retirement
Orlando City forward Jack Lynn announced his retirement from professional soccer on Saturday. Lynn was drafted by Orlando in the first round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He became a regular starter for Orlando City B, scoring a team-record 38 goals in over three seasons with the MLS NEXT Pro side. Lynn also won the Golden Boot with 19 goals during the 2023 season and became the first OCB player to be named MLS NEXT Pro MVP. He played sparingly with the first team, but he scored twice last season as his role increased. The Lions will likely look to add another striker for more depth up top.
Orlando Pride Acquire Allocation Money in Trade
On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced that the club has acquired $50,000 in Allocation Money from the Washington Spirit. In exchange, the Pride sent the Spirit a 2025 international roster spot. The Pride will face the Spirit in the NWSL Challenge Cup final on March 7 at Inter&Co Stadium.
USMNT Defeats Venezuela in Friendly
The USMNT defeated Venezuela 3-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday in a friendly. Jack McGlynn and Patrick Agyemang scored in the first half to give the USMNT a 2-0 lead just before halftime. Matko Milijevic scored the third goal for the Americans in the second half, with Venezuela pulling one back thanks to a goal from Jorge Yriarte. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has led the USMNT to winning four out of its first five matches since he took charge last September. The USMNT’s next match will be against Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium.
Alyssa Naeher Named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year
On Saturday, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was voted 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Naeher won 40% of the vote, while defender Naomi Girma finished in second with 32%. In her final year with the USWNT, Naeher ended 2024 with 18 starts, playing 1,170 minutes and only conceding 11 goals. She played a crucial role with clutch saves to help the USWNT win the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, and gold at the Olympics in Paris. Naeher is the second goalkeeper to win the award since Hope Solo won it in 2009.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City and the Pride announced a partnership with the YMCA of Central Florida to launch the Lions Pride Jr. soccer program.
- Angel City FC forward Christen Press has reached an agreement with the club on a new one-year contract for the 2025 NWSL season.
- GiveMeSport ranked which MLS club has made the best winter transfer moves so far this off-season. Atlanta United, the San Jose Earthquakes, and FC Cincinnati were the top three ranked clubs.
- The LA Galaxy have re-signed defender and captain Maya Yoshida to a two-year contract through the 2026 MLS season.
- Brazilian side Santos is reportedly in talks to sign Neymar on a loan deal from Al-Hilal.
- Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has reached an agreement with the club on a record-breaking contract that extends his deal through 2034.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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