Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/24/22
Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. With an international break upon us, there is not much in the way of MLS action this weekend as only one match is on the schedule today. On the women’s side of domestic soccer, our Orlando Pride will be hosting the San Diego Wave tomorrow night at 7 p.m in their final home match of the season.
And in case you missed it, The Mane Land turned eight years old yesterday. It’s such a big milestone that I think it is worth noting twice. Congrats to everyone past and present who has been part of this awesome crew. Now, on to today’s links!
Jack Lynn Earns MLS NEXT Pro Honors
MLS NEXT Pro has announced the winners of its regular-season awards for its inaugural season of play. Orlando City forward Jack Lynn has been named to the league’s Best XI, which is comprised of the top players at each position, representing eight clubs in total. All awards were voted on by the head coaches and chief soccer officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs, as well as league broadcast and content teams.
Lynn was prolific in front of goal for Orlando City B this season — and has since been loaned to San Antonio FC for the remainder of the 2022 USL Championship season.
DREAM. TEAM.
Meet your 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/iShW5ocWnr
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) September 23, 2022
Orlando Pride Pepare for Final 2022 Home Match
The Orlando Pride have only two matches left on the schedule for this season. If you have yet to make it to a match, the club wraps up its home schedule Sunday night when the San Diego Wave come to Exploria Stadium. The Wave are currently in contention for a first-round bye in the playoffs if the results go their way. San Diego Head Coach Casey Stoney is not taking anything for granted though.
“We know we’ve got a tough away trip to Orlando,” said Stoney. “They’re a good side, they’ve given us problems before, so we will need to make sure we are at our very best.”
The last time the two teams met was on Aug. 13 at Torero Stadium when Orlando walked away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty kick conversion in the 23rd minute by midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard. The Wave have since bounced back from that defeat by winning three out of the next four. Recently, the club has found success in forward Jaedyn Shaw, who the Pride will surely want to keep eyes on.
“Obviously, we are very lucky to have Jaedyn (Shaw) on our roster,” Stoney added. “Seventeen years old, extreme maturity for such a young age, never gets phased by anything, super talent. What she can do with the ball is frightening.”
USMNT Unimpressive in Japan Friendly
The USMNT left much to be desired as it fell 2-0 to Japan Friday morning. With only four shots and zero of those on target, the USMNT never looked like it would find a way back into the match. After a brutal first half in the usual 4-3-3 formation, Head Coach Gregg Berhalter stuck to a series of planned substitutions — including a quadruple change at halftime and a shift to a three-man defense with a 3-2-2-3 shape in possession after intermission.
“It was a really competitive match. I think we ended up hurting ourselves a little bit too much in the game with silly giveaways,” said Berhalter in a short interview with ESPN. “And we want a little more personality in the match. Give Japan a lot of credit: Good team, competitive team, they pressed well, but we can do better.
While the substitutions were pre-determined, they did not equate to goals or change much in the way of creating chances. The Japan back line remained largely untroubled and the United States finished the match with a mere 0.49 expected goals.
Christian Pulisic Held Out of USMNT Friendly
The USMNT was missing its captain in Christian Pulisic entering the friendly with Japan. However, Head Coach Gregg Berhalter doesn’t expect Pulisic to be out long term and is optimistic he will return for Tuesday’s final World Cup tune-up match in Spain against Saudi Arabia.
“He just took a knock in training and it’s precautionary,” Berhalter told noted pregame. “We spoke to the club, we got it checked and day-to-day. Hopefully he can take part on Tuesday.”
With Pulisic out, the USMNT started FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira in the No. 9 role alongside Brenden Aaronson from Leeds United and Giovanni Reyna from Borussia Dortmund in the attack. By missing one of its most key playmakers, there was clearly a void in the USMNT attacking third and link-up play — especially in the space normally occupied by Pulisic.
#USMNT first-half touches…
🇺🇸 The Pulisic-shaped hole is back!
🇯🇵 Japan had 82 attacking-third touches, to 42 for the U.S. pic.twitter.com/DTtOvq56SA
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) September 23, 2022
With the USMNT, Pulisic has 21 goals in 51 appearances since debuting back in 2016 as a 17-year-old. The captain memorably had a hat trick in a 5-1 World Cup qualifying rout of Panama last March, which secured qualification through the Concacaf Octagonal.
Free Kicks
- Tim Hankinson, who coached for more than 40 years, including multiple stints with USL clubs, lost his long battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.
- EA Sports has revealed the FIFA 23 ratings for the best women’s footballers included in the game as it pushes to improve the integration of women’s club and national teams into the franchise.
- Christian Pulisic is among the players Juventus is looking at as the club aims to strengthen on the right wing in 2023.
- Canada looks the part and is ready for the World Cup after easily defeating host nation Qatar 2-0 Friday in Austria.
- A group of Spain players have now denied claims from the Spanish FA citing that they called for the team’s coach to be fired.
- Hungary stunned hosts Germany in a 1-0 victory to stay on course for a Nations League final four spot with one game left to play.
- England will be relegated to the second tier of the UEFA Nations League after a 1-0 defeat to Italy at Milan’s San Siro on Friday.
- Tottenham’s Richarlison scored twice as Brazil beat Ghana 3-0 in a friendly in Le Havre, France.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged by the English Football Association for an incident after the final whistle following Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton back in April.
That’s a wrap on today’s edition of Lion Links. I hope you all enjoy a restful weekend, complete your errands and chores, and can make it out to the home finale for the Orlando Pride. While this season has not been the best we have seen, the women still deserve our support. As always — Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/21/24
Orlando City and Orlando Pride lose, Orlando City B eliminated from playoffs, Seb Hines discusses diversity in soccer, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I just finished setting up broadcasting for the NISA championship match in California over the weekend. This week, I’m back to staying busy at Under Armour and covering high school sports. It was a rough weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, and we have plenty to cover today. Let’s get to the links!
Lions Fall to Atlanta United at Home on Decision Day
Orlando City fell 2-1 to Atlanta United on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium on Decision Day. The Lions trailed 2-0 early in the first half before Martin Ojeda pulled one back for Orlando just before halftime. The Lions thought they had a late equalizer from Duncan McGuire, but the referee overturned the goal after a video review. The loss ended Orlando’s three-match winning streak, but it still clinched fourth place in the Eastern Conference as New York City FC lost to CF Montreal. Orlando’s next match will be in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs at home against Charlotte FC on Sunday.
Orlando Pride Lose to NJ/NY Gotham FC on the Road
The Orlando Pride lost their second straight match with a 3-1 defeat on the road to NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday at Red Bull Arena. The Pride were down 1-0 early in the first half before Adriana converted a penalty to tie things up. Gotham added two goals from Rose Lavelle and Ella Stevens to seal the victory and extend its unbeaten streak to seven matches. The Pride’s next game will be on Nov. 2 at home when they face the Seattle Reign in their final match of the regular season.
Seb Hines Speaks on Diversity in Soccer
BBC Sport interviewed Pride Head Coach Seb Hines after the club won its first NWSL Shield. Hines discussed how he’s helped reshape the club’s culture and advocates for more opportunities for black coaches in the sport alongside assistant coaches Giles Barnes and Yolanda Thomas.
“Being a trailblazer comes with a big responsibility because I want to advocate for more black coaches and diversity within the sport.
“It’s a responsibility to fight for more equality globally. It’s less about winning and more about breaking those barriers. I want to continue to give hope to others.”
Thomas, who joined the Pride’s coaching staff in 2023, also spoke on her passion to drive change and how she was inspired by former England manager Hope Powell.
OCB Eliminated from MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs
Orlando City B was eliminated from postseason play after losing 5-4 on penalties to Chicago Fire FC II following a 1-1 draw at SeatGeek Stadium in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs . The Young Lions got off to a great start with a goal from Jack Lynn to take the lead in the first half. However, scored an equalizer just before halftime. After 90 minutes and extra time, the game went to penalties, where both teams exchanged goals until sudden death. OCB’s Favian Loyola missed his penalty, while Jean Diouf scored to send Chicago into the conference semifinals. OCB missed out on a chance to get its first postseason win and its 2024 season came to an end.
Orlando City and Pride Announce Hurricane Relief Efforts
Orlando City and the Pride announced hurricane relief effort plans over the weekend so fans can get involved and support those in need following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The club also announced that the Wilf Family Foundations contributed $450,000 towards relief efforts, with $350,000 going to the American Red Cross and $100,000 to Heart of Florida United Way, a charity partner for the Pride.
Free Kicks
- Check out Orlando City’s hype video on social media leading up to its playoff match.
- Major League Soccer has reportedly not surpassed the needed number of MLS Season Pass subscriptions in its deal with Apple to trigger the revenue share agreement.
- Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez is reportedly in talks with the club about extending his contract.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that Inter Miami will play in the 2025 Club World Cup, joining the Seattle Sounders as the only MLS clubs in the competition. Miami will host the opening match at Hard Rock Stadium on July 15.
- Arsenal U-18 manager and former England midfielder Jack Wilshere is reportedly set to leave the club to join EFL Championship side Norwich City as its new manager.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/18/24
Option exercised on Summer Yates’ contract, Orlando Pride prepare for NJ/NY Gotham FC, Emily Sams called up, and more.
Happy Friday! It’s been a long week, but we’ve made it. We’re rewarded with a thrilling slate of Orlando soccer that begins when Orlando City hosts Atlanta United on Decision Day. Orlando City B also kicks off its playoff campaign Sunday before the Orlando Pride take on NJ/NY Gotham FC. Plan your weekend accordingly and have some fun out there!
Pride Exercise Summer Yates Contract Option
The Orlando Pride and midfielder Summer Yates agreed to exercise the option on her contract to keep her at the club through 2026. The Pride selected Yates in the fourth round of the 2023 NWSL Draft in what was quite the coup for the club. The 24-year-old has scored five goals this season, including three winners to help the Pride gain valuable points en route to winning the NWSL Shield. She just signed a new contract with the club in July and it seems the club has wasted no time securing her talents for 2026.
Orlando Pride Prepare for Gotham
For the first time this year, the Orlando Pride will aim to bounce back from a loss when they take on NJ/NY Gotham FC Sunday. With the top seed in the playoffs locked up, this will be the Pride’s final road game of the year. Sunday’s match is a heavyweight showdown between two of the league’s top teams, as Gotham sits third in the standings and hasn’t lost since the Pride beat the defending champs 2-0 in Orlando on Sept. 1. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team is getting ready for this match while keeping the postseason in mind.
Emily Sams Called Up for USWNT Friendlies
Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was one of 26 players called up for the United States Women’s National Team’s training camp this month ahead of friendlies against Iceland and Argentina. Sams could make her first USWNT appearance this month, although she did receive a gold medal for being on a game day roster at this summer’s Olympics. She’s been one of the best players in the NWSL this year, so it’s great to see her called up by USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes. Of those called up, 14 players have fewer than 20 appearances with the USWNT, including forward Emma Sears, defender Eva Gaetino, and midfielder Olivia Moultrie. Forward Jaedyn Shaw is also back after missing out on playing in the Olympics due to an injury right before the tournament began.
Man Charged With Arson at Orlando City Game
Federal prosecutors announced that Giovanni Isai Ramirez Reyes has been charged with arson for releasing two flares into the supporters’ section at Orlando City’s home game against CF Montreal in this season’s opener. A child suffered burns as a result of the incident according to the indictment, and Orlando City stated it’s been working with law enforcement to identify those responsible. The arrest was made earlier this week and Ramirez Reyes pleaded not guilty to the charges. He faces up to 40 years in federal prison if convicted.
Free Kicks
- Kansas City Current midfielder Desiree Scott will retire once this season is over after a career that’s included three stints playing in Kansas City.
- Here’s a breakdown of the playoff scenarios heading into the penultimate week of the NWSL regular season. Bay FC and the Portland Thorns can clinch the final playoff spots this weekend.
- The Levine Leichtman family has completed its acquisition of the San Diego Wave from Ron Burkle.
- West Ham’s Rehanne Skinner, who is just one of two English women managers in the Women’s Super League, spoke on how there should be more support and opportunities for women to receive coaching experience.
- French midfielder Paul Pogba spoke on how he considered retirement after being handed a four-year ban, which was later reduced to 18 months earlier this month.
- Atletico Madrid was successful in its appeal regarding fans throwing items on the field in a derby match with Real Madrid. As a result, the three-game partial stadium ban was reduced to one game and the fine was changed from $49,000 to just $3,200.
That’ll do it for me today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/17/24
Facundo Torres’ journey to Orlando, Yutaro Tsukada earns recognition, USMNT will face Jamaica in the Nations League, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you all have been enjoying the cooler temperatures this week. It’s been nice to break out some long sleeves and it gives me a chance to acclimate before a trip to Maine next week. I may even drink some hot coffee today instead of the usual cold brew. Let’s get this Thursday started with today’s links!
Facundo Torres’ Path to Orlando
Orlando City forward Facundo Torres is enjoying his best season yet with the Lions, scoring 18 goals across all competitions to help the Lions climb up the Eastern Conference standings. It’s his third year in the City Beautiful, joining the club as a Designated Player from Penarol back in 2022. The 24-year-old discussed just how quickly things changed after just one year playing professionally with Penarol.
“At first, I was a little afraid and a little nervous because it was my first time going off on my own,” Torres told WESH 2 recently. “I could only enjoy a year of being a professional in Peñarol because everything happened so fast, debuting and then going to the national team and then the transfer to Orlando — it happened so fast. But I found good people in this club, and the Hispanic community here is big, so that helped me feel at home.”
Torres also talked about how soccer fits in Uruguay’s culture, as well as how his work ethic has helped him reach this point in his career. Orlando’s roster features players from many different cultures, with many hailing from countries in South America. The result is a unique club culture that’s helped the team build a strong identity and find success.
Orlando City Prepares for Decision Day
Orlando City will host Atlanta United on Saturday in what should be an exciting Decision Day showdown between the two rivals. Both teams have plenty to play for beyond the usual bragging rights, as the Lions aim to secure home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs while Atlanta fights for a spot in the postseason. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how the team is maintaining momentum after the international break to finish the season strong before the playoffs.
Yutaro Tsukada Honored For Rookie Season
Orlando City B’s Yutaro Tsukada was an honorable mention at forward in this year’s MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. Drafted with the 25th overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Tsukada had seven goals and seven assists in 22 matches with OCB this season. His efforts earned him a contract with the first team in August and he’s made three appearances with the Lions. It’s nice to see the 23-year-old receive some recognition for a solid first year. I think an argument could definitely be made that Alex Freeman deserved a spot after recording eight goals and nine assists this season. The Young Lions are back in action this Sunday for a playoff match on the road against Chicago Fire FC II.
USMNT Will Face Jamaica in Nations League
The United States Men’s National Team will take on Jamaica in next month’s Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. The first match of the two-leg series will take place in Kingston on Nov. 14 before the two teams face off again in St. Louis on Nov. 18. The U.S. has won all three of the past editions of the Nations League and beat Jamaica 3-1 in the semifinals earlier this year in a match that was closer than the score suggests. Jamaica tends to keep things tight when playing the U.S. and went undefeated in its group play to reach the quarterfinals. It will be interesting to see how Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino builds his lineup for his first Nations League matches.
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Kicks Off
The U.S. had a rough start to its U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 3-1 loss to Spain. An own goal gave Spain an early lead, but the U.S. battled back with a goal from Melanie Barcenas later in the first half. Spain took all three points though with Noa Ortega scoring and then providing the assist on Spain’s third goal. The result puts the U.S. last in its group for the time being, as Colombia and South Korea played to a 1-1 draw. The U.S. will play its next match Saturday against Colombia before taking on South Korea Tuesday to close out its group play.
Free Kicks
- Congratulations to former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, who was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
- You can download a customized cover featuring the Lions for EA Sports FC 25. I haven’t played a soccer video game in a while, but this is pretty dang cool to see regardless.
- Boston’s NWSL team apologized for the “Too Many Balls” part of its marketing campaign. It’s honestly such a baffling thing to have existed in the first place. Hopefully those in charge make some changes about the name BOS Nation FC as well.
- American defender Emily Fox scored her first goal for Arsenal in a 4-1 win over Valerenga in the Champions League.
- It’s official: Thomas Tuchel is England’s new manager. He will get started in January, with Lee Carsley serving as the interim head coach for the team’s UEFA Nations League matches next month.
I hope you all have a great Thursday as we get ready for a weekend filled with Orlando soccer to enjoy. Make sure to stay hydrated out there!
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