Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/6/22

Published

2 years ago

on

How’s it going, Mane Landers? If you watched last night’s game, it’s probably a rough morning. All we can do is take a breath, shake it off, and get excited about Orlando’s home game on Sunday. I’ve been pretty busy this week, so I’m glad it’s already Thursday at least. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Orlando City Crushed in Fort Lauderdale

The Lions went on the road and had a rough time in a crucial game against Inter Miami. The Herons struck early and Orlando fell 4-1 in a loss that included a rotated line-up, poor defending, and a lack of scoring chances. What’s worse is that center back Antonio Carlos picked up a yellow card and won’t be able to play in Orlando’s game on Sunday against the Columbus Crew.

The good news is that Orlando still controls its own destiny. A win over the Crew at Exploria Stadium on Sunday would book Orlando a ticket to the postseason. However, a draw won’t be enough unless FC Cincinnati falls to D.C. United. The objective is at least clear for the Lions on Sunday: win.

Orlando City and Orlando Pride Hire Executives

New faces are joining Orlando City SC’s front office as Kelly Hyne was hired as senior vice president of brand alliances and Chris Kamke will be chief strategy officer. Hyne has over two decades of experience with the Ladies Professional Golf Association and will be tasked with adding new partners to the club’s network. Kamke will lead Orlando’s efforts to expand and increase the number of projects to generate revenue and he brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning to the club.

“A little over a year ago when the Wilf Family purchased our clubs, they immediately made a commitment to building a world-class organization, on and off the pitch. In order to do that we need to recruit, develop, and retain world-class talent,” said Jarrod Dillon, president of business operations for Orlando City and Orlando Pride. “In adding two industry respected leaders in Chris Kamke and Kelly Hyne, as well as a number of recent promotions and new position investments, we have taken massive steps in assembling a world-class executive team and front office.”

England Will Be a Tough Test for the USWNT

The United States Women’s National Team is in Europe this week for a pair of friendlies. The first will take place tomorrow as the USWNT faces England, which is currently ranked fourth in FIFA’s world rankings. Since Sarina Wiegman’s appointment as manager in August of 2020, England has been undefeated across 24 matches and won the Euros this past summer. The Houston Dash’s Ebony Salmon is the lone NWSL player on England’s 24-player roster and could spearhead an offense that also features Beth Mead, Fran Kirby, and Lauren Hemp. England also boasts a formidable back line with defenders such as Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, and Rachel Daly. In the midfield, Manchester City’s Keira Walsh is the straw that stirs the drink for the Lionesses and the USWNT will have to find a way to disrupt the momentum she can build.

Fallout From Abuse Investigation Continues

The Portland Timbers and Thorns announced that they have relieved President of Soccer Gavin Wilkinson and President of Business Mike Golub of their duties for both clubs following the findings of an investigation into systemic abuse in women’s soccer. You’ll need to get past the paywall for the full details, but The Athletic tweeted that Wilkinson signed a contract extension earlier this year that included morals clauses.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Red Stars board of directors is reportedly voting owner Arnim Whisler out as chairman.

Former Orlando City head coach and current Racing Louisville FC president James O’Connor released a statement in response to the club’s decision to hire Christy Holly, who has sexual assault allegations against him. The investigation also found that Sky Blue executive Mary Smoot was shocked that O’Connor told the media he received a “glowing review” of Holly from Sky Blue’s ownership. At the USL Championship match between Louisville City and Detroit City, fans held a silent protest.

Stars Shine in the Champions League

Some of the biggest names in Europe made an impact in the latest Champions League matches. Erling Haaland netted a brace as Manchester City cruised to a 5-0 win at home over Copenhagen. Angel Di Maria had a trio of assists in Juventus’ 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa. After goals from Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in the first half, Real Madrid held on for a 2-1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk. Lionel Messi gave Paris Saint-Germain a lead, but Benfica salvaged a 1-1 draw. Christopher Nkunku had a goal in the first half and Andre Silva scored twice in the second to lift RB Leipzig to a 3-1 win over Celtic. Christian Pulisic stayed on the bench as Chelsea won 3-0 against Sergino Dest and AC Milan.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and the Orlando City Foundation are teaming up with Special Olympics Florida to support its Race for Inclusion event.

  • Charlotte FC’s playoff push came to an end despite a valiant effort to claw back from two goals down for a 2-2 draw against the Crew. The game also features a Goal of the Year candidate. Lucas Zelarayan is a notorious free kick specialist, but this is a bit ridiculous.

Ukraine was added to Spain and Portugal’s joint bid to host the World Cup in 2030. While it’s not clear how many games would be played in Ukraine, the distance between matches there and in the Iberian peninsula wouldn’t be too different from the distances in the 2026 World Cup in North America.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/21/25

Scott Sutter joins Orlando Pride staff, Pride watch party schedule announced, USMNT falls flat vs. Panama, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

March 21, 2025

By

Carlos Romero, The Mane Land

Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. I just found out that Barbra Banda’s goal didn’t win NWSL Goal of the Week, despite earning the most fan votes. Utterly ridiculous and I hope that Banda takes out the supporters’ frustration this weekend. I need these upcoming matches to take the bad taste of that USMNT match out of my mouth. In the interest of moving on, let’s get to the links.

Former Lion Scott Sutter Joins Orlando Pride Staff

Former Orlando City fullback Scott Sutter has joined Seb Hines’ staff with the Orlando Pride. Sutter was one of three new support staffers announced by the Pride on Thursday and will serve in the role of player development coach. Sutter made 51 appearances with Orlando City in 2017 and 2018, scoring four goals and adding six assists in his time with the club. He joins fellow former Orlando City players Hines and Giles Barnes on the Pride’s staff. Previously, Sutter has coaching experience as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Virginia and as an academy head coach with D.C. United. 

The Pride also named Erin Angelini as the new head of rehabilitation and Tara Kaff as the club’s performance nutritionist. In addition to the new hires, Chris Cafaro and Christi Edson were promoted to head of video performance analysis and head of performance, respectively.

Pride Announce Watch Party Schedule

You can watch the Orlando Pride away matches in the comfort of your own home, but if you crave the excitement of celebrating goals with your follow supporters, you can attend of the club’s official watch parties. These events are scheduled for some of the Pride’s biggest away matches against the best the NWSL has to offer. The match Sunday against NJ/NY Gotham FC is a must-see match and the first of those aforementioned watch parties.

Lifeless USMNT Crashes Out of Nations League

The USMNT lost 1-0 to Panama on a second-half stoppage-time goal from the visitors. The U.S. garnered most of the possession and more shots, but the Yanks couldn’t finish their chances and it came back to haunt them in the end. The loss knocks the U.S. out of the Concacaf Nations League, meaning it will be the first time that the competition isn’t won by the USMNT.

New Women’s World Sevens League

A new 7-v-7 league, Women’s World Sevens, will launch in May with a reported $5 million grand prize pool for each event. Eight clubs will participate in each event, though the participants have not yet been announced. We do know that form USWNT star Tobin Heath will be involved as a player advisor for the events.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Make sure to check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/20/25

Marco Pasalic making an early impact, Seb Hines prepares for NJ/NY Gotham FC, USMNT plays Panama tonight, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

March 20, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Not only do we have Orlando soccer to look forward to this weekend, but there’s plenty of international soccer to enjoy as World Cup qualifying heats up all over the world. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda!

Marco Pasalic Impressing Early On

Former MLS player Dax McCarty weighed on which MLS newcomers have been off to a hot start this season, with Orlando City winger Marco Pasalic earning some recognition. The 24-year-old already has three goals and an assist to his name, shaking off some of the concerns about Orlando’s attack heading into the season. While I think it’s a bit early to say that Pasalic has truly replaced Facundo Torres, it is nice to see that he’s already making an impact in a league that can be a bit difficult to get the hang of for new Designated Players. Hopefully he can keep the goals coming when the Lions take on D.C. United at home Saturday.

Seb Hines Talks Shop Ahead of Match Against Gotham

The Orlando Pride started their 2025 NWSL season with a dominant 6-0 win over the Chicago Stars and will look to keep the momentum rolling when they face NJ/NY Gotham FC in their first road match of the year on Sunday. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how his team will have to be at its best to get a result against a Gotham side that has plenty of talent and is coached by Juan Carlos Amoros. He also discussed the Pride’s focus on converting more from corner kicks and the versatility that Prisca Chilufya adds to the attack.

USMNT Takes On Panama Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will face off against Panama tonight in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in Los Angeles. Panama has been a thorn in the Yanks’ side in recent years, beating the U.S. in penalties in the 2023 Gold Cup and getting the best of the USMNT again in last year’s Copa America. Tonight’s match will be the toughest test yet for Head Coach Maurico Pochettino, who will have to navigate these two Nations League games without some key defensive players. The winner of tonight’s game will face either Mexico or Canada in Sunday’s final.

Bethany Balcer Stepping Away From Soccer

Racing Louisville forward Bethany Balcer has announced that she will be taking a break from soccer to focus more on who she is outside of soccer.

“The last year and a half I’ve found my identity slowing [sic] slipping away being consumed with soccer and being a professional athlete,” she wrote. “I’ve been chasing things that are material, I’ve become bitter, and I’ve lost my love and joy for the game.”

Balcer has been in the NWSL since 2019 and has been an advocate for players taking care of their mental health. Former Orlando Pride player Sydney Leroux made a similar decision a few days ago, choosing to step away from soccer for her mental health the day before Angel City FC’s season opener. Broadened mental health services was part of the collective bargaining agreement last year for the league and it’s important for players to have improved options when it comes to the mental toll that being a professional athlete can have on them.

Free Kicks

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/19/25

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Pride still on top, USMNT prepares for Panama, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

March 19, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! I hope you’re having a good week so far. Just a reminder that we’re only a day away from the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League match, followed by regular-season matches for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Personally, I love knowing I’ll have matches to watch on three of the next four days. Let’s get to the links.

International Lions

I always have mixed feelings about international call-ups. On one hand, I’m happy for the players to be able to represent their individual countries. On the other hand, I don’t want to lose them for whatever matches they may miss due to being gone. This particular instance sees Pedro Gallese, David Brekalo, and Colin Guske on international duty with Peru, Slovenia, and the USYNT U18s, respectively. OCB’s Justin Ellis also received a call up from the USYNT.

https://twitter.com/orlandocityb/status/1902070133449015775?s=46&t=7FrChjNxAZYi8pIcKH7thA

Having Gallese and Brekalo gone when Christian Benteke is coming to town with D.C. United is not ideal. Regardless, I wish them all the best in the upcoming matches and I hope for an injury-free return.

Orlando Pride are a Hit

Following an NWSL opening match record 6-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC, it should be little surprise that three Orlando Pride players made the CBS NWSL Team of the Week — Anna Moorhouse, thanks to the clean sheet; Angelina for midfield excellence; and Barbra Banda for her goal contributions. One of those goals also rightly won the NWSL Goal of the Week.

Go for launch 🚀

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-03-17T02:02:29.818Z

It’s also entirely unsurprising that the Pride are in the top spot in Sports Illustrated’s NWSL Power Rankings. I know that power rankings are dumb, but I’m not ashamed to admit I like them a bit better when my team is the best.

USMNT Prepares for Panama

The USMNT will play Panama in a Concacaf Nations League semifinal match Thursday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. There have been some roster changes due to injuries. Mauricio Pochettino is replacing Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty with Max Arfsten, Brian Gutiérrez, and, Jack McGlynn. Aside from those changes, the U.S. is bringing the big guns to the match. It’s an opportunity for Pochettino to show what this team can be, especially since he said the U.S. could compete to become the best in the world in as little as five to 10 years.

The Good and Bad of the NWSL

The NWSL is a league that is growing in a sustainable fashion. That is good for teams like the Orlando Pride and for women’s soccer in general. Another example of this growth is the plan for a soccer-specific stadium for the Denver NWSL expansion team. The 14,500-seat stadium will include a public park, surrounding shops, and restaurants.

Of course, there are often growing pains associated with expansion. Pride fans are all too aware of such pains. During the off-season, there were reports of abuse involving Bay FC Head Coach Albertin Montoya. As the NWSL matures as a league, how such matters are addressed will determine the success of the league as a whole.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City jumped up one spot in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings to No. 16. You should all know how serious I take power rankings by now.
  • Remember when Mason Stajduhar collided with a New York City FC player and broke his leg? That player was Malachi Jones, who will undergo another procedure to repair the right tibia fracture he sustained in the collision. I hope for the best for Jones since it’s PRO referees I blame for not raising the offside flag.
  • Canada Head Coach Jesse Marsch replaced former Lion Richie Laryea with Zorhan Bassong for the Concacaf Nations League match Thursday.
  • Despite the growth of the women’s game, there is still a vast disparity between revenue and spending across the board. Hopefully, this gets better with further investment in the various leagues.
  • I know of an MLS club that could use an experienced backup center back.

Matt Hedges isn't retired yet and would like to keep playing, I'm told.The veteran MLS center back would ideally want to return to FC Dallas, his long-time club. No talks have happened yet.Hedges is playing in the U.S. Open Cup with Des Moines Menace tomorrow night.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-03-18T17:00:58.231Z

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending