Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/10/22
Happy Saturday, Mane Landers. I hope you all are starting off a great weekend. I was lucky enough to celebrate my 30th birthday yesterday and will catch some beach time with friends today and enjoy the weather. Who says you can’t watch World Cup matches while sitting next to the ocean? No one and for good reason. A little rest and relaxation is just what the doctor ordered. Now, enough about my weekend plans — lets get to the links!
National Soccer Writer Grant Wahl Dies
Sorry to start your Saturday with some sad news, but the shocking reports broke Friday evening that national soccer writer Grant Wahl collapsed and died while covering the Argentina-Netherlands quarterfinal match at the World Cup. Wahl, who was just 48 years old, had worked for such outlets as CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and Sports Illustrated throughout his illustrious career. By his own admission, he had been suffering from an illness while in Qatar that got bad enough for him to have visited a hospital on Monday, per the linked story above from the Associated Press. Wahl’s passion for the game and for writing about it is something we here at The Mane Land certainly could relate to and his family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Not many people loved our game like Grant Wahl did. He will forever be remembered for his incredible journalism, but even so more for the person he was outside of the press box.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) December 10, 2022
Erika Tymrak Renews Contract
On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced the club has re-signed midfielder Erika Tymrak to a two-year deal. She spent the last two seasons with the Pride but became a free agent following the 2022 NWSL season. With her new contract, she will be with the club through 2024. Tymrak initially joined Orlando ahead of the 2021 season after spending 2020 in retirement. The 31-year-old midfielder has made 42 appearances in all competitions with Orlando, with 19 starts. Across two years, Tymrak has scored two goals and added three assists for the Pride.
“I am absolutely thrilled to continue my career with the Pride as we promote this beautiful game and solidify our identity in this league,” Tymrak said about the signing. “I’m excited to get back on the pitch and work towards bringing a championship to Orlando.”
Exploria Stadium Will Again Host SheBelieves Cup
Exploria Stadium is set to host a pair of matches for the eighth annual SheBelieves Cup on Thursday, Feb. 16 Japan will face Brazil in the afternoon match, with a marquee match-up between the United States and Canada at 7 p.m. The tournament is set to run from Feb. 16-22, with the matches in downtown Orlando serving as the first of the competition. The 2023 edition of SheBelieves will mark the fourth time the competition will be played in the downtown Orlando venue. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the entirety of 2021 SheBelieves Cup was held at Exploria Stadium. The tournament made previous stops in 2018 and 2020 at the stadium as well. For its 2023 edition, the tournament will return to its traditional three-venue format with matches played at Exploria Stadium, GEODIS Park in Nashville, and Toyota Stadium in Frisco.
All four nations participating in this upcoming year’s tournament are set to take part in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup next summer, and all four are ranked in the top 11 in the world, with the USWNT at No. 1, Canada at No. 6, Brazil at No. 9 and Japan at No. 11.
Orlando City’s MLS Off-Season So Far
MLSsoccer.com has ranked all MLS clubs and their moves for the off-season to date. The rankings come across five distinct tiers such as: “Somebody Do Something,” “Welcome To The Party,” “Yeah That Was A Move,” “This Move Has My Attention,” and finally “Well These Are Some Developments.” With the rankings, Orlando City has been given a third-tier off-season grade so far and find themselves in “Yeah That Was A Move.”
Following the mutual termination of Junior Urso’s contract, the club has now traded Andres Perea also out of the midfield. Tesho Akindele is no longer a depth player for the club in a forward or late pressing role. Joao Moutinho has also moved on to the the Serie A, leaving a gaping hole at left back despite bringing in Luca Petrasso from Toronto. While Petrasso is a young player with upside, he will have big shoes to fill from Moutinho’s absence. Additionally, Felipe Martins has joined the midfield most recently from Austin FC.
While all of these additions are minor moves, it does make it feel like Orlando City is moving toward something bigger, especially after re-signing Mauricio Pereyra to a TAM-level deal. With plenty of time still left in the off-season, only time will tell if we see the club step up and make a big tier-one signing.
World Cup Quarterfinals
Both 2022 World Cup quarterfinals matches found their way to penalty shootouts on Friday. After a scoreless 90 minutes, both Brazil and Croatia scored goals in extra time to finish the match 1-1. Neymar moved into a tie with Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s scorer with 77 goals thanks to a goal that looked to have put his team on course for the semifinals. However, Croatia came out on top with a 4-2 edge in the penalty shootout. Afterwards, Neymar said he wasn’t sure if he’d play for Brazil again.
The USMNT fell to Netherlands, but it was Netherlands who then fell to Argentina in an epic match for the ages. Argentina led by two goals before Wout Weghorst scored in the 83rd minute. He then scored again in the 11th minute of stoppage time to draw the Dutch level. While no goals were scored in extra time, the Netherlands saw Denzel Dumfries sent off with a red card in the 128th minute. Argentina then went on to claim its place in the semifinals with a 4-3 penalty shootout after the first two Dutch shooters both failed to score.
Today, Morocco and Portugal will play at 10 a.m. France and England will be the game everyone has their eyes on at 2 p.m. to round out the quarterfinals. Let us know in the comments who you think will be the final two teams to make the semifinals.
Free Kicks
- D.C. United are in advanced talks to sign Poland international central midfielder Mateusz Klich from Leeds United.
- Check out these 10 MLS clubs that will be busy hunting for Designated Players.
- FIFA and the World Health Organization will mark International Human Rights Day today by reinforcing the message that there is no place for discrimination of any kind, either in football or in society in general.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a great Saturday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/14/24
MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!
MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions
Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.
Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.
Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50
ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.
Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year
The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.
USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight
The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Free Kicks
- In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.
- According to The Athletic ($) MLS is investigating an incident involving Taylor Twellman in which he allegedly made physical contact with an audio engineer earlier this month.
- Hector Herrera was fined and suspended for an additional two matches for spitting at an official. The Houston Dynamo declined his contract option, so we’ll see if that suspension ever gets served if he returns to MLS.
- This week’s AFC World Cup qualifying action is highlighted by a pivotal match between Saudi Arabia and Australia.
- For some reason, a Real Madrid theme park has opened in the United Arab Emirates. It includes 40 rides themed after Real Madrid, including the Middle East’s first wooden roller coaster.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/13/24
Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.
Lions on International Duty
Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.
The NWSL Playoffs Continue
The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.
NWSL Award Voting Open
The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.
Pepi is Ready
The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.
Free Kicks
- In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
- England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
- The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
- Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
- We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
- Jude Bellingham’s younger brother, Jobe, may make a move to La Liga giant Real Madrid.
- The USMNT’s Gio Reyna is still nursing a mystery injury at Borussia Dortmund.
- We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
- Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/12/24
Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando City’s Playoff Path
It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.
What to Watch For With the USMNT
It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.
Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States
The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.
Free Kicks
- NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.
- The U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team battled Argentina to a scoreless draw at the Deaf Pan American Games on Monday, but fortunately advanced in the tournament due to a coin flip tiebreaker. The U.S. will play either Brazil or Mexico in the semifinal.
- Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended due to a social media video that seemed to show him making negative marks about Jurgen Klopp.
- Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who wants to bring in his own assistants.
- Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are among a whopping eight players who have pulled out of England’s UEFA Nations League squad due to injury.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
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