Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/16/22
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m glad it’s Friday and am looking forward to hanging out with my parents this weekend. We’re headed to some sort of event with plenty of ice sculptures, so it should be a fun, albeit cold, time. It never quite feels like winter here in Florida, but I’m not complaining about not having to shovel snow this morning. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Rodrigo Schlegel Obtains Coaching Licenses
Orlando City center back Rodrigo Schlegel is in his home country of Argentina during the MLS off-season and received his C and B coaching licenses from the Technicians Association of Argentine Football. The 25-year-old shared photos of him and his diplomas on Instagram, along with a caption that includes a dedication to his late father.
Studying, Always Studying… The effort and love for football allowed me to receive the C and B license of technical directly at @atfa_oficial I celebrate with my people who always bank for me. And I dedicate it to you, Pa, like everything I do.
U.S. Soccer Names Nominees for Annual Awards
The nominees for the U.S. Soccer’s Player of the Year awards were announced. Former Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan was nominated for Female Player of the Year alongside Rose Lavelle, Mallory Pugh, Sophia Smith, and Lindsey Horan. All five of the Male Player of the Year nominees currently play for teams in the English Premier League. Leeds United’s Tyler Adams, Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic, Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner, and Fulham defensive pair Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson are all up for the award. Valencia’s Yunus Musah is up for Young Male Player of the Year and 18-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson was nominated for Young Female Player of the Year as well.
MLS Transfer News
New York City FC midfielder Maxi Moralez is reportedly leaving the club to join Racing in his native Argentina. If this comes to fruition, it would be a heavy blow for NYCFC as Moralez has been an integral part of the club’s offense since joining in 2017.
🚨[CONFIRMADO] Maxi Moralez ya rescindió con #NYFC y, tal lo adelantado, jugará en Racing.
*️⃣En los próximos días, arribará al país para someterse a la revisión médica y firmar su contrato. https://t.co/urMqLIl0CH— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) December 15, 2022
After having a bid for Brandon Vazquez rejected, Chivas is reportedly close to adding Charlotte FC’s Daniel Rios. The Mexican forward had seven goals and two assists in his first year with Charlotte last season.
Sources: Chivas very close on a deal to sign forward Daniel Rios from Charlotte FC. TUDN first reported talks. Nothing 100% done yet.
Rios, 27, is a product of the Chivas academy. Chivas just had a $7m bid rejected by FC Cincinnati for Brandon Vazquez. pic.twitter.com/0mWv1d25WT
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 15, 2022
In other news, St. Louis City traded away $100,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM) to the Seattle Sounders in exchange for Samuel Adeniran, with another $100,000 in 2024 GAM involved if performance metrics are hit. While on loan, Adeniran scored a brace in the 2022 USL Championship final to help San Antonio FC win the league title. FC Dallas signed left back Marco Farfan to a new contract that will keep him in Dallas through 2026, Veteran forward Fredy Montero re-signed with the Sounders on a one-year contract, and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Derek Cornelius is headed to Sweden to join Malmo FF.
Portugal Parts Ways With Fernando Santos
Fernando Santos is no longer Portugal’s head coach following the nation’s exit from the World Cup. It was a rollercoaster World Cup campaign for Portugal as it followed up a 6-1 rout against Switzerland with a loss to Morocco in the following round. Santos has been at the helm since 2014 and led Portugal to a Euro 2016 title. However, Portugal was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the past two World Cups. AS Roma’s Jose Mourinho reportedly tops the list of candidates to replace Santos moving forward. However, Mourinho is currently under contract with Roma for the next 18 months.
Free Kicks
- Scottish soccer is back and American attacker Malik Tillman assisted on both the equalizer and winner as Rangers came back to beat Hibernian, 3-2.
- Alejandro Alvarado Jr., a 19-year-old American midfielder, was impressive at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship and is a young player to keep an eye on in Portugal’s top flight this season.
- It may not be the World Cup final, but Croatia and Morocco won’t be taking tomorrow’s third-place match lightly.
- Real Madrid reached an agreement to sign 16-year-old forward Endrick in 2024, when he reaches the legal age. He becomes the latest young Brazilian to choose Madrid, joining the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
- Karim Benzema has recovered from the injury that’s kept him out of the World Cup and could technically head to Qatar to play for France on Sunday since Didier Deschamps never named a replacement for him.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
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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