Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/21/22
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’m visiting family in Texas for the holidays for the next week, but will make the most of the vacation and watch some soccer. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
MLS Releases 2023 Season Schedule
Major League Soccer released the schedule for the 2023 season and Orlando City will start its season at home for the ninth consecutive season. The Lions will host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, Feb. 25. The Lions will play every Eastern Conference team twice, including rivalry matches with Inter Miami on May 20 and Sept. 24 and against Atlanta United on May 27 and July 15. Orlando City will also play on the Fourth of July again next year, with Toronto FC coming to Exploria Stadium. The Lions will take on new MLS expansion team St. Louis City SC for the first time on Aug. 26 at Exploria Stadium. Decision Day will be on Oct. 21 and the Lions will end the regular season on the road against Toronto. Which matches are you looking forward to the most in 2023? Let me know in the comments below.
Tesho Akindele Retires from Professional Soccer
Canadian forward Tesho Akindele went on social media to announce his retirement from professional soccer on Tuesday.
When I was starting my career, my mom told me, “it’s great to be known as a good soccer player, but I’d rather you be known as a good person.”
I worked every day to live up to that ❤️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/l8cRnNFoyW
— Tesho Akindele (@Tesho13) December 20, 2022
Akindele was named 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year and played nine seasons in the league, recording 43 goals and 16 assists across 237 regular-season matches with Orlando City and FC Dallas. He also won the U.S. Open Cup with both clubs, lifting the trophy for a second time this past season with Orlando. Akindele also made 19 appearances at the international level, scoring three goals. We wish Tesho all the best moving forward.
2023 MLS SuperDraft Takes Place Today
The 2023 MLS SuperDraft will be today at 5 p.m. and there are many talented players for MLS teams to select. Orlando City has two picks in the first round of the draft, including the sixth overall pick it acquired from the Chicago Fire. In a mock draft, MLSsoccer.com’s Travis Clark predicts the Lions will select French forward Bertin Jacquesson, who scored eight goals and added five assists for Pitt this past season. The Lions also have the 17th pick in the first round and Clark predicts the Lions will select Holden Trent, one of the top goalkeepers in the draft.
Players Out of Contract to Keep an Eye On
There are some notable MLS players who are out of contract as some clubs work on either re-signing them or letting them walk away. In Orlando, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and the Lions are still reportedly negotiating a new deal. The 32-year-old has been an integral part to Orlando City’s success since joining the club in 2020. Alejandro Pozuelo is out of contract with Inter Miami after joining from Toronto FC midway through the 2022 season. Charlotte FC declined the option of former Leicester City defender Christian Fuchs, but could bring him back for next season regardless. Jozy Altidore, Santiago Rodriguez, and Caden Clark are a few of the other players to watch for during this off-season.
Goalkeeper Joe Bendik Will Return to the Union
Former Lion Joe Bendik has re-signed with the Philadelphia Union on a one-year deal for the 2023 MLS season. Bendik was the backup goalkeeper to Andre Blake and made five appearances for the Union this past season. Bendik has 22 clean sheets in his career in over 181 appearances in MLS, playing for various other clubs in his career such as Orlando City, the Portland Timbers, Toronto FC, and the Columbus Crew.
Free Kicks
- Check out MLSSoccer.com’s top matches to watch next season, including Orlando’s road match against Atlanta on July 15.
- CF Montreal is reportedly close to acquiring defender Aaron Herrera from Real Salt Lake.
BREAKING: CF Montreal are finalizing a deal with Real Salt Lake to acquire defender Aaron Herrera, per sources.
RSL will receive $500k GAM + int’l roster spot + 1st rd SuperDraft pick from MTL.
Herrera, 25, is an RSL homegrown and made 124 apps for the club over five seasons. pic.twitter.com/bun1vpsFzv
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 20, 2022
- Here are some more details on Boston’s bid for an NWSL expansion team.
Boston Globe has details of the bid to bring an #NWSL expansion team there. Facilities are the question in that market and. to be frank, the two proposed here either need, major, FAST renovations or they are not viable for the league's future growth. https://t.co/ymeeNbeOwf
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) December 20, 2022
- Sevilla and Spanish midfielder Isco have reportedly agreed to part ways.
Sevilla and Isco will part ways, it’s now over. Both parties are working to get the contract termination signed, as called by @Albertoflorenzo. It’s true and confirmed. 🚨⚪️🔴 #Sevilla
Isco will be available as free agent in the next days. pic.twitter.com/e69zuQvSVl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 20, 2022
- Manchester United reportedly decided to extend the contracts of Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, and Fred. The Red Devils are also reportedly still in negotiations with goalkeeper David de Gea as well.
- According to reports, the Houston Dash will announce Sam Laity as their new head coach later today.
NWSL source: @HoustonDash will name Sam Laity tomorrow as their new head coach. Laity has been with @OLReign since 2013 as an ass’t coach, which incl 6 games as the interim head coach in 2021 when he went 4-2. Laity was also the interim head coach in 2022 for 1 game,which he won
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) December 20, 2022
- MLS may be close to making some drastic changes to its playoff format.
This appears to be in motion. Plan, I'm told, is for a total overhaul of the MLS postseason, featuring a "World Cup-style" competition – top 8 teams in each conference advance into a group stage, with the top 8 group stage finishers advancing to a single-elimination bracket. https://t.co/WDmB9EXJcZ
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) December 20, 2022
- New York City FC has loaned midfielder Nicolás Acevedo to Esporte Clube Bahia in Brazil.
- USWNT midfielder Catarina Macario may be on the move from Olympique Lyonnais after her contract expires next summer.
- Massive crowds halted Argentina’s World Cup parade in Buenos Aires and players had to get into helicopters to fly over the crowd.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.
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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