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Lion Links: 12/23/22

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? Today is Christmas Eve’s Eve, or Christmas Adam as I like to call it. Growing up, it was one of my favorite days of the year as my brother and I would draft up an itinerary for Christmas Eve geared towards making it fly by as fast as possible. Those were simpler times, but I still tend to feel giddy when Dec. 23 rolls around each year. Let’s get this Christmas Adam started off right with some links from around the soccer world!

More Reported Martin Ojeda Transfer Details Emerge

As the MLS off-season continues, teams continue to work at bringing in players who can make an impact in 2023. Orlando City is no exception and the move for Argentine winger Martin Ojeda to become the club’s third Designated Player is reportedly close to being finalized. The details are still not fully out, and no official announcement has been made, but Cesar Luis Merlo of TyC Sports reported on the price tag and how long Ojeda’s contract in Orlando would last.

Ojeda, especially at that reported $4 million fee, would be a great addition to Orlando’s attack, considering the team’s struggles to score at times last season. I don’t know about you, but a DP trio of Ojeda, Facundo Torres, and Ercan Kara with Mauricio Pereyra pulling the strings is pretty fun to think about.

Junior Urso Returns to Coritiba

After parting ways with Orlando City this off-season due to personal reasons, Brazilian midfielder Junior Urso was signed by Coritiba in Brazil’s Serie A. It will be a reunion for Urso, as he played for Coritiba back in 2013. The 33-year-old was also linked with a move to Vasco da Gama following his departure from Orlando. We wish the Bear a great season in Brazil!

Orlando Receives High Marks For MLS SuperDraft

MLSsoccer.com’s Travis Clark dished out grades for each team following the 2023 MLS SuperDraft and Orlando City was one of six clubs to receive an A. The Lions had a busy draft day, making three selections in the first round. The club traded away Ruan to D.C. United for the second pick and used that pick on Shakur Mohammed, one of the top prospects in the draft. Orlando added 2022 NCAA leading scorer Duncan McGuire with the sixth overall pick, and then addressed Ruan’s departure by snagging right back Abdi Salim with the 17th. Although only hindsight will tell how well Orlando actually did, I agree that bringing in two talented attackers and adding some depth to the back line is worthy of a high grade.

Debinha Won’t Return to the North Carolina Courage

The North Carolina Courage were informed by Brazilian midfielder Debinha that she won’t be returning to the club next season. Debinha has spent the past six years with the Courage and became a free agent this off-season. One of the best players in the league, Debinha helped the Courage win two NWSL championships and three NWSL Shields. She was also an MVP finalist this past season after scoring 12 goals and adding four assists.

It will be interesting to see if Debinha will stay in the NWSL or head to Europe. One interesting wrinkle to this is a tweet from former Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming following the announcement that may indicate he was trying to bring Debinha to Orlando.

U.S. Moves Up in Final FIFA Rankings of 2022

The United States moved up three spots to 13th in FIFA’s latest world rankings after a decent campaign in the World Cup. Mexico fell two spots to 15th, meaning the U.S. is the highest ranked team in Concacaf. The U.S. was also the only Concacaf team to advance past the group stage in the World Cup. Costa Rica and Canada fell to 32nd and 53rd, respectively.

Morocco, which reached the World Cup semifinals, is the highest ranked nation outside of Europe and South America, finishing the year in 11th. Croatia, Australia, Japan, and Cameroon were some of the other nations to rise in the rankings. Brazil remained on top of the rankings, with Argentina in second and France in third.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando center back Rodrigo Schlegel revealed the tattoo he got to celebrate Orlando winning the U.S. Open Cup. Let me know in the comments if any of you have an Orlando City-related tattoo or if you’ll ever get one. I kind of want one now after seeing Schlegel’s.

  • Nashville SC Designated Player Ake Loba is reportedly set to be transferred to Mazatlan FC of Liga MX after the 24-year-old’s disappointing 2022 campaign.
  • LAFC added Honduran defender Denil Maldonado on loan from CD Motagua, with an option to make the move permanent as well.
  • Brazilian right back Geovane Jesus was signed by FC Dallas as a U22 Initiative player. The 21-year-old helped Cruzeiro earn promotion to Brazil’s top flight this past season.
  • American midfielder Luca de la Torre scored in Celta Vigo’s 3-0 win against Gernika in the Copa del Rey. The 24-year-old spoke about the importance of this goal after recovering from an injury.

  • Erling Haaland and Mo Salah reminded the world they exist after the World Cup, as both scored in the Carabao Cup match between Manchester City and Liverpool. Manchester City came out on top in a 3-2 win, with Nathan Ake scoring the game-winner in the 58th minute.
  • The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium as one of the top sports venues in the world.
  • There is a paywall, but here is a great article regarding gay reporter Adam Crafton’s experience covering the World Cup in Qatar.

That’s all I have for you today. The holidays are a fun time, but they can also be filled with stress. Find time to take care of yourself and I hope you enjoy 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.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

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.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/13/24

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

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.
  • 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!

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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.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City / Jeremy Reper

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.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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