Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/24/22
Merry Christmas Eve, Mane Landers! For those of you who have traveled, I hope you are staying warm. It is currently hovering around a wind chill of -20 degrees at my parents’ house in Tennessee. It really has me missing watching the annual Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach. If you are in the area, go check it out and enjoy the beach! If you are not, it is probably time to start sorting out your Premier League Boxing Day watch party schedule for your day on the couch. Now, let’s check out some links from around the soccer world!
Sebas Mendez Joins Sao Paulo FC
Former Orlando City defensive midfielder Sebas Mendez is reportedly set to join Sao Paulo FC following his run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Mendez found himself traded midseason in the July window to LAFC after losing his starting spot to newcomer Cesar Araujo. It was reported that the trade included $300,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), with the potential for another $225,000 in GAM in 2023 and $225,000 more in GAM in 2024 if contract conditions were met. Should Mendez leave the league and LAFC, the club wouldn’t see any of that additional money as those clauses would obviously not be triggered.
Per @venecasagrande, São Paulo has signed Ecuador midfielder Sebastian Mendez to a three-year deal. Mendez had limited minutes with LAFC in 2022 after joining in July, but helped them win MLS Cup. Mendez was one of the best players for Ecuador in the World Cup. @TheStrikerNews
— Benjamin Virgen (@LAFCbenjamin) December 23, 2022
Premier League Boxing Day Preview
It is almost time for one of the most wonderful days of the year in the Premier League: Boxing Day. After a six-week break for the 2022 World Cup, the Premier League is back with Boxing Day 2022. But what is Boxing Day and why is it so special? Over the course of soccer history in the United Kingdom, Dec. 26 has a long tradition of being intertwined with the Premier League and festive fixtures on the marquee day, which has been a national holiday since 1871.
This year on Boxing Day in 2022, we will have seven games played across four time slots from 7:30 a.m. until past 5 p.m. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur will get all the action started as the featured match. Following the early match, multiple other games will begin. Crystal Palace will take on Fulham. Everton will face Wolves for a bottom-of-the-table battle. Leicester City will host Newcastle at King Power Stadium. Finally, Brighton will visit Southampton. The day is not over yet though as Aston Villa will then play Liverpool, and Arsenal will look to hold on to the top spot in the league with their match against West Ham to finish out the day.
USMNT Players Return to Europe
For the 2022 United States Men’s National Team, the dream of lifting the World Cup is over. However, the return to the players’ clubs starts the updating of their resumes for the 2026 edition. Many current USMNT players have substantial responsibilities awaiting them at club level. A few will have something to prove or will soon be embarking on new adventures elsewhere in January.
With a goal and two assists for Chelsea in 517 combined minutes across Premier League and UEFA Champions League action, Christian Pulisic will look to raise his club up the table and build upon a successful personal World Cup campaign. USMNT captain Tyler Adams and playmaker Brenden Aaronson will continue to help Leeds United stay clear of the relegation zone at the bottom of the league. The younger Aaronson brother, Paxten Aaronson, is off to Germany from Philadelphia Union this winter, joining Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth $4 million with add-ons including a large sell-on percentage. He will look to make an impact immediately and prove his worth. While these are just a few, be sure to check out the full article to see what is in store for your favorite USMNT player.
U.S. House Passes Equal Pay Bill
Late Wednesday evening, the United States House passed a bill that allows equal pay for women competing at international events. All American women will receive the same financial compensation as men during tournaments such as the World Cup and the Olympics (although U.S. Soccer has already established an equal pay system). The Equal Pay for Team USA Act was previously approved unanimously by the Senate. Now that it has passed both the Senate and House, the bill will now go to President Joe Biden’s desk for final approval. Organizations such as the Olympics and Paralympic committees are required to oversee the financial aspects of the agreement, which will cross over 50 sports that the country competes in internationally. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone also released a statement regarding the news.
“By sending this legislation to the president, both houses have sent a clear message that this is the standard for all national teams in all sports and it underscores the importance of working with our athletes to achieve equal pay including equalizing international prize money,” Parlow Cone said.
Free Kicks
- Former Orlando City midfielder Yoshimar Yotún has reportedly extended his stay with Peruvian club Sporting Cristal.
Sporting Cristal have announced that Yoshimar Yotún has renewed for 2 more years!!
The Peruvian midfielder wanted a move abroad, but this to me, means he could not find one. 😏 pic.twitter.com/1G0Gvy1j6e
— Diego Montalvan (@DMontalvan) December 22, 2022
- Maxi Moralez officially left New York City FC after six seasons to rejoin boyhood side Racing Club in his native Argentina.
- St. Louis City SC signed South African midfielder Njabulo Blom from Kaizer Chiefs FC ahead of the club’s 2023 expansion season.
- Columbus Crew signed free agent defender Jimmy Medranda through the 2023 MLS season with an option for 2024.
- Nashville SC has acquired $200,000 in 2023 GAM from Charlotte FC in exchange for a 2023 international spot.
- A year after playing his final game for Inter Miami, French midfielder Blaise Matuidi announced his retirement from professional soccer.
- Racing Louisville FC strengthened its midfield with the signing of Brazilian international Ary Borges.
- We’re not sure how reliable this source is, but San Diego Loyal reportedly has emerged as a front runner for joining MLS in 2024. We will continue to monitor reports on this update.
Landon Donovan's San Diego Loyal will go to the MLS in 2024, coming from the USL. Been told MLS commissioner has approved it. It's time! ⌛️🇺🇸✅️ pic.twitter.com/hka29cMfsZ
— Luca Bendoni (@LucaBendoni) December 23, 2022
- The Melbourne Victory soccer club has been prevented from selling tickets to home games and fans cannot attend away matches under Football Australia’s preliminary sanctions.
- FIFA is investigating how “Salt Bae” ended up crashing Argentina’s World Cup celebration.
Well, that’s all I have for you folks today. Whether you’ll be spending the next few days watching movies, playing board games with friends, or just spending time with loved ones — I wish you and yours a very happy holidays. Maybe Santa will even bring us an official announcement on that third DP signing. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/1/24
Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.
Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday
Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:
“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”
Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight
After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.
Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards
Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.
Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract
Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.
“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”
Free Kicks
- Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
- Spirit defender Anna Heilferty will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury in the team’s loss to the Pride.
- American forward Haji Wright scored his 19th goal across all competitions in Coventry City’s 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town. He will have a chance to make it 20 when Coventry hosts Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
- The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.
That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/30/24
Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.
Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.
San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano
The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.
U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid
The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.
English Premier League Approves Spending Cap
Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.
Free Kicks
- The Pride have risen to third in CBSsports.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Meanwhile, Orlando City is down to 20th in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- There are a number of Americans playing in midweek games, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar.
- Speaking of Americans, Jesse Marsch has been linked with South Korea’s managerial opening.
- Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny have purchased a minority stake in Necaxa.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/29/24
Orlando City and OCB lose to Toronto, Pride beat the Spirit in Washington, EPL title race update, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was a mixed weekend for our teams, with the Pride winning, while Orlando City and OCB lost. I’ve been busy covering high school volleyball, badminton, and soccer throughout the past week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose at Home to Toronto FC
Orlando City SC saw its four-match unbeaten streak come to an end, losing 2-1 to Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Duncan McGuire scored the opening goal to put Orlando ahead in the first half. The Lions held on to the 1-0 lead until late in the second half, when goals from Tyrese Spicer and Prince Owusu put the Reds up 2-1, and they were able to hang on and walk out of Orlando with all three points. Toronto FC has won two in a row in league play and is fourth in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Meanwhile, the Lions are in 13th with nine points. Orlando City will look to bounce back Saturday at home as it takes on FC Cincinnati.
Pride Grab Road Win Over Washington Spirit
The Orlando Pride held on to defeat the Washington Spirit 3-2 at Audi Field Friday — their third straight victory. Angelina scored to put the Pride ahead in the first half, but the Spirit equalized just before halftime. Barbra Banda scored her first goal for the Pride, and Summer Yates added her third goal of the season, giving the Pride a 3-1 advantage in the second half. Ashley Hatch pulled one back for the Spirit on a howler by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, but the Pride keep their unbeaten streak alive at six matches (3-0-3). Orlando remains undefeated and is fourth in the NWSL table with 12 points. Next up for the Pride is a pair of home matches this week, starting Wednesday at home against the North Carolina Courage. Orlando will host Racing Louisville FC Sunday.
OCB Falls at Home to Toronto FC II
Like the first team, Orlando City B also lost 2-1 to Toronto FC II in its first home match at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions went down early in the match when Charles Sharp scored for Toronto FC II to take a 1-0 lead. Wilfredo Rivera scored the equalizer in the second half to tie the match, however, late in the second half, Jesus Batiz scored the game-winning goal to seal the win for Toronto. The Young Lions have yet to win a match at home, but has played well on the road this season and are on a four-match unbeaten streak away. The Young Lions will face MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference leaders Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium.
Manchester City and Arsenal Win to Keep EPL Title Race Close
The Premier League title race is going down to the wire as Manchester City and Arsenal won their matches over the weekend. Arsenal held on to defeat rival Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in the North London Derby. That result moves Arsenal into first with 80 points with three matches remaining. Manchester City shut out Nottingham Forest 2-0 and is second, with 79 points and still four matches left to play. Liverpool dropped points to West Ham in a 2-2 draw, putting another blow to the Reds’ title chances and leaving them in third with 75 points and three matches left.
Free Kicks
- If you missed it, check out the first goal from Pride forward Barbra Banda.
- Rose Lavelle made her debut for NJ/NY Gotham FC Sunday and scored the tying goal late in stoppage time to secure a point for her new team in a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville FC.
- Despite getting a 3-3 draw against Le Havre over the weekend, Paris Saint-Germain won its 10th Ligue 1 title after AS Monaco lost 3-2 to Lyon.
- Mohamed Salah refused to reveal the reason for his touchline disagreement with Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp during the club’s match against West Ham Saturday.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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