Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/21/23
Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. It is a somber morning around SBNation’s MLS blogs as a lot of writers wake up wondering what’s next for our community. If you’re anything like me, checking for TML tweets in your timeline or scrolling the blog is a daily habit and one that would be hard to let go. While the future is currently uncertain, we at The Mane Land will continue to dish up your Orlando soccer news and links here for as long as we can and the show will go on in some capacity. There is a lot to cover this morning, so let’s just get right to it — the links!
Orlando City Learns 2023 Leagues Cup Opponents
Orlando City is set to take on Santos Laguna from LIGA MX and the Houston Dynamo of MLS in Leagues Cup 2023. The tournament will take place from July 21 to Aug. 19 and is an official Concacaf competition in which all MLS and LIGA MX clubs will participate. The tournament will follow a World Cup-style format, including a group stage followed by knockout rounds. In total, 77 games will be hosted at MLS stadiums throughout the U.S. and Canada. The group stage will see each club play a minimum of two matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing based on group points.
The three teams have been drawn into Group South 2. The Lions qualified to host both of their group stage matches by finishing in the top 15 of MLS regular-season standings in 2022. Santos Laguna finished fourth among LIGA MX clubs in combined points between the Clausura 2022 and Apertura 2022. Houston Dynamo FC was sorted into the group after finishing 24th in MLS regular-season standings.
While we know who Orlando will be playing against, the actual Leagues Cup 2023 bracket and schedule will be announced in the coming months.
Orlando City Rookie Luis Grassow Retires
It has been a very short stint in professional soccer for Orlando City center back Luis Grassow. The 2023 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick has announced his retirement for personal reasons. The 6-foot-1 defender was signed to add depth behind starters Antonio Carlos and Robin Jansson and first-choice backup Rodrigo Schlegel. While Grassow likely would have spent the season developing with OCB, the club clearly could use emergency depth at the position that saw both Kyle Smith and Joao Moutinho both fill in on occasion. It is unknown what Grassow’s personal reasons were for leaving the game.
El Pulpo Reports for Duty
Orlando City’s stalwart between the posts has officially returned to training. Pedro Gallese has re-signed a new contact that will keep him in Orlando through 2024, and the star goalkeeper joined his Orlando City teammates Friday for his first on-field workout of preseason training. Orlando City’s Twitter shared a short clip of Gallese moving well and making a couple routine saves. The video also shows the goalkeeper sporting a new ice-white haircut. Like the old adage says, “out with the old, in with the new.”
I’m back 💜 https://t.co/kTHQY8hVyT
— Pedro Gallese Quiroz (@pedrogallese) January 20, 2023
MLS Eliminates Allocation Order
The Major League Soccer Board of Governors approved an update to the MLS Roster Rules and Regulations involving the elimination of the Allocation Ranking List. Effective immediately, any players previously on the Allocation Ranking List will be assigned through the MLS Discovery Process. In lieu of holding the first position in the 2023 Allocation Ranking Order, St. Louis City SC has been provided the opportunity to retain the right of first refusal over one player of the club’s choosing who was on the Allocation Ranking List at the time of its dissolution.
This impacts the San Jose Earthquakes' pursuit of Augsburg midfielder Carlos Gruezo. I'm told talks remain ongoing, but no deal is finalized just yet.
Gruezo was on the Allocation Order. Don't know how STL's "first right of refusal" could impact the situation (if at all). https://t.co/hltRPoL0Hi
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 20, 2023
Future players transferred out of MLS will become discoverable one week from when the player’s International Transfer Certificate is permanently transferred, and the league has notified all clubs.
Sanford-Based Seminole Ice Coming to WPSL in 2023
The Women’s Premier Soccer League announced that Seminole Ice will compete in 2023 as the league’s latest expansion side. The Ice will serve as the official WPSL side for the Seminole Soccer Club, which has been a staple of youth soccer in Florida since 1981. The club consists of over 2,000 players and encompasses a full spectrum of soccer programs ranging from youth recreational systems to competitive programs with its junior and senior academies.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the WPSL, the pinnacle platform for advancing player development in the United States at the amateur level,” Paul Shaw, Orlando City Soccer School Seminole and Seminole Ice general manager, said. “We now have the complete path from youth level to the professional level. The WPSL is an important step for the amateur pathway to allow our athletes to advance and continue player development before, during, and after their collegiate career. Seminole Ice’s goal is to deliver a full-service training model that helps more athletes compete at the highest levels.”
The club will base itself out of Seminole Soccer Complex. The 40-acre facility includes a 1,200-spectator stadium field that is expected to be the Seminole Ice’s home venue.
USWNT Sweeps New Zealand
The United States Women’s National Team completed a two-game sweep of road friendlies in New Zealand with a 5-0 win in Auckland on Friday night (our time). Whereas Tuesday night’s match was a sloppy and frustrating affair, the Yanks made things easy on themselves in the rematch. Rose Lavelle bagged a brace and the U.S. also got goals from Ashley Hatch, Mallory Swanson, and Taylor Kornieck. Alex Morgan was supposed to start but she was a late scratch due to muscle tightness.
Brian McBride Out as USMNT General Manager
Brian McBride became the general manager of the USMNT in 2020, but according to a report by ESPN’s Sam Borden, McBride will not return as the team’s GM. This is another change to the USMNT following its 2022 World Cup campaign. Currently, the review of USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter continues while he remains under investigation for a 1991 domestic violence incident. Earnie Stewart will now be responsible for overseeing the review of Berhalter’s performance, the USMNT program at large, and for hiring the next coach to lead the program. Anthony Hudson is currently leading the team during its January Camp, but it is unclear who will coach or be the general manager for the team moving forward.
Free Kicks
- Former Orlando City forward Benji Michel added his name to the scoresheet in the 78th minute against Portimonense on Friday — his first goal for his new club. The goal initially was ruled offside but was quickly overturned after video review.
- Former Orlando City midfielder Uri Rosell has been waived by Sporting Kansas City. Rosell made 20 appearances for Sporting in all competitions last season.
- Inter Miami has exercised the permanent transfer option of forward Leonardo Campana from English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers through the 2025 MLS season with a club option for 2026. He will occupy a Young Designated slot.
- The Seattle Sounders unveiled the club’s third-ever kit sponsor, Providence, which will focus on youth mental health.
- FC Cincinnati has signed 18-year-old Homegrown goalkeeper Paul Walters through the 2026 MLS season with an option for 2027.
- Chelsea has completed the signing of winger Noni Madueke from PSV Eindhoven.
- Arsenal has finalized the signing of winger Leandro Trossard from Brighton.
- The Mexican national team’s usage of Alejandro Zendejas on five different occasions has led to the federation being punished by FIFA, with penalties such as forfeiting a pair of friendlies, a $10,900 fine, and forfeiting three U-23 matches in which Zendejas featured in.
- Real Madrid has drawn Atletico de Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
- The Federal Court of Appeal has declared a 15-point penalty to Juventus. All of this stems from the FIGC’s decision to appeal the verdict that was handed down last spring involving the plusvalenza investigation.
- Former Brazil international Dani Alves was charged with sexual assault and ordered to be held without bail.
- U.S. Soccer has announced that Ali Hall and Nico Perea were named the 2022 U.S. Soccer Beach Female and Male Players of the Year. This is the second consecutive year for the players to earn the honors.
That’s a lot of content out there for your scrolling needs today. I wish you all a restful and soccer-filled viewing weekend. It sure does feel extra good to see all the training videos of the boys in purple back out on the grounds lately. I’m really getting pumped up for the new season. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/9/24
Get to know Wilder Cartagena, Orlando Pride get ready for Bay FC, Orlando City B wins, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week hasn’t been too hectic for you. There’s been plenty of soccer to enjoy over the past few days and I’m looking forward to the weekend slate of games as well. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Learning More About Wilder Cartagena
Orlando City midfielder Wilder Cartagena was the latest Lion to field questions for fans to learn more about the players. The 29-year-old discussed growing up playing soccer in Peru as a child, as well as having to spend time away from family and friends to fulfill his dreams as a professional player. Cartagena also talked about how important his friendship with Pedro Gallese is, as the two have played together at both the club level and internationally with Peru. It’s a fun interview and I’m glad we have Cartagena here in Orlando.
Pride Prepare to Host Bay FC
The Orlando Pride are on a five-game win streak and will look to make it six when they take on Bay FC for the first time ever on Saturday. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the difficulty of the team’s past few matches, along with the importance of getting wins in those games. Bay FC is in 12th in the standings, but Hines noted how this week’s opponent has plenty of talented attackers. Saturday’s match could be a tough one for Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, and she talked about the team’s grit and determination to close out games for points this season. Moorhouse also credited her back line for the Pride’s three shutouts this season.
OCB Secures First Win at Home
It took a few games, but Orlando City B won at Osceola Heritage Park for the first time this season after a 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls II. The Young Lions didn’t make it easy on themselves, but ultimately held on for the win after scoring twice early on. It’s nice for OCB to put another tally in the win column to climb up the conference standings. The Young Lions will be back in action next Wednesday with a road match against Columbus Crew 2.
Champions League Final is Set
The semifinal matchup between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich lived up to expectations, with Real Madrid advancing after a dramatic finish. Bayern was up to the task on the road and took the lead in the second half thanks to a goal from Alphonso Davies. But Real Madrid did what it always does, with Joselu scoring two late goals in quick succession. Bayern nearly had an equalizer, but a player was ruled offside and it couldn’t be checked as the flag was raised and whistle blown before the attack fully played out. It all sets up for a final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on June 1 at Wembley Stadium. Dortmund will be the clear underdog, but the German club has proven capable of taking down some of Europe’s best this tournament.
Free Kicks
- St. Louis City is reportedly interested in signing Marco Reus once his contract with Dortmund ends this summer, although talks are just in the preliminary stage at this point.
- Not a single Pride player was named to the NWSL’s Best XI of the Month for the months of April and May. While I can see the reasoning behind each inclusion, it’s crazy that Angelina, Marta, Summer Yates, or Emily Sams didn’t earn a spot in the eyes of the league’s voters.
- American midfielder Keyrol Figueroa has signed with Liverpool’s first team. The 17-year-old has risen through the ranks of Liverpool’s youth system and scored seven goals for the U.S. in the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship.
- Luis Rubiales will face trial for one count of sexual assault for kissing Jenni Hermoso and a count of coercion for his actions in the aftermath. The former head coach of the Spanish women’s national team, Jorge Vilda, is also accused of coercion, along with Sporting Director Albert Luque and the federation’s head of marketing, Ruben Rivera.
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: 5/8/24
Orlando Pride move up in power rankings, OCSC will celebrate Pride Month, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re halfway through the week and I hope you’re doing well. Personally, I love Wednesdays, because in my job they are effectively my “Friday,” as my day off is on Thursday. So, as such, I love bringing you the news to start out your midweek morning. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Nearly Top Power Rankings
The Orlando Pride are at the top of the NWSL standings with 18 points, and are riding a five-match winning streak while staying undefeated so far this season. If you thought that would be enough for the team to top ESPN‘s NWSL power rankings, you’d be wrong. The Pride actually came in at second despite all the factors I listed above, with the Kansas City Current ranked above them. Even more shocking is that the writer admits he doesn’t have much of a reason for not ranking the Pride first. I’m not sure what to do with my hands.
Orlando Soccer Matches Will Celebrate Pride Month
Orlando City and the Orlando Pride will recognize Pride Month during a pair of matches in June at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride are set to host the Utah Royals on June 21 and the Lions will then host the Chicago Fire on June 22. Both matches will include celebrating Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community and honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. There are plenty of additional events throughout Pride Month in the Greater Orlando Area as well. I will be at those matches and I hope to see you there as well.
Orlando City B Hosts New York Red Bulls II Tonight
OCB will try to follow up a result on the road with its first result at home tonight at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Forwards Yutaro Tsukada and Shak Mohammed lead the attack for the Young Lions as the club plays only its third home match of the season — and only the second at its actual home field. There’s plenty to look for from OCB as it takes on New York Red Bulls II at 7 p.m. Try to make it to the match if you are able.
U.S. Soccer Doubles Down
The battle between the USWNT and U.S. Soccer over equal pay has been going on for years. Now, U.S. Soccer has reportedly employed Washington D.C. lobbying firms to provide what the organization asserts are “accurate information and factual numbers” to policy makers. Spokespersons for the players’ associations of both the USWNT and USMNT expressed disappointment regarding the move by U.S. Soccer. The issue is front and center as two congresswomen have proposed legislation to block funding for the 2026 World Cup unless equal pay is enacted.
Free Kicks
- Were you wondering how good Barbra Banda has been since arriving in Orlando? Me neither, but here is a cool stat from OptaJack on her shot production.
- Orlando City fans know all too well how good FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta is at scoring goals. Now, the striker is in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. and expressed a desire to play for the USMNT. It would be nice to have him score goals for a team I support.
- Nottingham Forest’s point reduction appeal was rejected by the independent board overseeing the decision. Only three points separate Nottingham from Luton Town and the relegation zone with two matches left this season.
- I know that some Orlando City fans were hoping to see Thiago Silva join the Lions after he left Chelsea, but that rumor never made sense financially, and the defender has chosen to rejoin his old Brazilian club, Fluminense.
- It’s not often that someone follows up an unpopular decision with an even more unpopular explanation for that decision, but that is exactly what MLS Commissioner Don Garber did when explaining that the U.S. Open Cup didn’t offer a competition that “drives value” and that “rises to the level where fans care about it.” I’m sure everyone will now understand the decision. Well done, Commish.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/7/24
Barbra Banda up for NWSL Goal of the Week, Americans in midweek action, Champions League preview, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s teams over the weekend, as Orlando City B drew 1-1 with Chattanooga FC and lost the subsequent shootout, Orlando City lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, and the Orlando Pride won 1-0 over Racing Louisville. As usual, we have a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s dig into the links.
Barbra Banda Up for Goal of the Week
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her strike in the 77th minute against the North Carolina Courage last Wednesday. Banda controlled the ball off a throw-in, turned, and drove across the box before slotting a low shot past Casey Murphy for the Pride’s fourth and final goal of the game. She scored twice in that game and scored again in Sunday’s win over Racing Louisville. Banda now has four goals in four games — including at least one in each of her three starts since appearing off the bench in her debut — and shows no sign of slowing down. Make sure you go vote for her to win this week’s award!
Americans in Midweek Action
As usual, there are a number of Americans playing games this week, so make sure you mark down any that you want to tune in for. Wednesday has Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey traveling to El Volcan to take on Tigres in the quarterfinals of the Clausura. Moving to Friday, Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, and Venezia have a chance to gain promotion to Serie A if they beat Spezia and Como loses. On the other side of things, former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini and Como play Cosenza, and will secure automatic promotion as long as they don’t have a worse result than Venezia.
UEFA Champions League Preview
The UEFA Champions League continues this week with the second legs of the two semifinal matchups. In this afternoon’s game, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has said that even Kylian Mbappe will have to work hard defensively if his team is going to progress to the final. Borussia Dortmund leads that tie 1-0, and will need to rely on a defense that has kept five clean sheets in this year’s tournament. However, the German club has a concerning record away from home, where it has lost nine of its last 11 games. In tomorrow’s game between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, this season’s La Liga winner will hope its finishing prowess continues from the first leg, when it turned two chances into two goals.
European Transfer Rumor Roundup
With European seasons drawing to a close, the transfer rumor mill is starting to heat up, which means there are several items worth discussing today. First, Manchester United will reportedly face competition to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Chelsea and PSG are said to also be interested in signing the Frenchman, who was instrumental in his side’s 4-0 drubbing of the Red Devils yesterday. Staying in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has said he intends to be part of the transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, confirming that he does not intend to leave in the summer. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich is said to have agreed to personal terms with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. David Moyes has confirmed he will leave West Ham at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that the Hammers have reached an agreement with Julen Lopetegui to be the team’s new manager.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held steady at 20th in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Bruno Fernandes missed a club match due to injury for the first time in his career, as he did not play in Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace.
- Speaking of that match, the Premier League outfitted the referee with a camera for the first time in that game, with the footage to be released at a later date.
- Angel City FC will enter a team in The Soccer Tournament this summer.
- Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds United.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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