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Lion Links: 4/13/23

Gaston Gonzalez adapts to MLS, MIkayla Cluff settles in with the Pride, Kamal Miller traded to Miami, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

It’s Thursday, which means we’re officially more than halfway through the work week. I’ve had a fairly busy week, but it hasn’t been too bad and I’m looking forward to some soccer and relaxation this weekend. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 23rd birthday to Facundo Torres!

Gaston Gonzalez’s Road to Recovery

It’s nearly been a full year since winger Gaston Gonzalez tore his ACL in his final match for Club Atlético Unión in Argentina before joining Orlando City. The injury meant he couldn’t take the field for the Lions last season, but the club set up a recovery plan to prepare him for this 2023 season.

“They specifically helped me with the confidence of going into [the recovery],” he said, “I’ve never had anything like that [injury] before and the medical staff here was there for me. They told me ahead of time, ‘This is gonna be a long and difficult process, but we’re here for you and we’re going to continue working with you to make sure that we get you back up to where you were before.’

“I think without the help and support of my teammates, the whole technical staff here, and the support staff, I don’t think I would have come out on the other side of that as well as I have. It’s just thanks to everyone here for that.”

The 21-year-old made his debut in a scoreless draw against FC Cincinnati on March 4 and has appeared in seven games this year for the Lions. Gonzalez also spoke on the difference between playing in MLS compared to his native Argentina, namely the amount of running involved. It’s nice to see him nearing full strength and getting used to the league.

Mikayla Cluff Settles Into Second Season in Orlando

Following her rookie season last year, Orlando Pride midfielder Mikayla Cluff spoke on how she’s playing with confidence this season. The 24-year-old has started in both of the Pride’s games so far, playing as a box-to-box midfielder to contribute on both sides of the ball. She was drafted 14th overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft and signed a new three-year contract with the Pride before this season started. Cluff has also helped the team’s current rookies get accustomed to playing at the professional level in Orlando.

“Now that I’ve had a year it’s kind of nice to know where they’re coming from and what they might be experiencing,” she said. “Last year, I felt like I didn’t have as much as that. Obviously, me being the new one, I felt like I was kind of alone, or if anyone else knew what I was experiencing. But it’s nice to be able to relate to them and just talk to them through their first year, knowing where they might be coming from, and just try and help show them what they can do and know what to expect.”

Kamal Miller Traded to Inter Miami

CF Montreal traded former Lion Kamal Miller and $1.3 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Inter Miami in exchange for 22-year-old midfielder Bryce Duke and Costa Rican forward Ariel Lassiter. Miller was an MLS All-Star last season and played for Canada in the 2022 World Cup. He should help the back line for Miami after the club traded Damion Lowe to the Philadelphia Union this off-season. The hefty amount of GAM should also help Miami add some firepower to its offense this summer.

As for Montreal, the Canadian club could use some fresh blood in its attack considering it’s only scored three goals in six games this season. This move also comes as the club announced that forward Mason Toye is out for the next six to eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Still, it’s quite a bit to give up.

USMNT Roster Announced for Continental Clasico

The United States Men’s National Team will feature mostly MLS players when it faces off with Mexico on April 19 in the inaugural Continental Clásico in Arizona. Of the 23 players called up, Sergino Dest, Alan Soñora, and Joshua Wynder are the only ones who do not play in MLS. FC Cincinnati has three players on the roster, including forward Brandon Vazquez. Wynder, who plays for Louisville City in the USL Championship, is the youngest player on the roster at 17 years old, and this is his first call-up to a senior team camp. Defender Caleb Wiley and goalkeepers Drake Callender and Roman Celentano will also be aiming for their first USMNT appearance.

Real Madrid and AC Milan Win in Champions League

The first legs of this year’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are over and the trend of shutouts continued. Of the 20 games played so far in the knockout stage, only three have not ended with at least one team earning a clean sheet. In Spain, goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio helped Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0. Chelsea will have to bounce back for the second leg on April 18, but will be without Ben Chilwell since he was sent off during the loss. The Italian match-up between AC Milan and Napoli ended up with Milan winning 1-0, thanks to a goal from Ismael Bennacer. Napoli was without forward Victor Osimhen due to injury, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa was shown a second yellow card in the 74th minute. The second leg will take place in Naples and should be a good match.

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy these photos from the Pride’s training as the team gets ready to take on NJ/NY Gotham FC on Saturday at Exploria Stadium.
  • Seattle Sounders midfielder Josh Atencio won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his strike from distance that screamed past St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Bürki and into the net.

We may be dealing with some rainy weather this week here in Florida, but don’t forget to stay hydrated out there.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/11/24

Orlando City and Orlando Pride advance in playoffs, MLS and NWSL playoff roundups, USMNT roster announced, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Alex Corrie

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you in Florida. Happy Veteran’s Day to all those who have served or are currently serving in the military. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour during the holiday weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Advance to Eastern Conference Semifinals

Orlando City defeated Charlotte FC 4-1 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second straight year. The Lions were down 1-0 late in the match, with their run in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs about to end. However, Duncan McGuire was pulled down in the box and Orlando was awarded a penalty kick deep into stoppage time. Facundo Torres had his penalty kick saved but scored on the rebound to tie the game at 1-1. In the penalty shootout, Pedro Gallese came up with big saves and every Lion converted their kick to book Orlando’s ticket into the next round. It took three matches, but the Lions are through and will face Atlanta United at home on Nov. 24.

Pride Secure First Playoff Win Against the Chicago Red Stars

The Orlando Pride defeated the Chicago Red Stars 4-1 on Friday at Inter&Co Stadium to secure their first-ever NWSL playoff win. Barbra Banda scored twice, and Haley McCutcheon and Marta each added one as well for Orlando. The Red Stars pulled one back with a goal from Jameese Joseph, but the Pride dominated the match from start to finish and advanced to the semifinals. The Pride will face the Kansas City Current at home on Sunday with a spot in the NWSL Championship on the line.

First Round of MLS Playoffs Wraps Up

It was a wild weekend to conclude the first round of the 2024 MLS playoffs, with plenty of Game 3 drama. Let’s start with a big upset in South Florida, as Atlanta United got two goals from Jamal Thiare and held on for a 3-2 win against Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami. New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 6-5 on penalties after a scoreless draw and will move on to face the New York Red Bulls in a playoff edition of the Hudson River Derby in the next round. Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, and FC Cincinnati were the three highest seed teams in the Eastern Conference and all three were eliminated after the first round. Out west, LAFC secured a 1-0 over the Vancouver Whitecaps, with Mateusz Bogusz scoring the lone goal to advance. LAFC will take on the Seattle Sounders, while the LA Galaxy will face Minnesota United in the Western Conference semifinals.

NWSL Playoff Quarterfinals Roundup

The first round of the 2024 NWSL Playoffs is also in the books. The Current defeated the North Carolina Courage 1-0 on Saturday. Temwa Chawinga scored for the Current and extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches. There were two more matches on Sunday, and the Washington Spirit fought back from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Bay FC 2-1 to advance. NJ/NY Gotham FC edged past the Portland Thorns 2-1, with Rose Lavelle scoring the winning goal late into stoppage time. Gotham and the Spirit will square off on Saturday at Audi Field.

USMNT Roster Announced for Nations League

United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the 25-man roster for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Jamaica. Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, and Chris Richards are a few of the defenders called up, while the midfield includes Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah. Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah, and Brandon Vazquez are some of the attackers to keep an eye on as well. Goalkeepers Matt Turner and Zack Steffen were called up alongside Patrick Schulte and Diego Kochen. Orlando City’s Duncan McGuire was not called up, and Real Salt Lake forward Diego Luna is another notable player who wasn’t selected. The USMNT will face Jamaica in a two-legged series this week, with the first match in Kingston on Thursday followed by the second leg on Monday at City Park in St. Louis.

Free Kicks

  • In case you missed it, check out this video of Facundo Torres’s equalizer on Orlando City’s social media page to secure his 20th goal of the year.
  • The Orlando Pride honored Brazilian midfielder Luana before their playoff win on Friday.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.

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Lion Links: 11/8/24

Barbra Banda’s soccer journey, Celia will retire after 2024 season, NWSL playoffs begin tonight, and much more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Congratulations on making it to Friday. It’s been a long week, but we’re rewarded with Orlando playoff soccer both today and tomorrow. Before we dive into today’s jam-packed links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B defender Manuel Cocca!

Barbra Banda Shares Her Soccer Journey

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda sat down with The Athletic ($) to talk about her time playing soccer both as a young girl in Zambia and in her first season in the City Beautiful. She also discussed her upbringing, including her mother’s initial disapproval in her playing soccer until she joined Bauleni United Sports Academy in Lusaka. Now one of the best players in the world, Banda has lived up to the lofty expectations set since joining Orlando and has excelled at both the club and international level this year. Banda also spoke about her friendship with teammate Grace Chanda, the differences in her playstyle since joining the Pride from Shanghai Shengli, and what it’s like playing alongside Marta in Orlando.

Celia Announces Her Retirement

Pride right back Celia announced that she will retire following the end of the 2024 season. The 29-year-old joined the Pride before the 2022 season as part of a trade with the club then known as OL Reign, and she’s appeared in 37 matches with the Pride. She was also the Pride’s nominee for the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award for her work with SpaceKids Global. Celia will hang up her cleats after a playing career that’s also included stints with European clubs and trips to the World Cup with Spain in 2015 and 2019. We wish her the best of luck in whatever path she takes moving forward!

NWSL Playoffs Kick Off Tonight

This year’s NWSL playoffs will get started in Orlando tonight when the Pride host the Chicago Red Stars. Although the Red Stars will be without forward Ludmila due to suspension, they should still be a tough opponent for the Pride. Temwa Chawinga’s availability looms over Saturday’s clash between the Kansas City Current and the North Carolina Courage, as the Golden Boot winner did not play in the Current’s season finale. Sunday’s slate includes the Washington Spirit hosting Bay FC before NJ/NY Gotham FC squares off against the Portland Thorns.

San Jose Earthquakes Hire Bruce Arena

Bruce Arena is back in MLS, as the San Jose Earthquakes have hired him as the club’s head coach and sporting director. The 73-year-old has a stellar coaching career that’s included success at the collegiate, club, and international levels. He’s the winningest coach in both MLS and United States Men’s National Team history and was named to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010. He returns to MLS after resigning as the New England Revolution’s head coach in 2023 while on administrative leave amid a league investigation into allegations of insensitive remarks made by him. While he’s had successful rebuilds in the past with the LA Galaxy and the Revolution, Arena has his work cut out for him with a San Jose team that finished last in the league this season and conceded a record 78 goals.

Jim Curtin and Philadelphia Union Part Ways

The MLS coaching carousel is in full swing as Jim Curtin is no longer the head coach of the Philadelphia Union. Curtin has been with the Union since 2014 and was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2022. While the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 may be the only silverware Curtin put in the Union’s trophy case, the team reached the U.S. Open Cup final three times, the MLS Cup final once, and the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals twice in his tenure. Philadelphia finished 14th in the Eastern Conference and missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2017. With a rebuild looming, it makes sense for both Curtin and the Union to part ways. It will still be admittedly weird seeing Curtin coaching anywhere but Philadelphia.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City and Pride owners the Wilf family applied to develop parts of the Osceola Heritage Park complex. While the land that encompasses Osceola County Stadium or Silver Spurs Arena isn’t included, the former Johnson University campus is available.
  • United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino will be in Orlando this weekend for the Lions’ playoff match against Charlotte.
  • Kylian Mbappe was not called up for France’s UEFA Nations League games this month against Israel and Italy.
  • Let’s wrap things up with a moment of zen courtesy of Orlando right back Dagur Dan Thorhallsson.

That’s all I have for you on this fine Friday. I hope you all have a fantastic day and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/7/24

Orlando Pride prepare for the playoffs, Lewis Morgan named MLS Comeback Player of the Year, Champions League roundup, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Thursday, Mane Landers. Playoff soccer looms here in the City Beautiful, as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both host games in which defeat means elimination. I’ll unfortunately be spending the next few days working but am still looking forward to following along when I can. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando Pride Focus On Playoff Game

A historic season for the Orlando Pride will continue Friday when they host the Chicago Red Stars in their first playoff game at home. Preparing for the postseason is unfamiliar territory of sorts for this Pride team, but NWSL veterans like Morgan Gautrat and Carson Pickett can help the team get in the playoff mindset. Emily Sams, who is in just her second year with the Pride but has experience winning an NCAA championship with Florida State, spoke on how the team is focused on its goal of winning the championship that’s driven the team forward this year.

“We’ve come back to that at different points in the season and reminded ourselves that our big goals are to win the shield and to win the championship,” Sams said after training. “We know that it’s very serious and that if we don’t perform well, we could possibly go home. But also knowing that Chicago’s in the same boat, they’re coming to our environment, they’re in front of our fans, where we can control things and just know that we’re the better team and that we can, if we play our best and play up to the standard that we want to, that we’ll be the ones happy at the end of the game.”

Lewis Morgan Named MLS Comeback Player of the Year

New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan was voted 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year for his performance this season after undergoing hip surgery in September of last year. The 28-year-old led his team with 13 goals and also had seven assists to help the Red Bulls clinch a spot in the playoffs. Morgan was also called up by Scotland for the Euros and UEFA Nations League. Injuries kept him out for most of the 2023 season and there were concerns over whether he would be able to return to form this year. He received 37.69% of the vote to win the award over Robin Lod and Maxi Moralez.

Hector Herrera Not Returning to Houston

The Houston Dynamo declined the option on captain Hector Herrera’s contract for next year. Herrera joined the Dynamo from Atletico Madrid in the middle of the 2022 season and helped the club win the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and make the playoffs the past two years. He had five goals and 21 assists over 62 regular-season matches and was named an MLS All-Star twice. It will be interesting to see what the Dynamo do with the now open Designated Player spot. Only two Western Conference teams scored fewer goals than the Dynamo’s 47 this season, so we’ll see how they add some firepower to the attack heading into next year. Houston is also in discussions with five players regarding returning for next year, including goalkeeper Steve Clark and midfielder Latif Blessing.

Champions League Reaches Midway Point

The fourth round of the UEFA Champions League wrapped up and there were plenty of great games held across Europe. Atletico Madrid went to France and left with all three points after a win against Paris Saint-Germain that included a winner in stoppage time from Angel Correa. A penalty kick right before halftime was the difference in Inter Milan’s 1-0 win at home against Arsenal. Aston Villa was handed its first loss of its campaign in a 1-0 loss to Club Brugge due to Tyrone Mings picking up the ball in his own box. Barcelona, Atalanta, and Bayern Munich all won, while RB Salzburg got its first win of the tournament by beating Feyenoord on the road.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week.

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