Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/17/23
Orlando City hosts NYCFC tonight, MLSPA releases player salary data, Folarin Balogun chooses the USMNT, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all of you are doing well in Florida. I’m looking forward to covering a high school soccer playoff game in Chicago later this week. Let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride goalkeeper Kaylie Collins! There is plenty to get to today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Takes on New York City FC Tonight
Orlando City will host New York City FC tonight in a midweek matchup at Exploria Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and you can watch it on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+. The Lions enter tonight’s game after a 2-2 draw on the road against the Columbus Crew this past Saturday. NYCFC comes to Orlando on a four-match losing streak, falling to the New York Red Bulls 1-0 this past weekend. The two sides split their season series last year, with the Lions winning 2-1 last August at Exploria Stadium and NYCFC defeating the Lions 2-1 in October. Duncan McGuire scored the equalizer in stoppage time against the Crew this past weekend and is the leading scorer for the Lions with four goals in eight appearances. Ercan Kara has also been in good form recently, scoring two goals over the past three games. After tonight’s match, the Lions will go on the road to face rival Inter Miami this Saturday.
MLSPA Releases Player Salary Data
The Major League Soccer Players Association released its annual salary guide for all MLS players signed in the league as of April 30. For Orlando City, Ercan Kara is the top earner with a base salary of $1.86 million, with $2.05 million in total guaranteed compensation. The second-highest earner for the Lions is Martin Ojeda, whose total guaranteed compensation is listed at $912,000. The Athletic ($) also put together a team based on which MLS players are outperforming their salary numbers. Orlando’s McGuire was featured, alongside LAFC’s Kwadwo Opoku and Nashville SC’s Jacob Shaffelburg.
Across the league, Chicago Fire midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri is once again the highest-paid player in MLS, with a total guaranteed compensation of $8.15 million. Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne is the next highest, with the LA Galaxy’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez ranked third, Toronto’s Federico Bernardeschi in fourth, and Austin FC’s Sebastian Driussi rounding out the top five highest.
Folarin Balogun Chooses the USMNT
Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, who is on loan with Ligue 1 side Reims, has chosen to commit his international future to the United States Men’s National Team. FIFA has approved the U.S. Soccer Federation’s request for Balogun’s one-time switch from England to the United States. Balogun has been in solid form in France, scoring 19 goals in 34 appearances for Reims. U.S. Soccer has been courting the 21-year-old forward for a while now and he is eligible for the USMNT’s upcoming competitions this summer. The Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Mexico and the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup are just around the corner. Balogun gave insight on why he chose to play for the USMNT.
Inter Milan Advances to UEFA Champions League Final
Inter Milan got a goal from Lautaro Martinez in the 74th minute to defeat rival AC Milan, 1-0, in the second leg at San Siro to book a spot in the UEFA Champions League final. Inter won 3-0 on aggregate and returns to the Champions League final for the first time since 2010. The Italian club will play the victor of today’s semifinal matchup between Manchester City and Real Madrid. The first leg in Madrid ended in a 1-1 draw last week. The final will be played on June 10 in Istanbul.
Free Kicks
- The latest MLS Power rankings have been released. Orlando City fell three spots to 19th after its 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew this past weekend.
- MLS NEXT Pro has also released its latest power rankings. OCB moved down a spot to seventh after it lost 4-0 to Columbus Crew 2 on the road.
- Don’t forget there is an NWSL Challenge Cup match tonight, with Racing Louisville hosting the Kansas City Current at Lynn Family Stadium.
- The USL Super League announced the initial eight teams to launch its first season in August next year. The league also announced it will seek sanctioning from U.S. Soccer to become a first-division women’s soccer league alongside the NWSL.
- Minnesota United’s Emanuel Reynoso has been cleared to return to the club by Major League Soccer. Reynoso was suspended after he failed to report to preseason training in February.
- MLS is reportedly expected to announce San Diego as its 30th franchise tomorrow at Snapdragon Stadium.
- Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang has reached an agreement with OL Groupe to purchase Olympique Lyon’s women’s team and become its majority owner. OL Groups has begun the process of selling OL Reign to prevent a conflict of interest as well.
- Concacaf announced a new ranking system for its clubs and leagues in the region. There will also be a league-ranking index based on club performances in international competitions.
- FC Cincinnati has decided to exercise its buyout on goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer’s contract.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/11/24
Orlando Pride playoff ticket information, USMNT draws New Zealand on awful late goal on the day it formally announces Mauricio Pochettino, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We have a full weekend of fun ahead with all three teams in action. The Orlando Pride start things off on Friday, with Orlando City playing Saturday, and Orlando City B finishing things up on Sunday. Hopefully, we can have a nine-point weekend.
Of course, today is a day of remembrance of those who lost their lives both on that tragic day in 2001 and from the effects that followed. Take a moment today to let those you love know that you love them. Let’s get to the links.
Pride Power into Playoffs
We know the Orlando Pride have already made the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, but now you can let the club know if you are interested in potential playoff tickets before things get crazy. It’s nice knowing that we don’t have to wait until decision day to find out if the Pride are in. They are. Decisively. In the least surprising news ever, the Pride topped both the ESPN NWSL Power Rankings, and the Goal.com NWSL Power Rankings once again.
Pochettino Hiring Official
The hiring that everyone knew was coming was made official Tuesday as Mauricio Pochettino was named as the new head coach of the USMNT. Pochettino is the type of big name hire that U.S. fans have been waiting for following the double stint of Gregg Berhalter. Pochettino will be expected to get the best out of what some consider the greatest generation of American soccer players when he leads them to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
USMNT Draws New Zealand
The same night that Pochettino was announced as the new USMNT head coach, his new team played New Zealand to an uninspiring 1-1 draw. Christian Pulisic put the Yanks ahead in the 69th minute, but the U.S. was unable to see the match out, allowing an 89th-minute equalizer on a completely awful goal that was misplayed by both Caleb Wiley and Mark McKenzie, with the latter providing the finish with a clearance attempt off of New Zealand’s Ben Waine, over Matt Turner, and into his own net. The match was only a friendly, but it illustrates the need for the new coach.
The Growth of the NWSL
The NWSL is in a good place. The league is growing both in the number of member clubs and in the attendance at matches across the league. There are many reasons for it, including the Olympics and big name stars like Marta and the recently retired Alex Morgan, but most importantly, the growing fanbase for the women’s game. ESPN spoke to general managers at every club in the league to get an idea of the challenges in the ever-changing landscape that is the NWSL. All the answers were anonymous, but it’s still very insightful information.
Free Kicks
- Jarrod Dillon, the president of business operations for Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and Inter&Co Stadium, has been named as a board member of the Heart of Florida United Way.
- Marta deservedly won the NWSL Goal of the Week for her rocket shot against the Chicago Red Stars.
- In the ongoing series from the Orlando Pride, it’s now time for you to get to know Carrie Lawrence.
- Let’s keep the clean sheets coming, Anna Moorhouse.
- The New England Revolution will be without Head Coach Caleb Porter for the match against Orlando City after he was suspended and fined for public criticism.
- According to Tom Bogert, Reggie Cannon has signed with the Colorado Rapids.
- Declan Rice was a bit petty in Arsenal’s match against Brighton last weekend, nudging the ball away from his opponent on a free kick. The action earned him a second yellow and a sending off. Now, the board that reviews referee decisions has stated it was the correct call.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for this weekend’s matches.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/10/24
Marta nominated for NWSL Goal of the Week, Orlando Pride happy to clinch playoff spot, Lions on international duty, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was another good weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B combined to pick up all six points on offer. Hopefully that trend can continue and get even better once Orlando City resumes play this Saturday. We’ve got a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s get after it.
Marta Nominated for Goal of the Week
The Pride took down the Chicago Red Stars 1-0 on Sunday, with Marta singlehandedly winning the game for the Pride courtesy of an absolutely outstanding strike from outside the box. Unsurprisingly, that effort has earned her a nomination for NWSL Goal of the Week. While she’s facing some stiff competition, I think it’s safe to say that her goal is comfortably the best of the bunch. Go make sure everyone else knows it, and vote for her to win this week’s award!
Pride Speak On Clinched Playoff Spot
The Pride discussed the team’s mentality after clinching a playoff spot following this weekend’s results. Head Coach Seb Hines highlighted the heartbreak of narrowly missing the postseason in 2023 and how that was a motivator this season. That sentiment was echoed by both Marta and Haley McCutcheon, with both players speaking on making the postseason and the team’s bigger goals this year.
Lions on International Duty
David Brekalo is on international duty with Slovenia, and was part of his team’s victory in UEFA Nations League play on Monday. Brekalo started at right back and spent 87 minutes on the field, as Slovenia beat Kazakhstan 3-0 courtesy of a hat trick by star man Benjamin Sesko. The result leaves Slovenia atop League B Group 3 with four points after a 1-1 draw with Austria on Friday as well. Meanwhile, Facundo Torres and Uruguay face Venezuela at 6 p.m. tonight in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Torres came on as a sub with 10 minutes to go in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Friday, so we’ll see if he’s involved two matches in a row. Best of luck, Facu!
USMNT Takes On New Zealand Tonight
The United States Men’s National Team will try to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Canada when it takes on New Zealand today at 7 p.m. in Cincinnati. The All Whites are ranked 94th in the world and have won four of their last five games. The USMNT midfield will need to have a much better showing than it did against the Canadians, as Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, and Malik Tillman were collectively outgunned by the opposition. It’ll also be worth keeping an eye on the goalkeeper situation, as Patrick Schulte played well in the 2-1 loss, and has probably earned another start. There’s plenty to watch for, so make sure you tune in and see if the team can get back on the right track.
International Break Roundup
With the international break still in full swing, there were a number of big games yesterday that we need to catch up on. In the marquee match of the day, France rebounded from a 3-1 loss to Italy in UEFA Nations League play by comfortably dispatching Belgium 2-0, courtesy of goals from Randal Kolo-Muania and Ousmane Dembele. Italy made it two wins in two attempts by knocking off Israel 2-1, with a 90th minute goal from Mohammad Abu Fani not enough to get Israel its first point in the competition. In the Concacaf Nations League, Curacao posted an eye-popping score by beating St. Martin 4-0, only for Haiti to better that result by hammering Sint Maarten 6-0.
Free Kicks
- In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Pride have been outstanding this year.
- Fenerbahce is reportedly interested in signing Antony, but the winger is said to be intent on staying at Manchester United.
- Martin Odegaard went off injured in Norway’s match against Austria on Monday, and he’s set to have an MRI to determine the extent of the damage.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/9/24
Orlando Pride win in Chicago, McKinley Crone signs new contract, Orlando City B defeats Crown Legacy FC, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. Under Armour has been keeping me busy, and I got to cover some high school tennis and swimming this past week. The Orlando Pride and Orlando City B were in action this weekend and both teams got a win. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Shut Out Chicago Red Stars
On Sunday, the Orlando Pride got a 1-0 win on the road against the Chicago Red Stars to extend their unbeaten streak to 20 matches across all competitions. The run also ties the NWSL league record including playoff games, matching the Washington Spirit’s 20-match unbeaten run in 2021 and 2022. Marta scored the lone goal in the match to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride remain in first in the NWSL standings with 47 points, with the Washington Spirit in second with 41, and the Kansas City Current in third with 38. With a playoff spot already clinched, the Pride are aiming for the NWSL Shield as the top team in the league. The Pride will return home at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday to face the Kansas City Current.
Orlando Pride Sign McKinley Crone to New Contract
The Orlando Pride announced on Friday that the club reached an agreement with backup goalkeeper McKinley Crone on a new contract that runs through the 2026 NWSL season. Undrafted before joining Orlando as a non-roster invitee during the preseason in 2023, Crone progressed to being Orlando’s backup goalkeeper in 2024. Crone made her professional debut on July 20 in a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. The 25-year-old made five saves on six shots to help the Pride stay unbeaten across all competitions. With this latest move, the club has secured Anna Moorhouse, Crone, and Sofia Manner as their goalkeepers for next season.
Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC
Orlando City B got a 4-1 victory on the road against Crown Legacy FC on Sunday. Alex Freeman scored twice in the first half to give the Young Lions a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Crown Legacy scored in the second half, but OCB continued to do well on both sides of the ball to take all three points. OCB is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, and its next match will be back home on Sunday to take on New England Revolution II.
USMNT Falls to Canada in Friendly
On Saturday, the United States Men’s National Team lost 2-1 to Canada at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City in a friendly. It’s the USMNT’s first loss to Canada on home soil in 67 years, ending a 23-match unbeaten streak against Canada in the U.S. Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David scored for Canada, while Luca de la Torre scored his first goal for the USMNT. The Yanks are on a three-match losing streak and will face New Zealand in Cincinnati on Tuesday at TQL Stadium.
Alex Morgan Plays Final Match
San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan played in her final match as a professional soccer player on Sunday after a nearly 14-year career. Morgan had a penalty kick saved by Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy and was subbed off early in the first half, as the Wave lost 4-1 at Snapdragon Stadium. Morgan announced last week that she will retire from professional soccer after this match, while also announcing that she is pregnant with her second child. She played six seasons with the Pride and spent the last three seasons in San Diego, winning the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022 and helping the Wave win the NWSL Shield in 2023.
Free Kicks
- Pride defenders Kerry Abello and Kylie Strom made the NWSL Best XI for August.
- Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta was removed from the season-ending injury list.
- The U.S. Soccer Federation is reportedly close to officially naming Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach for the USMNT.
- Tampa Bay Sun FC secured its first win in the USL Super League with a 3-2 win on the road against Lexington SC on Sunday.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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