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Lion Links: 6/1/23

MLS All-Star voting is underway, midweek MLS results, Sevilla wins Europa League, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Welcome to June, Mane Landers! I hope May treated you well as we get ready for another month filled to the brim with soccer. The Florida summer is heating up, so make sure to stay hydrated out there as we break out the beach umbrellas and dust off the grills. But for now, let’s jump into today’s links!

MLS All-Star Voting Begins

Voting is underway for the 26 players who will be selected for the MLS All-Star Team this summer. Of those 26 players, 12 will be chosen from a combined vote from fans, media, and current players. Orlando City defensive midfielder Cesar Araujo was noted as a candidate who could make this year’s team. Personally, I think goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, center back Robin Jansson, and forward Ercan Kara have a real shot at playing in the All-Star Game if they keep up their form. This year’s MLS All-Star Game will take place against Arsenal in the nation’s capital, with D.C. United Head Coach Wayne Rooney at the helm.

MLS Midweek Action Brings Plenty of Goals

The Lions weren’t in action for this midweek round of games, but there was still plenty of soccer to enjoy from the other MLS teams. Atlanta United and the New England Revolution battled to a 3-3 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Carles Gil and Bobby Wood gave the Revs a 2-0 lead heading into halftime. Atlanta then scored three times in the second half, only for Gil to find an equalizer in stoppage time. It wasn’t the only high-scoring game of the evening either, as the Columbus Crew won 3-2 over the Colorado Rapids thanks to a goal and two assists from midfielder Lucas Zelarayan. Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, FC Cincinnati beat New York City FC 3-1 and D.C. United and CF Montreal played to a 2-2 draw. Orlando City’s next opponents, the New York Red Bulls, won 1-0 at Inter Miami.

Sevilla Wins Seventh Europa League Title

It took a penalty shootout to decide the winner of this year’s Europa League final, with Sevilla beating AS Roma in Budapest. It was the Spanish club’s seventh time lifting the Europa League trophy. This win salvaged a rough La Liga season for Sevilla and it will play in the Champions League next year. Paulo Dybala gave Roma the lead in the first half, but an own goal levelled things in the 55th minute. Chris Smalling nearly gave Roma the win in extra time, but his header hit the crossbar. It was Jose Mourinho’s first defeat in six European finals and Roma will aim to qualify for the Europa League again when it takes on Spezia in its final Serie A game of the season on Sunday.

More Teams Claim Spots in U-20 World Cup Quarterfinals

Host Argentina was bounced from the U-20 World Cup after a 2-0 loss to Nigeria in the U-20 World Cup. After a scoreless first half, Nigeria struck twice and will face either Ecuador or South Korea in the next round. The other South American nations in action fared a bit better than Argentina, with Brazil cruising past Tunisia, 4-1, in a match that included three goals in stoppage time, and Colombia beating Slovakia, 5-1. In a clash between European sides, Italy won 2-1 over England after Cesare Casadei scored from the spot in the 87th minute. In the quarterfinals, the U.S. will face the winner of today’s match between Gambia and Uruguay.

Free Kicks

  • St. Louis City midfielder Eduard Löwen won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

That’s all I have for today. I hope you all have a wonderful start to June!

Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/8/25

Orlando City primed for moves, Emily Sams’ USWNT call-up, MLS transfer news, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Was it cold enough for you this morning? I know in Tallahassee it was quite chilly, but I’m not complaining. Remember to bring in your plants unless you want to replace a bunch after they freeze. Despite the chill, there are still things going on in the Orlando soccer-sphere. Let’s get to the links.

Lions on the Hunt

I know everyone is wondering why news around potential Orlando City signings is so lacking, but that’s par for the course with this club. That being said, the nice sum of cash from the Facundo Torres deal means that the Lions have the resources to find the right high quality player (or players) to improve the squad. I know it’s frustrating that nothing has happened yet, but there’s still plenty of time for Luiz Muzzi and company to get some business done.

Pride Defender Emily Sams Called Up to USWNT Camp

The 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year has received another call-up by Emma Hayes to the USWNT’s January training camp in Los Angeles. Sams will be one of 26 players on the camp roster. Of note, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Rose Lavelle will not be in attendance as each is recovering from injuries or surgery. The list of defenders besides Sams includes Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnet, and Jenna Nighswonger among others. We wish Sams good luck and a safe, healthy return.

Berman Wins Innovator of the Year

If you’re not familiar with Jessica Berman, you should take the time to do some research. Since taking over as NWSL Commissioner in the spring of 2022, the league has improved its visibility and made some sweeping changes — like eliminating the draft. As a result, Berman was named SI’s 2024 Innovator of the Year. Berman’s impact as commissioner mirrors Haley Carter’s impact with the Orlando Pride. The league was dealing with scandals, brought in Berman, and now things have improved. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

MLS Signings and Transfers

Orlando City might not be making much news, but other MLS clubs are making moves. CF Montreal has acquired Giacomo Vrioni from the New England Revolution.

The Colorado Rapids have signed homegrown midfielder Sam Bassett through 2025 with options for 2026-2028. San Diego SC signed 29-year-old Argentinian defender Franco Negri after adding him during Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. The San Jose Earthquakes sent goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa to Liga MX side Cruz Azul. The New York Red Bulls will be adding Poland youth international Wiktor Bogacz from Polish second division 1 Liga club Miedz Legnica

Finally, Boca Juniors made a bid to sign Alan Velasco from FC Dallas.

Free Kicks

  • Several NWSL team stadiums are going green with sustainable initiatives and features. However, I’m a little skeptical of Shell Energy Stadium if I’m being honest.
  • I am not a violent person by my nature, but I don’t know what I’ll do if this happens. Ugh. Musk is the opposite of the values of the city and people of Liverpool. We couldn’t publish my actual reaction.

That will do it for today. Stay warm out there.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/7/25

MLS transfer happenings, USMNT January camp roster announced, Christian Pulisic stars for AC Milan, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I returned to work after a nice little break for the holidays and frankly, I’m struggling. I don’t mind being back, it’s just difficult getting back into a routine after being away for so long. Alas, I’ll survive somehow. We have plenty to discuss in today’s American-heavy edition of Lion Links, so let’s get into the news.

MLS Transfer Happenings

There are a lot of MLS moves we need to get caught up on, starting with Austin FC’s signing of Brandon Vazquez as a Designated Player from CF Monterrey. Vazquez joins on a four-year deal after Austin sent $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to the San Diego Earthquakes to jump to the top of the league’s waiver order. We then move to the New England Revolution, which sent midfielder Emmanuel Boateng to San Diego FC in exchange for $200,000 in 2025 GAM. The Revs have also recalled midfielder Noel Buck from his loan with Southampton. The Chicago Fire have signed Danish winger Phillip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge, with his contract running through the end of the 2028 season. Finally, CF Montreal has reportedly traded $650,000 in GAM and an international roster spot to the LA Galaxy in exchange for center back Jalen Neal.

January Camp Roster Announced

The United States Men’s National Team has announced the 24-man roster for its annual January camp. The team will convene today in Ft. Lauderdale with a squad primarily made up of MLS players, as is usually the case. Zack Steffen is easily the most experienced of the four goalkeepers, with Patrick Schulte the only other one to be capped. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman make up the veteran core of defenders, while none of the four midfielders have more than one cap to their name. Jesus Ferreira is the most seasoned of the seven forwards, with Brian White the only other one to have earned a cap.

Christian Pulisic Stars in Supercoppa Final

AC Milan erased a 2-0 second half deficit in the Italian Supercoppa final on Monday, roaring back to win the trophy with Christian Pulisic taking on a starring role. The American winger snuck into the box in the 80th minute and executed a great turn and finish to level the game at 2-2 in the 80th minute.

He then helped create Tammy Abraham’s game-winner, playing an outstanding ball to release Rafael Leao down the right wing, who squared it for Abraham to tap home and win new boss Sergio Conceicao his first trophy with the club after just two games.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are several other American players who will take part in games this week, so get them all marked down on your calendar so you don’t miss anything. We start on Wednesday, when Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic will play host to Dundee United in Scottish Premier League action. Thursday sees Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Watford in the third round of the FA Cup, and things wrap up on Friday with Cole Campbell, Giovanni Reyna, and Borussia Dortmund facing off against Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga action.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/6/25

Orlando City reportedly bids for Alejandro Zendejas, Antonee Robinson named U.S. Male Player of the Year, Americans abroad, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour and Wrigley Field this past week, but I got a chance to watch some soccer over the weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Transfer Bid for Alejandro Zendejas Rejected

Liga MX side Club America has reportedly rejected a bid from Orlando City for American winger Alejandro “Alex” Zendejas. Talks have stalled as Club America sorts out manager Andre Jardine’s future with the club, as he has been linked to Brazilian side Botafogo. Zendejas has four goals and five assists in 19 matches so far this season for Club America. Orlando City has an open Designated Player spot after the club sold Facundo Torres to Palmeiras last month. The Lions will reportedly prioritize other targets during the winter transfer window.

Antonee Robinson Named U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year

On Sunday, Fulham and United States Men’s National Team defender Antonee Robinson was voted the 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. Robinson won 55% of the vote and was also a finalist for the award in 2022. He started 11 matches for the USMNT and had an assist in its 1-0 win against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Robinson had a solid year at Fulham, recording 10 assists in 37 matches, and won the club’s 2023-2024 Player of the Year award. Robinson beat out AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, and Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream. He’s the first defender to win the award since Oguchi Onyewu won it in 2006.

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

We had another busy weekend featuring several Americans in action in Europe. Cristian Pulisic returned to AC Milan for Friday’s Italian Super Cup semifinal matchup against Juventus that also included Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Yunus Musah. Pulisic scored the equalizer from the penalty spot to tie the match in the second half, helping AC Milan overcome a 1-0 deficit to defeat Juventus 2-1 and book a spot in the Italian Super Cup final against Inter Milan later today. Gianluca Busio played a full 90 minutes for Venezia as his side fought to secure a 1-1 draw against Empoli in Serie A action. Auston Trusty scored his first goal for Celtic as his side defeated St. Mirren 3-0.

Premier League Weekend Roundup

There are plenty of results in the Premier League to catch you up on from the weekend. Former Lion goalkeeper Brandon Austin made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur. Unfortunately, his side fell to Newcastle United 2-1. Manchester City defeated West Ham United 4-1 to get back-to-back Premier League victories, Bournemouth defeated Everton 1-0, Aston Villa edged past Leicester City 2-1, and Brentford dominated Southampton with a 5-0 win. Crystal Palace and Chelsea battled to a 1-1 draw, while Brighton and Arsenal also played to a 1-1 draw. On Sunday, Raul Jimenez scored twice as Fulham fought back for a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town. The Liverpool and Manchester United match also ended in a 2-2 draw. We have one Premier League matchup later today, as Wolverhampton faces Nottingham Forest.

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

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