Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/15/23
Orlando City preps for New England, Brazil wants to win for Marta, OCB faces Chicago Fire II tonight, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? We’ve reached the midpoint of June and I’m pretty much already over this summer heat. It feels like I can’t walk from my car to my front door without sweating. Thankfully, there has been plenty of Orlando soccer to enjoy while chugging water and keeping cool. Let’s kick this Thursday off with some refreshing links from around the soccer world.
Shorthanded Lions Gear Up for the Revolution
Orlando City is on a six-game unbeaten run, but has a tough task ahead of itself on the road this Saturday against the New England Revolution. The Lions are still looking for their first win against the Revolution at Gillette Stadium and have not beaten the Revs in MLS play since 2017. This match will also be difficult for Orlando as the team is without many of the players who have been key during this stretch. Pedro Gallese, Facundo Torres, and Wilder Cartagena are all on international duty, while defenders Antonio Carlos and Kyle Smith are suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Although Orlando has decent depth to fill in the gaps, it should still be a difficult match against a Revolution side that’s unbeaten at home this season.
Brazil Aims to Give Marta a Storybook Ending
Orlando Pride and Brazilian midfielder Marta is expected to take part in her sixth, and possibly final, Women’s World Cup next month. It’s a chance for Marta to win the trophy that has eluded her throughout a career that’s included 115 international goals and six FIFA World Player of the Year awards. Her 17 World Cup goals are also the most by any player — men’s or women’s. Kerolin, who is preparing for her first World Cup with Brazil, spoke on how the team is rallying around giving Marta a sendoff similar to what Argentina gave Lionel Messi last year.
“We want to win this trophy – particularly for Marta,” Brazil forward Kerolin said this week. “Our sights are firmly set on achieving that. She deserves it, because of everything she’s done in the game and because of the person she is. It’s hard to put into words the kind of person she is. We’re looking to follow Argentina’s example, what they did for Lionel Messi [at the men’s World Cup in 2022]. We’re out to follow in those footsteps with Marta.”
Orlando City B Takes On Chicago Fire II Tonight
After dismantling FC Cincinnati 2, 4-0 at home, Orlando City B is on the road tonight for a match against Chicago Fire II. Although the Young Lions remain unbeaten at home this season, they’ve struggled on the road, winning just two of their six away games. Tonight’s match is the first of three between the two teams this season, and also OCB’s first trip to Seatgeek Stadium since a 4-3 win there last July. OCB’s offense bounced back well after its shutout loss in Canada earlier this month and Jack Lynn has scored five goals across the team’s past five matches. However, the Young Lions will be without goalkeeper Javier Otero and Moises Tablante, as they are with the Venezuelan National Team for friendlies against Honduras and Guatemala.
MLS Announces Juneteenth Initiative
As part of commemorating Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the U.S. following the Civil War, MLS announced an initiative called “The Seeds We Plant. The Flowers We Share.” Collaborating with Black Players for Change, this includes 29 collectible jerseys designed by Black artist Gianni Lee that help celebrate African culture and its influence on the world. The player-signed jerseys are up for auction, with the raised funds going towards organizations that support and uplift Black communities in each club’s local market. The Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” will also be played for this weekend’s matches.
USMNT Faces Mexico Tonight in Las Vegas
The United States Men’s National Team will take on Mexico tonight in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals. It’s the latest installment of a rivalry in which the USMNT has had an edge in recent years. The USMNT beat Mexico in the Nations League final in 2021 and has not lost in its past five matches against El Tri. While control of the midfield could prove pivotal, many eyes will be on if forward Folarin Balogun can be a difference maker, should he make his USMNT debut at Allegiant Stadium. The winner of this match will face either Canada or Panama in the final on Sunday.
Free Kicks
- Inter Miami’s Corentin Jean is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury.
- FC Cincinnati captain Luciano Acosta is reportedly close to U.S. citizenship, which would open up a path to playing for the USMNT.
- Lucas Zelarayan’s game-winning goal from his own half predictably won MLS Goal of the Matchday, garnering 60.8% of the vote.
- Naomi Girma signed a new contract with the San Diego Wave that will keep her with the club through 2026.
- West Ham United is reportedly interested in American midfielder Yunus Musah, who helped Valencia stave off relegation in La Liga this past season.
- Patrick Vieira, who has coached New York City FC and Crystal Palace, is reportedly interested in the USMNT head coach vacancy and has been contacted by the U.S. Soccer Federation.
- Meanwhile, LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo stated that the rumors linking him with the USMNT head coaching job are false.
- The Kansas City Current added former Revolution and USMNT midfielder Lee Nguyen as an assistant coach.
- NWSL expansion side Bay FC has hired Lucy Rushton as the club’s first general manager. Rushton heads to California after serving as D.C. United’s general manager and Atlanta United’s head of technical recruitment and analysis.
- After eight years with Liverpool, James Milner is joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a one-year deal.
- Croatia beat the Netherlands 4-2 in a dramatic UEFA Nations League semifinal. Dutch winger Noa Lang equalized in stoppage time to send the game into extra time, but Luka Modric had a goal and an assist to give Croatia the win.
- FIFA reached an agreement with the European Broadcasting Union to extend its media right partnership to include major European markets, ending the standoff between FIFA and European broadcasters regarding the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
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: 11/13/24
Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.
Lions on International Duty
Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.
The NWSL Playoffs Continue
The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.
NWSL Award Voting Open
The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.
Pepi is Ready
The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.
Free Kicks
- In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
- England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
- The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
- Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
- We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
- Jude Bellingham’s younger brother, Jobe, may make a move to La Liga giant Real Madrid.
- The USMNT’s Gio Reyna is still nursing a mystery injury at Borussia Dortmund.
- We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
- Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/12/24
Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando City’s Playoff Path
It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.
What to Watch For With the USMNT
It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.
Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States
The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.
Free Kicks
- NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.
- The U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team battled Argentina to a scoreless draw at the Deaf Pan American Games on Monday, but fortunately advanced in the tournament due to a coin flip tiebreaker. The U.S. will play either Brazil or Mexico in the semifinal.
- Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended due to a social media video that seemed to show him making negative marks about Jurgen Klopp.
- Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who wants to bring in his own assistants.
- Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are among a whopping eight players who have pulled out of England’s UEFA Nations League squad due to injury.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/11/24
Orlando City and Orlando Pride advance in the playoffs, MLS and NWSL playoff roundups, USMNT roster announced, and more.
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 in penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw 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 in 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 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 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 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 won 3-2 win against Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami. New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 6-5 in 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 seeds 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 Kansas City Current defeated the North Carolina Courage 1-0 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 the Portland Thorns 2-1 with Rose Lavelle scoring the winning goal late in 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. 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 Thursday followed by the second leg Monday at City Park in St. Louis.
Free Kicks
- In case you missed it, check out this video of Facundo Torres’ 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.
- FC Cincinnati is reportedly close to a club-record deal to sign forward Kevin Denkey from Cercle Brugge.
- Bayern Munich has reportedly signed U.S. youth international forward Bajung Darboe from LAFC.
- With Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Brighton over the weekend, the club has now lost four consecutive matches across all competitions, which is the first time this has happened since 2006.
- Ruben Amorim is reportedly facing a delay in starting work as manager of Manchester United because the club is awaiting confirmation of his work visa.
- AS Roma has fired its second manager of the season, Ivan Juric, following its 3-2 loss to Bologna on Sunday.
- North Texas SC won the MLS NEXT Pro Cup after trailing 2-0 and completing the comeback to defeat Philadelphia Union II 3-2 and claim its first league title.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign: Three Keys to Victory
-
Orlando Pride5 days ago
Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars: Final Score 4-1 as Barbra Banda Brace Lifts Pride to First-Ever Playoff Win
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs Charlotte FC: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City at Charlotte FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando City5 days ago
Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC: Final Score 3-2 as Pride Cap Historic Regular Season with a Win
-
Lion Links2 weeks ago
Lion Links: 10/30/24
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC: Final Score 0-0 (1-3) as Lions’ Offense a No-Show in North Carolina