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Lion Links: 7/13/23

Orlando City names Javier Carrillo as academy director, Lions prepare for trip to Atlanta, USMNT ousted from Gold Cup, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to your Thursday morning links! It’s been a week full of rain over here in Tampa, although it’s been helpful to keep the evenings cool. Make sure to keep drinking water throughout the day, because this summer heat isn’t playing around. I don’t have many weekend plans beyond chilling at home when not working, and I’m looking forward to just kicking back with a cocktail or two inside. But for now, let’s enjoy today’s links.

Javier Carrillo Named Orlando City Academy Director

After serving in an interim capacity since January, Javier Carrillo was announced as Orlando City’s academy director. Carillo joined the club in 2019 as the assistant academy director, coaching the U-17 team to a MLS NEXT Cup trophy in 2021 and trips to the semifinals the past two years. Favian Loyola, Alex Freeman, and Thomas Williams were all part of that winning team in 2021 and are three of the nine academy players who have signed first-team contracts while Carrillo has been in Orlando. As academy director, Carrillo will continue to help the club develop players from the academy through Orlando City B to the first team.

Orlando City Prepares for Rivalry Road Match

The Lions will look to bounce back from a 4-0 loss to Real Salt Lake when they take on Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Saturday. This will be the second meeting between the two rivals, with Atlanta scoring a late equalizer against Orlando in a 1-1 draw at Exploria Stadium on May 27. The Lions have scored 15 goals in the eight matches since then, with Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire combining for eight of those goals. Orlando’s next win will be its 10th of the season, as the Lions aim for a fourth-straight trip to the postseason under Head Coach Oscar Pareja.

Orlando City B Hosts Atlanta United 2 This Sunday

The Young Lions are also licking their wounds after a 6-2 loss on the road to Huntsville City FC. They’ll have a decent chance to get back on track this Sunday at Osceola Heritage Park against Atlanta United 2, which has not won in any of its eight road games this season. However, OCB has yet to beat Atlanta this season, falling 3-1 on the road on April 16, before losing the shootout following a 2-2 draw at home on May 19. Sunday’s match will also include two of the league’s top scorers, as Orlando’s Jack Lynn and Atlanta’s Nick Firmino are tied with NYCFC II’s Matt Myers for the most goals in the league, with 10.

USMNT Falls in Penalty Shootout in Gold Cup Semifinals

The United States Men’s National Team’s Gold Cup title defense came to an end after losing to Panama in a penalty shootout. The Yanks played poorly, with Matt Turner coming up with a couple of big saves to keep them alive. Neither team scored within 90 minutes, and Panama took the lead in extra time, thanks to a goal from Ivan Anderson. Jesus Ferreira, who played every minute of the match, scored a great equalizer on the volley to send the game to penalties. However, Ferreira and Cristian Roldan both had their kicks saved by Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Turner made a save on Cristian Martinez’s try, but it wasn’t enough for the U.S. to reach its fourth-straight final.

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy this video of Pareja and the Lions reuniting with Junior Urso. Robin Jansson begging for Urso to be signed again was one of the best things I’ve seen this week.
  • Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright leads the NWSL’s rookies with four goals this year, although a number of rookies are only a goal behind.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week. Go Orlando!

Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/5/24

Video from the Pride’s championship win, Orlando City’s U-19s played well in November, a new deal for Don Garber, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a long week, but I’ve at least been able to get some errands knocked out. I’m looking forward to hanging out with friends over the weekend and getting some more reading done before the year is up. Let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Sights and Sounds From Orlando Pride Title Win

The Orlando Pride made history by winning their first NWSL title last month and the club provided an awesome look behind the scenes of the big win in Kansas City. The video covers everything from Marta’s pre-game pep talk that will have you willing to run through walls to the final whistle that wrapped up the greatest victory in club history. It’s also great to see Barbra Banda’s winning goal from even more angles.

Orlando City’s U-19 Team Stands Out

In MLS NEXT, Orlando City’s U-19 squad is the only undefeated team remaining in its age group and was noted as one of the top performing teams of November. The Baby Lions won all four of their games last month, including a pair of big 6-2 wins against both CF Montreal and Charlotte FC. Justin Ellis had a hat trick in the match against Montreal and scored seven total goals last month. It’s been a great year for the 17-year-old, as he also scored in each of the United States U-18 Men’s National Team’s friendlies against Peru and Japan in September.

Don Garber Signs Contract Extension

MLS Commissioner Don Garber won’t be leaving the league anytime soon after signing a four-year contract extension. The 67-year-old has been the league’s commissioner since 1999 and the league has experienced plenty of growth over the course of his 25-year tenure. He also negotiated the $2.5 billion broadcasting deal with Apple that will last 10 years. Only time will tell if Garber will stay on as commissioner once this extension ends following the 2027 season.

Referees Speak On PRO Interference

You will need to get through the paywall for the full details, as The Athletic published a great article regarding the interference from the Professional Referee Organization in MLS and NWSL games. Matches already get disrupted by VAR checks, but officials have also had to deal with PRO managers weighing in on their decisions. A transcript provided by a video assistant referee who requested anonymity showcased one such incident in a regular-season game, with the PRO manager wanting another look at a play to be made. The delays not only disrupt the flow of things, but it opens the door for others to cast suspicion on the process as well.

Free Kicks

  • FIFA announced DAZN as the exclusive global broadcaster for next year’s FIFA Club World Cup. The platform will stream all 63 games of the tournament at no cost for those watching.
  • The Seattle Sounders confirmed that Raul Ruidiaz is leaving the club after seven seasons. The 34-year-old is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 86 goals across all competitions. This move opens up a Designated Player spot for a Sounders side that reached the Western Conference final.
  • Liverpool managed a comeback but gave up a late equalizer in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle that allowed Chelsea and Arsenal to close the gap to seven points.
  • In a moment reminiscent of Rodrigo Schlegel’s heroics, 19-year-old left back Pol Arnau stepped up as an emergency goalkeeper for fourth-division side Lugrones against La Liga’s Girona in the Copa del Rey. Arnau made saves to send the game to a shootout and then stopped a penalty en route to victory.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/4/24

USWNT defeats the Netherlands, U.S. player awards, Jill Ellis changes jobs, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! We have a U.S. Soccer-heavy news day for you, which is in no way a bad thing. I hope you’re staying warm as we get a bit of colder weather in the Sunshine State. I know I’m loving the bit of chill in the air. Let’s get to today’s links.

USWNT Defeats the Netherlands

The USWNT needed to come from behind to defeat the Netherlands 2-1 Tuesday in the Hague. Lynn Williams scored the match-winning goal in the 71st minute, but the U.S. needed some help from an own goal at the end of the first half to secure the victory. Veerle Buurman put the hosts up early, and the Netherlands dominated the first half. Perhaps if Emma Hayes had given Orlando Pride defender and NWSL Defender of the Year Emily Sams the start then that goal could have been prevented. Unfortunately, Sams did not see the pitch.

It was also Alyssa Naeher’s final international match as well as the final game of the year for the U.S. Prior to the match, Dutch captain Daniëlle van de Donk presented Naeher with a jersey and a bouquet. The long time USWNT keeper didn’t keep a clean sheet, but she did make several key saves to help her team to victory.

Award Season is Here

It’s that time of the year when awards and accolades are doled out, including U.S. Soccer End of the Year awards. The voting for the awards starts Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 13. The usual suspects are in contention for the Male and Female Player of the Year awards. On the men’s side you have players like Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, and Ricardo Pepi. On the women’s side you have players like Sophia Smith, Alyssa Naeher, and Naomi Girma.

Former USWNT midfielder Carli Lloyd was voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on her first year of eligibility. She will be inducted on May 3, 2025. Lloyd making the cut first time isn’t really a big surprise.

The Guardian has released its player rankings (100-71) for the best female footballers of 2024. Players 70-1 are still to come. Orlando Pride center back Rafaelle came in at No. 95. I’m certain we can expect plenty more appearances by Pride players as the rest of the names are revealed.

Pulisic: The Docuseries

Christian Pulisic is one of the most famous American footballers in the world. Now, he has his own docuseries coming out Dec. 9 on Paramount+. The series will provide behind-the-scenes access to Pulisic as he navigates his time with club and country while preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Former USMNT stiker Jozy Altidore might be watching it as he stated his admiration for Pulisic during a recent visit with the U.S. squad in St. Louis.

Jill Ellis’ New Gig

With the allegations of a toxic and hostile work environment at the San Diego Wave under Jill Ellis’ watch, the former USWNT boss left her position with the club to assume the position of Chief of Football at FIFA. There’s nothing quite like leaving a toxic and hostile work environment for an office with FIFA. Hopefully, Ellis will be able to tell the difference between the two. Ellis’ departure is part of a transition period for the Wave.

Free Kicks


That will do it for today. Make sure you check out our Season in Review articles for the Orlando Pride players, already underway, and the upcoming ones for Orlando City. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 12/3/24

Orlando Pride lead early 2025 NWSL rankings, Americans in midweek action, MLS transfer news roundup, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, and aren’t too crestfallen to be back at work if you were lucky enough to get some time off. Saturday’s game may not have gone the way we wanted it to, but it was still a vastly enjoyable season that I’ll look back on fondly. We have a lot to talk over today, so let’s wish David Brekalo a happy birthday and get into the links!

Orlando Pride Top Early 2025 NWSL Rankings

The National Women’s Soccer League season has only just ended, but it’s never too soon to start looking ahead to next year, so let’s have a look at how the teams are stacking up at the moment. As is right and just, the Orlando Pride top the list after winning both the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship this year, although there’s the question of whether Marta will be with the team in 2025 now that she’s a free agent. The runner-up Washington Spirit come in at second, with other semifinalists NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current at third and fourth, respectively. The Houston Dash are at the other end of the list, as they currently don’t have a coach, general manager, or sporting director after a rough season.

What to Watch for Against the Netherlands

The United States Women’s National Team takes on the Netherlands today in the team’s final match of 2024. Even though it’s a friendly there are still plenty of things to keep an eye on. Alyssa Naeher’s final international match will rightly grab a lot of the headlines, considering how long and illustrious her career has been with the USWNT. Newly committed Lily Yohannes will have a chance to show what she can do in the attack in the absence of big names like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. Jaedyn Shaw finds herself in a similar situation as well. If that wasn’t enough, we may also have a chance to see Pride defender Emily Sams, who didn’t appear in the team’s previous game against England.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who are in action this week, so make sure you have everything noted and marked down on your calendar. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan get things started today when they take on Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia’s round of 16. Thursday has Antonee Robinson and Fulham welcoming Brighton and Hove Albion to Craven Cottage in English Premier League play, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth travel to play Tottenham Hotspur. Things wrap up on Friday with Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, Richy Ledezma, and PSV Eindhoven hosting FC Twente in Eredivisie play.

MLS Transfer Roundup

Plenty of MLS teams are busy making off-season moves, and we have a few that we need to cover. We start in the realm of rumor, where new San Jose Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena has reportedly traded for Mark Anthony-Kaye, Dave Romney, and Ian Harkes from the New England Revolution. Arena worked with all three during his time with the Revs, and Tom Bogert reports that San Jose is giving around $500,000 in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot in exchange. We then shift to confirmed moves, where we know that FC Cincinnati has permanently acquired Luca Orellana after he spent 2024 on loan with the Knifey Lions to great effect. Cincy also announced that it signed defender Bret Halsey to a contract extension.

Free Kicks

  • Barba Banda and Marta are both finalists for the 2024 FIFPRO World 11.
  • Congratulations to Orlando City defender Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, who announced on Instagram that his family has a little one is on the way.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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