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Lion Links: 7/19/23

Orlando ready for Dynamo, Alejandro Granados could head to Belgium, Wilfredo Rivera nominated for Goal of the Matchday, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Happy Wednesday, Mane Landers! I don’t know why, but I still think of that old camel commercial every so often on hump day. Aside from being a camel’s favorite day of the week, it is also one of our favorite days of the season as we’re in the MLS All-Star break. Tonight, you can tune in to watch the MLS All-Stars take on Arsenal at 8:30 p.m. While there won’t be any Orlando City players in the match, that is fine by me, as they can rest up for Friday’s bout with the Houston Dynamo in Leagues Cup action. Who doesn’t love a little midseason cup run? Let’s take a look at it all in today’s links!

Orlando Prepares for Leagues Cup

Orlando City hosts the Houston Dynamo on Friday night at Exploria Stadium in the midseason tournament. This will be Houston’s second visit in as many years to Orlando, having lost 2-1 to the Lions last summer. In MLS action, the Dynamo head into the Leagues Cup just above the playoff line in ninth place in the Western Conference. Orlando City center back Antonio Carlos is nearing a personal milestone, as he is only two appearances away from 100 across all competitions for the club.

OCB’s Alejandro Granados Reportedly on the Move

The Belgian Pro League is the top league in Belgium, and Club Brugge is looking to bring the blossoming talents of Orlando City B midfielder Alejandro Granados across the ocean to it. Having played just one single minute for the senior Lions, a $2 million price tag would be extremely high for just an Orlando City academy prospect. The Athletic’s Tom Bogert ($) has sources claiming that could very well be the transfer fee though. The 17-year-old made his MLS debut in June following five appearances for Spain at the U-17 European Championships in May.

Rivalry Win Boosts Confidence for Lions

The 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday night has pushed Orlando City’s defensive confidence another level higher. For Lions Head Coach Oscar Pareja, he knows that he made two prior mistakes earlier this season when not bringing on an extra defender early.

“I’m still carrying a little bit of pain from the two games at home against Atlanta and New York City where I could have helped the team by adding a third defender in a moment that we needed it. Today, in the last 15 minutes, I said well, we’re coming from a hard game in Salt Lake, so it’s normal that they were feeling the pressure. So we said okay, we’re going to defend with an extra center back, because crosses are going to come and we’re going to make sure that we control that part.”

In the dying moments of this recent win, when five minutes of stoppage slowly became 10, Orlando City was able to weather the storm and walk out with all three points from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Wilfredo Rivera Nominated for Goal of the Matchday

The Young Lions are up to eighth in the latest MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings following two wins out of their last three matches. With a strike in the 76th minute from way downtown, Wilfredo Rivera launched himself into MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Matchday contention in a 3-2 comeback victory with only 10-men over Atlanta United 2. Orlando City B is back in action on Sunday when it takes on Chicago Fire II.

USWNT’s World Cup Squad Makeup

The United States Women’s National Team roster for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup features players from ages of 18 to 38. With all of the veteran experience among the squad, it helps to create strength and camaraderie in the squad for those getting their first call-ups to the biggest tournament in the women’s game.

“I think the veterans have been so incredible about telling us what we’re getting into,” said midfielder Andi Sullivan. “They’ve just shared and given examples of [World Cup] craziness in the past. They’ve reiterated to lean on them if there’s something we’re struggling with, which I think is such an incredible thing to do. They want to perform their best but they’re still looking out for us newbies. I think it’s been incredible and has given the whole team this sense of confidence.”

On top of having a range of ages in the team, this will also be a squad that boasts nine women of color. However, the team’s diversity extends beyond race, with several players being openly gay as well. The players hope to be the women they wished they’d seen play when they were younger, ensuring children of color, queer kids, and others will always feel they have a home in the game. 

“I think it’s just awesome that the national team is starting to look like the nation,” forward Lynn Williams said. “We have gay people. We have straight people. We have Black people. We have Mexican people. It looks like the United States, and I think that’s exactly what it should look like … so hopefully the younger generations can look to us and say, ‘You know what? Soccer is a space for me, and we want to play as well.’”

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  • Did Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines just witness a bird carry away another bird? Don’t worry, Seb, I think we would all be as dumbfounded.

That’s all for today folks. Vamos Orlando!

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

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That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

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  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/30/24

Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.

San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano

The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.

U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.

English Premier League Approves Spending Cap

Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.

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That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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