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Lion Links: 9/11/23

Orlando City and Orlando Pride news, USMNT friendlies, Courage win the Challenge Cup, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. We don’t do politics here at The Mane Land, but we do honor the memory of those who lost their lives on that tragic day 22 years ago today. As you go through your day, keep in mind those important in your life, and let them know how you are thinking of them. I know I will. I am also going to be grateful that I get to cover and support Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and OCB. Let’s get to the links.

Luca Petrasso, Celia Spotlighted During FIFA Break

If you were curious about Luca Petrasso, there is a good interview from the Orlando City defender in the latest episode of Orlando City Insider. Evan Weston and Miguel Gallardo also looked back at Orlando City’s win over FC Cincinnati and outlined the challenges facing the Lions with the departure of Ercan Kara. The pair also spoke about the Orlando Pride’s playoff chances, and Celia sat down for an interview. It’s always nice to learn about the players’ backgrounds and their thoughts on the club and their place in it.

USMNT Outlasts Uzbekistan, Preps for Oman

Despite the 3-0 victory, the U.S. struggled in the final third of the pitch against Uzbekistan on Saturday night. Tim Weah got things started in the fourth minute of play, but the U.S. did not score again until Ricardo Pepi’s second-half stoppage time goal. Christian Pulisic added another goal on a penalty kick to finish the scoring. In between the first and second goals, the U.S. had a hard time connecting passes and creating chances.

Gregg Berharlter knows the U.S. will need to improve going forward, and the first opportunity to do so comes tomorrow night against Oman at Allianz Field in Minnesota. Other than the absence of Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams due to injury, Berhalter has brought in a first-choice squad for these friendlies. Hopefully, the USMNT can clean things up against Oman.

Revolution, Germany Part Ways with Coaches

It often feels like when there is one coaching change in a sport, a bunch more follow. The big news in MLS is the resignation of former USMNT coach Bruce Arena from the New England Revolution. On July 30, Arena was put on administrative leave pending an investigation. That investigation found merit to the allegations leading to Arena’s resignation.

Internationally, Germany fired Hansi Flick following a 4-1 loss to Japan. Despite the result, Flick said he felt he was still the man for the job, but the German Football Association did not agree. Germany have not won any of their past five matches. For the next friendly Germany will be coached by committee.

Courage Win Challenge Cup

It was a Challenge Cup to be forgotten for the Orlando Pride, but for the North Carolina Courage it ended up being a trophy. The Courage defeated Racing Louisville 2-0 to capture a second straight Challenge Cup. The Courage are the first club to win multiple Challenge Cups, though the second one was delayed due to a two-and-half-hour lightning delay. Ultimately, the weather couldn’t stop North Carolina from celebrating a big victory.

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  • Manchester United’s Antony is taking a leave of absence due to allegations of abuse by the player from three women. There is no timeline for his return.
  • Neymar received a plaque for becoming Brazil’s all-time scoring leader, breaking Pele’s scoring record. There is an asterisk though since the award is for goals scored against national teams. As such, there are some Brazilians that are saying Pele is still the leader.
  • Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish soccer federation after intense pressure from players, fans, and the general public for an unwanted kiss with Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso.
  • Former USMNT coach Bob Bradley returned to manage Stabaek in the Norwegian Eliteserien. Bradley previously coached Stabaek in 2014 and 2015.

That will do it for today. Please check back with us as we preview the upcoming matches for Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and OCB. The USMNT is back in action tomorrow. Go USA!

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3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Zontar

    September 11, 2023 at 9:56 am

    I don’t see where Lion Links has covered it, but Bruce Arena resigned over the weekend as manager of the New England Revolution and it appears his career as a manager in MLS is now over. In case anybody doesn’t know what happened, in early August Arena was placed on leave for saying something offensive and inappropriate while the league investigated the allegations. No players know what he said and Reddit, which is sometimes the only source of information in such matters of secrecy, has no idea what he said.

    It seems that what happened is that Arena’s long time assistant coach Richie Williams is looking for revenge. We know now that Williams filed complaints with the league against Arena. Before the season Arena told Williams’ representatives that Williams would not return in 2024 to the Revolution and he needed to find another job for that year. These allegations seem to be payback for that. Some Revolution fans have raised a valid point on Reddit that rewarding Williams with the manager’s job for ratting out Arena isn’t a great idea.

    There’s a little more, but I’ll stop for now except to point out that whatever Arena said, it wasn’t racist.

    • Michael Citro

      September 11, 2023 at 3:30 pm

      You can’t find where it was covered in Lion Links? Look above in the third section.

      • Zontar

        September 12, 2023 at 8:08 am

        Sorry! That is on me. Since Arena wasn’t mentioned by name in that headline, I skipped it.

        I would say that it seems that the real reason he quit wasn’t that what he said was so evil that there was no path back. Nobody mentions him getting sensitivity training and I think he quit rather than do that and him getting such training is why he has to apply to come back to the league.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/23/22

Lions and Herons meet again, Carly Nelson is writing a book, NWSL free agency opens, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Happy Founder’s Day, Mane Landers! It was on this day in 2014 that our fearless leader and Managing Editor Michael Citro started our first ever WordPress website. It’s safe to say that I’m sure The Mane Land has impacted your life as much as it has mine over the years, whether that be through daily reading or weekly podcasts. Cheers to Michael and all those who have come before me.

In my own personal news, I have been grinding away on the new EA FC 24 (the franchise formerly known as EA’s FIFA.) So far, the gameplay and updates have been great in my initial 15+ hours of play, and my online Ultimate Team is starting to really take its shape. I’m sure in a couple weeks that I’ll transition to a traditional Career Mode and take the Lions all the way to an MLS Cup and beyond.

Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a very happy birthday to everyone’s favorite defensive midfielder, Wilder Cartagena!

Third Bout for Orlando City and Inter Miami

Orlando City and Inter Miami have already met twice this campaign. Sunday’s match will look to break the deadlock between the two rivals as both clubs have a victory to their name in this year’s series. In May, the Lions grabbed a 3-1 victory over the Fort Lauderdale-based club. The two sides met for a second time in the knockout round of Leagues Cup 2023 with Inter Miami taking the 3-1 result at DRV PNK Stadium. No matter the result this time around, Orlando City has already clinched a playoff spot, however, the Herons need every point they can get to attempt to do the same.

Carly Nelson, Goalkeeper and Author

It isn’t unheard of to learn that an athlete might have tried another sport before finding soccer, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Carly Nelson came from a background of gymnastics, tennis, basketball, and baseball before her father started a club soccer team with her in mind. While Nelson might have idolized USWNT legend Hope Solo as a child, she started her playing days as a forward, winger, and midfielder. Outside of protecting the Pride’s net, Nelson is spending time writing a book about her life growing up in Utah and the issues her family faced to hopefully help others that might find themselves in similar situations.

NWSL Opens 2024 Free Agency

The National Women’s Soccer League has officially opened the league’s unrestricted and restricted free agency periods. In accordance with the NWSL Players’ Association’s collective bargaining agreement, eligible free agents can begin negotiations for their 2024 Standard Player Agreements. Players eligible for unrestricted free agency include all who have at least five years of service within the NWSL and contracts expiring in 2023, while players eligible for restricted free agency include those who have at least three years of service. For the Orlando Pride, defender Kylie Strom is set to be an unrestricted free agent and midfielder Jordyn Listro is under restricted terms. Any club that currently holds the rights of a restricted free agent has a seven-day period to match an incoming offer from another club or else the player may sign with the new club under the terms of the offer.

USMNT’s Tyler Adams Nearing Return

Tyler Adams will not make his Bournemouth debut this weekend, but he could return as early as next week. Bournemouth’s manager, Andoni Iraola, provided a positive update on the U.S. Men’s National Team captain as he finishes up rehabbing a long-term hamstring injury.

“He has started this week at least to train partially with the group, so probably we can have a chance of having him next week or two weeks, something like this. Tyler is really close because once you start training partially with the group, it’s a matter of sensations, and if you are physically good enough. He has a very good physical base. So I think it will take not a long time to see Tyler with the team.”

Adams has not played since March after having a hamstring surgery. Even with a known injury, the 24-year-old still completed a move from Leeds United to Bournemouth following Leeds’ relegation to keep him in the top flight.

MLS Weekend Preview

Aside from the Florida derby, there are plenty of matches to be excited about around the league this weekend. Personally, I’m looking forward to catching a bit of the D.C. United and New York Red Bulls match. Manager Wayne Rooney’s club is right on the bubble in a tight Eastern Conference race while the Red Bulls can do themselves a huge service and come back into the playoff picture with a win. Out in the Western Conference, there is a real buzz around a Portland Timbers squad after a manager sacking. It could be a huge win for the Timbers and likely push them above the play-in round should they find a result against the Colorado Rapids.

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That’s all I have for you today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a fantastic Saturday. Be safe on Sunday at the match. Stay hydrated and look out for those around you. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/22/23

Orlando City prepares for Inter Miami, MLS NEXT Pro Decision Day is Sunday, USWNT wins against South Africa, and much more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! It’s been a pretty busy week of apartment hunting and work for me, so I’m looking forward to some rest and relaxation this weekend. I don’t have many plans, but I did make sure to carve out a few hours to make a drink and get some reading done. My book club is fairly low maintenance, but I’ll be behind if I don’t finish Fourth Wing before the second book in the series comes out in November. Let’s get into today’s links!

Orlando City Takes On Inter Miami This Weekend

Following a 2-0 loss on the road to New York City FC earlier this week, Orlando City will aim to bounce back when it hosts rival Inter Miami this Sunday. Orlando has a chance to set club records for the most wins and points in a season since it joined MLS in 2015. It will be the third meeting between the two clubs this season, with Orlando beating Miami 3-1 in May before falling 3-1 in the Leagues Cup’s knockout stage. Although Miami will be without Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba according to Head Coach Tata Martino, the Herons still have plenty of attacking talent in the form of Sergio Busquets, Leonardo Campana, and Josef Martinez.

Orlando City B Readies for MLS NEXT Pro Decision Day

Sunday will also be the final day of the MLS NEXT Pro regular season, with nearly every team in action. Here’s everything you need to know about Decision Day across the league, with playoff spots still up for grabs. Orlando City B has already clinched its spot in the postseason, but can secure fifth in the Eastern Conference when it takes on FC Cincinnati 2. However, the difference between fifth and a lower seed won’t matter too much due to a new rule this year where the second and third seed in each conference choose which lower seed it wants to host in the playoffs. The Golden Boot race is competitive as well, with OCB’s Jack Lynn tied at the top with New York City FC II’s Matt Myers. We’ll see if Lynn takes part in Sunday’s match after giving the first team needed depth last weekend.

USWNT Beats South Africa in Julie Ertz’s Finale

The United States Women’s National Team won 3-0 against South Africa in the first of two friendlies this month. All three of the USWNT’s goals came in the first half, with Lynn Williams bagging a brace. In her final USWNT game, Julie Ertz started and earned plenty of applause from the crowd at TQL Stadium when she was subbed off in the 36h minute. M.A. Vignola made her USWNT debut in the match as well, coming on at halftime. The two nations will play again on Sunday in what will be forward Megan Rapinoe’s last game with the USWNT.

Europa League Group Stage Kicks Off

The first round of Europa League group stage matches is over, with all 32 teams getting things started across Europe. Brighton & Hove Albion’s first Europa League match was a rough one, as the English club fell 3-2 at home against AEK Athens. The Spanish clubs also struggled, with Villarreal getting shut out 2-0 by Panathinaikos and Real Betis losing 1-0 to Rangers. Elsewhere, AS Roma beat Sheriff Tiraspol 2-1 thanks to a winner from Romelu Lukaku, Liverpool won 3-1 over Austrian club LASK after trailing early on, and Marseille drew 3-3 with Ajax in a thriller. West Ham, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, and SC Freiburg also won their group openers.

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  • Enjoy the sights and sounds from the Orlando City Foundation’s annual celebrity golf and footgolf tournament.

That’s all I have for you today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/21/23

Orlando City clinches playoff berth despite loss, Eastern Conference standings remain close, USWNT plays South Africa tonight, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Last night’s result wasn’t the best outcome by any means, but losing on the road on short rest after a huge win isn’t the worst thing in the world. We’ll just have to shake that loss off and look forward to more soccer while we have it. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Imanol Almaguer!

Orlando City Clinch Playoff Spot Despite Loss

The Lions weren’t able to put together a comeback in their 2-0 loss on the road to New York City FC. Playing at a narrow Citi Field, Orlando was not able to get much of anything going on offense and was shut out for the first time since July 8. The loss snapped Orlando’s six-game unbeaten streak in MLS play as well. Although the Lions are headed back to Florida emptyhanded, they did qualify for the playoffs due to other results in the league. Orlando will look to right the ship when it hosts Inter Miami this Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Eastern Conference Remains Tight After Midweek Matches

Orlando wasn’t the only Eastern Conference team to clinch its spot in the playoffs after the latest midweek matches, with the Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union both qualifying. Cucho Hernandez had a hat trick within the first 23 minutes of the Crew’s 3-0 win at home against the Chicago Fire. A penalty kick in stoppage time by Daniel Gazdag salvaged a point for the Union in a 2-2 draw with Charlotte FC. FC Cincinnati also needed a late equalizer from the penalty spot in its 1-1 draw with CF Montreal. As for how Orlando’s rivals fared, Atlanta United drew 1-1 with D.C. United and Miami beat Toronto FC, 4-0. Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba both exited in the first half and Miami Head Coach Tata Martino stated that neither will play against Orlando this weekend. Of course, that could just be misdirection. We’ll know for certain come Sunday.

USWNT Plays South Africa Tonight

The United States Women’s National Team will play its first match since the World Cup tonight when it faces South Africa tonight at 7:30 p.m. at TQL Stadium. Following Vlatko Andonovski’s departure last month, Twila Kilgore will coach the team for these friendlies. It will also be Julie Ertz’s final game after 10 years of playing for the USWNT. The 31-year-old announced her retirement last month and spoke more about her decision ahead of tonight’s match. After tonight, the USWNT will play South Africa again on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Champions League Group Stage Rolls On

More clubs got their first taste of this year’s Champions League action as the group stage kicked off this week. Arsenal’s campaign got off on the right foot, with a 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven that put the English club at the top of its group after a 1-1 draw between Sevilla and Lens. Manchester United had a rougher time, falling 4-3 on the road to Bayern Munich. Goalkeeper Andre Onana struggled and blamed himself for the loss. Real Madrid needed a goal from Jude Bellingham in stoppage time to win 1-0 over Union Berlin at home, while Lautaro Martinez scored a late equalizer in Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad. Elsewhere, Napoli beat Braga 2-1, RB Leipzig won 2-0 against a Benfica side that was reduced to 10 men early on, and Galatasaray and Copenhagen split the points in a 2-2 result.

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That’s all I have for you today. Be like a goldfish and enjoy your Thursday!

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