Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/11/23
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all of you are doing well down in Florida. Iโve been busy at work covering high school sports up here in Chicago this past week. There is plenty to cover today, so letโs get to the links.
Orlando City Linked With Young Attacker
Per Cesar Luis Merlo, the Lions are reportedly finalizing the signing of Argentine forward Ramiro Enrique from Banfield in Argentinaโs top flight. Enrique would fill the MLS U22 Initiative spot left by Andres Pereaโs departure this off-season. The versatile 21-year-old attacker could be developed to fill some of the void up front after the exits of Benji Michel, Tesho Akindele, and Alexandre Pato.
Source: Orlando City finalizing the acquisition of Argentine attacker Ramiro Enrique from Banfield for around $2m + add-ons. @CLMerlo first.
Enrique, 21, would be U22 Initiative signing. Can play center forward or on the wing. 12g/3a in ~4000 first team mins. pic.twitter.com/stBlo7Axq3
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 11, 2023
OCSC Acquires International Roster Spot
In a minor trade to help get Orlando Cityโs roster compliant before the 2023 season, the Lions have received a 2023 international roster spot from the Portland Timbers in exchange for $200,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM). This trade could be related to the reports regarding Enrique. It could also just be due to the club recently signing Argentine midfielder Martin Ojeda and Brazilian left back Rafael Santos. If the latter, look for the club to acquire another slot via trade.
Apple and MLS Announce Broadcasters for MLS Season Pass
Apple and Major League Soccer released an initial list of broadcasters for its MLS Season Pass for the upcoming 2023 season. Analysts will include former MLS stars such as Bradley Wright-Phillips, Diego Valeri, and former Lion Sacha Kljestan. Some of the other match analysts mentioned are Taylor Twellman, Kyndra de St. Aubin, Maurice Edu, Lori Lindsey, and Danielle Slaton. Some notable names handling the play-by-play duties include Max Bretos, Steve Cangialosi, and Pablo Ramรญrez. Also, Liam McHugh, Jilian Sakovits, and Tony Cherchi will be hosts in the studio. This list is not final and the complete broadcasting team will be announced prior to the seasonโs start next month.
MLS Off-Season Moves Continue
Plenty of MLS teams are busy getting their rosters set for the upcoming season. Real Salt Lake officially acquired winger Carlos Andres Gรณmez from Colombian club Millonarios for a club-record transfer fee. The contract is for five years and includes a player option for the 2028 season. Austin FC made a trade with the Houston Dynamo, acquiring defender Adam Lundkvist in exchange for $300,000 in 2023 GAM and $200,000ย in 2024 GAM. The New England Revolution signed midfielder Jack Panayotou to a Homegrown Player contract. Nashville SC announced that itโs mutually agreed to part ways with midfielder Handwalla Bwana. FC Dallas signed center back Amet Korca from Croatian side HNK Gorica to a deal while also mutually reaching an agreement to terminate forward Franco Jaraโs contract to free up a Designated Player spot. Atlanta United will reportedly buy out Josef Martinezโs contract, with the Venezuelan then joining Inter Miami without taking up a Designated Player spot.
Reporting with @samstejskal:
Atlanta United is finalizing an offseason buyout of Josef Martรญnez, per sources. The 2018 MLS MVP would then join Inter Miami, which would pick up a portion of his salary. Martรญnez would not require a DP spot for either team.https://t.co/Cl4oLlZrmt
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) January 10, 2023
MLS Owners Considering New Playoff Format
According to The Athletic , Major League Soccer is reportedly considering changing its playoff format (paywall), to include a best-of-three series. The best-of-three format would only apply to the first round, while the next rounds will be single elimination if the league owners approve the proposal. The proposed format would include 16 teams, with eight from each conference qualifying for the playoffs. MLS had reportedly previously discussed a playoff format featuring groups and a knockout stage as well. The league is also reportedly discussing the possibility of allowing clubs to buy and sell players to other MLS clubs through an intra-league transfer market. What do you think of the new proposals? Let me know in the comments section below.
NWSL Announces 2023 Draft Broadcast Details
The 2023 NWSL Draft will start tomorrow at 6 p.m. in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The Orlando Pride have the third overall pick in this year's draft. The league announced the broadcast details for the draft, with coverage beginning on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports HQ at 6 p.m. Paramount+ and CBS Sports HQ will then stream the draft until its conclusion. The Attacking Third podcast, hosted by Sandra Herrera and Lisa Roman, will also have a live show analyzing the draft and interviewing some of the selected players.
Free Kicks
- Looks like Orlando Cityโs Ercan Kara is the strongest MLS player in FIFA 23.
๐ชComing in at number one for strength in our latest #MLSRatingsRefresh is @OrlandoCitySC's Ercan Kara!
1. Kara (OVR: 73, Strength: 92)
2. @cfmontreal's Wanyama (OVR: 75, Strength: 92)
3. @MNUFC's Boxall (OVR: 69, Strength: 91)
4. @LAFC's Chiellini (OVR: 82, Strength: 91) pic.twitter.com/zgQT0TFHfm— FIFA Ratings Collective (@EAFIFARATINGS) January 10, 2023
- Former Lion Luis Gil and his girlfriend Salua welcomed their newborn son this past weekend. Gil is currently playing for USL League One side Union Omaha. Congratulations to the happy couple.
There's a new baby bรบho in town!๐ฆ๐ผ
Congratulations to @Luisitogil_10 and his girlfriend, Salua, on the birth of their son over the weekend ๐#OneMeansAll pic.twitter.com/xISdWq0rJ4
— Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) January 10, 2023
- The Central Florida Crusaders posted this video on social media recapping their first day of the preseason.
The preseason has officially ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐!#CFLCrusaders pic.twitter.com/eCPKx8zjKn
— Central Florida Crusaders (@CrusadersNISL) January 10, 2023
- Racing Louisville FC midfielder Jaelin Howellย has agreed to a contract extension with the club through the 2025 season.
- The United Soccer League announced that the USL Super League will delay its launch until August 2024.
- CF Montrรฉal terminated the contract of its reserve team head coach, Sandro Grande, just one day after hiring him due to receiving backlash on social media about his controversial comments from several years ago.
- HBO Max and TNT announced their broadcasters for USMNT and USWNT matches, including Luke Wileman, Kyle Martino, Julie Foudy, DaMarcus Beasley, and Shannon Boxx.
- Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has bought an ownership stake with the NWSLโs Kansas City Current.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, and Iโll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/18/24
Barbra Banda’s opportunity in Orlando, Omar Gonzalez’s mental health struggles, UEFA Champions League quarterfinals finish, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we gear up for another weekend packed with Orlando soccer. It’s been a fairly busy week for me as I juggle work with keeping an eye on my cat. He’s a bit of a menace, but at least in a cute way. I’ll spare you my rambling on how great he is, and instead give you today’s links from around the soccer world.
Opportunity Knocks for Barbra Banda
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda landed in the City Beautiful and spoke on how her first week with the team has been going. While there’s plenty of buzz surrounding the Pride on how Banda should improve the team’s offense, playing in the NWSL will also help the 24-year-old further develop her game.
โI think the league is quite good. Iโve been following it from way back,โ she said. โI think itโs a very interesting league, very strong. All the teams are very physical, fast. So I think itโs good for myself to improve.โ
Now that she’s with the Pride, soccer fans around the world will now have better access to watch one of the best forwards in women’s soccer. Banda also talked about the warm welcome she received at the airport and you can check out more of her reaction to that and some of her first few days in Orlando in the video below.
Portland Thorns Head Coach Reassigned
Mike Norris is no longer the head coach of the Portland Thorns after the club made him a technical director instead. The Thorns have never had a worse start to an NWSL season, losing three of their four games this year and still searching for their first win. Rob Gale will serve as the team’s interim head coach while the club does a global search for a replacement. I’m a bit surprised that Norris wasn’t given a few more weeks to turn things around, considering Portland is just a win away from being back in the thick of things. We’ll see if the Thorns will get that win with Gale at the helm when they take on the struggling Houston Dash Saturday.
Omar Gonzalez Shares His Mental Health Journey
American defender Omar Gonzalez discussed the difficulties he’s had over the course of his year and the toll it has had on his mental health. His own goal in the USMNT’s loss to Trinidad & Tobago that cost the team its chance to qualify for the 2018 World Cup would be rough for any player to overcome, but Gonzalez stated that head injuries made a stressful few years of his life much more difficult. Gonzalez admitted that he had daily suicidal thoughts until he reached out for needed help while with Toronto FC. Things have since improved and he’s currently with his hometown team, FC Dallas. I think it’s helpful for players like Gonzalez to be open about the mental health problems athletes face. Hopefully this lets other athletes know they aren’t alone in these struggles and encourages them to reach out for help if needed.
UEFA Champions League Semifinals Are Set
Only four teams are still standing in the UEFA Champions League after the quarterfinals wrapped up with plenty of dramatic soccer. The matchup between Real Madrid and Manchester City lived up to expectations with a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in England. Real Madrid prevailed and ended City’s run, with Andriy Lunin making two saves in the shootout. In the other quarterfinal, Bayern Munich advanced after beating Arsenal 1-0, thanks to Joshua Kimmich’s head.
It all sets up for a thrilling pair of semifinals and potential storylines for the final. Will Bayern and Borussia Dortmund reach the final for a rivalry match for the ages? Can Kylian Mbappe finally give Paris Saint-Germain a Champions League title, and will it be at the expense of Real Madrid? If the semifinals are anything like the quarterfinals, it will be great soccer to enjoy.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City Director of Equipment Operations Charles Raycroft received some deserved recognition after reaching an impressive milestone in his career.
- The Columbus Crew and Wilfried Nancy have agreed to a contract extension. Nancy led the Crew to an MLS Cup title in his first year with the team and has the Crew in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Europe seems inevitable for him, but clubs will now need to pony up some cash to secure his services.
- For the first time ever, goalkeeper jerseys for each NWSL team are now available for fans to buy. Grab your Anna Moorhouse jerseys while they’re hot!
- Minnesota United captain Michael Boxall didn’t mince words in regards to his thoughts on Emanuel Reynoso’s commitment to the club โ or lack thereof.
- Rose Lavelle stated that she hopes to return to action within the next few weeks. The midfielder has yet to make her debut with NJ/NY Gotham FC due to a leg injury.
- Due to Arsenal’s exit in the Champions League, Austrian club RB Salzburg claimed the final European spot for next year’s expanded Club World Cup.
- Juventus was ordered to pay a little over $10 million to Cristiano Ronaldo for owed wages.
- Romario, who was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1994 after helping Brazil win a World Cup, has registered himself as a player for America Football Club. The 58-year-old has been the president of the club since 2009 and now has the chance to play alongside his son Romarinho.
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: 4/17/24
Orlando City rises in power rankings, Orlando Pride waive two players, Champions League results, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Time to start your day with some tasty links. It’s shaping up to be an exciting weekend with Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and Orlando City B all playing. Last week, Orlando’s teams ended up with seven out of nine possible points. Here’s hoping we see nine out of nine this weekend. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Moving On Up
Starting the season 0-3-1 is a good way to be in the cellar of the utterly meaningless MLSsoccer.com power rankings. Orlando City is now starting to climb up the rankings thanks to three straight results. The Lions moved up four spots to 21st after the 3-2 victory over DC United. It was Duncan McGuire’s goal that secured the win, and his performance off the bench was a talking point for this week as well.
Farewell Kaylie Collins and Tori Hansen
The Orlando Pride announced that goalkeeper Kaylie Collins and defender Tori Hansen were waived on Tuesday. Both players were on loan in Australia’s A-League Women ,with Collins at Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Hansen with Melbourne Victory FC. Collins and Hansen were both NWSL draft picks for the Pride, though neither saw significant minutes with the club.
Barbra Banda Begins Training
Barbra Banda participated in her first training with the Pride Tuesday. It’s uncertain how much playing time she may get this week, but it’s possible she makes her first appearance against the San Diego Wave this Friday. Please remember that it sometimes takes new players time to get used to a new club, a new city, and a new league. Of course, I’m still hoping she comes on and scores a brace against the Wave.
Wild Matches in Champions League Quarterfinals
Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund both overcame deficits in the first leg to advance to the UEFA Champions League semifinals. PSG dropped four goals on Barcelona to win 6-4 on aggregate. Barcelona scored first, but made things hard on itself when Ronald Araรบjo was sent off.
Borussia Dortmund also scored four goals, defeating Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate. Dortmund gave up an own goal, but battled back to take the lead in the match and then the lead in the tie thanks to goals scored in the 71st and 74th minutes. It was a wild, fun match to watch. Dortmund and PSG will meet in the semifinals.
Free Kicks
- There is no doubt that a congratulatory message from Marta is a big deal. That goes double for Brazilian basketball player Kamilla Cardoso, who was selected third overall in the WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky.
- Orlando Pride fans are excited to finally see Barbra Banda play in the NWSL, and now Banda’s friends and family in Africa also may be able to watch her โ and other African players around the league โ because ESPN Africa will start airing two matches each week this month.
- It turns out that Wrexham AFC is more popular than every MLS club apart from Inter Miami. I wonder if celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny or an FX show about the club have anything to do with that? We’ll probably never know.
- Former OCSC midfielder Luis Gil made the USL League One Team of the Week. Gil is currently playing for Spokane Velocity FC.
- MLS will now start implementing the new rules for off-field treatments, timed substitutions, and in-stadium VAR announcements. The idea is to maximize effective match time.
- The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will test new time limit rules during the 2024-2025 season for how long keepers can hold the ball with potential consequences including giving the opposing team a corner or a throw-in.
- Finally, our thoughts are with the friends and family following the passing of Joel McKell.
That will do it for today. Check back later in the week as we get you ready for the Orlando City, Orlando Pride, and OCB matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/16/24
Nico Lodeiro earns recognition, Marta up for Goal of the Week, MLS stock watch, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! I hope you had a good weekend and got your taxes filed correctly and on time. It was a good weekend for Orlando soccer, as the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B, and Orlando City went undefeated and picked up seven of the nine points on offer. As always, we have a lot to talk through today. Before we get into today’s links, let’s all wish Luis Muriel a happy birthday!
Nico Lodeiro Makes Team of the Matchday Bench
Midfielder Nico Lodeiro has earned recognition for his part in Orlando City’s 3-2 win over D.C. United, making the bench of the latest edition MLS Team of the Matchday. The Uruguayan entered the fray in the 72nd minute and helped OCSC come back and take all three points. He took the corner kick that David Brekalo equalized from, (even though he was not initially credited with the assist) and provided an outstanding through ball for Duncan McGuire’s game-winner. Sean Rollins graded him a 6.5 out of 10 and named him Man of the Match in his player grades as well. Here’s hoping he keeps up the good work!
Marta’s Goal Nominated
Marta’s game-winning strike during Friday’s contest against Utah Royals FC has been nominated for NWSL Goal of the Week. On the road and in the game as a substitute, it didn’t take long for the Brazilian to make her mark on the match. She was barely on the field for five minutes when she met a ball that was rolling across the box with a first-time strike that she powered in off the back post. It proved to be the game’s only goal and was enough to give the Pride their first win of the season. Make sure you vote for her to win this week’s honor!
MLS Stock Watch
The fortunes of Major League Soccer teams are in constant flux, and it’s always nice to keep track of how your enemies are doing. Former Lion Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which clubs’ stock went up and which went down after the weekend’s games. We start on a good note, as a resilient performance from Orlando City saw the good guys pick up their second win of the season. The LA Galaxy hammered the Vancouver Whitecaps by a score of 3-1, and proved that their place atop the Western Conference standings is no fluke. On the other side of the coin, Toronto FC has given up 10 goals in its last three matches, and Jon Herdman needs to find a way to keep things from getting worse until the Reds’ group of injured players can return to the field.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are two big matches featuring American players this week, so get them marked down on your calendar and don’t miss any of the action. Thursday sees Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan travel to the Italian capital to try to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit to Roma in the Europa League quarterfinals. Musah started Sunday’s match against Sassuolo and Pulisic subbed on in the second half as Milan clawed its way back to a 3-3 draw. Friday then has Juventus and Weston McKennie traveling to Cagliari for a Serie A tilt. Juve is currently third in the league and needs to keep picking up results to secure a UEFA Champions League place for next season.
UEFA Champions League Preview
Speaking of the Champions League, the quarterfinals wrap up today and tomorrow and there are a number of storylines to keep an eye on. Luis Enrique is strong in his belief that Paris Saint-Germain can overcome a 3-2 loss in the first leg to advance past Barcelona. Xavi has promised that Barca will look to attack rather than sitting and protecting its lead. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich will be without the suspended Alphonso Davies and likely Kingsley Coman due to injury, and their replacements will be hard pressed to contain Ben White and Bukayo Saka. Finally, Edin Terzic’s substitutions gave Borussia Dortmund a spark in the team’s 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid in the first leg, which means the coach may have a selection headache on his hands as he tries to lead his side to a comeback.
Free Kicks
- The Pride are up to the fifth spot in CBS Sports‘s NWSL power rankings.
- Meanwhile Orlando City rose a couple spots to 16th in ESPN‘s MLS power rankings.
- Roma’s Evan Ndicka has been released from the hospital after collapsing during the team’s match against Udinese on Sunday.
- Cole Palmer scored four goals as Chelsea blitzed Everton 6-0 on Monday afternoon, but a lot of the headlines are dedicated to an argument that took place over who would take the penalty that gave the Blues their fifth goal.
- Red Bull Salzburg has fired Gerhard Struber.
That’ll do it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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