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Lion Links: 7/9/24

Lions garner recognition, Anna Moorhouse up for Save of the Week, U.S. Men’s Olympic roster announced, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was about as good a weekend as you could ask for, as two of Orlando’s three soccer teams won, and won big. Things won’t slow down this week though, as we’ve got international semifinals, Orlando City on the road, and the Young Lions taking on an in-state rival. With all that on our plate, let’s get into today’s links.

Lions Garner Recognition

A pair of Orlando City players have been rewarded for their efforts in the team’s 5-0 drubbing of D.C. United. Robin Jansson anchors the three-man back line of the MLS Team of the Matchday, while winger Ivan Angulo has a place on the bench. Jansson was spectacular, with a goal, a goal-line clearance, and 97.3% passing accuracy, along with other impressive defensive stats. Angulo scored a goal, drew the red card that took D.C. down to 10 men, and was a general menace all night when it came to stretching the visitor’s defense. In his player grades from the match, Andrew DeSalvo gave Jansson a grade of 9 out of 10 and the Man of the Match award, while Angulo wasn’t far behind with an 8 out of 10. Here’s hoping this kind of form continues.

Anna Moorhouse Up for Weekly Honors

Anna Moorhouse helped backstop the Orlando Pride to a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Current, and garnered a nomination for NWSL Save of the Week in the process. With the game tied in first-half stoppage time, Moorhouse denied an outside-of-the-foot attempt by Temwa Chawinga to ensure that the score remained level going into halftime. Moorhouse did just enough and made a great save to tip the ball around the post, keeping the league’s Golden Boot leader from adding to her tally. It was a well-deserved nomination and here’s hoping that there’s more to come!

U.S. Men’s Olympic Roster Announced

U.S. Soccer announced the 18-player men’s roster that will travel to Paris to compete in this summer’s Olympics. Orlando City’s Duncan McGuire will be a familiar face at striker, and there are plenty of other recognizable MLS names like Patrick Schulte, Caleb Wiley, and Jack McGlynn. Walker Zimmerman, Djordje Mihailovic, and Miles Robinson are the three overage selections, with the rest of the roster comprised of players 23 years old and younger. One player who won’t be on the plane is Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna. The midfielder has five goals and 12 assists in 1,441 minutes of MLS play, and omitting your most in-form attacking midfielder is a baffling decision to say the least, regardless of the small roster sizes.

Previewing Continental Semifinals

Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024 will both begin their semifinal stages today, so let’s preview the matchups. Across the pond, Spain will play France this afternoon, in a match that features a team that has played some of the best soccer at the tournament in Spain, and a French team that has yet to score a goal from open play. Wednesday’s match will see the Netherlands take on England, and a controversial talking point has been the appointment of Felix Zwayer as the match official, despite him admitting to match-fixing in 2005 and having his integrity brought into question by Jude Bellingham back in 2021.

Returning stateside, tonight’s Copa America semifinal sees Argentina take on Canada in a rematch of the tournament’s opening game, which Argentina won 2-0. Lionel Messi will be fit and back in the side, but Canada will hope that its fast and physical style of play will limit his effectiveness. The other matchup pits Colombia against Uruguay. Colombia will try to maintain its free-scoring offense after hammering Panama 5-0, while Uruguay will likely try to disrupt those efforts by employing a physical, foul-heavy style of play.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

There are a number of transfer rumblings that we need to cover, both at home and abroad. First, Manchester United is said to be in advanced talks with Marseille over a loan deal for Mason Greenwood, which could eventually become a permanent transfer. The Red Devils are also reportedly interested in signing forward Brian Brobbey from Ajax this summer, but will likely face competition from Arsenal. Barcelona President Joan Laporta insists that his club possesses the necessary funds to sign highly rated Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, despite his release clause standing at around $63 million. Finally, Tom Bogert has reported that Atlanta United has agreed to sell Caleb Wiley to Chelsea for $11 million, and that he will be loaned out to Strasbourg in France.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City jumped up four spots to 15th in ESPN‘s MLS power rankings.
  • The Orlando Pride leapfrogged the Kansas City Current and sit in the top spot of the NWSL power rankings for both CBS Sports and ESPN.
  • Anna Moorhouse has linked up with her England teammates.
  • It appears that we’re finally getting concrete movement on the New England Revolution’s efforts at getting a soccer-specific stadium (paywall).

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

Lion Links

Lion Links: 11/1/24

Orlando City plays Charlotte FC tonight, Orlando Pride get ready for the Seattle Reign, NWSL playoff scenarios, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to November, Mane Landers! It’s kind of crazy that there are only two months left of 2024, and I’m not looking forward to the holiday shopping frenzy. I checked on how my resolutions are doing for this year and am going to have to pick up the pace if I want to reach my reading goals. Let’s get this November started with today’s links!

Lions Takes On Charlotte FC Tonight

Orlando City has a chance to book its spot in the next round of the playoffs tonight when it faces off against Charlotte FC at 7:30 p.m. This will be Charlotte’s first playoff game at home since joining the league and it will likely be a loud environment for the Lions to deal with. Charlotte is without Designated Player Pep Biel due to his red card, but midfielders Kerwin Vargas and Patrick Agyemang are more than capable of making an impact. The Lions will have to remain at the top of their game to avoid the series being sent back to Orlando for Game 3 on Nov. 9.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Regular Season Finale

The Orlando Pride will aim to get back on track Saturday night when they take on the Seattle Reign at home in their final game of the regular season. After a pair of losses, a match against the Reign presents a good chance for the team to return to its winning ways after securing its first NWSL Shield. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the international break gives the team a decent chance to reset, as well as how playing at home should give the team a boost.

NWSL Playoff Race Nears Its End

While the Pride secured the top spot in the standings weeks ago, a majority of the league has plenty on the line this weekend. There are three teams in contention for the final two playoff spots, and there’s a three-team race for the second seed in the playoffs. The Portland Thorns can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a result tonight against Angel City FC, while Bay FC can clinch with a result tomorrow night against the Houston Dash. If either team loses, it opens the door for Racing Louisville to snatch a spot in the playoffs on Sunday against the San Diego Wave. After last year’s drama that included the Pride narrowly missing out on the playoffs, I’m glad things are already locked up for Orlando this year.

USWNT’s New Era Off to Strong Start

One of the biggest takeaways from the United States Women’s National Team’s trio of victories in the recent international window was how many new players took the field and impressed. Head Coach Emma Hayes utilized plenty of rotation across the three matches, and Pride defender Emily Sams was one of seven players who made their debut. Sams received a rating of 7 coming off the bench in the team’s win over Argentina, a match that showcased just how deep the U.S. player pool is. It’s been a fantastic past few months for Hayes, who leaned on innovation and experimentation with Chelsea and has the U.S. rebuilding while still staying on top.

Free Kicks

  • Forward Diana Ordonez won’t play in the Dash’s final game of the season after undergoing successful surgery earlier this week.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and a relaxing weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/31/24

Orlando City focused on Game 2, USWNT beats Argentina, U.S. loses in U-17 World Cup, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Halloween! I don’t have any plans for the holiday beyond annoying my cat by dressing him up like a wizard for some photos. Scary movies aren’t exactly my thing either, but I hope you all have a fun time celebrating regardless. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira!

Lions Stay Focused Ahead of Playoff Match

Orlando City will aim to close out its playoff series with Charlotte FC on Friday when the two sides square off in North Carolina. The Lions may be riding high after a solid 2-0 win at home to start its playoff campaign, but Head Coach Oscar Pareja has the team focused on finishing the job to advance to the next round. Pareja spoke about how Orlando’s ability to react and solve problems is a strength and helped the Lions win the first game of the series.

As for Charlotte, MLSsoccer.com‘s Joseph Lowery has it as one of the more likely clubs to turn things around and force a Game 3. Charlotte will have to keep Facundo Torres and Martin Ojeda from running rampant if it wants that to happen. Orlando also won’t have to deal with Charlotte midfielder Pep Biel in Friday’s match, as the appeal for the Designated Player’s red card was rejected.

USWNT Shuts Out Argentina

The United States Women’s National Team closed out the international window with a 3-0 win over Argentina in Louisville. Naomi Girma got the scoring started in the 37th minute, nodding in an easy goal after some poor defending from Argentina for her first international goal. An own goal doubled the USWNT’s lead right before halftime, and then Girma secured her brace with another header in the second half. Goalkeeper Mandy Haught made her USWNT debut, making one save in the shutout. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams did not start this time around, with Head Coach Emma Hayes choosing Eva Gaetino to start alongside Girma in the center of the U.S. defense. However, Sams did enter the game in the second half, coming on in the 70th minute. The USWNT will play its final games of the year when it travels to take on England on Nov. 30 and the Netherlands on Dec. 3 in a pair of tough friendlies.

U.S. Falls in U-17 World Cup Semifinal

The U-17 USWNT lost 1-0 to North Korea in the U-17 World Cup semifinals. After a scoreless first half, Ro Un-hyang scored a great goal to give North Korea the win. The U.S. struggled to get much going on offense and didn’t get a single shot on target in the match. There’s still a chance the U.S. can leave the Dominican Republic with silverware, as it will play for third place against either England or Spain on Sunday.

UEFA Invests in Women’s Soccer

In an effort to grow women’s soccer in Europe, UEFA has pledged $1.08 billion towards all levels of the sport over the next six years. Part of the organization’s goals is to double the number of fully professional national leagues and increase the number of professional players. The plan also includes developing more ways for girls and women to play, coach, and referee, starting at the grassroots level. Although this is a hefty amount of money devoted towards women’s soccer, there’s still plenty of work to do in regards to ensuring women can make a living from soccer.

Free Kicks

  • The City Beautiful is looking good in celebration of both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride being in the postseason this year.
  • MLS Save of the Year went to FC Dallas’s Maarten Paes for his double save to deny Gabriel Pec from the penalty spot. I still prefer Pedro Gallese’s acrobatic double save that was nominated, but this was still nice work from Paes.
  • FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano won MLS Goal of the Year for his strike from 79.81 yards out to beat CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois on Aug. 31.
  • Weston McKennie scored his first goal of the Serie A season by getting his head on the end of a nice cross from fellow American Tim Weah, who later scored the equalizer in Juventus’ 2-2 draw with Parma.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/30/24

Orlando City prepares for Charlotte (again), the Pride ready for playoffs, Ballon d’Or issues, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I hope you have your costume ready for tomorrow, and the candy ready for the kiddos. In addition to Halloween, it’s a big week for the club as Orlando City prepares for playoff match number two, and the Pride finish the regular season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Ready for Charlotte, Part Deux

Orlando City is heading into the second match against Charlotte FC riding the good vibes of a 2-0 victory in the first match. Facundo Torres and company executed Oscar Pareja’s game plan to perfection and will look to do so again this Friday. The second match will pose a bigger challenge as this will be the North Carolina-based club’s first-ever home playoff match. The crowd will be big and loud in this must-win match for the home team.

Pride Await Playoff Opponent

We’ve known for weeks that the Orlando Pride will be the number one seed in the NWSL playoffs. What we don’t know is which team the Pride will be playing. If the standings remain the same after this weekend, it will be Bay FC. The other two possibilities are the Portland Thorns or the Chicago Red Stars.

Orlando’s Gone But Not Forgotten

There have been many professionals who have played for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride over the years. While they may no longer wear purple, we still like to keep track of their comings and goings. For example, former Orlando Pride forward Sydney Leroux has signed a new three-year contract that will see her end her career at Angel City FC. Likewise, former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod, has signed with Canadian Northern Super League side Halifax Tides FC.

In not-so-great news, former Orlando City striker Daryl Dike, has to endure yet another setback on his way back from injury for West Bromwich Albion. Dike suffered a mild hamstring issue in training with the first team. We wish him a speedy and full recovery.

The Ballon d’Or Problem

The Orlando Pride’s Marta was seemingly quite upset with Vinícius Júnior not getting the Ballon d’Or this year. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but given Marta’s accomplishments, her opinion carries more weight than many others.

Of course that isn’t the only criticism being leveled at the award. The women’s side of the award has been treated with disdain and marginalized consistently over the years. This year was no exception. Given that the award ceremony took place during the women’s international break. Many nominees and winners for the various awards, including USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes, were unable to attend. Given how fast the women’s game is growing, it’s time for those giving out the accolades to treat the women equally.

Free Kicks


That will do it for today. I hope everyone has fun and stays safe tomorrow for Halloween. Also, remember to check back as we get you ready for the upcoming Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches. Vamos Orlando!

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