Lion Links
Lion Links: 8/9/24
Yutaro Tsukada will reportedly sign a first-team deal, Ally Lemos called up, USWNT and Brazil face off Saturday, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/media_10325323_10003663_compressed.jpg)
Happy Friday! Orlando City is in action tonight against Cruz Azul, so we have plenty of excitment and anticipation to help get us through the work day. European soccer leagues are also starting up this weekend, while the Olympic action nears its end. It all sets up for an exciting weekend. But first, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City Homegrown Player Alex Freeman!
Yutaro Tsukada Reportedly Nears First-Team Contract
A report surfaced that Orlando City B forward Yutaro Tsukada will sign a contract with the first team that will last through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027 as well.
The club drafted Tsukada in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft with the 25th overall pick, later signing him to a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract. He’s recorded four goals and four assists so far this season, and was also named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month for May. I can’t imagine he’d get many minutes with the first team this year, but this could be a solid move by the club for the future if it comes to pass.
Ally Lemos Called Up For U-20 World Cup
Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos was one of 21 players called up by the United States U-20 Women’s National Team for the World Cup that kicks off at the end of this month in Colombia. Lemos has represented the U.S. across multiple youth levels and played in the 2023 U-20 Concacaf Championship. Selected by the Pride with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Lemos has made 14 appearances across all competitions so far this year. The first match of the upcoming World Cup for the U.S. will be Sept. 1 against Spain before the Yanks face Morocco on Sept. 4 and Paraguay on Sept. 7.
Analyzing Brazil Ahead of Gold Medal Game
The United States Women’s National Team will square off against Brazil on Saturday in the gold medal game of this year’s Olympics. For Pride fans, Brazil has a few familiar faces. Center back Rafaelle is unfortunately injured, but Marta will be eligible for the first time since being sent off in the final game of the group stage. Adriana and Angelina both started in Brazil’s 4-2 semifinal win over Spain with Adriana scoring. As for other notable Brazilian players heading into this match, goalkeeper Lorena has come up with crucial saves this tournament and versatile attacker Gabi Portilho has scored in Brazil’s past two games. Plenty of attention will be on Marta in her international finale, but this Brazil team boasts many players who can give the USWNT headaches. It should be a thrilling game and it looks like NBC is going to give the match center stage.
MLS Transfer News as Deadline Looms
With less than a week left before the transfer window closes, several MLS teams are improving their squad to finish the season strongly. The Vancouver Whitecaps added fullback Edier Ocampo from Atlético Nacional in Colombia’s top flight and he will be an MLS U22 Initiative Player for the Canadian club.
Minnesota United sent $50,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) and a second-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft to CF Montreal in exchange for 21-year-old midfielder Caden Clark. The Loons retain a sell-on percentage if Clark is later moved and could also get another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met.
In other news, the Philadelphia Union signed Haitian midfielder Danley Jean Jacques from French club FC Metz, sending $100,000 in GAM to the Portland Timbers for his discovery rights. FC Cincinnati terminated Aaron Boupendza’s contract, opening up a Designated Player spot. Inter Miami transferred Homegrown Player Shanyder Borgelin to Vendsyssel FF in Denmark’s second division.
Free Kicks
- The buzz for Mauricio Pochettino to become the next United States Men’s National Team head coach continues to grow, as the 52-year-old is reportedly the leading candidate for the job.
- Utah Royals forward Ally Sentnor was named both NWSL Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month after a July that included three goals and an assist.
- Morocco breezed past Egypt 6-0 to claim the bronze medal in the men’s Olympic soccer tournament. Soufiane Rahimi scored twice to finish with eight goals this Olympics, helping Morocco win its first medal in soccer.
- Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is reportedly joining Fiorentina in Serie A.
- Portuguese center back Pepe is hanging up his cleats at age 41, retiring after a career that included plenty of silverware at both the club and international levels.
- Our condolences go out to the friends and family of former FIFA interim president Issa Hayatou, who passed away in Paris at age 77.
That’s all I have for you today. I wish you all a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/10/24
Marta nominated for NWSL Goal of the Week, Orlando Pride happy to clinch playoff spot, Lions on international duty, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Marta.jpg)
Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was another good weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B combined to pick up all six points on offer. Hopefully that trend can continue and get even better once Orlando City resumes play this Saturday. We’ve got a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s get after it.
Marta Nominated for Goal of the Week
The Pride took down the Chicago Red Stars 1-0 on Sunday, with Marta singlehandedly winning the game for the Pride courtesy of an absolutely outstanding strike from outside the box. Unsurprisingly, that effort has earned her a nomination for NWSL Goal of the Week. While she’s facing some stiff competition, I think it’s safe to say that her goal is comfortably the best of the bunch. Go make sure everyone else knows it, and vote for her to win this week’s award!
Pride Speak On Clinched Playoff Spot
The Pride discussed the team’s mentality after clinching a playoff spot following this weekend’s results. Head Coach Seb Hines highlighted the heartbreak of narrowly missing the postseason in 2023 and how that was a motivator this season. That sentiment was echoed by both Marta and Haley McCutcheon, with both players speaking on making the postseason and the team’s bigger goals this year.
Lions on International Duty
David Brekalo is on international duty with Slovenia, and was part of his team’s victory in UEFA Nations League play on Monday. Brekalo started at right back and spent 87 minutes on the field, as Slovenia beat Kazakhstan 3-0 courtesy of a hat trick by star man Benjamin Sesko. The result leaves Slovenia atop League B Group 3 with four points after a 1-1 draw with Austria on Friday as well. Meanwhile, Facundo Torres and Uruguay face Venezuela at 6 p.m. tonight in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Torres came on as a sub with 10 minutes to go in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Friday, so we’ll see if he’s involved two matches in a row. Best of luck, Facu!
USMNT Takes On New Zealand Tonight
The United States Men’s National Team will try to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Canada when it takes on New Zealand today at 7 p.m. in Cincinnati. The All Whites are ranked 94th in the world and have won four of their last five games. The USMNT midfield will need to have a much better showing than it did against the Canadians, as Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, and Malik Tillman were collectively outgunned by the opposition. It’ll also be worth keeping an eye on the goalkeeper situation, as Patrick Schulte played well in the 2-1 loss, and has probably earned another start. There’s plenty to watch for, so make sure you tune in and see if the team can get back on the right track.
International Break Roundup
With the international break still in full swing, there were a number of big games yesterday that we need to catch up on. In the marquee match of the day, France rebounded from a 3-1 loss to Italy in UEFA Nations League play by comfortably dispatching Belgium 2-0, courtesy of goals from Randal Kolo-Muania and Ousmane Dembele. Italy made it two wins in two attempts by knocking off Israel 2-1, with a 90th minute goal from Mohammad Abu Fani not enough to get Israel its first point in the competition. In the Concacaf Nations League, Curacao posted an eye-popping score by beating St. Martin 4-0, only for Haiti to better that result by hammering Sint Maarten 6-0.
Free Kicks
- In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Pride have been outstanding this year.
- Fenerbahce is reportedly interested in signing Antony, but the winger is said to be intent on staying at Manchester United.
- Martin Odegaard went off injured in Norway’s match against Austria on Monday, and he’s set to have an MRI to determine the extent of the damage.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/9/24
Orlando Pride win in Chicago, McKinley Crone signs new contract, Orlando City B defeats Crown Legacy FC, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/JeremyPride-90-scaled.jpg)
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. Under Armour has been keeping me busy, and I got to cover some high school tennis and swimming this past week. The Orlando Pride and Orlando City B were in action this weekend and both teams got a win. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Shut Out Chicago Red Stars
On Sunday, the Orlando Pride got a 1-0 win on the road against the Chicago Red Stars to extend their unbeaten streak to 20 matches across all competitions. The run also ties the NWSL league record including playoff games, matching the Washington Spirit’s 20-match unbeaten run in 2021 and 2022. Marta scored the lone goal in the match to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride remain in first in the NWSL standings with 47 points, with the Washington Spirit in second with 41, and the Kansas City Current in third with 38. With a playoff spot already clinched, the Pride are aiming for the NWSL Shield as the top team in the league. The Pride will return home at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday to face the Kansas City Current.
Orlando Pride Sign McKinley Crone to New Contract
The Orlando Pride announced on Friday that the club reached an agreement with backup goalkeeper McKinley Crone on a new contract that runs through the 2026 NWSL season. Undrafted before joining Orlando as a non-roster invitee during the preseason in 2023, Crone progressed to being Orlando’s backup goalkeeper in 2024. Crone made her professional debut on July 20 in a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. The 25-year-old made five saves on six shots to help the Pride stay unbeaten across all competitions. With this latest move, the club has secured Anna Moorhouse, Crone, and Sofia Manner as their goalkeepers for next season.
Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC
Orlando City B got a 4-1 victory on the road against Crown Legacy FC on Sunday. Alex Freeman scored twice in the first half to give the Young Lions a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Crown Legacy scored in the second half, but OCB continued to do well on both sides of the ball to take all three points. OCB is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, and its next match will be back home on Sunday to take on New England Revolution II.
USMNT Falls to Canada in Friendly
On Saturday, the United States Men’s National Team lost 2-1 to Canada at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City in a friendly. It’s the USMNT’s first loss to Canada on home soil in 67 years, ending a 23-match unbeaten streak against Canada in the U.S. Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David scored for Canada, while Luca de la Torre scored his first goal for the USMNT. The Yanks are on a three-match losing streak and will face New Zealand in Cincinnati on Tuesday at TQL Stadium.
Alex Morgan Plays Final Match
San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan played in her final match as a professional soccer player on Sunday after a nearly 14-year career. Morgan had a penalty kick saved by Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy and was subbed off early in the first half, as the Wave lost 4-1 at Snapdragon Stadium. Morgan announced last week that she will retire from professional soccer after this match, while also announcing that she is pregnant with her second child. She played six seasons with the Pride and spent the last three seasons in San Diego, winning the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022 and helping the Wave win the NWSL Shield in 2023.
Free Kicks
- Pride defenders Kerry Abello and Kylie Strom made the NWSL Best XI for August.
- Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta was removed from the season-ending injury list.
- The U.S. Soccer Federation is reportedly close to officially naming Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach for the USMNT.
- Tampa Bay Sun FC secured its first win in the USL Super League with a 3-2 win on the road against Lexington SC on Sunday.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/6/24
Amanda Allen loaned to Lexington SC, Alex Morgan announces retirement, USMNT prepares for Canada, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSC_0068.jpg)
Happy Friday! I don’t have many plans this weekend, but am still looking forward to the next few days after a hectic week. When not working, I plan on finally starting Book of Night by Holly Black and figuring out how to make the most out of some dark rum I was gifted. For now though, let’s get to today’s links from around the soccer world!
Amanda Allen Loaned to Lexington SC
The Orlando Pride have loaned forward Amanda Allen to Lexington SC for the remainder of the USL Super League season. This decision should give Allen some valuable minutes, and the loan includes a right to recall as well. The 19-year-old has made 17 appearances since joining the Pride and had an assist in this year’s season opener. She is also currently in Colombia for the U-20 Women’s World Cup and her Canada squad takes on Brazil tonight. Hopefully she’s able to tear it up in the USL Super League’s inaugural season.
Alex Morgan Announces Her Retirement
American forward Alex Morgan has announced that she will retire after the San Diego Wave’s match on Sunday. She also announced that she is pregnant with her second child.
In her 224 international appearances, Morgan scored 123 goals and was a major force behind the USWNT’s back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. At the club level, she has played in every year of the NWSL’s existence and joined the Orlando Pride ahead of their inaugural season in 2016. In her six years in Orlando, Morgan recorded 23 goals and 10 assists in 69 appearances. Off the field, she’s been an outspoken supporter of equality and increased investment in women’s sports. We wish her the best of luck after a legendary career.
USMNT Faces Canada on Saturday
The United States Men’s National Team will take on Canada on Saturday in Kansas City in the first of two friendlies this month. Plenty has changed since the U.S. beat Canada in a penalty shootout in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, particularly on the sideline. American coach Jesse Marsch was hired by Canada in May, while the U.S. will be led by Mikey Varas in an interim capacity amid buzz that Mauricio Pochettino will take over. The U.S. is without Giovanni Reyna for these friendlies due to injury, with Cade Cowell replacing him. Canada boasts a talented roster that includes a trio of former Lions in Cyle Larin, Richie Laryea, and Kamal Miller. After this match, the USMNT will take on New Zealand on Tuesday.
Keeping Up With International Soccer
San Marino may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it arguably had the biggest win of a busy day of international soccer after beating Liechtenstein 1-0 for its first competitive victory. Elsewhere in the UEFA Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia, while Spain was held to a scoreless draw in Serbia.
The third round of AFC World Cup qualifying is underway and Australia was upset 1-0 at home by Bahrain. Japan suffered no such setback though, dominating China in a 7-0 home win. Palestine drew 0-0 against South Korea in Seoul, which is no easy task.
CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers have also resumed, and Bolivia came up with a huge 4-0 win in high altitude against Venezuela to move up the table. We may see some Lions in action today. Facundo Torres and Uruguay take on Paraguay, while Pedro Gallese, Wilder Cartagena, and Peru host Colombia.
Free Kicks
- FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano won MLS Goal of the Matchday for scoring from nearly 80 yards out to beat CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. Orlando’s Facundo Torres placed second in the voting for his volleyed strike against Nashville SC.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Ella Stevens was named NWSL Player of the Month after recording three goals and two assists in August.
- Argentina beat Brazil in blind soccer at the Paralympics, ending Brazil’s unbeaten streak that has lasted the past 20 years. France and Argentina will face off in the gold medal game on Saturday.
- Chris Jurasek has stepped down as Chelsea’s chief executive after a year in the position, with Jason Gannon replacing him.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
-
Orlando Pride1 week ago
Orlando Pride vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Podcasts2 weeks ago
PawedCast Episode 442: Sporting Kansas City Rewind, OCB-Atlanta, Nashville Preview, and More
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Nashville SC: Five Takeaways
-
Opinion2 weeks ago
Potential Orlando City Lineup Changes for Nashville SC
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Nashville SC: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando Pride1 week ago
Orlando Pride vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC: Final Score 2-0 as Pride Win Again
-
Lion Links2 weeks ago
Lion Links: 8/27/24
-
Podcasts2 weeks ago
SkoPurp Soccer Episode 58: Houston Dash Rewind, Gotham FC Preview, and More