Lion Links
Lion Links: 8/16/24
Yutaro Tsukada signs first-team deal, Mauricio Pochettino reportedly agrees to coach USMNT, MLS teams add notable attackers, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/media_15491870_15170332_compressed.jpg)
Happy Friday! Orlando City and the Orlando Pride may still be on break, but there’s a buffet of European club soccer to enjoy this weekend as some of the world’s biggest leagues get rolling. We also have an Orlando City B game on Sunday to look forward to as the Young Lions chase a playoff spot. Let’s get things started with today’s links from around the soccer world!
Yutaro Tsukada Signs With First Team
In a move reported on earlier this month, Orlando City signed winger Yutaro Tsukada to a first-team contract through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027. Tsukada was selected by the Lions with the 25th overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and has recorded four goals and four assists with Orlando City B this season. He’s already made his MLS debut this year as well, coming off the bench in Orlando’s scoreless draw with Inter Miami on May 15. He had a chance to score a late winner in that match, and could be a creative option off the bench for the Lions for the rest of this season.
Mauricio Pochettino Reportedly Takes USMNT Job
It looks like Mauricio Pochettino will become the next United States Men’s National Team head coach, as he has reportedly agreed to take the job. Pochettino left Chelsea in May after one season at the helm and his resume also includes stints at Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain. It would be a major hire by U.S. Soccer to take the team to the next level with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. I’m interested to see how his attacking style translates to the USMNT. The Yanks have plenty of talent, but Pochettino won’t have the likes of Son Heung-Min, Kylian Mbappe, or Harry Kane at his disposal this time around.
Attackers Highlight MLS Transfer Window
The MLS summer transfer window has closed and various clubs have added considerable firepower to their rosters. German attacker Marco Reus is officially in the league after the LA Galaxy signed him to a contract through 2026 using Targeted Allocation Money. The former Borussia Dortmund talisman joins a Galaxy side that already sits atop the Western Conference.
Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is back in MLS, this time as a Designated Player for FC Cincinnati while on loan from Como 1907. The loan is through 2024, so it’s a decent bit of business by Cincinnati to fill its open DP spot for the rest of the season. Charlotte FC ended up finding its No. 10, adding Spanish midfielder Pep Biel on loan from Olympiacos for the rest of the year. The New York Red Bulls also have a new DP, with Felipe Carballo officially joining on loan from Gremio. Minnesota United signed Joaquín Pereyra as a DP as well, inking him to a deal through 2027 with an option for 2028.
Chicago Red Stars Retain Game at Home Stadium
The saga between the Chicago Red Stars and Riot Fest over the NWSL team’s home game on Sept. 21 has concluded with an amicable solution, as the Red Stars have partnered with the music festival. Riot Fest is heading back to Douglass Park in Chicago and the Red Stars will get to host the San Diego Wave at SeatGeek Stadium after all. This is a win for the Red Stars and also the women’s soccer community that rallied for the NWSL club to not get pushed out of its home stadium for another event.
Free Kicks
- San Diego FC hired Tyler Heaps as the club’s sporting director and general manager ahead of its first MLS season next year.
- The Minnesota Aurora have withdrawn from the bidding process to become the 16th NWSL team.
- Ligue 1 kicks off today and the biggest storyline this season will be whether or not any team can knock off PSG now that Kylian Mbappe is gone.
- Ajax and Panathinaikos set a UEFA record after a shootout that included 34 penalty kicks. Ajax prevailed, advancing to the next round of UEFA Europa League qualifying.
- American defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly close to joining Toulouse in France after three seasons with Genk in Belgium.
- There are 14 Serie A teams with new head coaches heading into this season, with Antonio Conte, Thiago Motta, and Cesc Fabregas as a few of the notable managers to keep an eye on.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/11/24
Orlando Pride playoff ticket information, USMNT draws New Zealand on awful late goal on the day it formally announces Mauricio Pochettino, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/media_6250428_5928703_compressed.jpg)
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We have a full weekend of fun ahead with all three teams in action. The Orlando Pride start things off on Friday, with Orlando City playing Saturday, and Orlando City B finishing things up on Sunday. Hopefully, we can have a nine-point weekend.
Of course, today is a day of remembrance of those who lost their lives both on that tragic day in 2001 and from the effects that followed. Take a moment today to let those you love know that you love them. Let’s get to the links.
Pride Power into Playoffs
We know the Orlando Pride have already made the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, but now you can let the club know if you are interested in potential playoff tickets before things get crazy. It’s nice knowing that we don’t have to wait until decision day to find out if the Pride are in. They are. Decisively. In the least surprising news ever, the Pride topped both the ESPN NWSL Power Rankings, and the Goal.com NWSL Power Rankings once again.
Pochettino Hiring Official
The hiring that everyone knew was coming was made official Tuesday as Mauricio Pochettino was named as the new head coach of the USMNT. Pochettino is the type of big name hire that U.S. fans have been waiting for following the double stint of Gregg Berhalter. Pochettino will be expected to get the best out of what some consider the greatest generation of American soccer players when he leads them to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
USMNT Draws New Zealand
The same night that Pochettino was announced as the new USMNT head coach, his new team played New Zealand to an uninspiring 1-1 draw. Christian Pulisic put the Yanks ahead in the 69th minute, but the U.S. was unable to see the match out, allowing an 89th-minute equalizer on a completely awful goal that was misplayed by both Caleb Wiley and Mark McKenzie, with the latter providing the finish with a clearance attempt off of New Zealand’s Ben Waine, over Matt Turner, and into his own net. The match was only a friendly, but it illustrates the need for the new coach.
The Growth of the NWSL
The NWSL is in a good place. The league is growing both in the number of member clubs and in the attendance at matches across the league. There are many reasons for it, including the Olympics and big name stars like Marta and the recently retired Alex Morgan, but most importantly, the growing fanbase for the women’s game. ESPN spoke to general managers at every club in the league to get an idea of the challenges in the ever-changing landscape that is the NWSL. All the answers were anonymous, but it’s still very insightful information.
Free Kicks
- Jarrod Dillon, the president of business operations for Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and Inter&Co Stadium, has been named as a board member of the Heart of Florida United Way.
- Marta deservedly won the NWSL Goal of the Week for her rocket shot against the Chicago Red Stars.
- In the ongoing series from the Orlando Pride, it’s now time for you to get to know Carrie Lawrence.
- Let’s keep the clean sheets coming, Anna Moorhouse.
- The New England Revolution will be without Head Coach Caleb Porter for the match against Orlando City after he was suspended and fined for public criticism.
- According to Tom Bogert, Reggie Cannon has signed with the Colorado Rapids.
- Declan Rice was a bit petty in Arsenal’s match against Brighton last weekend, nudging the ball away from his opponent on a free kick. The action earned him a second yellow and a sending off. Now, the board that reviews referee decisions has stated it was the correct call.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for this weekend’s matches.
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.
-
Orlando Pride1 week ago
Orlando Pride vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, 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 Pride1 week ago
Orlando Pride vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC: Final Score 2-0 as Pride Win Again
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Nashville SC: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Podcasts2 weeks ago
SkoPurp Soccer Episode 58: Houston Dash Rewind, Gotham FC Preview, and More
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City’s Hot and Cold Streaks Tell the Story of the 2024 Season
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride, Haley Carter Agree to New Contract