Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/5/24
Orlando City partners with Sporting CP, Barbra Banda nominated for Ballon d’Or, Orlando Pride prepare for Chicago, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going smoothly for you as we gear up for plenty of club and international soccer over the next few days. I’ve been getting plenty of reading done when not working and am looking forward to another trip to my local bookstore this weekend. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Partners With Sporting CP
Orlando City and Portuguese club Sporting CP have officially agreed to be technical partners, meaning they will share information and methodologies in regards to player development, recruitment, and more. The two clubs have had links before, with former Lions Nani and Uri Rosell joining Orlando from Sporting. The two clubs will also organize training periods for academy players to train with the other club in a different environment. Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira spoke on how this partnership will help both clubs moving forward.
“This is an agreement that will foster a great exchange of information for the betterment of both sets of players and coaches, setting both clubs up for even more success in the future. The culture within both clubs is very similar and we’re excited to see the benefits this partnership brings for everyone involved, especially in an academy level.”
Barbra Banda Nominated for 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda was one of 30 players nominated for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or, which is one of the top honors in women’s soccer. Since joining the Pride in March, Banda has scored 12 goals in 14 matches this season and is the first NWSL player to score 10 goals in her first 10 league appearances. The 24-year-old also had four goals and an assist with Zambia in this summer’s Olympics.
She’s joined on the nomination list by five United States Women’s National Team players: Alyssa Naeher, Sophia Smith, Malory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Lindsey Horan. I’m not surprised to see as many players who play for European clubs nominated, but I do think San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma was snubbed. The winner will be announced in Paris on Oct. 28.
Orlando Pride Prepare for Chicago
After a dominant 2-0 win at home against NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday. It’s the second match between them this season, with the two sides splitting the points in a 1-1 draw in Orlando on March 29. The Pride sit atop the NWSL standings, and it should be a tough road game against a Chicago side fighting to keep its playoff position. Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the difficulty of playing in Chicago, as well as how the Pride have been able to score in different ways this year.
Croix Bethune Out for the Season
Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune suffered a torn meniscus, reportedly while throwing out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game, and will miss the remainder of the NWSL season as a result. It’s brutal news for Bethune, who was the clear frontrunner for NWSL Rookie of the Year and just an assist shy of breaking the NWSL record of 10. She finishes with five goals and 10 assists in her rookie campaign, and also made the trip to Paris this summer for the Olympics with the USWNT. Her injury is also a blow to the Spirit’s NWSL Shield aspirations, as they are currently six points behind the Pride and now without one of their best playmakers.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy the sights and sounds from the Pride’s rainy win over Gotham. The video exemplifies just how fun the Pride have been to watch this year.
- Carlos Bocanegra is no longer the vice president and technical director of Atlanta United, with President and CEO Garth Lagerwey taking over in an interim capacity for the rest of the season.
- Sporting Kansas City transferred American defender Kayden Pierre to Genk in Belgium’s top flight.
- The U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team won 2-0 against Morocco in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the Pride’s Ally Lemos coming off the bench in the second half. The team’s last group stage game will be on Saturday against Paraguay.
- For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi were nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
- Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after being left off the Italian club’s 23-man roster for the Serie A season. Galatasaray has won all three of its matches so far this Super Lig season and will compete in the Europa League.
- AS Roma added 35-year-old center back Mats Hummels on a free transfer to bolster its defense.
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: 9/18/24
Duncan McGuire likes scoring goals, the Pride are impressive, Champions League results, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day, so I hope you are hyped for a midweek showdown with Charlotte FC. So, put on your purple, and tell you boss you don’t care about the dress code. If you haven’t done so yet, there’s still time to listen to the latest episode of The Mane Land PawedCast to help get you ready after you check out today’s links. Let’s get to it.
McGuire Happy to Score
Duncan McGuire’s goal against the New England Revolution Saturday night was his first MLS strike since June. That kind of drought isn’t something he’s used to, and he was away at the Olympics for part of that time, but he said he’s just happy to contribute to the team winning. McGuire will look to continue his scoring in tonight’s match against Charlotte FC. The Lions will need McGuire and others to contribute in this crucial Eastern Conference match. If you’re unsure whether to attend in person, take a look at all the cool stuff the club is doing tonight. Check back later today for our match preview.
The Pride are Scary Good
The still undefeated Orlando Pride are very, very good. This is obvious to anyone that looks at the standings or the records being broken on a weekly basis. Still, it’s one thing to know it and another to see it. SBNation’s Southern Sylvs got a firsthand look at the team and the experience watching the Pride at the last match against the Kansas City Current at Inter&Co Stadium. Sylvs was impressed with the atmosphere and the club, despite what I thought wasn’t their best outing.
Banda Still in Contention
The Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda hasn’t scored as many goals as the Current’s Temwa Chawinga but that doesn’t mean she’s out of the NWSL MVP race. She has contributed quite a bit in her time with the club, and I expect that she will start putting in goals and providing assists again soon. How well the Pride do in the regular season will also likely impact the MVP selection.
Americans in the Champions League
Liverpool may have defeated AC Milan 3-1 in the first of eight UEFA Champions League matches for each club, but Christian Pulisic did score the first goal of the match.
Why pass the ball when it’s so much easier to simply score the goal yourself? That was pretty much it for AC Milan as Liverpool scored three unanswered goals to secure the victory.
Earlier in the day, Weston McKennie scored in Juventus’ 3-1 win over PSV. It was very much a right place, right time goal for the American.
lt was a good day for the Americans, and plenty of other USMNT players will be in action this week across different leagues and competitions.
Free Kicks
- In the least surprising news ever, the Orlando Pride once again topped the Goal.com NWSL Power Rankings.
- The Orlando Pride’s Ally Lemos and the U-20 USWNT will face Korea DPR’s U-20 squad in the semifinals of the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup today.
- Orlando City B defender Alex Freeman made the MLS NEXT Pro “On the Rise” list thanks to his very good recent run of form.
- Like so many players, Lynn Williams was greatly impacted by the career of Alex Morgan. Especially that time she wore the No.13 for the USWNT.
- Former USWNT star Megan Rapinoe praised the younger generation of players that won the Olympic Gold. She also recognized that the players of her generation may have held back the success of the new generation. Now, the team is theirs.
- As I mentioned above, Liverpool may have won its match, but Alisson Becker is still frustrated that football’s governing bodies aren’t consulting players on the number of matches over the many competitions that said players will participate in. He’s not wrong.
- Manchester United decimated third-division Barnsley 7-0 in its English Cup match.
- This test is a chance to prove you are a UEFA Champions League savant by answering 36 questions about the teams in this year’s competition.
- Billionaire Marcelo Claure has purchased 10% of New York City FC, and their we’ll-have-it-eventually stadium. Just another reason for Don Garber to kowtow to NYCFC.
That will do it for today. We will have your match recap after the game tonight. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/17/24
Rafael Santos up for Goal of the Matchday, Lions earn recognition, stories to watch around MLS, and more.
It wasn’t a perfect weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, but it was close. Orlando City, the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B went undefeated, and combined to take seven of the nine points available, which is hard to complain about. There’s no time to rest though, as the Lions will be back in action tomorrow at home against FC Dallas. As always, we have plenty to talk about today, so let’s get into the links.
Santos Strike Nominated for Goal of the Matchday
Rafael Santos opened the scoring in spectacular fashion during Orlando City’s 3-0 win over the New England Revolution, and his left-footed blast has been nominated for MLS Goal of the Matchday. With 22 minutes played, the Lions worked a short corner and Ivan Angulo found Santos free outside the box. The fullback took one touch to set the ball up before unleashing a dipping, curling effort that left a fully stretched Aljaz Ivacic with no chance. It was a special strike and a very worthy nomination. Make sure you go cast your vote for him to win it!
Lions Earn Weekly Recognition
In addition to his Goal of the Matchday nomination, Santos was also named to the starting lineup of the MLS Team of the Matchday as one of three defenders, while Facundo Torres was included on the bench. Outside of his goal, Santos also recorded two tackles and two clearances while helping the defense keep a clean sheet. Torres converted his penalty kick with venom, had 94% passing accuracy, and generally looked dangerous. Marcus Mitchell awarded Santos a 7 out of 10 and Torres a 7.5 out of 10 and Man of the Match honors in his player grades from the match, so it’s nice to see the pair get some recognition on a larger scale. Here’s hoping the good work continues!
Stories to Watch in MLS
Some of the flashier teams in the league might grab headlines on a consistent basis, but there are plenty of other intriguing stories happening around MLS. For one, the Lions are on a 6-1-1 run that has them up to fifth in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand on the Red Bulls in fourth. Martin Ojeda playing through the middle and moving Facu back out wide is a big reason why. Then there are the Colorado Rapids, a team that has the second-largest points-per-game increase from last season to this one. At the other end of things you have Charlotte FC, which has won just once in its last eight games and is in danger of missing out on the playoffs altogether.
Mikey Varas Will Coach San Diego FC
San Diego FC has found its first head coach, as it named former United States Men’s National Team interim head coach Mikey Varas to the top job. Varas spent several years with U.S. Soccer, and also was an assistant coach at FC Dallas under Luchi Gonzalez for three seasons. Aside from being the head coach of the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team from 2021 to 2023, this will be his only other gig as a full time head coach. Now that San Diego has that vacancy filled, it can do some serious work on building its roster ahead of its inaugural MLS season next year.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride held fast at the top spot of ESPN’s NWSL power rankings.
- Orlando City had a big jump, as the Lions moved up six spots to ninth in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Former Orlando Pride coach Tom Sermanni has been named interim head coach of the Australian women’s national team.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC has played on every day of the week at least once during this season.
- Barcelona has extended the contract of women’s Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí until 2028.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/16/24
Orlando City beats the New England Revolution, Orlando Pride draw at home, Orlando City B wins third straight, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. This week, I’ll be busy working Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field while picking up some extra hours at Under Armour. There’s plenty to cover today after a busy weekend of Orlando soccer, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Shut Out the New England Revolution at Home
On Saturday, Orlando City defeated the New England Revolution 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. This is the first time the Lions have swept a season series against the Revolution in the club’s history. Rafael Santos, Facundo Torres, and Duncan McGuire all scored for the Lions, and this is the second consecutive match that the Lions have won 3-0 after beating Nashville SC by the same score on Aug. 31. Orlando City is fifth in the Eastern Conference with 40 points. It will be a quick turnaround for the Lions, with another home match against Charlotte FC set for Wednesday before traveling to face the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Pride Draw Against the Kansas City Current
The Orlando Pride played to a scoreless draw against the Kansas City Current on Friday at Inter&Co Stadium and saw their six-match winning streak end. However, the result extended their unbeaten streak to 20 matches this season. Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse put on a stellar performance in goal to earn her 11th clean sheet of the season and tie the NWSL record.
Orlando remains atop the NWSL table with 48 points, while the Washington Spirit are close behind in second with 44 points. The Pride will be on the road on Friday to face Bay FC at PayPal Park.
OCB Defeats New England Revolution II at Home
Orlando City B won 2-0 over the New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium on Sunday to move a step closer to clinching a playoff spot. After a scoreless first half, Alex Freeman and Jack Lynn scored for the Young Lions to seal the win at home. Orlando City B has now won three consecutive matches and Freeman has scored five goals in the last four games. OCB is third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference table with 43 points, and its next match is Sept. 23 at home against Chicago Fire II.
Americans Abroad in Europe
There were some USMNT players in action in Europe over the weekend after the conclusion of the recent international break. Brenden Aaronson started and played 68 minutes for Leeds United but ended up losing 1-0 to Burnley in the EFL Championship. Christian Pulisic scored a penalty kick and added an assist for AC Milan in a 4-0 win over Venezia in Serie A action. It was Pulisic’s second goal in four matches for AC Milan this season. Teammate Yunus Musah came off the bench in the second half to see out the win. Fellow American Gianluca Busio returned for Venezia, starting and playing 79 minutes. Tanner Tessmann came off the bench to make his Ligue 1 debut for Lyon Sunday against Lens late in the second half, but the match ended in a scoreless draw.
Free Kicks
- Pride midfielder Ally Lemos started for the U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team in the U-20 Women’s World Cup quarterfinal match against Germany. She assisted on the first of two late goals by the U.S. to help send the game to extra time in an incredible comeback. Lemos was subbed off before the penalty shootout, which the U.S. won to advance to the semifinals.
- The Orlando Pride set another club record after their draw against the Current, securing their fourth consecutive clean sheet.
- Carlos Vela and LAFC reportedly agreed to a new contract before the MLS roster freeze deadline on Friday.
- Ashley Hatch scored twice to secure the 50th goal in her NWSL career, as the Washington Spirit cruised to a 3-0 win over the Houston Dash on Sunday.
- Marseille has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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John McNamara
September 5, 2024 at 11:38 am
Last week MLS.com had Araújo sitting one yellow card away from a suspension. The game stats still show he picked up a yellow Saturday (although for what, I have no clue; I thought it was on McGuire at first). MLS.com still has Araújo sitting one card away from suspension. Any clues on what is going on?
Zontar
September 5, 2024 at 12:19 pm
I can explain. Araujo currently has 9 yellow cards on the season, including the one on Saturday. MLS saying he was one yellow card away from a suspension last week was incorrect. Here are the suspension points in MLS:
5 yellows
8 yellows (Araujo has reached this level)
11 yellows
13 yellows
15 yellows and every 2 cards after (17, 19, 21, etc.)
So with 9 yellows, he actually won’t be suspended until he gets his 11th yellow.
John McNamara
September 5, 2024 at 3:11 pm
I give up. MLS stats do not have him receiving a yellow against Nashville, but all the match reports do. I will be thankful he is not yet suspended.
Zontar
September 6, 2024 at 8:20 am
This might be helpful. You may not know about the transfermarkt.us website. It is often quickly up to date on stats, which is where I went. See the link below to Araujo’s current stats. The site http://www.fbref.com is also pretty good. The official MLS website is often woefully out of date. I’ve seen players remain listed on team rosters for months after they’ve left MLS.
https://www.transfermarkt.us/cesar-araujo/leistungsdaten/spieler/690533
And FBREF which is also up to date on his yellow cards (see the CrdY stats):
https://fbref.com/en/players/3ed214ff/Cesar-Araujo
Zontar
September 5, 2024 at 12:33 pm
On the Carlos Bocanegra firing… It’s long overdue and he should have been fired last year after the 4 U-22s fiasco or at least at the end of the season. I would say that team president Garth Lagerwey’s single biggest decision at the end of the 2023 season was “Does CB return or not?” He decided “Yes” so I really don’t know what suddenly changed. There doesn’t seem to be anything that CB did in the past few days that crossed some line and made it impossible for him to stay. The case against him, to me, seems no different yesterday than it was, say, on Monday the previous week. If I had to guess, several things seem to be going on.
I do know that a significant number of team supporters groups and season ticket holders were adamant that CB had to go. It could be that a noticeable number of season tickets were not renewed. Renewal notices went out sometime in August and a good number of STHs were very pissed off about the state of the team and some probably didn’t renew. It could be that pissed off supporters and STHs reached a level that something had to be done. Also, I can tell you that the Atlanta Falcons, who have the same owner, were structured in the previous decade so that the GM and head coach could not be fired by anybody except the owner. Yep. It could be that CB on his recent contract renewal asked for this clause and there may have been some problems in getting in touch with the owner, who spends the vast majority of his time at sea in his yacht. So maybe GL wanted to fire CB last week, but took a long time to get in touch with the owner and get approval. The season is pretty much lost for Atlanta United and I’ll be shocked if they finish anywhere above the playoff line.