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.
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.
- St. Louis City’s home stadium has been named Energizer Park as part of the club’s partnership with the battery manufacturer.
- The NWSL announced the schedule of events leading into the NWSL Championship on Nov. 23. The NWSL Skills Challenge will take place the night prior and the winner of the Lauren Holiday Impact Award will be announced on the day of the match.
- Chicago Fire FC II midfielder David Poreba was named 2024 MLS NEXT Pro MVP after leading the league with 18 goals this season.
- Ruben Amorim stated that there will be clarification on his reported move to Manchester United after Sporting CP’s match today.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and a relaxing weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/3/24
Orlando Pride lead early 2025 NWSL rankings, Americans in midweek action, MLS transfer news roundup, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, and aren’t too crestfallen to be back at work if you were lucky enough to get some time off. Saturday’s game may not have gone the way we wanted it to, but it was still a vastly enjoyable season that I’ll look back on fondly. We have a lot to talk over today, so let’s wish David Brekalo a happy birthday, and get into the links!
Orlando Pride Top Early 2025 NWSL Rankings
The National Women’s Soccer League season has only just ended, but it’s never too soon to start looking ahead to next year, so let’s have a look at how the teams are stacking up at the moment. As is right and just, the Orlando Pride top the list after winning both the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship this year, although there’s the question of whether Marta will be with the team in 2025 now that she’s a free agent. The runner-up Washington Spirit come in at second, with other semifinalists NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current at third and fourth, respectively. The Houston Dash are at the other end of the list, as they currently don’t have a coach, general manager, or sporting director after a rough season.
What to Watch for Against the Netherlands
The United States Women’s National Team takes on the Netherlands today in the team’s final match of 2024. Even though it’s a friendly there are still plenty of things to keep an eye on. Alyssa Naeher’s final international match will rightly grab a lot of the headlines, considering how long and illustrious her career has been with the USWNT. Newly committed Lily Yohannes will have a chance to show what she can do in the attack in the absence of big names like Sophie Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. Jaedyn Shaw finds herself in a similar situation as well. If that wasn’t enough, we may also have a chance to see Pride defender Emily Sams, who didn’t appear in the team’s previous game against England.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans who are in action this week, so make sure you have everything noted and marked down on your calendar. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan get things started today when they take on Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia’s round of 16. Thursday has Antonee Robinson and Fulham welcoming Brighton and Hove Albion to Craven Cottage in English Premier League play, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth travel to play Tottenham Hotspur. Things wrap up on Friday with Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, Richy Ledezma, and PSV Eindhoven hosting FC Twente in Eredivisie play.
MLS Transfer Roundup
Plenty of MLS teams are busy making off-season moves, and we have a few that we need to cover. We start in the realm of rumor, where new San Jose Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena has reportedly traded for Mark Anthony-Kaye, Dave Romney, and Ian Harkes from the New England Revolution. Arena worked with all three during his time with the Revs, and Tom Bogert reports that San Jose is giving around $500,000 in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot in exchange. We then shift to confirmed moves, where we know that FC Cincinnati has permanently acquired Luca Orellana after he spent 2024 on loan with the Knifey Lions to great effect. Cincy also announced that it signed defender Bret Halsey to a contract extension.
Free Kicks
- Barba Banda and Marta are both finalists for the 2024 FIFPRO World 11!
- Congratulations to Orlando City defender Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, who announced on Instagram that his family has a little one is on the way.
- Barcelona fan groups have accused the team’s board of selling out after they were not allowed to be in the team’s stadium for the last two home games.
- Speaking of Barcelona, Hansi Flick reportedly held an emergency meeting with the team after a shocking loss to Las Palmas.
- A horrifying crowd crush at a stadium in Guinea has left at least 56 people dead.
- Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has reportedly been in contact with Mohamed Salah’s agent with a view to signing the Egyptian winger at the end of the season.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/2/24
Orlando City’s playoff run ends, Barbra Banda nominated for Best FIFA Women’s Player, USWNT draws against England, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving weekend spent with your family and loved ones. Under Armour kept me busy all weekend, along with working at Wrigley Field for the Northwestern and Illinois college football game. Let’s all wish Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar a happy birthday! It was frustrating to see Orlando City’s season end over the weekend, but let’s get to the links to catch up on all of the action.
Lions Fall to the New York Red Bulls in MLS Playoffs
Orlando City’s 2024 MLS playoff run ended on Saturday after a 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls at Inter&Co Stadium in the Eastern Conference final. Andres Reyes scored the lone goal to seal the win for the Red Bulls to advance to the MLS Cup final for the second time in club history. It’s the second time this postseason that the Lions have been shut out. Orlando didn’t beat the Red Bulls at all this year, drawing 1-1 at home and falling 1-0 on the road during the regular season prior to this playoff match. Orlando’s 2024 season ends just one round before reaching what would have been its first MLS Cup final appearance. Considering how Orlando’s season started, turning things around to finish as one of the final four teams in the playoffs gives the Lions something to build on next year.
Barbra Banda Nominated for Best FIFA Women’s Player Award
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the 2024 Best FIFA Women’s Player Award. Banda is coming off a stellar season in her first year with the Pride, leading the club with 17 goals and scoring the winning goal against the Washington Spirit to seal Orlando’s first NWSL Championship title. She scored a hat trick for Zambia in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris against Australia as well. USWNT players Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman are also in contention for the award. Other notable players nominated are last year’s winner, Aitana Bonmati, Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze, and Jamaican forward Khadija Shaw.
LA Galaxy Beat Seattle Sounders to Reach MLS Cup Final
In the Western Conference final, the LA Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park. Dejan Joveljic scored a late goal in the second half to seal the win for the Galaxy and clinch a spot in the MLS Cup final. Joveljic has scored five goals in the postseason and the Galaxy return to the MLS Cup final for the first time since 2014. Riqui Puig added the assist on Joveljic’s goal and has three assists and four goals this postseason. Unfortunately, Puig suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the match and will miss the final when the Galaxy host the Red Bulls on Saturday.
USWNT and England Play to Scoreless Draw in Friendly
On Saturday, the United States Women’s National Team fought to a scoreless draw against England in front of a record crowd at Wembley Stadium. The USWNT thought it had scored a goal in the second half courtesy of Lindsey Horan, but it was waved off due to offside. The USWNT was also given a penalty kick after it appeared defender Alex Greenwood handled the ball, but the decision was overturned after video review. The USWNT will travel to The Hague to take on the Netherlands Tuesday at ADO Den Haag Stadium at 2:45 p.m. for the team’s final match to close out the year.
Scouting Report on the Netherlands
Stars and Stripes FC unveiled its scouting report on the Netherlands. The USWNT will face the Dutch for the 12th time, winning eight of the first 11 meetings. Their last matchup was a 1-1 draw in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage. Some notable names on the Dutch roster include forward Chasity Grant, goalkeeper Lize Kop, and defender Dominique Janssen. Kop is known for her quickness to get to the ground and possesses the physical strength to absorb contact from her opponents when going after aerial balls. Veteran defender Danielle van de Donk is another player to keep an eye out for, as she can still provide a spark and identify gaps in the opposition’s defense. Even though this is a friendly, this match will provide another test for Head Coach Emma Hayes to give opportunities to the younger players while building chemistry for the squad.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina and forward Adriana were both in action for Brazil in a friendly on Sunday. Brazil won 2-1 over Australia.
- Christian Pulisic added an assist over the weekend to help AC Milan defeat Empoli 3-0 and extend its unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions.
- The match between Fiorentina and Inter Milan was suspended in the first half after midfielder Edoardo Bove collapsed during the match and was rushed to the hospital. The match was abandoned shortly afterward.
- Bayern Munich defender and Canadian national team captain Alphonso Davies has been banned from driving in Germany for one month after being found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane strained his hamstring during Saturday’s match against Borussia Dortmund and had to be subbed off in the first half. The club didn’t indicate when he could return.
- Despite being down to 10 men early in the first half, Botafogo defeated Atletico Mineiro 3-1 to win its first Copa Libertadores title.
- Manchester City was defeated by Liverpool 2-0 on Sunday, extending its winless streak to seven matches across all competitions.
- Toronto FC Head Coach John Herdman resigned over the weekend, leaving the club after just 15 months.
- Saudi Arabia is reportedly set to host the 2034 World Cup, which would be played in the winter months. FIFA is expected to announce the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 World Cups on Dec. 11.
- That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/29/24
Orlando City’s deepest playoff run so far, USWNT prepares for England, Europa League roundup, and more.
Welcome to Friday, Mane Landers. Hopefully your Thanksgiving was a joyous one filled with great food and greater company. If not, at least you can revel in the fact that the weekend is right around the corner (many of you may already be in yours because of the holiday) and is packed with plenty of soccer to enjoy. Let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world.
Orlando City Enters the Unknown
Despite a slow start to the season, Orlando City finds itself further in the playoffs than ever before and will host the New York Red Bulls Saturday night in the Eastern Conference final. The Lions may be in uncharted territory, but they have plenty of experience in knockout tournaments to draw upon. Taylor Twellman broke down how the Lions reached this point and became one of the top teams in the league. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese helped solidify Orlando’s defense, and attackers Facundo Torres, Ramiro Enrique, and Martin Ojeda all found their groove at the right time.
Along with recognizing the many weapons in Orlando’s dynamic offense, Bradley Wright-Phillips gave deserved praise to midfield duo Cesar Araujo and Wilder Cartagena, who have made life difficult for opponents. As for the key Red Bulls players to watch for tomorrow, Emil Forsberg has the team firing on all cylinders and Lewis Morgan may be due for a big game. He has a history of success against Orlando.
USWNT Prepares for Friendly Against England
The United States Women’s National Team will take on England at Wembley Stadium Saturday in the first of two friendlies to close out the year. It will be the 20th match between the two nations, with England winning the most recent meeting on Oct. 7, 2022. England boasts plenty of talent all over its roster, including forward Beth Mead and defender Lucy Bronze. Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse is a part of England’s roster. It should be a great match between the two highest ranked teams in the world and also an interesting chess match between coaches Emma Hayes and Sarina Wiegman.
USMNT Moves Up in FIFA Rankings
The latest men’s FIFA rankings were unveiled and the U.S. jumped up two spots to 16th following its pair of wins over Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. The Yanks are the highest-ranked Concacaf team, with Mexico falling three spots to 19th and Canada climbing four spots to 31st. There was also some movement in the top 10 of the rankings, with Germany moving up to 10th while Colombia fell to 12th. Argentina remains at the top of the rankings despite a loss to Paraguay and a narrow win over Peru.
Keeping Up With the Europa League
The UEFA Europa League rolled on and Manchester United came up with a crucial win in manager Ruben Amorim’s first home game at Old Trafford. Alejandro Garnacho scored early and Rasmus Højlund had a brace to help the team rally and beat Bodø/Glimt 3-2. Elsewhere in England, Mats Hummels scored an equalizer in stoppage time for AS Roma to draw 2-2 against Tottenham. Lazio’s perfect run in the tournament came to an end after a scoreless draw against Ludogorets. Rangers, Fenerbahce, and Eintracht Frankfurt came up with solid wins in this latest round of matches as well.
Free Kicks
- You’ll need to get past The Athletic‘s paywall for the full details, but American forward Ricardo Pepi spoke on how his late winner in PSV Eindhoven’s 3-2 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League was one of the most important goals of his career.
- Coventry City, which is 17th in England’s second division, hired Frank Lampard as its next head coach to right the ship.
- Here’s a nice collection of the latest reports surrounding players like Viktor Gyokeres, Miguel Almiron, and Tomas Araujo.
- Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea has been doing well with Fiorentina to help the club unexpectedly contend for the Serie A title this year.
- Real Madrid’s bus was involved in a minor collision after its loss to Liverpool earlier this week. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt and the players were reportedly not on the bus at the time of the incident.
That’s all I have for you all this time around. If you plan on going out and shopping today, I wish you the best of luck. I’ll be staying in and knocking out some gift buying online. Have a great Friday!
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Lion Links: 11/20/24