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Lion Links: 8/26/18

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7 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. Or, well, Sunday. Last night was a tough pill to swallow, as the Pride fell, hard, to the Chicago Red Stars and crashed out of the playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Lions are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table. Ah, what a time to be an Orlando supporter.

Whatever. There’s always next season, right? You can’t see it or hear it, but I just let out a deep, elongated sigh.

That said…here’s your Sunday helping of Lion Links. Do your best to enjoy them.

Pride Crash and Burn in Must-Win Match vs. Chicago

In a must-win match with major playoff implications, the Orlando Pride went gently into that good night, losing 3-1 at home to the Chicago Red Stars. Mother nature struck yet again, and after just a few minutes of wide open play, the officials called for a weather delay due to lightning. Thanks, Florida. Eventually, the match got back underway…and it wasn’t pretty. The Red Stars were all over the Pride and, despite some early heroics from the Pride’s Ashlyn Harris, the Red Stars scored twice just before the end of the first half. It didn’t get any better during the second half, either, as the Red Stars scored again. Unfortunately for the Pride, the playoff picture is broken…and is impossible to reassemble.

Orlando City’s Youngsters See Minutes Against Atlanta United

With things looking increasingly bleak for the Lions, Head Coach James O’Connor made the bold decision to field some of the youngest players on his roster against the club’s red hot rivals. Pierre Da Silva saw his first MLS minutes on the season, Josué Colmán was handed a start, and even Jose Villarreal got on for the last few minutes. Sure, O’Connor’s hand was forced due to suspensions and injuries, but I’d love to see more of the younger players on this roster. I’m a proponent of building a club through Homegrown or young players — not just by adding marquee names to the roster. I hope O’Connor continues to allow his younger stars opportunities to shine: it can only brighten the future of the club. The future is purple…remember?

U.S. Men’s National Team Updates

In a time in which there isn’t even a manager of the USMNT yet, there’s still a lot going down and a lot to be updated on. First of all, center back John Brooks scored his first goal with Wolfsburg in the team’s 2-1 victory over Schalke 04. Funny enough, Brooks found the back of the net in his 100th Bundesliga appearance (remember that, because it’s bound to crop up in a trivia night somewhere). Have a gander.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Cameron Carter-Vickers has officially become a Swan, sealing a season-long loan deal with Swansea City AFC. This move in particular is exciting for everyone involved: CCV gets minutes, the Swans get a capable center back (they currently have only two on the roster), and the Spurs get to let their young talent develop without having to compromise their 18. It’ll be exciting to see CCV with the Swans, and even more exciting to potentially see him partner with the aforementioned Brooks for the USMNT. Now, about that manager…please find an appropriate one. Please.

Hope Solo Sues U.S. Soccer Over Pay Gap

The former U.S. Women’s National Team keeper has made the decision to continue her pursuit of justice against the U.S. Soccer Federation, taking the organization to court over what she claims is an unlawful difference in compensation that exists between the USMNT’s players and the USWNT’s players. Highlighted in the suit includes claims that the men were paid significantly more than the women when it came to World Cup matches, Olympic matches, friendlies, and sponsor appearances, and money from ticket sales. It’ll be interesting to see where this one goes.

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  • A major congratulations are in order to Orlando City midfielder Richie Laryea and Melanie Pace, as they’ve just found out they’re expecting a bouncing baby boy! Something tells me this young lad will have a ball in his hands fairly soon after entering this world: just as it should be. Here’s the reveal, and just look at that form from Richie!

  • Los Angeles FC’s captain, Laurent Ciman, may be moving abroad sooner rather than later. Having been left out of the 18 for his current club’s critical clash with rival side LA Galaxy, reports are indicating that Sporting Dijon and an unnamed Belgian club are after his services, with Dijon having attempted to acquire him just a year ago.
  • The Washington Spirit hope that Audi Field serves in their favor when it comes to attendance and performance, both now and later. It truly could, especially when you consider how young and talented their roster is. They’ve under performed severely this season, but Audi Field seems to have lifted everyone’s spirits (no pun intended). The club drew more than 7,000 fans last night, so that’s a good start.
  • The Atlantic’s Brooks Peck wrote up an interestingly comical piece detailing the MLS clubs he thinks could pick up and move in an instant. He names Orlando City, which seems absurd. But hey, crazier things have happened (but no, I don’t see it happening, and I definitely don’t see Disney buying the stadium and naming it Kaká’s Castle, but you should get a good laugh from the article at the very least).
  • Check out Maneul Veth’s piece on his journey from Canada to Russia to cover the World Cup. He had quite the adventure!
  • Kyle Beckerman’s got the jams. I’ve always been a fan of his, but gaining insight into what’s on his music playlist makes me like him even more.

Well, that’s all I have for you today folks. Be sure to check back in periodically to stay up to date on your Orlando City and Pride news. Enjoy your college football, if that’s your fancy, and also start preparing for the upcoming NFL season! Today is Draft Day for me and my money league. I’m coming for the silverware. I won one of my two leagues last year (thank you, Todd Gurley), and I’m ready for this season. As legendary coach Herm Edwards would say:

Until next time, Mane Landers. Have yourselves an excellent week.

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Lion Links: 4/3/25

Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

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15 hours ago

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April 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!

Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials

Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.

Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty

Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.

Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.

USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season

American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
  • San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
  • New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
  • El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
  • Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

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

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