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Lion Links: 1/27/18

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6 years ago

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Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope that you all are having a great start to the weekend.

As the Lions are training up in Jacksonville, working on their game and their team bonding, the Pride have added a key piece to their defense helping solidify their dominant squad. There have been some great things happening this week and Friday did not disappoint either. Oh and if it helps, only five more Saturdays until Orlando City soccer returns, so get pumped!

On to the links!

The Cyle Larin Saga reaching its end?

Yesterday morning, there were multiple reports out of Turkey claiming that Orlando City and Besiktas had reached an agreement for a fee regarding Cyle Larin. Many of us were thinking, ‘yay the saga is over,’ however, not so fast! Shortly after these reports came out, Prosoccerusa.com quoted a team spokesman saying that the club had no deal in place with Besiktas and nothing was finalized. So, it would appear that the saga goes on for now, with a resolution coming soon, hopefully. Also, it appears that Cyle was taking in Besiktas’ game against Kasimpasa. He looks a little chilly to me.

MLS to Miami Shares Big Invite for Monday

MLS soccer appears to be returning to Miami with an official announcement coming Monday. The MLS movement to bring soccer back to Miami has been an ongoing discussion over the last few years with the bid being led by David Beckham. Guests such as MLS Commissioner Don Garber, David Beckham, and Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure are expected to be in attendance. Free tickets can be claimed on their new website, as this event will be a fun one to witness. I for one, am very excited for an in-state rival as it’ll give our fans a chance to show their true colors and develop a true, hardy rivalry.

Anonymous Group Forms to Save the Boston Breakers

It would appear that the Boston Breakers may not be dead after all. A report was released that a small group of anonymous local investors are attempting to band together and put forth the money in order to keep the club afloat and competitive. It came out earlier this week that the Breakers were going to fold due to financial difficulties, though no official announcement came from NWSL (there were various tweets claiming players and coaches were informed that the club would fold). NWSL was expected to announce the folding yesterday but this group of investors has prolonged the announcement for the time being. If the Breakers can stay afloat, it would really show the grit of the league and further prove its importance in women’s soccer. And it would allow the league to remain at 10 teams, so one team wouldn’t be off every weekend.

Anthony Precourt in Talks with Local Columbus Investors

The #SaveTheCrew movement has been weighing on many MLS fans’ minds. It was announced last season that the Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt had a clause in the purchase contract of the club which stated the team could be moved to Austin, TX. Since the Crew’s playoff run, it’s been assumed by most that the club is pulling up stakes and moving to Texas after the 2018 season. Some players, such as Ola Kamara and Justin Meram began asking for trades ahead of the move after this season. It was reported yesterday that Precourt was talking with various investors about the club, taking positive steps toward keep the club in Columbus and one potential Austin stadium site is now off the table. Here’s to hoping that the Crew can continue playing in Columbus!

Gregg Berhalter Should be in the USMNT Coach Conversation

Continuing on the Columbus Crew train, Sam Stejskal with MLS soccer and a writer with FourFourTwo, wrote a story about how Gregg Berhalter, the manager of Columbus Crew, should be considered for the USMNT coaching job when the USSF holds its election and narrows down its coaching search. Stejskal writes that out of all the managers in MLS, Berhalter has some of the best experience with coaching and playing in the top league in soccer. He currently sits as the manager and technical director of the Columbus Crew. Berhalter has expressed interest in the job but feels he isn’t ready to take that step yet.

Berhalter seems like he’d be a solid choice to help U.S. Soccer fix some of its problems in boys’ youth development. Through working in MLS and observing U.S. Soccer (where, it should be noted, his brother, Jay, is a high-powered executive), Berhalter likely has an idea of where some of the holes are and has an idea of how he’d like to correct them. At the same time, he’s not in too deep. He didn’t work to build the current system, and I doubt he’d have any compunction about making necessary changes.

-Sam Stejskal

Berhalter is one of several MLS coaches that will be considered when it comes time to choose a skipper for the USMNT, but I would argue an underrated choice. Berhalter could be just what the national team needs to reboot itself and climb out of the massive hole that U.S. Men’s Soccer is currently in.

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  • Semi-professional Soccer is coming to Lincoln, NE! Bugeaters FC (I’m not joking with that name) will be starting league play in April, joining the United Premier Soccer League for this upcoming season. They held a small launch party with 100 supporters in attendance.

  • Carlos Carmona’s time at Atlanta United has come to an end as the Chilean will return to Chile so he can be closer to his family. This rumor has been around for a few weeks but some details of the impending transfer have surfaced via Sam Stejskal. This could be a sizable hit to Atlanta’s defensive efforts as Carmona was a key piece for them.
  • Mlsoccer.com named a list of five players with a new opportunity next season. Players on the list include Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Marlon Hairston (Colorado Rapids), Nouhou (Seattle Sounders), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes), and former Orlando City player Carlos Rivas (New York Red Bulls). On the list of “Honorable mentions” is Orlando City player Dillon Powers, along with Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers) and Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas).
  • The U-20 USWNT has made the U-20 World Cup which will be held in France later this year. The Yanks blew a 1-0 lead to the 10-player Haitians in stoppage but then edged them out in penalties, winning the shootout, 3-0, and bringing the team back to the U-20 World Cup.

This week for my positive media of the week, I share Will Johnson’s comments on the upcoming season for Orlando City. He says a lot of positive things about the team coming into camp and really displays his passion for this team. Please give it a watch regardless of your feelings for Johnson. It’s a good watch for sure!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

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3 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

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That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

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1 day ago

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May 1, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

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  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/30/24

Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 30, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.

San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano

The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.

U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.

English Premier League Approves Spending Cap

Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.

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That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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