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Lion Links: 7/23/17

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8 years ago

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Happy Sunday morning, folks. No Orlando-based pro soccer teams in action today, but lots of other stuff, such as ICC, in case you’re into that kind of thing. Speaking of the International Champions Cup, we had one of those games right here in the City Beautiful last night. More on that later.

Much of the weekend action you’re interested in is already over, so you get to that sock drawer that you’ve been putting off cleaning out for the last three months. Meanwhile, let’s get you started on today’s links:

Pride Again Fall to Red Stars

The Orlando Pride still can’t solve the riddle of the Chicago Red Stars. Christen Press scored two more goals against the Pride to lead the Red Stars to a 2-1 home win, improving Chicago to 4-0-0 in the all-time series. At least Alanna Kennedy finally found Orlando’s first goal of the series deep in stoppage time with a screamer past Alyssa Naeher. These two teams will play again Aug. 5 right after the Tournament of Nations, but that game will come just two days after the tourney concludes out on the West Coast, so it’ll affect the lineups — Orlando’s more than Chicago’s, unfortunately.

Deuce Leads U.S. Past Costa Rica

It was a special night for Clint Dempsey. The Texas native came off the bench in his home state to set up Jozy Altidore’s game winner and score the insurance marker to push the USMNT to a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in the Gold Cup semifinals. Dempsey’s free kick strike was his 57th international goal, tying Landon Donovan’s USMNT career record. The United States moves on to play the Mexico-Jamaica winner in the final on Wednesday. It should be fun.

Here, Have a Transfer Rumor

The latest name linked with Orlando City — this time via a Brazilian social media account covering Werder Bremen — is Zlatko Junuzovic. The tweet says Orlando City is willing to pony up €5 million for the Austrian international midfielder. More set-up man than goal scorer, Junuzovic is a free kick and assist specialist who also has 19 Bundesliga goals over the past five years and seven international goals with Austria in 52 caps. The 29-year-old would fill a need at attacking midfielder but the price tag is pretty high. What do you think of this idea? Personally, I would simply enjoy getting to say “Zlatko” and use it in stories.

However, not so fast, my friends. This story says Orlando has made no formal offer, despite a willingness to pay the five million euros and offer a three-year deal. It further states that Werder Bremen are seeking double that amount of money, so that makes a deal pretty unlikely.

Fan Fallout

(Note: this is not a generalization about all of the fans from each fan base, or about supporters groups, but is simply the calling out of a few individual actions.) Individual fans from Orlando City and Atlanta United didn’t cover themselves in glory in the week of their teams’ first meeting in Major League Soccer. There were shenanigans all week, from billboard reactions on both sides, to making light of the Pulse tragedy, and all manner of social media confrontations. I might be missing something, but we’re talking about a sporting event — one where a bunch of guys put on uniforms and kick a ball around, no less. Some of the behavior on both sides was a bit bewildering.

Perhaps the biggest news was the story of an Atlanta United fan who claims he was sucker-punched by an Orlando City fan while minding his own business. Orlando fans counter that the fan in question threw a bottle toward some kids and was “acting a fool” in the supporters’ tailgate area. I’d like to point out that punching a human is bad. Throwing a bottle is bad. Acting a fool is bad. We’re all people, first and foremost, and so maybe it’s not that important that we support a sports team from a different city?

I also saw that a Terminus Legion flag was hoisted to the rafters of Orlando City Stadium. Unless that flag was freely given by the Terminus Legion or purchased by Orlando fans, it’s a bad look. Last time I checked, taking something that belongs to someone else is considered theft under our legal system. Can’t we all be better than this? A few bad incidents can color an entire fan base in the public eye. If we always represent our team and our city with class, respect, and courtesy for others, it’ll set an example for others to follow.

ICC Comes to Orlando

More than 33,000 fans piled into Camping World Stadium last night for the International Champions Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain last night. An entertaining 2-2 match through 45 minutes featured blistering goals and an enormous goalkeeping gaffe. Just after the break, PSG’s goalkeeper was sent off by Ted Unkel (really!) and Tottenham eventually broke the tie, and added a late Harry Kane penalty that shouldn’t have been a penalty [/Unkel’d] en route to a 4-2 win. It’s always nice to have big-time soccer events in our city, and it was excellent to see a big crowd to see two teams from across the pond.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Jonathan Spector was robbed twice by Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan on Friday. Spector talked about his bond with Guzan from their time in Birmingham.
  • The USMNT is the first team to win at the Gold Cup with three different goalkeepers in the same tournament.
  • El Salvador’s Henry Romero and Darwin Ceren have been suspended by CONCACAF for their antics against the USMNT in the Gold Cup quarterfinals. Romero will get a six-game ban for biting and nipple twisting Jozy Altidore and former Orlando City midfielder Ceren gets a three-match suspension for biting Omar Gonzalez.
  • Tickets to the U.S.-Panama World Cup qualifier at Orlando City Stadium go on sale Aug. 10.
  • New York City went down a man early but still beat the Chicago Fire, 2-1.
  • Among those born on this date are actor Arthur Treacher — who somehow got his name on a chain of fish and chips restaurants in the U.S. — (1894), baseball’s Pee Wee Reese (1918), Calvert de Forest — a.k.a. Larry “Bud” Melman — (1921), actor Bert Convy (1933), pitcher Don Drysdale (1936), Beverly Hills Cop actor Ronny Cox (1938), radio host Don Imus (1940), David Essex (1947), original Rush drummer John Rutsey (1952), Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore (1961), Woody Harrelson (1961), Slash (1965), Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967), basketball’s Gary Payton (1968), Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel actress Charisma Carpenter (1970), Alison Krauss (1971), Marlon Wayans (1972), Zinedine Zidane (1972), Nomar Garciaparra (1973), football’s Terry Glenn (1974), hockey’s Shawn Thornton (1977), and Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe (1989).

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend and let’s get ready to get that revenge against Atlanta next Saturday.

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Lion Links

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.

Published

16 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

Lion Links: 4/2/25

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

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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.

Free Kicks

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

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.

Free Kicks

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

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