Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/8/17
Welcome to Lion Links on this Monday! Let’s start the business week off right with soccer news from around MLS and the rest of the world. This weekend’s game was a forgettable one for us Lions fans but luckily we have the future to look forward to and thankfully a home game on the horizon. As the Lions prepare for the game ahead, let’s get you prepared on all things soccer. Enjoy.
Orlando City Stadium Should Boost U.S. Men’s National Team
If Columbus is seen as one of the best places for the USMNT to play on home turf, then Orlando’s new stadium should insert itself into that conversation soon. The stadium has been built as the perfect venue for Orlando’s soccer teams to thrive in, especially as Orlando City SC has gone undefeated at its home venue thus far. The next team to dominate in Orlando could very well be the USMNT and that would be quite fantastic.
“It’s good to know that U.S. Soccer understands and believes that our stadium can help the team,” Leitão said. “They understand that a building like that can help the national team get their results.
“One of the things we always said from the beginning was that we were going to build a stadium that would make a lot of difference for Orlando City, which it’s doing, and will bring some great sports events and big soccer events — and this is the first one.”
Orlando City Stadium will host its first USMNT World Cup qualifier in October.
Marta Scores, Orlando Pride Draw in Kansas City
The Orlando Pride went on the road and earned a 1-1 tie against FC Kansas City. The result brings the Pride to 0-2-2 on the season and still in search of their first win. The good news of the evening was that the newly acquired Marta has opened up her account for the Pride by scoring a goal in the 74th minute.
A smart touch from Marta in the 74th minute appeared to provide a much-needed three points for Orlando Pride. But an equalizer 10 minutes later from a set piece drew FC Kansas City even after Erika Tymrak found the back of the net following two saves from Orlando goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. That late goal erased two of those three points as the teams drew 1-1 Sunday at Swope Park in Kansas City.
FINAL: Kansas City – 1 | Pride – 1#KCvORL pic.twitter.com/Ijwx9Eglb7
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 8, 2017
The Long Leash Given to MLS Coaches
In a very interesting read, changes are going to be the wave of the future in handling MLS coaches that continue to be unimpressive. Teams across MLS seem to give opportunities to coaches that have yet to earn those opportunities and the result is not always good. The patience of front office executives and owners may finally be wearing thin in an ever-changing and growing league.
Coaches considered to have MLS experience have generally been given long leashes on these shores. About one fourth of the league’s current head coaches are ex-players in their first stint as the top dog of a technical staff – think of D.C. United’s Ben Olsen, Heaps and Robinson (above) – and can generally be considered to have trained on the job. All were blessed with patient superiors during sustained downturns.
“The median tenure of a foreign manager is 40 games, while it is 68 games for domestic managers,” wrote Burdine. “That tells me that patience is much lower for foreigners.”
U.S. U-17s Fall to Mexico in Penalty Shootout
After playing to a 1-1 draw against Mexico the U.S. U-17 team lost the spot kick exhibition we call a shootout, 5-4, in the CONCACAF Championship final on Sunday.
The U.S. broke through just after the hour mark when Tim Weah won a poor clearance at the back, leading to Andrew Carleton’s blistering effort in the 62nd minute. The U.S. had chances to increase the lead, as Josh Sargent’s opportunistic run led to a point-blank save from Mexico goal keeper Cesar Lopez in the 82nd minute before Chris Goslin hit the woodwork in the 90th.
Mexico finally broke through in second-half stoppage time as Robles headed home a cross from Daniel Lopez, sending the final to penalty kicks.
Mexico saved themselves on a last-second goal in stoppage time, just two minutes before the final whistle, and then went on to win the close shootout.
USMNT Players Hope to Break into England’s Top Flight
USMNT player Tim Ream has earned a promotion playoff spot with his club, Fulham. He will now join USMNT player Danny Williams (Reading), as he also fights for his club to be promoted to the Premier League. If either one make it they will surely see fellow USMNT player DeAndre Yedlin, who has already been promoted to England’s top league with Newcastle United.
That is all from me today, folks. I leave you with the Brazilian soccer club Chapecoense lifting its first title since the devastating air crash this past November. Enjoy the rest of your Monday and if you want more from me on soccer stuff feel free to follow me: @awesomeniemeier.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/8/24
Orlando Pride move up in power rankings, OCSC will celebrate Pride month, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re halfway through the week and I hope you’re doing well. Personally, I love Wednesdays, because in my job they are effectively my “Friday,” as my day off is on Thursday. So, as such, I love bringing you the news to start out your midweek morning. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Nearly Top Power Rankings
The Orlando Pride are at the top of the NWSL standings with 18 points, and are riding a five-match winning streak while staying undefeated so far this season. If you thought that would be enough for the team to top ESPN‘s NWSL power rankings, you’d be wrong. The Pride actually came in at second despite all the factors I list above, with the Kansas City Current ranked above them. Even more shocking is that the writer doesn’t have much of a reason for not ranking the Pride first. I’m not sure what to do with my hands.
Orlando Soccer Matches Will Celebrate Pride Month
Orlando City and the Orlando Pride will recognize Pride month during a pair of matches in June at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride are set to host the Utah Royals on June 21 and the Lions will then host the Chicago Fire on June 22. Both matches will include celebrating Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community and honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. There are plenty of more events throughout Pride month in the Greater Orlando Area as well. I will be at those matches and I hope to see you there as well.
Orlando City B Hosts New York Red Bulls II Tonight
OCB will try to follow up a result on the road with its first result at home tonight at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, FL. Forwards Yutaro Tsukada and Shak Mohammed lead the attack for the Young Lions as the club plays only its third home match of the season — and only the second at their actual home field. There’s plenty to look for from OCB as it takes on New York Red Bulls II at 7 p.m. Try to make it to the match if you are able.
U.S. Soccer Doubles Down
The battle between the USWNT and U.S. Soccer over equal pay has been going on for years. Now, U.S. Soccer has reportedly employed Washington D.C. lobbying firms to provide what the organization asserts are “accurate information and factual numbers” to policy makers. Spokespersons for the players associations of both the USWNT and USMNT expressed disappointment regarding the move by U.S. Soccer. The issue is front and center as two congresswomen have proposed legislation to block funding for the 2026 World Cup unless equal pay is enacted.
Free Kicks
- Were you wondering how good Barbra Banda has been since arriving in Orlando? Me either, but here is a cool stat from OptaJack on her shot production.
- Orlando City fans know all too well how good FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta is at scoring goals. Now, the striker is in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. and expressed a desire to play for the USMNT. It would be nice to have him score goals for a team I support.
- Nottingham Forest’s point reduction appeal was rejected by the independent board overseeing the decision. Only three points separate Nottingham from Luton Town and the relegation zone with two matches left this season.
- I know that some Orlando City fans were hoping to see Thiago Silva join the Lions after he left Chelsea, but the defender has chosen to rejoin his old Brazilian club, Fluminense.
- It’s not often that someone follows up an unpopular decision with an even more unpopular explanation for that decision, but that is exactly what MLS Commissioner Don Garber did when explaining that the U.S. Open Cup didn’t offer a competition that “drives value” and that “rises to the level where fans care about it.” I’m sure everyone will now understand the decision. Well done, Commish.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/7/24
Barbra Banda up for NWSL Goal of the Week, Americans in midweek action, Champions League preview, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s teams over the weekend, as Orlando City B drew 1-1 with Chattanooga FC and lost the subsequent shootout, Orlando City lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, and the Orlando Pride won 1-0 over Racing Louisville. As usual, we have a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s dig into the links.
Barbra Banda Up for Goal of the Week
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her strike in the 77th minute against the North Carolina Courage last Wednesday. Banda controlled the ball off a throw-in, turned, and drove across the box before slotting a low shot past Casey Murphy for the Pride’s fourth and final goal of the game. She scored twice in that game and scored again in Sunday’s win over Racing Louisville. Banda now has four goals in four games — including at least one in each of her three starts since appearing off the bench in her debut — and shows no sign of slowing down. Make sure you go vote for her to win this week’s award!
Americans in Midweek Action
As usual, there are a number of Americans playing games this week, so make sure you mark down any that you want to tune in for. Wednesday has Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey traveling to El Volcan to take on Tigres in the quarterfinals of the Clausura. Moving to Friday, Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, and Venezia have a chance to gain promotion to Serie A if they beat Spezia and Como loses. On the other side of things, former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini and Como play Cosenza, and will secure automatic promotion as long as they don’t have a worse result than Venezia.
UEFA Champions League Preview
The UEFA Champions League continues this week with the second legs of the two semifinal matchups. In this afternoon’s game, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has said that even Kylian Mbappe will have to work hard defensively if his team is going to progress to the final. Borussia Dortmund leads that tie 1-0, and will need to rely on a defense that has kept five clean sheets in this year’s tournament. However, the German club has a concerning record away from home, where it has lost nine of its last 11 games. In tomorrow’s game between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, this season’s La Liga winner will hope its finishing prowess continues from the first leg, when it turned two chances into two goals.
European Transfer Rumor Roundup
With European seasons drawing to a close, the transfer rumor mill is starting to heat up, which means there are several items worth discussing today. First, Manchester United will reportedly face competition to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Chelsea and PSG are said to also be interested in signing the Frenchman, who was instrumental in his side’s 4-0 drubbing of the Red Devils yesterday. Staying in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has said he intends to be part of the transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, confirming that he does not intend to leave in the summer. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich is said to have agreed to personal terms with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. David Moyes has confirmed he will leave West Ham at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that the Hammers have reached an agreement with Julen Lopetegui to be the team’s new manager.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held steady at 20th in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Bruno Fernandes missed a club match due to injury for the first time in his career, as he did not play in Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace.
- Speaking of that match, the Premier League outfitted the referee with a camera for the first time in that game, with the footage to be released at a later date.
- Angel City FC will enter a team in The Soccer Tournament this summer.
- Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds United.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/6/24
Lions lose at home, Orlando Pride win, OCB draws Chattanooga FC, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was another mixed weekend for our teams as the Lions lost, the Pride won, and OCB drew. As for me, I’ve been busy managing the broadcast operations for the NISA league’s matches this weekend and also got a chance to cover high school soccer, softball, and badminton. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose at Home to FC Cincinnati
Orlando City lost at home for the second straight weekend with a 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Luciano Acosta scored the lone goal for Cincinnati just seconds into the match. Orlando City went down to 10 men when defender Rodrigo Schlegel received a red card in the first half. The Lions had some chances to get back in this one, including a free kick opportunity in the second half when Wilder Cartagena scored what would have been the equalizer, but Facundo Torres was ruled offside, and the goal was waved off. Cincinnati also dropped to 10 men late in the second half as defender Bret Halsey received his second yellow for a foul on Ivan Angulo and knocked the ball out to waste time. Still, FC Cincinnati found a way to hang on for the victory, securing its third win in a row. Orlando City will look to rebound on Saturday as it takes on the Philadelphia Union at Suburu Park.
Orlando Pride Win at Home Against Racing Louisville FC
The Orlando Pride defeated Racing Louisville FC on Sunday, 1-0, at Inter&Co Stadium, winning their fifth straight game. Barbra Banda scored the lone goal of the match and now has four goals for the Pride this season. The Pride remain undefeated in league play, keeping their unbeaten streak alive at eight matches (5-0-3). Orlando also moved up to first in the NWSL table with 18 points. The Pride will be back home on Saturday to face Bay FC.
OCB Draws Chattanooga FC
Orlando City B drew 1-1 on the road against Chattanooga FC on Saturday. The Young Lions trailed early in the first half as Mehdi Ouamri put Chattanooga FC in front 1-0. Later in the first half, OCB got an equalizer, with forward Shak Mohammed finding the back of the net to score his second goal of the season. The match went to penalties after 90 minutes of action, where Chattanooga FC won the extra point with a 5-4 win over OCB. Despite not getting the extra point in penalties, the Young Lions still keep their road unbeaten streak alive at five. OCB will have a quick turnaround with its next match at Osceola County Stadium on Wednesday against New York Red Bulls II.
European Soccer Roundup
Real Madrid clinched the La Liga title on Saturday, defeating Cadiz 3-0, while their rivals Barcelona dropped points in a 4-2 loss to Girona over the weekend. Madrid has now won La Liga for the 36th time and still has a shot of adding another trophy if it gets past Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to reach the final next month. Elsewhere, we had plenty of drama in England. Let’s start in the EFL Championship, where Ipswich Town joined Leicester City, getting promoted to the Premier League after a 2-0 victory against Huddersfield Town. Leeds United, Southhampton, West Brom, and Norwich City will go to the playoffs to determine the third club to secure promotion. Arsenal won 3-0 over Bournemouth, while Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 win over Wolves to keep the EPL title race tight. Arsenal is in first with 83 points, with two matches remaining, while Manchester City is just behind in second with 82 points and three matches left to play.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos gave insight on her first NWSL start for the Pride after their match against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday.
- PSV Eindhoven clinched the Eredivisie title on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Sparta Rotterdam. American Malik Tillman played for 90 minutes, while Ricardo Pepi came off the bench and added an assist.
- USMNT midfielder Christian Pulisic put on a solid performance and contributed an assist for AC Milan in a 3-3 draw against Genoa on Saturday.
- USWNT forward Catarina Macario came off the bench for Chelsea in the second half and made WSL history by adding two assists in 10 minutes in an 8-0 win over Bristol City.
- Despite their manager Xabi Alonso being in the stands serving a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, Bayer Leverkusen dominated Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 and extended its unbeaten streak to 48 matches.
- Wrexham is reportedly targeting Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. His contract expires with the Premier League-bound club at the end of June.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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