Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/20/22
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Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. The Lions will be in action tonight in their U.S. Open Cup third-round match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies and I’m looking forward to it. There is plenty to cover today so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Takes On the Rowdies Tonight
The third round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup continues at Exploria Stadium tonight as the Lions host the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the I-4 Derby. This will be the first competitive game between the two rivals since 2014. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. and you can watch it on ESPN+. The Rowdies are coming into tonight’s match in good form after defeating FC Tulsa 3-1 this past weekend in the USL Championship, and they are in third place in the USL Eastern Conference with 12 points. One player to keep an eye on is Jake LaCava, who is on loan from the New York Red Bulls and is the Rowdies’ leading scorer with three goals. Orlando City has not lost to the Rowdies going back to 2013. The last time the U.S. Open Cup was played back in 2019, the Lions made it all the way to the semifinals before falling to Atlanta United. If Mauricio Pereyra gets an assist tonight, it will give him the all-time club record across all competitions for Orlando City.
Orlando City to Host Arsenal This Summer in Friendly
Orlando City announced that the club will play a midseason friendly against English Premier League club Arsenal in July. The match will be on July 20 at Exploria Stadium and this will be the first meeting between these two clubs. The last time the Lions faced an English Premier League opponent in a friendly was back in 2016 when the Lions hosted Stoke City in Melbourne. This match will be part of the “FC Series,” which is a national expansion of the Florida Cup, featuring clubs from around the globe. The other match fans in Orlando can check out will be the London Derby on July 23 when Arsenal takes on Chelsea at Camping World Stadium as part of the Florida Cup.
Gaston Gonzalez Injures Knee
You will need a translation for the full details as 20-year-old Argentine winger Gaston Gonzalez injured his knee in Union Santa Fe’s game against San Lorenzo and had to exit the match on a stretcher. This news comes after reports that Orlando City signed the winger as a U22 Initiative signing and that he would join the Lions in early May following discussions between Orlando and Union Santa Fe dating back to December. Medical tests will be conducted to determine the full extent of his injury and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Third Round U.S. Open Cup Action Begins
The third round of the U.S. Open Cup kicked off last night with 11 matches as MLS teams entered the tournament. Union Omaha became the first USL League One team to oust an MLS side in the Open Cup after winning a penalty shootout against the Chicago Fire. The Columbus Crew were also eliminated after Detroit City FC came back from a goal down to win 2-1. All other MLS sides survived their matches though. Inter Miami advanced past Miami FC thanks to a late goal from Leonardo Campana, DC United won 3-0 over Flower City Union, and FC Cincinnati needed extra time to defeat the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-0. In Texas, FC Dallas beat FC Tulsa 2-1 while Houston Dynamo left back Sam Junqua scored in stoppage time to help his team win 2-1 against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. In California, the San Jose Earthquakes cruised to a 5-0 win over Bay Cities FC and the LA Galaxy held on for a 1-0 victory against Landon Donovan’s San Diego Loyal SC.
USWNT Learns Its Group for Concacaf Women’s Championship
The United States Women’s National Team now knows its opponents for the 2022 Concacaf Women’s Championship in Monterrey this summer. The USWNT was drawn into Group A and will face Mexico, Jamaica, and Haiti in the group stage that will begin on either July 4 or July 5. Canada, Costa Rica, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago were drawn into Group B. The top two finishers in each group will advance to the semifinals and also qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The third-place teams in each group will go to a World Cup playoff that will take place next February. The winner of this tournament will qualify directly to the 2024 Olympics as well.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City remained in seventh place this week in the latest MLS power rankings after winning 2-0 against the Columbus Crew on the road.
- Orlando forward Tesho Akindele was noted as a player who can make an impact in the U.S. Open Cup.
- MLSSoccer.com gave a breakdown on which goalkeepers are helping or hurting their MLS teams through seven weeks of the 2022 MLS season. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is ranked third among those helping after a strong start to the year.
- Orlando City winger Facundo Torres was recognized as one of the top young players from this past weekend in MLS.
- The Attacking Third podcast released its latest NWSL power rankings, placing the Orlando Pride at 11th. Let me know in the comments below if you agree.
Our own @SandHerrera_ has @OLReign at the 🔝 of her @NWSL Challenge Cup power rankings 👀
Do you agree? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/z0cyh71Glm
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) April 19, 2022
- Former Lion Will Johnson will return to Central Florida Panthers SC for the upcoming 2022 National Premier Soccer League season.
Former @OrlandoCitySC & @CanadaSoccerEN captain Will Johnson is returning again as a player-mentor for the upcoming @NPSLSoccer season. Our young players will surely benefit learning from him. #npsl #cfp2022 #orlandocity #soccer #orlando #supportlocal @orlandosentinel pic.twitter.com/4AgDCXOstv
— CFSC Panthers (@CfscPanthers) April 19, 2022
- U.S. Soccer has appointed former Reading and Chicago Fire assistant coach Marko Mitrović as its new manager of the U.S. U-19 Men’s Youth National Team.
- Former Lion and current Atlanta United chief scout Jonathan Spector was in Spain to watch Mallorca as Atlanta reportedly aims to acquire USMNT winger Matthew Hoppe.
- Manchester United and Liverpool fans united to pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following the death of his newborn son. In the seventh minute of their match, supporters sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
That will do it for me, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/6/24
Amanda Allen loaned to Lexington SC, Alex Morgan announces retirement, USMNT prepares for Canada, and more.
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Happy Friday! I don’t have many plans this weekend, but am still looking forward to the next few days after a hectic week. When not working, I plan on finally starting Book of Night by Holly Black and figuring out how to make the most out of some dark rum I was gifted. For now though, let’s get to today’s links from around the soccer world!
Amanda Allen Loaned to Lexington SC
The Orlando Pride have loaned forward Amanda Allen to Lexington SC for the remainder of the USL Super League season. This decision should give Allen some valuable minutes, and the loan includes a right to recall as well. The 19-year-old has made 17 appearances since joining the Pride and had an assist in this year’s season opener. She is also currently in Colombia for the U-20 Women’s World Cup and her Canada squad takes on Brazil tonight. Hopefully she’s able to tear it up in the USL Super League’s inaugural season.
Alex Morgan Announces Her Retirement
American forward Alex Morgan has announced that she will retire after the San Diego Wave’s match on Sunday. She also announced that she is pregnant with her second child.
In her 224 international appearances, Morgan scored 123 goals and was a major force behind the USWNT’s back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. At the club level, she has played in every year of the NWSL’s existence and joined the Orlando Pride ahead of their inaugural season in 2016. In her six years in Orlando, Morgan recorded 23 goals and 10 assists in 69 appearances. Off the field, she’s been an outspoken supporter of equality and increased investment in women’s sports. We wish her the best of luck after a legendary career.
USMNT Faces Canada on Saturday
The United States Men’s National Team will take on Canada on Saturday in Kansas City in the first of two friendlies this month. Plenty has changed since the U.S. beat Canada in a penalty shootout in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, particularly on the sideline. American coach Jesse Marsch was hired by Canada in May, while the U.S. will be led by Mikey Varas in an interim capacity amid buzz that Mauricio Pochettino will take over. The U.S. is without Giovanni Reyna for these friendlies due to injury, with Cade Cowell replacing him. Canada boasts a talented roster that includes a trio of former Lions in Cyle Larin, Richie Laryea, and Kamal Miller. After this match, the USMNT will take on New Zealand on Tuesday.
Keeping Up With International Soccer
San Marino may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it arguably had the biggest win of a busy day of international soccer after beating Liechtenstein 1-0 for its first competitive victory. Elsewhere in the UEFA Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia, while Spain was held to a scoreless draw in Serbia.
The third round of AFC World Cup qualifying is underway and Australia was upset 1-0 at home by Bahrain. Japan suffered no such setback though, dominating China in a 7-0 home win. Palestine drew 0-0 against South Korea in Seoul, which is no easy task.
CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers have also resumed, and Bolivia came up with a huge 4-0 win in high altitude against Venezuela to move up the table. We may see some Lions in action today. Facundo Torres and Uruguay take on Paraguay, while Pedro Gallese, Wilder Cartagena, and Peru host Colombia.
Free Kicks
- FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano won MLS Goal of the Matchday for scoring from nearly 80 yards out to beat CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. Orlando’s Facundo Torres placed second in the voting for his volleyed strike against Nashville SC.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Ella Stevens was named NWSL Player of the Month after recording three goals and two assists in August.
- Argentina beat Brazil in blind soccer at the Paralympics, ending Brazil’s unbeaten streak that has lasted the past 20 years. France and Argentina will face off in the gold medal game on Saturday.
- Chris Jurasek has stepped down as Chelsea’s chief executive after a year in the position, with Jason Gannon replacing him.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/5/24
Orlando City partners with Sporting CP, Barbra Banda nominated for Ballon d’Or, Orlando Pride prepare for Chicago, and more.
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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going smoothly for you as we gear up for plenty of club and international soccer over the next few days. I’ve been getting plenty of reading done when not working and am looking forward to another trip to my local bookstore this weekend. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Partners With Sporting CP
Orlando City and Portuguese club Sporting CP have officially agreed to be technical partners, meaning they will share information and methodologies in regards to player development, recruitment, and more. The two clubs have had links before, with former Lions Nani and Uri Rosell joining Orlando from Sporting. The two clubs will also organize training periods for academy players to train with the other club in a different environment. Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira spoke on how this partnership will help both clubs moving forward.
“This is an agreement that will foster a great exchange of information for the betterment of both sets of players and coaches, setting both clubs up for even more success in the future. The culture within both clubs is very similar and we’re excited to see the benefits this partnership brings for everyone involved, especially in an academy level.”
Barbra Banda Nominated for 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda was one of 30 players nominated for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or, which is one of the top honors in women’s soccer. Since joining the Pride in March, Banda has scored 12 goals in 14 matches this season and is the first NWSL player to score 10 goals in her first 10 league appearances. The 24-year-old also had four goals and an assist with Zambia in this summer’s Olympics.
She’s joined on the nomination list by five United States Women’s National Team players: Alyssa Naeher, Sophia Smith, Malory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Lindsey Horan. I’m not surprised to see as many players who play for European clubs nominated, but I do think San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma was snubbed. The winner will be announced in Paris on Oct. 28.
Orlando Pride Prepare for Chicago
After a dominant 2-0 win at home against NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday. It’s the second match between them this season, with the two sides splitting the points in a 1-1 draw in Orlando on March 29. The Pride sit atop the NWSL standings, and it should be a tough road game against a Chicago side fighting to keep its playoff position. Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the difficulty of playing in Chicago, as well as how the Pride have been able to score in different ways this year.
Croix Bethune Out for the Season
Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune suffered a torn meniscus, reportedly while throwing out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game, and will miss the remainder of the NWSL season as a result. It’s brutal news for Bethune, who was the clear frontrunner for NWSL Rookie of the Year and just an assist shy of breaking the NWSL record of 10. She finishes with five goals and 10 assists in her rookie campaign, and also made the trip to Paris this summer for the Olympics with the USWNT. Her injury is also a blow to the Spirit’s NWSL Shield aspirations, as they are currently six points behind the Pride and now without one of their best playmakers.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy the sights and sounds from the Pride’s rainy win over Gotham. The video exemplifies just how fun the Pride have been to watch this year.
- Carlos Bocanegra is no longer the vice president and technical director of Atlanta United, with President and CEO Garth Lagerwey taking over in an interim capacity for the rest of the season.
- Sporting Kansas City transferred American defender Kayden Pierre to Genk in Belgium’s top flight.
- The U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team won 2-0 against Morocco in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the Pride’s Ally Lemos coming off the bench in the second half. The team’s last group stage game will be on Saturday against Paraguay.
- For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi were nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
- Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after being left off the Italian club’s 23-man roster for the Serie A season. Galatasaray has won all three of its matches so far this Super Lig season and will compete in the Europa League.
- AS Roma added 35-year-old center back Mats Hummels on a free transfer to bolster its defense.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/4/24
Facundo Torres’ great week, Lions on international duty, Celia nominated for an award, and more.
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Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. While there’s no chance at a another nine-point weekend since Orlando City doesn’t play, that doesn’t mean a six-point weekend is off the table with both the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B in action this Sunday.
Let’s get to the links.
Summer of Facundo
It seems that when the temperature heats up in Central Florida, so does Facundo Torres. Orlando City’s attacker has made a habit the last few years of starting slow before coming into form over the summer months. That has been the case once again this season, but it’s something that Torres wishes he could change. I also would like him to be in form for a longer stretch of the season. At least for now, he’s playing well enough to make MLS Team of the Matchday. He’s also up for Goal of the Matchday, so go vote soon.
More Lions on International Duty
Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena have been called up for international duty with Peru. The two Orlando City starters make three so far, as Uruguay selected Torres for the national team on Monday. Peru will play Colombia Friday, followed by a match against Ecuador on Tuesday. The trio are just a few of the many MLS players that will represent their respective national teams.
Pride’s Celia Nominated for Impact Award
Orlando Pride defender Celia has been nominated for the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award presented by Nationwide. She is one of 14 players chosen — one from each NWSL club — for her work with a community partner. Celia’s partner is SpaceKids Global, a non-profit focused on STEAM+ (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). There will be an appreciation night on Sept. 28 when the Pride host the Houston Dash. There will be a fan vote in October, and fans can select their nominee to win the award.
U-20 USWNT Back in Action Today
Ally Lemos of the Orlando Pride will be with the U-20 USWNT when it faces off against Morocco in the team’s second match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup today. The match is scheduled for 9 p.m. this evening, and you can watch it on FS2 or Telemundo. Lemos did not get any minutes in the U.S. loss to defending champion Spain on Sunday. The Americans will need a result if they hope to make the knockout rounds. Here’s hoping Lemos gets some minutes and is able to help the U.S. secure a victory.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride topped another power rankings list. This time it’s the Goal.com rankings. Also, water is wet.
- Check out which Americans are in action abroad heading into the international break.
- The Professional Footballers’ Association held a training camp for players who were not picked up in the last transfer window and are out of contract.
- The NWSL is running into the same problem as other leagues around the world. The players are playing in too many matches between club and country.
- Former Orlando Pride and current Angel City defender Ali Riley is facing the possibility that she may need to retire from professional soccer due to a nerve issue in her left leg. We wish her the best, no matter what the outcome.
- Lastly, don’t forget to vote for Adriana for NWSL Goal of the Week.
That will do it for today. The Lions are on an international break, but the Pride will try to keep the undefeated streak going Sunday, and OCB will be on the road in a big match against Crown Legacy as well. Check back as we get you ready for all the action. Vamos Orlando.
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