Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/18/22
There is nothing quite like waking up on a Saturday and knowing you get to head to Exploria Stadium. It truly is one of the best parts of being an Orlando City fan, and now that the international window is over — the tradition is back!
The Lions host Houston Dynamo at 7:30 p.m. tonight, so grab your tickets if you haven’t already. And when you wake up tomorrow after a long night of shouting for the Lions, grab the remote and turn on Paramount+, because the Pride are traveling to Portland for a Sunday afternoon kickoff.
Regardless of the outcomes, I’m personally really looking forward to this soccer-filled weekend. But now, what you all have come here for — the links!
Orlando City Returns Home
The Lions return home following the long international break and a trip to New England to host the Dynamo tonight. This will be the only match between the two clubs this season, and they have not played each other since the 2019 regular season, when City traveled to Houston. Orlando lost that 2019 match, 2-1. Tonight is also the first time the Dynamo have visited Exploria Stadium since September 2018, when the two teams played to a scoreless draw.
Orlando enters the match after picking up a point in a 1-1 draw Wednesday at Gillette Stadium against the New England Revolution. Robin Jansson scored his fifth goal as a lion and first goal of the year in the 35th minute while nutmegging the goalkeeper in the process. Meanwhile, Houston is coming off of the international break following a 3-0 loss to Real Salt Lake on the road. This game will conclude a stretch of four straight road games for the Dynamo dating back to a trip to the LA Galaxy on May 22.
We’ll have coverage throughout the evening.
Amy Turner Exits Orlando
The Orlando Pride have bought out the contract of defender Amy Turner. Turner joined the Pride in June of 2021 and went on to make 19 appearances for the Pride across all competitions, scoring one goal in that time. At this point, we can only speculate why Turner has decided to leave.
After a year in the @NWSL with @ORLPride, I have decided to move on and explore a new challenge in my career. Thank you to everyone at Orlando who supported me during my time there. Wishing the club good luck in the future! pic.twitter.com/tqXX3Qjgn2
— Amy Turner (@amy_turner4) June 17, 2022
While the NWSL had previously imposed a roster freeze, Equalizer Soccer’s Jeff Kassouf reported that the freeze is over, although the investigation into Amanda Cromwell and Sam Greene is still going.
Simultaneous to the end of that roster freeze, the Orlando Pride bought out the contract of defender Amy Turner. Turner is not discovery eligible in the #NWSL this calendar year, meaning she can't play in the league until 2023.
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) June 17, 2022
Orlando Pride Travel to Portland
The Orlando Pride are heading to Portland tomorrow night to take on the Thorns. Portland enters the match holding down third place in the NWSL with 13 points on the season. Notably, the team is on a four-game unbeaten streak and also leads the league in goals scored, with 15, and goal differential (+8). Thorns forward Sophia Smith is currently second in the Golden Boot race with six goals during the regular season. She has scored from the penalty spot in back-to-back games, so the Pride should know her spot-kick tendencies if there happens to be a foul in the box.
This is the first match between the teams in the 2022 season. Last season, the teams shared the spoils, with both teams going 1-1-1. The Pride won the first meeting at home while the Thorns won the second at Providence Park. The third match ended with a 1-1 draw at Exploria Stadium. The Pride have not won on the road at Providence Park since May of 2018.
MLS NEXT Pro Provides Stepping Stone for International Soccer
Most soccer fans would agree that a lack of match fitness and minutes can hold players back from peak performance when stepping on the field for a tournament of any level. However, MLS continues to evolve and offer ways for players to find competition. This year was the inaugural launch of the MLS NEXT Pro competition. For players that qualify to represent the United States Under-20 team, these minutes could prove crucial as they gear up to begin the Concacaf Championship on Saturday, which could ultimately lead to a 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2024 Olympics berth.
“I think the direction our country is going in terms of the competition platform that allows for the development of top talent is improving year in and year out,” U-20 head coach Mikey Varas told reporters in a conference call. “And whether it’s USL Championship, USL [League] One, or MLS [NEXT Pro], it’s helping tremendously, because it’s not easy to break into a first-team at the age that these guys are.”
Seventeen of the 20 players summoned by Varas to Honduras are currently on MLS rosters, and eight of those have earned significant minutes in MLS NEXT Pro. Only time will tell how clubs choose to use MLS NEXT Pro with their youth and reserve programs in the future. But for now, it seems to be a step in the right direction as eyes focus on the upcoming U-20 World Cup and Olympics.
Free Kicks
- Former Orlando City Lion Donny Toia signed with FC Tucson to help bring a USL League One championship to his hometown.
- Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer confirmed that Raul Ruidiaz will miss at least two games with a hamstring injury.
- Sadio Mane will leave Liverpool for Bayern Munich after six years at Anfield for $43 million.
- Paris Saint-Germain has announced the signing of Netherlands forward Lieke Martens on a three-year deal from Barcelona.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent is now searching for potential offers around Europe, as he fears Ronaldo is not part of Erik ten Hag’s plans going forward. Reportedly, two clubs have expressed interest at this time.
- USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter took the mound at Wrigley Field.
We aren’t gonna take credit, but the @Cubs went ahead and won 1-0 after this.
And despite Twitter’s requests, he didn’t go behind-the-back for the first pitch.
Opted for the heat instead. 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/ABhSCKzYX5 pic.twitter.com/ArTBiG5sOl
— USMNT (@USMNT) June 17, 2022
- New England Revolution and USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner reflected on his journey to Arsenal.
- USMNT right back Bryan Reynolds is set to join Belgian club Westerlo on loan from AS Roma.
- The MLS Disciplinary Committee has suspended and fined New York Red Bulls forward Patryk Klimala for one match for serious foul play during the team’s match against Charlotte FC on June 11.
- Brentford is likely to lose midfielder Christian Eriksen to another club, notably Tottenham or Manchester United.
Hopefully, that was plenty of links for your daily scroll. This time of year it seems the transfer rumors are plentiful. MLS matches come faster and faster. And, a World Cup is upon us. There always seems to be a plethora of hot soccer gossip out there nowadays. No matter what your favorite kind is, be sure to check back here daily as we gather up the breaking news around the soccer world for you all. Now, pull on your purple jersey and head to the stadium. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/2/24
The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.
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.
Free Kicks
- Despite Bayern Leverkusen’s 46-match unbeaten run, and winning the Bundesliga title, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi believes his team can defeat the German club in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday.
- Borussia Dortmund defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie between the two clubs. Dortmund’s Niclas Fullkrug provided the only goal.
- Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have bigger plans for their club than previously suspected. The pair want to potentially increase the capacity of their stadium, SToK Racecourse, to 55,000 seats.
- Never pulled the trigger on the Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass? Now, you can get it for the remainder of the season at a 30% discount. Once you get past the Messi ads the coverage is pretty good.
- Former USWNT player Carli Lloyd is pregnant, though it was a long journey to get there. She shares her story of unexplained infertility and multiple rounds of IVF treatments. Congratulations, Carli.
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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/1/24
Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.
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.”
Free Kicks
- Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
- Spirit defender Anna Heilferty will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury in the team’s loss to the Pride.
- American forward Haji Wright scored his 19th goal across all competitions in Coventry City’s 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town. He will have a chance to make it 20 when Coventry hosts Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
- 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!
Lion Links
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.
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.
Free Kicks
- The Pride have risen to third in CBSsports.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Meanwhile, Orlando City is down to 20th in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- There are a number of Americans playing in midweek games, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar.
- Speaking of Americans, Jesse Marsch has been linked with South Korea’s managerial opening.
- Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny have purchased a minority stake in Necaxa.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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