Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/15/23
Orlando City preps for New England, Brazil wants to win for Marta, OCB faces Chicago Fire II tonight, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? We’ve reached the midpoint of June and I’m pretty much already over this summer heat. It feels like I can’t walk from my car to my front door without sweating. Thankfully, there has been plenty of Orlando soccer to enjoy while chugging water and keeping cool. Let’s kick this Thursday off with some refreshing links from around the soccer world.
Shorthanded Lions Gear Up for the Revolution
Orlando City is on a six-game unbeaten run, but has a tough task ahead of itself on the road this Saturday against the New England Revolution. The Lions are still looking for their first win against the Revolution at Gillette Stadium and have not beaten the Revs in MLS play since 2017. This match will also be difficult for Orlando as the team is without many of the players who have been key during this stretch. Pedro Gallese, Facundo Torres, and Wilder Cartagena are all on international duty, while defenders Antonio Carlos and Kyle Smith are suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Although Orlando has decent depth to fill in the gaps, it should still be a difficult match against a Revolution side that’s unbeaten at home this season.
Brazil Aims to Give Marta a Storybook Ending
Orlando Pride and Brazilian midfielder Marta is expected to take part in her sixth, and possibly final, Women’s World Cup next month. It’s a chance for Marta to win the trophy that has eluded her throughout a career that’s included 115 international goals and six FIFA World Player of the Year awards. Her 17 World Cup goals are also the most by any player — men’s or women’s. Kerolin, who is preparing for her first World Cup with Brazil, spoke on how the team is rallying around giving Marta a sendoff similar to what Argentina gave Lionel Messi last year.
“We want to win this trophy – particularly for Marta,” Brazil forward Kerolin said this week. “Our sights are firmly set on achieving that. She deserves it, because of everything she’s done in the game and because of the person she is. It’s hard to put into words the kind of person she is. We’re looking to follow Argentina’s example, what they did for Lionel Messi [at the men’s World Cup in 2022]. We’re out to follow in those footsteps with Marta.”
Orlando City B Takes On Chicago Fire II Tonight
After dismantling FC Cincinnati 2, 4-0 at home, Orlando City B is on the road tonight for a match against Chicago Fire II. Although the Young Lions remain unbeaten at home this season, they’ve struggled on the road, winning just two of their six away games. Tonight’s match is the first of three between the two teams this season, and also OCB’s first trip to Seatgeek Stadium since a 4-3 win there last July. OCB’s offense bounced back well after its shutout loss in Canada earlier this month and Jack Lynn has scored five goals across the team’s past five matches. However, the Young Lions will be without goalkeeper Javier Otero and Moises Tablante, as they are with the Venezuelan National Team for friendlies against Honduras and Guatemala.
MLS Announces Juneteenth Initiative
As part of commemorating Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the U.S. following the Civil War, MLS announced an initiative called “The Seeds We Plant. The Flowers We Share.” Collaborating with Black Players for Change, this includes 29 collectible jerseys designed by Black artist Gianni Lee that help celebrate African culture and its influence on the world. The player-signed jerseys are up for auction, with the raised funds going towards organizations that support and uplift Black communities in each club’s local market. The Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” will also be played for this weekend’s matches.
USMNT Faces Mexico Tonight in Las Vegas
The United States Men’s National Team will take on Mexico tonight in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals. It’s the latest installment of a rivalry in which the USMNT has had an edge in recent years. The USMNT beat Mexico in the Nations League final in 2021 and has not lost in its past five matches against El Tri. While control of the midfield could prove pivotal, many eyes will be on if forward Folarin Balogun can be a difference maker, should he make his USMNT debut at Allegiant Stadium. The winner of this match will face either Canada or Panama in the final on Sunday.
Free Kicks
- Inter Miami’s Corentin Jean is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury.
- FC Cincinnati captain Luciano Acosta is reportedly close to U.S. citizenship, which would open up a path to playing for the USMNT.
- Lucas Zelarayan’s game-winning goal from his own half predictably won MLS Goal of the Matchday, garnering 60.8% of the vote.
- Naomi Girma signed a new contract with the San Diego Wave that will keep her with the club through 2026.
- West Ham United is reportedly interested in American midfielder Yunus Musah, who helped Valencia stave off relegation in La Liga this past season.
- Patrick Vieira, who has coached New York City FC and Crystal Palace, is reportedly interested in the USMNT head coach vacancy and has been contacted by the U.S. Soccer Federation.
- Meanwhile, LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo stated that the rumors linking him with the USMNT head coaching job are false.
- The Kansas City Current added former Revolution and USMNT midfielder Lee Nguyen as an assistant coach.
- NWSL expansion side Bay FC has hired Lucy Rushton as the club’s first general manager. Rushton heads to California after serving as D.C. United’s general manager and Atlanta United’s head of technical recruitment and analysis.
- After eight years with Liverpool, James Milner is joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a one-year deal.
- Croatia beat the Netherlands 4-2 in a dramatic UEFA Nations League semifinal. Dutch winger Noa Lang equalized in stoppage time to send the game into extra time, but Luka Modric had a goal and an assist to give Croatia the win.
- FIFA reached an agreement with the European Broadcasting Union to extend its media right partnership to include major European markets, ending the standoff between FIFA and European broadcasters regarding the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
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: 11/14/24
MLS playoff predictions, Barbra Banda and Marta earn recognition, USMNT takes on Jamaica tonight, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, but it’s at least meant I’ve been able to spend more time with my cat and get some reading done when not hacking up a lung. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!
MLS Conference Semifinal Predictions
Former Orlando City captain Sacha Kljestan weighed in on which of the remaining eight teams will prevail in the MLS playoffs. He predicts that Atlanta United can lean on its counterattacking and Brad Guzan’s goalkeeping to beat Orlando City when the two rivals face off in Orlando on Nov. 24. A key thing to watch heading into the match is if Head Coach Oscar Pareja switches things up up top given Ramiro Enrique’s slump.
Kljestan predicts a tight match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, but has NYCFC moving on. He also has both the LA Galaxy and LAFC advancing in the Western Conference, which would set up a playoff edition of El Trafico.
Pride Players Make ESPN’s Top 50
ESPN unveiled its annual list of the top 50 women’s soccer players and a pair of Orlando Pride players made the list. Forward Barbra Banda is ranked third on the list for crushing it in her first year in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals to help the Pride win the NWSL Shield. Marta, who has not been listed in the past two years, ranked 26th for turning back the clock at 38 years old and creating 46 chances for Orlando this season. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati tops the list, with Naomi Girma in second, Caroline Graham Hansen in fourth, and Sophia Smith rounding out the top five. There are many voters for this year’s list from around the world, including Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.
Steven Moreira Named Defender of the Year
The Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year after a strong season. He made 27 appearances for the Crew this season and was a key part of his team’s success in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup this year. Moreira also helped out offensively with two goals and four assists and was an All-Star this year. The 30-year-old beat out Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen for the award.
USMNT Takes On Jamaica Tonight
The United States Men’s National Team will play its first competitive match under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino tonight when it takes on Jamaica in Kingston in the Concacaf Nations League. Although the U.S. may be favored in this series, playing on the road in Concacaf is always tough and Jamaica tends to keep things close against the Yanks. Tonight’s match is the first of the two-leg quarterfinals, with the two nations facing off again in St. Louis on Monday. Hopefully Pochettino can get the team firing on all cylinders as it continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Free Kicks
- In a rollercoaster of a match, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team fell in a penalty shootout to Brazil in the Deaf Pan American Games. The U.S. took the lead in extra time, but Brazil battled back to tie it, winning from the spot to reach the final.
- According to The Athletic ($) MLS is investigating an incident involving Taylor Twellman in which he allegedly made physical contact with an audio engineer earlier this month.
- Hector Herrera was fined and suspended for an additional two matches for spitting at an official. The Houston Dynamo declined his contract option, so we’ll see if that suspension ever gets served if he returns to MLS.
- This week’s AFC World Cup qualifying action is highlighted by a pivotal match between Saudi Arabia and Australia.
- For some reason, a Real Madrid theme park has opened in the United Arab Emirates. It includes 40 rides themed after Real Madrid, including the Middle East’s first wooden roller coaster.
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: 11/13/24
Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.
Lions on International Duty
Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.
The NWSL Playoffs Continue
The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.
NWSL Award Voting Open
The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.
Pepi is Ready
The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.
Free Kicks
- In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
- England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
- The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
- Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
- We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
- Jude Bellingham’s younger brother, Jobe, may make a move to La Liga giant Real Madrid.
- The USMNT’s Gio Reyna is still nursing a mystery injury at Borussia Dortmund.
- We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
- Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/12/24
Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando City’s Playoff Path
It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.
What to Watch For With the USMNT
It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.
Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States
The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.
Free Kicks
- NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.
- The U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team battled Argentina to a scoreless draw at the Deaf Pan American Games on Monday, but fortunately advanced in the tournament due to a coin flip tiebreaker. The U.S. will play either Brazil or Mexico in the semifinal.
- Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended due to a social media video that seemed to show him making negative marks about Jurgen Klopp.
- Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who wants to bring in his own assistants.
- Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are among a whopping eight players who have pulled out of England’s UEFA Nations League squad due to injury.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
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