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Lion Links: 8/6/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I feel like I’m finally able to catch my breath after all of the soccer so far this summer. This weekend I’ll be dragged to the beach by some friends and it should be a nice time to get some reading done. Hopefully the work week hasn’t been too hard on you these past few days and you can also unwind a bit this weekend. Let’s get this Friday started with some links from around the soccer world.

Nani Named to MLS Team of the Week Bench

Orlando City’s Nani made the bench of the MLS Team of the Week after midweek matches throughout the league. The Lions’ captain had an assist late in the first half of Orlando’s 1-1 draw with Inter Miami. It was Nani’s sixth assist of the season, tying him at third-most in the league and just one behind Orlando teammate Mauricio Pereyra. Both trail Carles Gil, who has 15 assists this year and is currently out due to injury. Nani has been in fine form for the Lions as of late, with two goals and three assists in his past four appearances.

Pereyra has also done well for the Lions recently after a slow start to the season and showcased his ability in Orlando’s midweek result. Suspensions and injuries have limited Pereyra’s impact this year, but he weighed in on how he’s finding his groove in the offense again.

“In my case, I think the most important is to be healthy physically and in a good condition,” Pereyra said. “Because after this is giving you more confidence when you can run when, when you are not held and when you are 100%, healthy, then, of course, you should show your skills. You can have mistakes and you can have answers but in the most important for the team is to have the whole players in good shape and in good condition and this is what we are working on now.”

MLS Clubs Were Busy for Transfer Deadline Day

Although the Lions didn’t make much noise, it was a hectic day for MLS clubs as the summer transfer window closed. The LA Galaxy officially signed Serbian forward Dejan Joveljić from the Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt to a deal through 2025. The 21-year-old scored 20 goals in 46 appearances while on loan with Wolfsberger AC in Austria. I’m personally glad he’s in the Western Conference. In fact, many teams out west landed players on deadline day as the Seattle Sounders added Brazilian attacker Leo Chu from Gremio, Sporting Kansas City signed former AC Milan midfielder Jose Muari to a deal through 2022, and the Vancouver Whitecaps acquired 19-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder Pedro Vite to a contract through 2025.

As far as departures go, two young Americans are headed to Europe. SKC’s Gianluca Busio is officially headed to Serie A’s Venezia FC while Colorado Rapids left back Sam Vines will join Royal Antwerp in Belgium. The New England Revolution agreed to a deal in principle with Belgium’s Club Brugge for Tajon Buchanan, but the deal isn’t finalized. The Chicago Fire dealt Przemyslaw Frankowski to RC Lens of France’s Ligue 1 for a transfer fee around $3 million.

Some trades were also completed as Jeremy Ebobisse was officially traded from the Portland Timbers to the San Jose Earthquakes, while FC Cincinnati nabbed New York Red Bulls midfielder Florian Valot in exchange for an initial $50,000 in General Allocation Money. That amount could double if Valot reaches certain performance metrics.

USWNT Wins First Bronze Medal

The United States Women’s National Team will leave Tokyo with a bronze medal after beating Australia 4-3. This match was a stark contrast to the scoreless draw the two countries shared in the group stage. For the second time in her career, Megan Rapinoe scored an Olimpico at the Olympics. She bent a corner kick into goal in the eighth minute to get the scoring started and then scored on the volley in the 21st minute for an early brace. Carli Lloyd also had a brace and broke Abby Wambach’s record to become the USWNT’s leading scorer in the Olympics with 10 goals. She hunted a hat trick throughout the match but wasn’t able to find a third goal. Australia’s Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, and Emily Gielnik all scored to keep the game fairly competitive. The Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan came on in the 81st minute for Lloyd and had to exit due to an injury in stoppage time. Morgan was pleased that the USWNT was able to end its Olympic campaign with a win.

As for the gold medal game between Canada and Sweden, it was moved to this morning at 8 a.m. Both nations expressed concerns about the intense heat in Japan during the original set time for the match and this should allow the players to compete at their best. Although she’s not likely to play in this match, Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod will earn a medal as she was included on Canada’s roster for its win over Chile in the group stage.

Lionel Messi Will Leave FC Barcelona

It’s the saga that has dominated the soccer world for quite some time, but Messi’s time at Barcelona seems to be over. The La Liga giant announced that an agreement was reached between Messi and the club, but league regulations and financial issues prevented it from being a reality. Paris Saint-Germain is eager to swoop in for the Argentine legend while Manchester City is likely out of the running after officially signing Jack Grealish for a hefty fee. Only time will tell if Messi’s reign at Barcelona is officially over, but this could be another step towards him eventually playing in MLS further down the line in his career.

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  • Here’s a nice refresher on the upcoming Leagues Cup. It’s a single-elimination tournament and Orlando City will take on Liga MX’s Santos Laguna at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in Exploria Stadium.
  • Before that cup match, Orlando will hit the road for a match against Cincinnati tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. and the Lions are already hard at work in preparation.

  • FIFA wants Uruguay and kit sponsor Puma to remove two of the four stars on the team’s jersey. Two of the stars are there to recognize Uruguay’s Olympic gold medals won in 1924 and 1928, which were considered world championships at the time.
  • We’ll end our links with a speed walking competition from the Pride. In case you didn’t know, the primary rule that differentiates speed walking from other races is that one foot must always be in contact with the ground. The result is basically the kind of walk you do when someone holds the door open for you even though you’re far away.

That’s going to be it for today. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!

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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.

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17 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.

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  • 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.

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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.

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

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