Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/5/21
How’s it going, Mane Landers? To those who don’t know, I live down in Tampa and things are pretty crazy heading into this weekend. Given the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Rays success last year, I’ve heard some folks calling Tampa the sports capital of the country right now. But honestly, most of Florida’s professional sports teams have been doing really well considering Orlando City’s playoff run and the Miami Heat’s trip to the 2020 NBA Finals. All in all, it’s a nice time to be in the Sunshine State if you’re a sports fan.
Before we dive into today’s links, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride midfielder Marisa Viggiano!
Daryl Dike is Already Popular on His First Day
Without even playing a game for Barnsley FC yet, Orlando City forward Daryl Dike is already getting the attention of English Premier League clubs. Barnsley CEO Dane Murphy spoke about how Dike is now on the radar of EPL teams now that he will practically be playing in their backyard after a stellar rookie season with the Lions.
“When it became known that he was coming to us, there have been several Premier League teams who have reached out and said they are going to monitor him and they have him on their radar,” Murphy told Wobschall. “We will see how that unfolds. But he was an unknown quantity because of his first year in MLS and MLS is getting more eyes on it.”
Dike could make his debut as soon as tomorrow in Barnsley’s match against Derby County, with an FA Cup match right around the corner against Chelsea on Feb. 11. Only time will tell how the loan will shake out, but I’m excited for Dike to take the field again and get more people interested in Orlando City and Major League Soccer moving forward. But for now, enjoy these photos from Dike’s first day abroad.
First day ✅
Welcome to Oakwell, @DarylDike 🤝 pic.twitter.com/eDTP7EyIsl
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) February 4, 2021
The Pride Trade for Jodie Taylor’s NWSL Rights
In yet another move ahead of the 2021 NWSL season, the Orlando Pride traded defender Carson Pickett to the North Carolina Courage in exchange for forward Jodie Taylor’s NWSL rights. Taylor has been playing in France with Olympique Lyon since August 2020, scoring twice in nine appearances. The move adds needed depth to the Pride’s striker pool, although the English forward could still be called up for international duty. That’s also only if Taylor does join the Pride since the club only has her rights at the moment.
The acquisition comes with the departure of Pickett, a left back known for her excellent crossing ability. Ali Riley will primarily take over at the position, but Pickett will definitely be missed by Pride fans.
Orlando City Announces Tryouts for Elite Prospects
In an effort to find the best young talent in the region for its academy, OCSC is teaming up with local clubs to host tryouts through the end of May for prospects born between 2005 and 2009. In the first of such tryouts, Orlando Head Coach Oscar Pareja personally evaluated players and conducted some of the training at Osceola Heritage Park. Praised for his successful academy at FC Dallas, it’s nice seeing him and Orlando City Academy Director Marcelo Neveleff build a strong foundation for the club.
Major Changes Coming to Concacaf Champions League
Starting in 2023, the Concacaf Champions League will have a new format that includes a whopping 50 clubs from across the confederation. The competition will start in the fall with regionalized group stages and then a 16-team knockout stage will take place in the spring. As for MLS clubs, 20 clubs from the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be drawn into four groups of five, playing two matches at home and two away. The top two from each group, along with another three from a play-in round after the group stage, will qualify for the knockout stage.
It’s a lot to digest at the moment, but should be plenty of fun with an expanded field. Not only will we get more soccer to watch, but it should bring some attention to smaller clubs who normally get overshadowed by the likes of Tigres and Cruz Azul.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City’s former head scout who left the club in January, Leonardo Sousa Baldo, is now joining AS Monaco.
Leonardo Sousa Baldo is the new AS Monaco scout!
Here is his biography 👇 @ASMonacoEnglish
He will scout South American football, where he is from (Brazil). It's specifically interesting as South American football is full of good and talented young players as we all know.
1/7 pic.twitter.com/bkuZSs2ccK
— Fitz 🇭🇷 (@mihael_fitz) February 4, 2021
- MLS extended the deadline for negotiations through today as the league and the MLS Players Association are making progress towards a finalized collective bargaining agreement.
- Former Pride midfielder Becky Edwards is now an assistant coach for Penn’s women’s soccer team.
- CF Montreal quietly acquired a pair of young midfielders on loan, with Ahmed Hamdi joining from Egypt and Joaquin Torres from Argentina.
- RB Leipzig has until Monday to find a venue for its Champions League match against Liverpool on Feb. 16 after Germany denied Liverpool entry to the country due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Ajax will be without Ivory Coast striker Sebastien Haller for the Europa League after the club forgot to check the box next to his name when submitting its roster to UEFA.
- In Brazil, Emerson Carioca was dealt an eight-game ban for stripping naked after scoring and starting a brawl on the field.
That’s going to do it for today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and enjoy the weekend!
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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/29/24
Orlando City and OCB lose to Toronto, Pride beat the Spirit in Washington, EPL title race update, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was a mixed weekend for our teams, with the Pride winning, while Orlando City and OCB lost. I’ve been busy covering high school volleyball, badminton, and soccer throughout the past week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose at Home to Toronto FC
Orlando City SC saw its four-match unbeaten streak come to an end, losing 2-1 to Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Duncan McGuire scored the opening goal to put Orlando ahead in the first half. The Lions held on to the 1-0 lead until late in the second half, when goals from Tyrese Spicer and Prince Owusu put the Reds up 2-1, and they were able to hang on and walk out of Orlando with all three points. Toronto FC has won two in a row in league play and is fourth in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Meanwhile, the Lions are in 13th with nine points. Orlando City will look to bounce back Saturday at home as it takes on FC Cincinnati.
Pride Grab Road Win Over Washington Spirit
The Orlando Pride held on to defeat the Washington Spirit 3-2 at Audi Field Friday — their third straight victory. Angelina scored to put the Pride ahead in the first half, but the Spirit equalized just before halftime. Barbra Banda scored her first goal for the Pride, and Summer Yates added her third goal of the season, giving the Pride a 3-1 advantage in the second half. Ashley Hatch pulled one back for the Spirit on a howler by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, but the Pride keep their unbeaten streak alive at six matches (3-0-3). Orlando remains undefeated and is fourth in the NWSL table with 12 points. Next up for the Pride is a pair of home matches this week, starting Wednesday at home against the North Carolina Courage. Orlando will host Racing Louisville FC Sunday.
OCB Falls at Home to Toronto FC II
Like the first team, Orlando City B also lost 2-1 to Toronto FC II in its first home match at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions went down early in the match when Charles Sharp scored for Toronto FC II to take a 1-0 lead. Wilfredo Rivera scored the equalizer in the second half to tie the match, however, late in the second half, Jesus Batiz scored the game-winning goal to seal the win for Toronto. The Young Lions have yet to win a match at home, but has played well on the road this season and are on a four-match unbeaten streak away. The Young Lions will face MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference leaders Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium.
Manchester City and Arsenal Win to Keep EPL Title Race Close
The Premier League title race is going down to the wire as Manchester City and Arsenal won their matches over the weekend. Arsenal held on to defeat rival Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in the North London Derby. That result moves Arsenal into first with 80 points with three matches remaining. Manchester City shut out Nottingham Forest 2-0 and is second, with 79 points and still four matches left to play. Liverpool dropped points to West Ham in a 2-2 draw, putting another blow to the Reds’ title chances and leaving them in third with 75 points and three matches left.
Free Kicks
- If you missed it, check out the first goal from Pride forward Barbra Banda.
- Rose Lavelle made her debut for NJ/NY Gotham FC Sunday and scored the tying goal late in stoppage time to secure a point for her new team in a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville FC.
- Despite getting a 3-3 draw against Le Havre over the weekend, Paris Saint-Germain won its 10th Ligue 1 title after AS Monaco lost 3-2 to Lyon.
- Mohamed Salah refused to reveal the reason for his touchline disagreement with Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp during the club’s match against West Ham Saturday.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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