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Lion Links: 5/24/21

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! It was a great weekend. Orlando City remained unbeaten by defeating Toronto FC 1-0, and the Orlando Pride got their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over the North Carolina Courage. Plus, it was Championship Sunday! I hope you got to watch as much soccer as you wanted. For now, let’s get to the links.

Daryl Dike’s Options After His Loan

Orlando forward Daryl Dike has finished one of the best loans by an American in Europe. Although Barnsley FC didn’t get promoted after losing to Swansea City on aggregate, Dike scored nine goals in 19 matches for the English Football League Championship side. Oddly, once Barnsley paid Orlando City to keep Dike on loan for the playoffs, the American didn’t score another goal. That’s not to say he didn’t contribute, but he didn’t find the back of the net in the team’s following four matches and Barnsley didn’t win any of them.

Now, the speculation about his future is ramping up. He has been called up to the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp this upcoming weekend ahead of a friendly against Switzerland and the Nations League. Dike will certainly be in the mix for the USMNT this summer and may not play for Orlando until June 19 against Toronto. Barnsley has the first right of refusal if Dike is sold, but it’s unlikely the club will spend the money after missing out on promotion. There will almost certainly be interest from other European teams during the summer transfer window.

U.S. Soccer and Soccer United Marketing Part Ways

Soccer United Marketing and the U.S. Soccer Federation announced they will not be renewing their commercial rights partnership once it expires at the end of 2022. Soccer United Marketing is the marketing arm for Major League Soccer. MLS and U.S. Soccer had bundled their rights together, but now the USSF will bring its marketing in-house. The separation has been coming, as some felt that there was a conflict of interest. In fact, the North American Soccer League filed a lawsuit because it felt that the USSF was playing favorites when it came to MLS. Although the partnership of nearly 20 years is ending, the two sides will continue working alongside one another to grow the sport in U.S.

European Soccer Leagues Reach Their Conclusions

The English Premier League title was decided long before Sunday, as Manchester City secured its third title in four years. That didn’t mean there wasn’t plenty of drama. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Leicester City were all fighting for the final two Champions League spots. With its 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace to close out the season, Liverpool won its final five matches and finished third on the tabe. Despite losing 2-1 to Aston Villa, Chelsea was able to secure fourth place after Leicester fell 4-2 to Tottenham Hotspur. Since all the teams played at the same time, which teams were in and which were out was a back-and-forth affair with each goal scored. In the end, Leicester simply wasn’t able to get it done.

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski broke a Bundesliga record by scoring 41 goals this season. After Atletico Madrid won the La Liga title this weekend, forward Luis Suarez stated he will stay with the club. In France, Paris Saint-Germain has won seven out of the last nine Ligue 1 titles, but was unseated by Lille this season. Lille finished with 83 points, only losing three times with a defense that allowed just 23 goals in 38 Ligue 1 matches.

Inter Milan dispatched Udinese 5-1 to finish with 91 points in a Serie A season it won well before Sunday. The big story was that Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench for Juventus as the club tried to secure a spot in the top four. The star wasn’t needed as Juventus defeated Bologna 4-1. Despite not playing in the match, Ronaldo was Serie A’s top scorer, becoming the first player to win the golden boot in La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A. Juventus qualified for the Champions League with the win and a 1-1 draw from Napoli.

Americans Abroad This Weekend

Four USMNT players won titles with European clubs. Timothy Weah won a Ligue 1 title with Lille, Jordan Siebatcheu won the Swiss Super League title with BSC Young Boys, Brenden Aaronson won the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, and Zach Steffen won the English Premier League with Manchester City. Of those four, Aaronson was the only one to feature this weekend and he had two assists in Salzburg’s 4-0 victory against WSG Wattens.

Elsewhere, as Americans wrapped up their seasons, Christian Pulisic had an assist in Chelsea’s loss while Tim Ream captained Fulham and played all 90 minutes in a loss against Newcastle United. Werder Bremen is heading down to 2. Bundesliga, but it’s unlikely that USMNT striker Josh Sargent will be joining them. He will likely be sold to help Werder Bremen raise funds. On the other side of things, Julian Green scored a goal to help Greuther Furth earn promotion to the Bundesliga.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando is still one of three unbeaten MLS teams alongside the Seattle Sounders and Nashville SC. The Sounders drew 1-1 with Atlanta United, meaning Orlando has conceded the fewest goals this season with two. Nashville had its fourth-straight shutout, winning 1-0 over Austin FC. With that result, Orlando’s Pedro Gallese and Nashville’s Joe Willis lead the league with four clean sheets so far.
  • With their European seasons over, here are the biggest names to keep an eye on before an exciting summer transfer window.
  • A fan at the match between Wolverhampton and Manchester United was arrested for doing a monkey chant at Rio Ferdinand. Can we just stop this, and be better? Please?
  • Do you want a World Cup every two years? According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, it’s a possibility.

Don’t forget that the Orlando Pride play the Portland Thorns this Wednesday at 7 p.m. Check back for our coverage of that match, and everything else regarding Orlando City soccer.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

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17 minutes ago

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April 9, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re neck deep into a busy week of soccer with the USWNT late Tuesday night, Orlando City B playing tonight, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on the Saturday schedule this weekend. Don’t you love this time of the year? I love that there’s almost always a soccer match available to watch. Let’s get to the links.

Focus on Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City continues the Lion’s Den Walk and Talk series of interviewing players with a look at center back Rodrigo Schlegel. This is your opportunity to get to know the Argentinian defender. He speaks of his childhood, his family, and his time with Orlando. My favorite part is when he speaks of the matches that have helped define him.

Citrus Kit Fashion

Since 2022, the Orlando Pride have collaborated with artists to create concept kits from the club’s current kit. This season, the club partnered with Sophie Hird on the Citrus Kit. Hird is a British designer and graduate of London College of Fashion. The result has a western flair seen here modeled by Pride defender Cori Dyke.

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

OCB Hosts New England Revolution II

Orlando City B welcomes New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park tonight. The Young Lions will try to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Chattanooga FC Saturday. It won’t get any easier against Revs II, who sit just above OCB in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Revs II haven’t conceded any goals so far this season, and have scored just as many goals as the Young Lions. The match start time is 7 p.m. and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.

Brazil Defeats USWNT

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated the USWNT 2-1 Tuesday night scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The U.S. got things started early on a goal in the first minute from Catarina Macario, but was unable to add to that later in the match. The Pride’s Angelina got the start for Brazil, but Emily Sams did not appear for the USWNT. Maybe if Sams in subbed on then Amanda Gutierres doesn’t get that winning goal. We’ll never know.

USMNT Players Abroad

Several USMNT players were in action, including former Lion Daryl Dike, who saw action in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Dike subbed on in the 65th minute for the Baggies. It’s been a month since he returned to action following his second torn Achilles tendon. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United defeated Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough 1-0.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer scored for Mansfield Town in EFL League One in a match against Leyton Orient, extending his goal-scoring streak. Seems he finally wanted to score.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/8/25

Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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April 8, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City Academy Roundup

The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.

We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.

UEFA Champions League Preview

As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.

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That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/7/25

Lions draw on the road, OCB falls to Chattanooga FC, USWNT beats Brazil, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 7, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road

Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.

OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road

Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.

USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.

MLS Weekend Recap

The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.
  • Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
  • Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.
  • Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
  • Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
  • Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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