Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/4/21
Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! It’s the first Monday of the new year and hopefully it won’t be too bad. Despite being four days in, today is actually the last day of the month/year for me in the car business, so hopefully it will be a busy one for me.
I don’t know if you, dear reader, are the New Year’s resolution type, but if so what are you planning for 2021? I’m looking at doing several things, including interacting with you more than in the past. So if I’m not answering your comments here on the site, please call me out on Twitter. Let’s get to the links!
Zack Steffen Makes His English Premier League Debut
Like many clubs, Manchester City is dealing with COVID-19 related issues. With six players unavailable, Pep Guardiola gave United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Zack Steffen his first English Premier League start. Steffen had a bit of jitters, and picked up a back pass from Rodri resulting in a free kick for Chelsea, but nothing came of it. Fortunately for Steffen, goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne gave City a 3-1 win despite a late goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 92nd minute. Steffen made history in another respect, as well.
🚨 Unofficial PLinUSA Fact 🚨
Zack Steffen is the first non-bald American goalkeeper to play in the PL since 2002 🧐 pic.twitter.com/wAo7Cvc2SR
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) January 3, 2021
More Americans Move Abroad
Brenden Aaronson will officially make his move to Austrian Bundesliga leaders Red Bull Salzburg this month. The good news for Orlando City supporters is that Aaronson will no longer be helping the Philadelphia Union in MLS. Aaronson thinks that Salzburg will be a good fit.
“I can see myself being part of the philosophy of football here. Salzburg play fast, direct and attacking football. That’s what I like to do, and I think that this just fits my profile really well.”
Aaronson is fortunate to be playing for Jesse Marsch, an American coach who is also making waves abroad.
Elsewhere, FC Dallas Homegrown midfielder Tanner Tessmann will train with Bayern Munich as part of the two clubs’ Elite Player Development Partnership. This is a good opportunity for Tessmann and other clubs may come calling, depending on how he does.
Florida Tropics Win Twice in MASL Opening Weekend
The Florida Tropics started their Major Arena Soccer League season with two wins over the St. Louis Ambush. Saturday night, the Tropics won 4-1 to open the season and then won 7-5 over the Ambush on Sunday. After a quiet opener, Ian Bennett scored a hat trick in the second half of the Sunday game to lift the Tropics over the Ambush in Lakeland. Next, the Tropics will host the Kansas City Comets on Jan. 9.
COVID and Brexit Impacts English Football
As mentioned above, Zack Steffen got a start in part because Manchester City had six players out on positive COVID tests. Fulham’s match against Burnley was postponed due to positive tests. Unfortunately, there have been players at various clubs not taking the protocols seriously and putting themselves and their clubs in danger. Benjamin Mendy, Luka Milivojevic, and Aleksandar Mitrovic are some of the latest examples.
On top of that, English Premier League clubs are also dealing with Brexit ramifications. Sam Allardyce shared that West Bromwich Albion had to pull out of three transfers in January due to new work permit rules post Brexit. This won’t be the last we will hear about these types of difficulties.
New Year, Same Issues
I’ve had to write about racism in soccer far too many times during my tenure with The Mane Land. Unfortunately, 2021 hasn’t changed that despite clubs around the world trying to bring awareness to the issue. Saturday night, Junior Stanislas scored a match-winning goal in Bournemouth’s 1-0 win over Stoke. Later that night, he was subjected to racial slurs about his family on Twitter. The club is doing everything it can to identify the offender and to take the “strongest possible action” in regards to the incident. To be clear, this type of thing has no place in soccer, nor society in general.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Cam Lindley is following Chris Mueller’s cue and has gotten engaged to start off the new year. Congratulations, Cam!
— Cam (@cam__lindley) January 3, 2021
- Congratulations to Christine Sinclair on being named Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year. Sinclair became the world’s all-time leading international scorer in 2020.
- Manchester United blocked Atalanta’s attempt to keep Amad Diallo at the Serie A club. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to bring the winger back to Old Trafford this season.
- Give it up to Austin FC for doing a good job sticking with the “verde” theme in its new stadium.
Alright (x3). Who's ready?
2021, let's do this. pic.twitter.com/ieb8GvHzAq
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) January 3, 2021
- Holy mackerel, what a golazo from Leon Flach. The American scored for St Pauli in Bundesliga 2.
Leon Flach 🇺🇸 ⚽️ scoring for St Pauli Bundesliga 2.
Add it to the list ✍🏼 #USMNTpic.twitter.com/hcU1lA1yu3— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) January 3, 2021
I hate to end on a sad note, but I must out of respect. Gerry Marsden, lead singer of the 1960s British group Gerry and the Pacemakers has passed away at the age of 78. The band had many hits, but none so lasting as “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which is the anthem of a few soccer clubs including, most notably, Liverpool. Rest in peace, Gerry.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/3/24
MLS roster profiles revealed, Marta’s best moments, Kelley O’Hara announces her retirement, and more.
Happy Friday! We’ve reached the homestretch of the week and I couldn’t be happier. A busy weekend awaits me, but I’m hoping for some quiet, nice moments to offset some of the hustle and bustle. It’s also another weekend packed with Orlando soccer to enjoy, so make sure to plan your next couple of days accordingly. But for now, let’s get to the links!
MLS Unveils Club Roster Details
There’s a little more transparency in Major League Soccer after the league released helpful snapshots of each club that detail the composition of each roster. From Designated Players and MLS U22 Initiative Players to international roster slots and contract lengths, the graphics are easy to comprehend and give a nice look behind the curtain on each team. Using this, we can see that Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo no longer takes up a U22 Initiative slot and that the team also has an open international roster slot. It should be a fairly nice reference guide for fans moving forward, as well as a way to check out how other MLS teams are building their rosters.
Emily Sams Earns Recognition as Potential USWNT Player
Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was mentioned as one of the top 20 eligible Americans who have yet to make an appearance with the United States Women’s National Team according to Pro Soccer Wire. The shout out is well deserved, as Sams has helped anchor a Pride defense that’s only given up seven goals this season. Only time will tell if Sams will earn a call-up once Emma Hayes is at the helm of the USWNT, but it does feel inevitable given how she’s been playing. Other notable players on the list include Ajax’s Lily Yohannes, Washington Spirit rookie Croix Bethune, and Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden.
Marta’s Top Moments
All For XI compiled some of the best moments from Marta’s career into a tidy top five. Considering how prolific she has been for Brazil over the years, it was nice to see a pair of goals from her time with the Pride receive some recognition. Both of those moments were from 2018, with her free kick to equalize against the Seattle Reign placing fifth and her solo effort to stun the Spirit taking third. It’s fitting though that the top moment on the list showcases the impact she’s had off the field, as it’s Marta’s emotional speech after Brazil’s exit in the 2019 World Cup.
Kelley O’Hara Will Retire After 2024 Season
USWNT defender Kelley O’Hara announced that she will retire from professional soccer following the 2024 season. Over the course of her international career, she’s played in four World Cups, three Olympic Games, and was named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2019. O’Hara has played in every NWSL season since the league’s inception, winning the title with the Spirit in 2021 and again with NJ/NY Gotham FC last year. She joined Gotham as the first free agent signing in NWSL history and she is set to close out her illustrious career there.
Free Kicks
- Curve Fragrances was named the official fragrance partner of Orlando City. As part of the partnership, there will be giveaways and product sampling at select games this season.
- Wrexham’s women’s squad for The Soccer Tournament this summer will include a trio of former Pride players, with Bridget Callahan, Danica Evans, and Nickolette Driesse all taking part. I can’t wait to see if Callahan will make SkoRed a rallying cry at the tournament.
- Orlando City won’t have to contend with FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza tomorrow, as he will miss the next six to eight weeks due to a broken jaw suffered in an off-field incident.
- The Europa League semifinals are underway and Bayer Leverkusen extended its unbeaten run to 47 games after a 2-0 road win against Roma. In the other matchup, Atalanta and Marseille drew 1-1 in France.
- American midfielder Johnny Cardoso hasn’t been with Real Betis for long, but he’s doing well enough that Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old.
- Lucas Hernandez suffered an ACL injury in Paris Saint-Germain’s loss to Borussia Dortmund and will miss out on this summer’s Euros with France.
- Reims and Will Still have mutually agreed to part ways, with the coach leaving now despite just having three games left in the Ligue 1 season. It will be interesting to see where the 31-year-old coaches next, as he had a notable 19-game unbeaten stretch with Reims last season.
- Here’s a detailed dive into the obstacles Everton has faced in recent years, as well as how the club has avoided relegation amid another difficult season.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
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!
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