Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/21/21
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week wasn’t too rough on you as we head into another soccer-filled weekend. Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are both in action at 7 p.m. tomorrow night. Leagues across Europe will also reach their conclusions over the next few days, so there’s plenty of soccer to look forward to. But for now, enjoy today’s links!
Orlando City Takes On Toronto FC Tomorrow
After a 1-0 road win against D.C. United last week, the Lions return to Exploria Stadium to face Toronto. The Lions have been a defensive powerhouse so far this season by only conceding two goals, a giveaway pounced on by Sporting Kansas City’s Gianluca Busio and a penalty kick from New York City FC’s Valentin Castellanos. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese already has three clean sheets to his name, most in the league alongside Nashville SC’s Joe Willis, and center back Antonio Carlos anchors a back line that is excelling despite injuries.
It will be the first time Orlando has played Toronto since August of 2019, when the two sides drew 1-1. Jozy Altidore, who has scored six goals against the Lions over the years, got his first start of the season last week in Toronto’s 1-1 draw with NYCFC and should feature in this one as well. Former Lion Dom Dwyer also made his season debut in that match and tomorrow could be his return to Exploria Stadium.
Andres Perea Reflects on His Journey to Orlando
In his first year as a Lion in 2020, Perea found plenty of playing time due to his versatility in the midfield. Capable of playing well both offensively and defensively, Perea can fill most roles asked of him by Orlando Head Coach Oscar Pareja. Perea’s father, who played for Colombia’s Atletico Nacional and later coached its U-20 team, has encouraged him over the course of his career to gain the needed skills to excel as a midfielder.
“He was able to teach me the things that I would need for the future in that position and make sure that I knew everything that I had going,” Perea said. “We always said that football runs through our blood.”
When watching him now as a Lion, you can easily spot his unselfishness and awareness once the ball is at his feet. Although he’s only started once this year, Perea has featured in all five of the Lions’ games, usually as a substitute to shift the game in Orlando’s favor. He’s become a great weapon for Pareja this way, given the coach’s penchant for changing the team’s shape or tactics at will. As he gets more opportunity at both the club and national levels, Perea will only improve further as a midfielder.
The Orlando Pride Prepare for the North Carolina Courage
The Pride’s first road game of the season will take place tomorrow as they take on the North Carolina Courage. The past three meetings between the two teams have been draws, including a scoreless one on May 1 in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup. Sam Mewis is returning to the Courage, but won’t be available for this match. Debinha and Jessica McDonald are the two Courage players who could give the Pride’s defense the most trouble.
It will be a tough task for Pride center back Phoebe McClernon, who has started in all of the Pride’s games so far. However, McClernon has improved each match and is getting better at communicating with teammates as she finds her footing with the team. Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner had high praise for McClernon and her confident style of play.
“She’s super competitive,” Skinner said. “She knows who she is. She’s authentic. When you have that, when you step into an arena where you have to make decisions, you are able to kind of sit in your own head with that. … I’ve seen so many brilliant players not be able to take the pressure on, and she can take the pressure.”
Members of OCSC Staff Announced as Award Finalists
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission released the 52 finalists for the 2021 SPORTYS, awards aimed at recognizing sports business professionals throughout the region. Orlando City CEO Alex Leitao was nominated for Executive of the Year, Pedro Araujo was nominated for Best in Marketing, Chris Spano for Best in Sales, and Marcos Peres for Best in Sports media. The Pride’s Ad Astra jersey launch, where they literally sent a jersey into space, was nominated for Sponsorship Activation of the Year. The winners of each of the 12 categories will be revealed on June 19.
Daryl Dike Called Up to USMNT
Orlando forward Daryl Dike was one of 27 players called up for the United States Men’s National Team training camp ahead of its friendly with Switzerland on May 30. That game will be the last tune-up for Head Coach Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT before the Nations League semifinal with Honduras on June 3. With this news, it looks like Dike won’t play for the Lions on May 29 against the New York Red Bulls, which was a possibility if Barnsley FC lost on aggregate against Swansea City tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.
Weston McKennie, John Brooks, Sergino Dest, Giovanni Reyna, and Josh Sargent are some of the bigger names also called up for the camp. Forward Matthew Hoppe, goalkeeper David Ochoa, and defender Justin Che will all have a shot at earning their first appearances for the USMNT as well. Galatasaray defender DeAndre Yedlin also earned a call-up, his first since November of 2019.
Free Kicks
- As a way to raise awareness regarding plastic waste in our oceans, MLS revealed PRIMEBLUE jerseys made from recycled plastics. While I think the jersey would look better with white rather than the orange, it still looks good on Orlando forward Alexandre Pato. If you’re planning on buying one, we urge you to visit the store through this link, which is something that costs you nothing extra and can help us a little.
From threat to threads. 🌊#OrlandoCity x Primeblue jerseys, made with Parley Ocean Plastic are now available: https://t.co/7O4E8oZL5w pic.twitter.com/mBu13C4g51
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 20, 2021
- David Zdrilic is no longer an assistant coach for the Chicago Fire due to coaching differences with Head Coach Raphael Wicky. That wasn’t the only change in Chicago as the club also hired Ishwara Glassman Chrein as president.
- The Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash are reportedly close to being sold to real estate developer Ted Segal.
- It was reported previously, but Portland Thorns Head Coach Mark Parsons will officially leave the club after the 2021 season to coach the Netherlands Women’s National Team.
- According to ESPN’s sources, it looks like Sergio Aguero will sign with FC Barcelona once the Champions League finishes. Aguero is one of the top transfer targets this year and his signing may also impact fellow Argentinian Lionel Messi’s decision to leave or stay with the team.
- Seven medical professionals were charged with homicide relating to the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona.
- We’ll wrap up our links with some crazy news in the Copa Libertadores. Ravaged by positive COVID-19 cases and injury, Argentine club River Plate only had 11 players available for a group stage match against Colombia’s Santa Fe and none were goalkeepers. 35-year-old midfielder Enzo Perez was put in goal and River Plate scored twice in the first ten minutes of the match to grind out a 2-1 win.
That’s going to be it for today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and rest of your weekend!
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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