Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/19/24
Orlando’s stadium receives a new name, Cavalry FC prepares for Orlando City, Adam Grinwis signs with the Charleston Battery, and much more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bPURCCUs-scaled.jpeg)
It’s Friday, which means we can let our hair down a bit and think about all the fun and indulgent ways we’ll be spending the weekend. I have a college friend visiting from Chicago to escape the weather and check out houses over the next few days, so that should be nice. It’s been a hectic week, but a productive one as well. My resolutions are coming along smoothly and I have finished five books so far this year. Let’s get to the links!
OCSC Announces New Name for Stadium
Orlando City’s and the Orlando Pride’s home has had its name changed to Inter&Co Stadium as part of a 10-year agreement between the club and financial institution. The name is a bit clunky to say, and it’s unfortunate the stadium now partly shares a name with Orlando City’s Tropic Thunder rival, but there are some notable benefits to the deal for Orlando fans. Technology upgrades are coming to the stadium, including new lighting, television displays, and plans for improvements to Wi-Fi and cell service. Inter&Co became the club’s first international party back in September, and is now the first financial institution with Latin-American roots with the naming rights of a major U.S. stadium.
Cavalry FC Head Coach Discusses Concacaf Champions Cup Prep
Tommy Wheeldon Jr., the head coach of Cavalry FC, spoke on how his team is getting ready for its matches against Orlando City in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Cavalry had a strong year in 2023 and many players return for this year. The club also brought in midfielder Diego Gutierrez and forward Tobias Warschewski, and Wheeldon detailed how they will elevate the team in 2024. He also weighed in on Orlando’s quality, his experience coaching against American sides, and the importance of playing in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Orlando and Cavalry will first clash in Canada on Feb. 21 before the second leg in Orlando on Feb. 27.
Adam Grinwis Joins the Charleston Battery
Former Orlando City goalkeeper Adam Grinwis is taking his talents back to the USL Championship, signing with the Charleston Battery. He was out of contract with Orlando City following the 2023 season and he will likely be the starter in Charleston. Orlando fans will most notably remember Grinwis for his heroics in the 2019 U.S. Open Cup penalty shootout against New York City FC that included the “Running of the Wall.” The 31-year-old is no stranger to winning in the USL either, helping the Rochester Rhinos claim the league title in 2015. I wish nothing but the best for him in Charleston and might swing on over to Al Lang Stadium to see him deny the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 27.
Christian Pulisic and Kevin Paredes Win U.S. Soccer Awards
For a record-tying fourth time, Christian Pulisic was voted U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. The 25-year-old received the award after recording six goals and three assists for the United States Men’s National Team in 2023, including a brace in the team’s 3-0 win over Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League. He’s also bounced back at the club level with AC Milan after a rough time with Chelsea. He and U.S. legend Landon Donovan are now the only players to have received the accolade four times.
Wolfsburg forward Kevin Paredes was voted 2023 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year after a solid year for club and country. He helped the U.S. reach the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup, made his debut for the senior team in September, and started in the USMNT’s quarterfinal match with Trinidad & Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League in November.
Analyzing Slovenia Ahead of USMNT Friendly
The USMNT will play its first game of 2024 tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. in a friendly against Slovenia in San Antonio. Both sides are bringing in fairly young and inexperienced rosters for this friendly, which should lead to an interesting match between players with plenty to prove. Slovenia is coached by Matjaz Kek, who has been at the helm since 2018 and helped the team qualify for this summer’s Euros. His team is disciplined, pragmatic, and fairly capable at scoring on set pieces. Center back Marcel Ratnik is a talented young defender with a knack for scoring and it will be interesting to see how he stacks up against Duncan McGuire and the U.S. attack. Speedster Danijel Sturm and striker duo Andres Vombergar and Nejc Gradisar are a few of Slovenia’s attacking players who could cause problems for the USMNT.
Free Kicks
- There’s plenty of reasons for Orlando City fans to feel optimistic this preseason after a strong 2023 season. The team’s taken care of business for the most part this off-season and is just an addition or two from making it a slam dunk.
- Enjoy this story of former Orlando forward Cyle Larin showing some respect and kindness to young fans of the opposing team after he scored a late winner in Mallorca’s 1-0 win over Tenerife in the Copa del Rey.
- Former Lion Albert Dikwa has signed with Rhode Island FC, which will make its USL Championship debut this year. Dikwa claimed the league’s golden boot last season, scoring 20 goals with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. As part of the Lions’ preseason, they will face Dikwa and Rhode Island on Feb. 7.
- The other three teams taking part in this year’s SheBelieves Cup alongside the U.S. will reportedly be Brazil, Canada, and Japan, with an announcement expected to take place today.
- Angel City FC signed South Korean forward Casey Phair to a contract through 2026. The 16-year-old became the youngest player to ever appear in the Women’s World Cup last year.
- The New England Revolution have signed defender DeJuan Jones to a new contract through 2027.
- Atletico Madrid advanced in the Copa del Rey by beating Real Madrid 4-2 thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme in extra time. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place today.
- Forward Mohamed Salah exited right before halftime due to an injury in Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Jordan Henderson only lasted six months in Saudi Arabia, leaving Al Ettifaq to sign with Ajax in the Netherlands.
- The 2026 World Cup schedule, including the venue for the final, will be revealed on Feb. 4. The final will reportedly either be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington or MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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: 9/6/24
Amanda Allen loaned to Lexington SC, Alex Morgan announces retirement, USMNT prepares for Canada, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSC_0068.jpg)
Happy Friday! I don’t have many plans this weekend, but am still looking forward to the next few days after a hectic week. When not working, I plan on finally starting Book of Night by Holly Black and figuring out how to make the most out of some dark rum I was gifted. For now though, let’s get to today’s links from around the soccer world!
Amanda Allen Loaned to Lexington SC
The Orlando Pride have loaned forward Amanda Allen to Lexington SC for the remainder of the USL Super League season. This decision should give Allen some valuable minutes, and the loan includes a right to recall as well. The 19-year-old has made 17 appearances since joining the Pride and had an assist in this year’s season opener. She is also currently in Colombia for the U-20 Women’s World Cup and her Canada squad takes on Brazil tonight. Hopefully she’s able to tear it up in the USL Super League’s inaugural season.
Alex Morgan Announces Her Retirement
American forward Alex Morgan has announced that she will retire after the San Diego Wave’s match on Sunday. She also announced that she is pregnant with her second child.
In her 224 international appearances, Morgan scored 123 goals and was a major force behind the USWNT’s back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. At the club level, she has played in every year of the NWSL’s existence and joined the Orlando Pride ahead of their inaugural season in 2016. In her six years in Orlando, Morgan recorded 23 goals and 10 assists in 69 appearances. Off the field, she’s been an outspoken supporter of equality and increased investment in women’s sports. We wish her the best of luck after a legendary career.
USMNT Faces Canada on Saturday
The United States Men’s National Team will take on Canada on Saturday in Kansas City in the first of two friendlies this month. Plenty has changed since the U.S. beat Canada in a penalty shootout in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, particularly on the sideline. American coach Jesse Marsch was hired by Canada in May, while the U.S. will be led by Mikey Varas in an interim capacity amid buzz that Mauricio Pochettino will take over. The U.S. is without Giovanni Reyna for these friendlies due to injury, with Cade Cowell replacing him. Canada boasts a talented roster that includes a trio of former Lions in Cyle Larin, Richie Laryea, and Kamal Miller. After this match, the USMNT will take on New Zealand on Tuesday.
Keeping Up With International Soccer
San Marino may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it arguably had the biggest win of a busy day of international soccer after beating Liechtenstein 1-0 for its first competitive victory. Elsewhere in the UEFA Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia, while Spain was held to a scoreless draw in Serbia.
The third round of AFC World Cup qualifying is underway and Australia was upset 1-0 at home by Bahrain. Japan suffered no such setback though, dominating China in a 7-0 home win. Palestine drew 0-0 against South Korea in Seoul, which is no easy task.
CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers have also resumed, and Bolivia came up with a huge 4-0 win in high altitude against Venezuela to move up the table. We may see some Lions in action today. Facundo Torres and Uruguay take on Paraguay, while Pedro Gallese, Wilder Cartagena, and Peru host Colombia.
Free Kicks
- FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano won MLS Goal of the Matchday for scoring from nearly 80 yards out to beat CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. Orlando’s Facundo Torres placed second in the voting for his volleyed strike against Nashville SC.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Ella Stevens was named NWSL Player of the Month after recording three goals and two assists in August.
- Argentina beat Brazil in blind soccer at the Paralympics, ending Brazil’s unbeaten streak that has lasted the past 20 years. France and Argentina will face off in the gold medal game on Saturday.
- Chris Jurasek has stepped down as Chelsea’s chief executive after a year in the position, with Jason Gannon replacing him.
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: 9/5/24
Orlando City partners with Sporting CP, Barbra Banda nominated for Ballon d’Or, Orlando Pride prepare for Chicago, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PrideWaveJR-88-scaled.jpg)
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going smoothly for you as we gear up for plenty of club and international soccer over the next few days. I’ve been getting plenty of reading done when not working and am looking forward to another trip to my local bookstore this weekend. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Partners With Sporting CP
Orlando City and Portuguese club Sporting CP have officially agreed to be technical partners, meaning they will share information and methodologies in regards to player development, recruitment, and more. The two clubs have had links before, with former Lions Nani and Uri Rosell joining Orlando from Sporting. The two clubs will also organize training periods for academy players to train with the other club in a different environment. Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira spoke on how this partnership will help both clubs moving forward.
“This is an agreement that will foster a great exchange of information for the betterment of both sets of players and coaches, setting both clubs up for even more success in the future. The culture within both clubs is very similar and we’re excited to see the benefits this partnership brings for everyone involved, especially in an academy level.”
Barbra Banda Nominated for 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda was one of 30 players nominated for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or, which is one of the top honors in women’s soccer. Since joining the Pride in March, Banda has scored 12 goals in 14 matches this season and is the first NWSL player to score 10 goals in her first 10 league appearances. The 24-year-old also had four goals and an assist with Zambia in this summer’s Olympics.
She’s joined on the nomination list by five United States Women’s National Team players: Alyssa Naeher, Sophia Smith, Malory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Lindsey Horan. I’m not surprised to see as many players who play for European clubs nominated, but I do think San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma was snubbed. The winner will be announced in Paris on Oct. 28.
Orlando Pride Prepare for Chicago
After a dominant 2-0 win at home against NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday. It’s the second match between them this season, with the two sides splitting the points in a 1-1 draw in Orlando on March 29. The Pride sit atop the NWSL standings, and it should be a tough road game against a Chicago side fighting to keep its playoff position. Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the difficulty of playing in Chicago, as well as how the Pride have been able to score in different ways this year.
Croix Bethune Out for the Season
Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune suffered a torn meniscus, reportedly while throwing out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game, and will miss the remainder of the NWSL season as a result. It’s brutal news for Bethune, who was the clear frontrunner for NWSL Rookie of the Year and just an assist shy of breaking the NWSL record of 10. She finishes with five goals and 10 assists in her rookie campaign, and also made the trip to Paris this summer for the Olympics with the USWNT. Her injury is also a blow to the Spirit’s NWSL Shield aspirations, as they are currently six points behind the Pride and now without one of their best playmakers.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy the sights and sounds from the Pride’s rainy win over Gotham. The video exemplifies just how fun the Pride have been to watch this year.
- Carlos Bocanegra is no longer the vice president and technical director of Atlanta United, with President and CEO Garth Lagerwey taking over in an interim capacity for the rest of the season.
- Sporting Kansas City transferred American defender Kayden Pierre to Genk in Belgium’s top flight.
- The U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team won 2-0 against Morocco in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the Pride’s Ally Lemos coming off the bench in the second half. The team’s last group stage game will be on Saturday against Paraguay.
- For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi were nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
- Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after being left off the Italian club’s 23-man roster for the Serie A season. Galatasaray has won all three of its matches so far this Super Lig season and will compete in the Europa League.
- AS Roma added 35-year-old center back Mats Hummels on a free transfer to bolster its defense.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/4/24
Facundo Torres’ great week, Lions on international duty, Celia nominated for an award, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OPvMonterreyRayadas-2024.07.27-22-1-scaled.jpg)
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. While there’s no chance at a another nine-point weekend since Orlando City doesn’t play, that doesn’t mean a six-point weekend is off the table with both the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B in action this Sunday.
Let’s get to the links.
Summer of Facundo
It seems that when the temperature heats up in Central Florida, so does Facundo Torres. Orlando City’s attacker has made a habit the last few years of starting slow before coming into form over the summer months. That has been the case once again this season, but it’s something that Torres wishes he could change. I also would like him to be in form for a longer stretch of the season. At least for now, he’s playing well enough to make MLS Team of the Matchday. He’s also up for Goal of the Matchday, so go vote soon.
More Lions on International Duty
Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena have been called up for international duty with Peru. The two Orlando City starters make three so far, as Uruguay selected Torres for the national team on Monday. Peru will play Colombia Friday, followed by a match against Ecuador on Tuesday. The trio are just a few of the many MLS players that will represent their respective national teams.
Pride’s Celia Nominated for Impact Award
Orlando Pride defender Celia has been nominated for the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award presented by Nationwide. She is one of 14 players chosen — one from each NWSL club — for her work with a community partner. Celia’s partner is SpaceKids Global, a non-profit focused on STEAM+ (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). There will be an appreciation night on Sept. 28 when the Pride host the Houston Dash. There will be a fan vote in October, and fans can select their nominee to win the award.
U-20 USWNT Back in Action Today
Ally Lemos of the Orlando Pride will be with the U-20 USWNT when it faces off against Morocco in the team’s second match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup today. The match is scheduled for 9 p.m. this evening, and you can watch it on FS2 or Telemundo. Lemos did not get any minutes in the U.S. loss to defending champion Spain on Sunday. The Americans will need a result if they hope to make the knockout rounds. Here’s hoping Lemos gets some minutes and is able to help the U.S. secure a victory.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride topped another power rankings list. This time it’s the Goal.com rankings. Also, water is wet.
- Check out which Americans are in action abroad heading into the international break.
- The Professional Footballers’ Association held a training camp for players who were not picked up in the last transfer window and are out of contract.
- The NWSL is running into the same problem as other leagues around the world. The players are playing in too many matches between club and country.
- Former Orlando Pride and current Angel City defender Ali Riley is facing the possibility that she may need to retire from professional soccer due to a nerve issue in her left leg. We wish her the best, no matter what the outcome.
- Lastly, don’t forget to vote for Adriana for NWSL Goal of the Week.
That will do it for today. The Lions are on an international break, but the Pride will try to keep the undefeated streak going Sunday, and OCB will be on the road in a big match against Crown Legacy as well. Check back as we get you ready for all the action. Vamos Orlando.
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. Houston Dash: Final Score 1-0 as Pride Set New NWSL Unbeaten Record
-
Orlando City B2 weeks ago
Orlando City B vs. Atlanta United 2: Final Score 4-1 as Young Lions Blast Atlanta
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Sporting Kansas City: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride Focused On More Than Records
-
Orlando Pride6 days ago
Orlando Pride vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Sporting Kansas City: Five Takeaways
-
Podcasts2 weeks ago
PawedCast Episode 442: Sporting Kansas City Rewind, OCB-Atlanta, Nashville Preview, and More
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Sporting Kansas City: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More