Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/25/24
Orlando Pride sign Simone Charley, Pride preseason begins, Seattle Sounders add Pedro de la Vega, and much more.
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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m pretty glad that the usual warm temperatures are back, as the cold was starting to get a bit unbearable with the heat in my apartment out. I was at least able to get plenty of reading done while going through the throes of winter rot. Let’s get this Thursday started with some links from around the soccer world.
Simone Charley Signs With the Orlando Pride
The Orlando Pride have officially signed American forward Simone Charley, who was initially noted as a non-roster invitee on the Pride’s preseason roster. The 28-year-old went undrafted in the 2018 NWSL Draft, but earned a spot on the Portland Thorns’ roster in 2019 and did well while there. Although an Achilles injury derailed her season with Angel City FC last year, she should be able to give the Pride’s offense some valuable depth this year. Charley can play up front or out wide, which is the kind of versatility that frees up other members of Orlando’s attack to play other positions as well. If she hasn’t lost a step due to injury and can put away the chances this Pride offense generates, it should be a solid signing by Orlando.
Orlando Pride Kick Off Their Preseason
The Orlando Pride’s preseason is in full swing at their training ground at Sylvan Lake Park to prepare for the upcoming season. There’s a solid amount of returning talent, which should help the new faces find their footing sooner rather than later. The Pride had a slow start last season, losing their first four games, so Head Coach Seb Hines knows that getting the team ready to excel right out of the gate this year is important. The Pride narrowly missed out on making the playoffs last year and forward Ally Watt spoke on how that’s galvanized the team this preseason.
“I think it is fueling us,” Watt said. “Coming off that field against Houston and realizing that we didn’t make playoffs by a single goal, we knew that we had it. It was super close, and the results just didn’t go our way. But I think that we’re very determined this year — that’s all we talk about still to this day — so we’re really determined, and I think that’s going to fuel us and push us forward.”
Make sure to check out the gallery of the players in action at training as well.
Seattle Sounders Sign Argentine Winger Pedro de la Vega
The Seattle Sounders made a splash by signing winger Pedro de la Vega as a Young Designated Player. The 22-year-old joins from Lanus in Argentina’s top flight on a reported transfer fee of $7.5 million, which would be a Sounders record. He’s garnered plenty of interest from European clubs over the years, but an ACL injury in 2022 cooled things down and allowed the Sounders to add a player who could already be the frontrunner for MLS Newcomer of the Year. He’s a skilled dribbler, passer, and can score in a variety of ways. While I would love it if he was playing in purple this season, at least he won’t be playing for an Eastern Conference team.
Giants Fall as Africa Cup of Nations Group Stage Ends
After a scoreless draw against South Africa, Tunisia is the latest team to make a surprising exit in the group stage of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. It’s been a tournament filled with upsets so far. Ghana fired Chris Hughton as head coach after failing to make the knockout stage. The Black Stars fell 2-1 to an underrated Cape Verde team in their opener and allowed a pair of late goals in a 2-2 draw with Mozambique earlier this week. Algeria is also on the hunt for a new head coach, with Djamel Belmadi resigning after Algeria finished last in its group for the second-straight Africa Cup of Nations.
The Ivory Coast let go of Jean-Louis Gasset as head coach as well, despite qualifying for the knockout stage following the announcement of his exit. The host nation made the decision after a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea and survived the group stage by the skin of its teeth. Emerse Faé will now serve as the interim head coach.
The bracket for the rest of the tournament is now set. Nigeria’s clash with Cameroon and the Ivory Coast’s match with Senegal headline the round of 16 action, but I think Mali’s game with Burkina Faso will be one to watch as well.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City’s preseason match with Flamengo on Saturday will be streamed on the club’s website.
- Moises Tablante, who was signed by FC Cincinnati 2 last week after years with Orlando City B, was noted as a player to watch with a new team this MLS NEXT Pro season.
- Nicholas Gioacchini, who briefly played for Orlando City in 2022, was officially transferred from St. Louis City to Como 1907 in Italy’s second division. The reported fee is $2 million, but that could become $4 million due to add-ons.
- Former Pride player Chioma Ubogagu was one of many non-roster invitees named to Bay FC’s preseason roster.
- MLS has reportedly stopped a huge move between FC Dallas and Russian club Spartak Moscow for forward Jesus Ferreira.
- Former Lion Cyle Larin scored in Mallorca’s 3-2 win over Girona to help his team reach the Copa del Rey semifinals. Barcelona was ousted after Athletic Club scored twice in extra time to win 4-2. Atletico Madrid faces Sevilla today in the last remaining quarterfinal, with the draw for the semifinals set for tomorrow.
- The Seattle Reign have signed South Korean midfielder Ji So-yun. She has spent the past two years with Suwon FC and made over 200 appearances for Chelsea during her time in England.
- A 1-1 draw with Liverpool wasn’t enough for Antonee Robinson and Fulham to reach the Carabao Cup final, losing on aggregate. Liverpool will take on Chelsea on Feb. 25 at Wembley Stadium.
- Union Berlin’s head coach, Nenad Bjelica, was shown a red card for shoving Leroy Sane in the face in his team’s 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich.
- Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is expected to miss the next 10 weeks after undergoing successful groin surgery. The 28-year-old’s contract will end this summer and he has not played for United since Dec. 9.
- Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez officially returned to Chivas to play for his boyhood club once more.
- We end our links with the Lions reacting to Duncan McGuire’s new look. I like to think that when the hairdresser asked him what color he wanted he just pointed at Orlando’s crest.
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: 9/6/24
Amanda Allen loaned to Lexington SC, Alex Morgan announces retirement, USMNT prepares for Canada, and more.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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