Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/21/21

Published

4 years ago

on

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! I love this time of the year. There is so much soccer between MLS, the NWSL, Euro 2020, and Copa America. You can practically turn on the television anytime of the day, and watch some soccer. Plus, we have an Orlando City match tomorrow night. What a time to be alive. Let’s get to the links.

The Orlando Pride Remain Undefeated

The Orlando Pride hosted NJ/NY Gotham FC in the friendly confines of Exploria Stadium and played to a 1-1 draw. Honestly, the Pride had plenty of missed chances throughout the match, including in the first half. That lack of finishing hurt the Pride when Caprice Dydasco scored for Gotham in the 45th minute to give the visitors the lead at the half. The Pride kept pressing, though it took almost the remainder of the match for the Pride to finally get an equalizer in the 90th minute off Courtney Petersen’s beautiful shot from the left side of the box. Despite Marta’s efforts to find the winning goal, Orlando had to be content with keeping its undefeated streak going with the draw at home.

Brandon Austin Discusses His First Start

The Lions’ win this weekend was the first time Orlando supporters saw goalkeeper Brandon Austin in action, but those in the Tottenham Hotspur organization are already familiar with his abilities. Despite the Lions conceding two goals against Toronto FC, it was a good performance from the backup keeper. On loan from Tottenham, Austin weighed in on his experience since joining the Lions.

“The team and everyone around the club have made me feel welcome since I’ve arrived here, so to now get this opportunity that I’ve worked hard for is really pleasing, especially again because we won the game and it was a really important three points.”

Austin will continue to get chances in goal while Pedro Gallese is with the Peruvian National Team at the Copa America.

El Pulpo Wins in the Copa America

Speaking of Gallese, he helped Peru win 2-1 over Colombia. Sergio Peña put Peru up in the 17th minute and Colombia scored the equalizer in the 53rd minute after Gallese fouled Miguel Borja in the box, earning a yellow card. On the subsequent penalty kick, Gallese chose the wrong direction and Colombia evened the score at 1-1. The craziness continued in the 64th minute when David Ospina couldn’t quite get to a ball in time to keep it off the line. The goal was determined to be an own goal from Colombian defender Yerry Mina and gave Peru the lead once more. Gallese redeemed himself later in the match with this save in the 69th minute to ensure Peru won and stayed alive in the tournament.

In the earlier match, Ecuador and Venezuela played to a 2-2 draw. Ecuador took the lead twice only for Venezuela to pull even each time. Ayrton Preciado scored the first of Ecuador’s goals in the 39th minute. In the second half, Edson Castillo put Venezuela on the board with his goal in the 51st minute, but Gonzalo Plata put Ecuador back on top 20 minutes later. It looked as though Ecuador would get the win, but Ronald Hernández slipped in behind the Venezuelan defense and deftly put a header into the back of the net in stoppage time. Orlando’s Sebas Mendez started in the midfield for Ecuador and played 67 minutes. Ecuador and Peru will square off in a crucial match Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Pride Players Stand Up For LGBTQ Youth

Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris has led the team to support young transgender athletes. During the national anthem before Sunday’s match, players wore shirts stating “Protect Trans Children” over their jerseys in response to legislation earlier this month preventing transgender girls from participating in girls youth sports. Petersen spoke about the importance of the players using their platform to make a difference.

“Using our platform to create this voice is something that we focus on and that we have been focusing on,” Petersen said. “I think it’s really important that we continue to do that throughout the season because we have such a tremendous platform to bring awareness to these topics. It means so much to us.”

Euro 2020 Continues

Despite losing 1-0 to Italy, Wales advanced alongside its opponent thanks to a better goal differential than Switzerland. Italy won all three of its matches to top the group while Wales finished in second, Switzerland in third, and Turkey bringing up the rear. Switzerland had a dominant 3-1 win over Turkey, but its fate will depend on how the other third-place finishers in the tournament perform.

The competition continues today at noon with Ukraine taking on Austria in a fight for second place while the Netherlands play North Macedonia. At 3 p.m., Denmark will need a win against Russia if it wants a chance to advance while Finland will play Belgium.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando defender Rodrigo Schlegel’s father passed away last week and the defender has been with his family. The rest of Orlando City’s players and coaches dedicated the win over Toronto FC to Schlegel.
  • On the road against Atlanta United, the Philadelphia Union completed a huge comeback with two goals in the final 10 minutes for a 2-2 draw. The Union’s equalizer was a stunner from defender Jakob Glesnes at long range.
  • French striker Antoine Griezmann has his eyes set on joining MLS once his contract with FC Barcelona is up in 2024.
  • Only vaccinated fans will be able to attend the 2022 World Cup according to Qatar’s prime minister.
  • Ligue 1 may be in serious financial trouble due to issues involving its broadcast rights. The league worked out a deal for Amazon to become its primary broadcasting partner. However, that deal upset Canal Plus, which still has the rights to two matches per week. To be fair, Amazon received a better deal than Canal Plus, so it’s no surprise it is a little miffed. Canal Plus is threatening not to broadcast the matches, nor pay for them, which would be a huge financial liability for Ligue 1.

That will do it for me. Stay tuned for our coverage of the Lions’ match Tuesday night against the San Jose Earthquakes. Vamos Orlando!

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/3/25

Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

Published

3 hours ago

on

April 3, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!

Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials

Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.

Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty

Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.

Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.

USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season

American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
  • San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
  • New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
  • El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
  • Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Published

1 day ago

on

April 2, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

April 1, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending