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Lion Links: 2/24/20

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5 years ago

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Happy Monday, Mane Landers. I’m going to start with a personal shout out to my Sunday league team, Orlando United FC, which held a clean sheet yesterday while scoring three times. It was an impressive showing from the boys, so congratulations are in order.
I managed to put a spot kick right down the center and the keeper saved it, but I did score a header off of a corner kick. Embarrassing is an understatement and I’m my biggest critic, so it’ll be on my mind until I bury the next one. But hey, even the greats miss on occassion (I’m looking at you, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, and David Beckham).

Okay, enough about me. These links are for you! Welcome to a special serving of Monday links since I usually serve you on Sundays. Bon appétit.

A Beautiful Reunion: Tesho and Óscar

Some may already know, but Óscar Pareja drafted Tesho Akindele in 2014 in a surprise move with the sixth overall draft pick. For Akindele, this was a massive surprise as he expected to be drafted in the second round by the LA Galaxy. Akindele, who plied his trade in college’s D2 scene, was elated to be under Pareja and Pareja was happy to work with him for the first five years of his professional playing career. Flash forward to now and a beautiful reunion is upon us as the two both represent the purple Orlando City crest. Akindele’s learned a lot from Pareja and relishes the opportunity to work under his former gaffer for a second spell.

“It’s one of those lead-by-example things because you have no excuse not to be working hard if the boss is working hard,” Akindele said. “He can demand that his players work hard because he’s like, ‘I am putting in these hours; I have the receipts to show you I’m here all the time. I’m working as hard as anyone.’ So it just is it kind of a top-down mentality from there.”

2020: Year of the Foreign Coaches?

MLS has its nuances. It’s a tough league, historically, on foreign mangers that come from outside of the United States and Canada. This has changed in recent years though. Foreign head coaches are finding increased support and success in MLS, with coaches such as Tata Martino, who brought success to Atlanta United, ushering in a new era of management. Of the seven new coaches hired this off-season, six come from outside of the U.S. and Canada, including Orlando’s Pareja. Of those seven, four have no prior MLS experience.

A few years ago, the perception of these moves would be much different than they are now, as some seasoned coaches with ample experience in various leagues around the world failed to live up to club expectations. Now, the expectations remain high, but Tata and a few others have proven that foreigners can truly find success in MLS.

MLS’ Top Players

Are you kidding me, Greg Seltzer? How is Nani not a top winger in your list of the top five MLS players at each position? Given the captain’s 2019 season, I’m surprised but I’m sure he will use it as motivation this year. Orlando City, according to Seltzer, doesn’t have a single player noted on the list. I can’t argue too much, but Pedro Gallese certainly could be a top goalkeeper in the league once he gets going this seaso.

Ruan is also a borderline top right back in my eyes. Other than that, it’s tough to argue that the Lions have any top players. But Nani not being a top winger in the league disqualifies this list as rubbish in my opinion. Meanwhile, rookie Daryl Dike didn’t make it into the top 10 young players to watch in 2020. I’ve had enough, let’s move on to the next link.

MLS Clubs Sharing Fields

This isn’t an entirely new concept, as many MLS clubs share their home grounds with franchises in other sports, but this year is a bit different. The normal suspects remain the same with Atlanta’s soccer and football teams sharing the same turf and the same goes in Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, New England, Toronto, Nashville, Vancouver, and Seattle. New York’s soccer team and the better baseball team also share a home field.

This year, we can add a few more clubs to that list with Los Angeles and D.C. now sharing their fields with newly-formed XFL teams. Seattle also has an XFL team joining the fray. So if the pitches look a bit strange this season, you’ll now know why. Thankfully, we have a beautiful stadium and pitch here in Orlando that is free from the XFL. Exploria Stadium is amazing and this makes me that much more grateful that we get to attend matches in it.

Free Kicks

  • I’m sure most of us are already well-versed, but in case you’re not, here’s an update on the rule changes coming to MLS for the 2020 season.
  • Four stars? Check. A champion’s badge? Check. That is all.

  • Meanwhile in Rio de Janeiro, Marta is rightfully being worshipped.

  • The San Jose Earthquakes requested permission to rename one of the streets near the stadium to “Wondo Way” as a nod to Chris Wondolowski and his legendary MLS career. Personally, I love this gesture and hope the request is granted.
  • Eden Hazard suffered an injury in Real Madrid’s shocking 1-0 loss at Levante yesterday. This comes just weeks after the 29-year-old Belgian icon returned from a different injury. Get well soon, Hazard!
  • In Paris, Edison Cavani continues to score. I can see Kylian Mbappe beating this record, but I think it’s far more likely that he leaves the club before doing so.

  • And to end our links, the notorious coronavirus has impacted even Barcelona ahead of tomorrow’s Champion’s League round of 16 tie against Napoli. The virus recently broken out in Italy and caused Serie A matches to be canceled. This prompted the Catalan club to go through tests today to ensure that they aren’t infected.

Mane Landers, that’s it for today. Enjoy your Monday and kick some butt this week. I believe in you just as much as Lebron James believes in Jayson Tatum. Go Celtics.

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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.

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5 hours ago

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April 3, 2025

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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!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

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

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1 day ago

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April 2, 2025

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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!

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Lion Links: 4/1/25

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

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2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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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!

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