Lion Links
Lion Links: 8/28/24
Pride file grievance with FIFA over Grace Chanda’s injury handling, OCB takes on NYCFC II, USWNT alternates receive praise, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s a big week for all three teams, with Orlando City needing to get back winning ways to make the playoffs, the Orlando Pride taking on a red-hot NJ/NY Gotham FC, and Orlando City B riding a two-match winning streak. I hope you’re looking forward to all the action as much as I am. Let’s get to the links.
Pride File Formal Complaint over Zambia’s Handling of Chanda Injury
The Orlando Pride have filed a formal grievance with FIFA over the poor handling of Grace Chanda’s injury by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). The complaint was filed by Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Haley Carter. Chanda suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon in her right leg during the Olympics. Carter expressed her frustration with the FAZ at the time, and has now made it official. Chanda will miss the remainder of the 2024 NWSL season as a result of the injury.
Pickett’s Happy Return
Carson Pickett has been gone from the Orlando Pride since 2021. The club is in a much different place now than when she was last here. It’s not just the Pride topping the NWSL standings that has changed, but the entire culture of the club. Carter and Head Coach Seb Hines have transformed the Pride into a club where players want to be, including Pickett. She said she feels like she has joined a new club rather than just returning to Orlando.
OCB Ready for NYCFC II
The Young Lions are riding a two-match winning streak, and a four-game undefeated streak heading into tonight’s meeting with New York City FC II. OCB is looking to move up the standings with a second win over the “Squabs” — that’s what you call baby pigeons. OCB defeated NYCFC II 3-2 in their last match on August 18. The match is at 5 p.m. this evening at Belson Stadium in New York. Check back for our match recap.
USMNT News
American midfielder Tanner Tessmann has signed a five-year deal with Lyon in France’s Ligue 1. Tessmann helped Venezia get promoted to Serie A last season. The deal is worth approximately €6 million.
Elsewhere, Gio Reyna is expected to stay with Borussia Dortmund after positive talks with the club. Reyna did not have any other offers and is expected to understand and accept his role with Dortmund. There are also some Americans making appearances in the EFL Cup.
USWNT Alternates Importance
I was disappointed when the Pride’s Emily Sams didn’t see the pitch for the USWNT at the Olympics, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t contribute and earn her gold medal. In fact, Emma Hayes specifically addressed the alternates regarding their contributions to the team. You can check out her comments and more in this video posted a few days ago.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City has dropped to 17 in the MLS Power Rankings thanks to the loss to Sporting Kansas City.
- Vancouver Whitecaps captain Ryan Gauld has been called up by Scotland for the first time in 10 years. The 28-year-old might finally get his first cap with his national team next month.
- The Philadelphia Union have transferred Damion Lowe to Saudi Pro League side Al-Akhdoud.
- Two goalkeepers are hanging up their gloves. Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has retired following his mutual departure from Juventus. Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is also retiring with 20 titles to his name in his long career.
- Champions League is up and running with Young Boys defeating Galatasaray 1-0 among other results.
- There are plenty of Brazilians in the Premier League, but not a lot of young attackers. The newer generation is hoping to change that.
- San Diego FC is expected to sign Mikey Varas as the club’s first manager according to Tom Bogert.
- Cristiano Ronaldo stated that Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League will “probably” be his last team. He expects to play a few more years at the club before retiring. That oil money must be pretty good.
- The National Soccer Hall of Fame has announced the semifinalists for veteran and builder ballots. Next, the screening committee will narrow the list down to 10 finalists.
- MLS Commissioner Don Garber recently celebrated 25 years in his current position. I suppose someone is happy about it.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the matches this weekend. I’d say try to stay cool, but it is still August in Florida.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/17/24
Rafael Santos up for Goal of the Matchday, Lions earn recognition, stories to watch around MLS, and more.
It wasn’t a perfect weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, but it was close. Orlando City, the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B went undefeated, and combined to take seven of the nine points available, which is hard to complain about. There’s no time to rest though, as the Lions will be back in action tomorrow at home against FC Dallas. As always, we have plenty to talk about today, so let’s get into the links.
Santos Strike Nominated for Goal of the Matchday
Rafael Santos opened the scoring in spectacular fashion during Orlando City’s 3-0 win over the New England Revolution, and his left-footed blast has been nominated for MLS Goal of the Matchday. With 22 minutes played, the Lions worked a short corner and Ivan Angulo found Santos free outside the box. The fullback took one touch to set the ball up before unleashing a dipping, curling effort that left a fully stretched Aljaz Ivacic with no chance. It was a special strike and a very worthy nomination. Make sure you go cast your vote for him to win it!
Lions Earn Weekly Recognition
In addition to his Goal of the Matchday nomination, Santos was also named to the starting lineup of the MLS Team of the Matchday as one of three defenders, while Facundo Torres was included on the bench. Outside of his goal, Santos also recorded two tackles and two clearances while helping the defense keep a clean sheet. Torres converted his penalty kick with venom, had 94% passing accuracy, and generally looked dangerous. Marcus Mitchell awarded Santos a 7 out of 10 and Torres a 7.5 out of 10 and Man of the Match honors in his player grades from the match, so it’s nice to see the pair get some recognition on a larger scale. Here’s hoping the good work continues!
Stories to Watch in MLS
Some of the flashier teams in the league might grab headlines on a consistent basis, but there are plenty of other intriguing stories happening around MLS. For one, the Lions are on a 6-1-1 run that has them up to fifth in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand on the Red Bulls in fourth. Martin Ojeda playing through the middle and moving Facu back out wide is a big reason why. Then there are the Colorado Rapids, a team that has the second-largest points-per-game increase from last season to this one. At the other end of things you have Charlotte FC, which has won just once in its last eight games and is in danger of missing out on the playoffs altogether.
Mikey Varas Will Coach San Diego FC
San Diego FC has found its first head coach, as it named former United States Men’s National Team interim head coach Mikey Varas to the top job. Varas spent several years with U.S. Soccer, and also was an assistant coach at FC Dallas under Luchi Gonzalez for three seasons. Aside from being the head coach of the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team from 2021 to 2023, this will be his only other gig as a full time head coach. Now that San Diego has that vacancy filled, it can do some serious work on building its roster ahead of its inaugural MLS season next year.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride held fast at the top spot of ESPN’s NWSL power rankings.
- Orlando City had a big jump, as the Lions moved up six spots to ninth in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Former Orlando Pride coach Tom Sermanni has been named interim head coach of the Australian women’s national team.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC has played on every day of the week at least once during this season.
- Barcelona has extended the contract of women’s Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí until 2028.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/16/24
Orlando City beats the New England Revolution, Orlando Pride draw at home, Orlando City B wins third straight, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. This week, I’ll be busy working Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field while picking up some extra hours at Under Armour. There’s plenty to cover today after a busy weekend of Orlando soccer, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Shut Out the New England Revolution at Home
On Saturday, Orlando City defeated the New England Revolution 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. This is the first time the Lions have swept a season series against the Revolution in the club’s history. Rafael Santos, Facundo Torres, and Duncan McGuire all scored for the Lions, and this is the second consecutive match that the Lions have won 3-0 after beating Nashville SC by the same score on Aug. 31. Orlando City is fifth in the Eastern Conference with 40 points. It will be a quick turnaround for the Lions, with another home match against Charlotte FC set for Wednesday before traveling to face the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Pride Draw Against the Kansas City Current
The Orlando Pride played to a scoreless draw against the Kansas City Current on Friday at Inter&Co Stadium and saw their six-match winning streak end. However, the result extended their unbeaten streak to 20 matches this season. Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse put on a stellar performance in goal to earn her 11th clean sheet of the season and tie the NWSL record.
Orlando remains atop the NWSL table with 48 points, while the Washington Spirit are close behind in second with 44 points. The Pride will be on the road on Friday to face Bay FC at PayPal Park.
OCB Defeats New England Revolution II at Home
Orlando City B won 2-0 over the New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium on Sunday to move a step closer to clinching a playoff spot. After a scoreless first half, Alex Freeman and Jack Lynn scored for the Young Lions to seal the win at home. Orlando City B has now won three consecutive matches and Freeman has scored five goals in the last four games. OCB is third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference table with 43 points, and its next match is Sept. 23 at home against Chicago Fire II.
Americans Abroad in Europe
There were some USMNT players in action in Europe over the weekend after the conclusion of the recent international break. Brenden Aaronson started and played 68 minutes for Leeds United but ended up losing 1-0 to Burnley in the EFL Championship. Christian Pulisic scored a penalty kick and added an assist for AC Milan in a 4-0 win over Venezia in Serie A action. It was Pulisic’s second goal in four matches for AC Milan this season. Teammate Yunus Musah came off the bench in the second half to see out the win. Fellow American Gianluca Busio returned for Venezia, starting and playing 79 minutes. Tanner Tessmann came off the bench to make his Ligue 1 debut for Lyon Sunday against Lens late in the second half, but the match ended in a scoreless draw.
Free Kicks
- Pride midfielder Ally Lemos started for the U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team in the U-20 Women’s World Cup quarterfinal match against Germany. She assisted on the first of two late goals by the U.S. to help send the game to extra time in an incredible comeback. Lemos was subbed off before the penalty shootout, which the U.S. won to advance to the semifinals.
- The Orlando Pride set another club record after their draw against the Current, securing their fourth consecutive clean sheet.
- Carlos Vela and LAFC reportedly agreed to a new contract before the MLS roster freeze deadline on Friday.
- Ashley Hatch scored twice to secure the 50th goal in her NWSL career, as the Washington Spirit cruised to a 3-0 win over the Houston Dash on Sunday.
- Marseille has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/13/24
Orlando City prepares for the New England Revolution, Morgan Gautrat signs new contract, Orlando Pride play tonight, and more.
It’s Friday the 13th, so make sure to stay away from black cats and broken mirrors. I’ll be a bit festive today and grab some early Halloween decorations and a costume for my cat that he will definitely despise me for. Let’s jump into today’s links!
Orlando City Gets Ready for New England
After getting last weekend off, Orlando City is back in action Saturday with a home game against the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. The Lions are coming off of a dominant 3-0 win over Nashville SC and are seventh in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Revolution played during the international break and had to settle for a 2-2 draw against St. Louis City. Orlando Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how the Lions have been trying to maintain momentum during the break to get another win against the Revolution this season.
Morgan Gautrat Signs New Contract
Orlando Pride midfielder Morgan Gautrat has signed a new deal with the club that will last through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026 as well. The Pride traded for Gautrat in January of this year and she’s made 14 appearances across all competitions so far. The 31-year-old has provided important depth for the Pride’s midfield, filling in when needed to cover for injuries and international absences. She’s the latest player to sign a new deal with the club, as Orlando aims to keep most of its roster for next year.
Orlando Pride Game Headlines NWSL Slate
Although tonight’s match between the Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current won’t be a battle of undefeated teams like the last time they squared off in July, it’s still a heavyweight matchup. The Current will likely have revenge on their minds, as they have an opportunity to do what the Pride did earlier this year and snap their opponent’s unbeaten streak. It will also be another duel between two of the league’s top scorers in Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga.
Elsewhere in the league this weekend, the North Carolina Courage will host Bay FC in an intriguing match as both teams jockey for playoff position. Pride fans will also likely be keeping an eye on the Washington Spirit’s match Sunday against the Houston Dash. The Spirit are currently six points behind the Pride with just six games left this season.
Gauging the MLS Playoff Race
The MLS playoff picture is becoming clearer and clearer each week, and Andrew Wiebe assessed where each team stands. Orlando was grouped alongside the New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, and Charlotte FC as Eastern Conference sides who should qualify for the playoffs and have a chance at hosting in the first round. Another strong summer by the Lions has put a gap between them and a playoff bubble that includes teams that have underperformed but have the talent to make some noise this postseason.
As for the Western Conference, the Portland Timbers have established themselves as a potential dark horse amid a strong run of form, while FC Dallas, Minnesota United, and Austin FC are poised to fight for the last playoff spot. It should all make for an exciting final stretch of the season.
Free Kicks
- The cooking competition between Nico Lodeiro and Morgan Gautrat continued with a pair of chicken dishes. The video also includes handy recipes in case you want to try making them yourself.
- Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal that will keep him at the club through 2027. He’s done well since taking over in December of 2019, with Arsenal finishing second in the league for the past two seasons.
- The Seattle Reign loaned defender Sofia Huerta to Olympique Lyonnais for the French club’s season. While it’s a great opportunity for Huerta, it’s a tough blow to Seattle’s playoff aspirations.
- Paris Saint-Germain was ordered by the French league’s legal commission to pay Kylian Mbappe $61 million in unpaid wages. However, PSG reportedly stated that it does not owe Mbappe and plans to take further legal action.
- Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was charged by the Football Association for his racially charged comments regarding teammate Son Heung-min in June.
- EA Sports FC 25 ratings are out and Luis Muriel is the Lion with the highest rating, likely due to his time with Atalanta. As for NWSL players, the Pride’s Ally Lemos was tied for eighth among U-21 players.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a smooth Friday the 13th!
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