Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/24/20
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope your work week is going well as we shift gears into the weekend and more Orlando City soccer. Actually, there is a lot of soccer across the board these next few days, with plenty to watch both in the U.S. and in Europe. Now, let’s get down to business with these links from around the soccer world.
Lions Facing New-Look Impact
Tomorrow, Orlando City will start the MLS is Back Tournament’s knockout round with a match against the Montreal Impact. It will be the first meeting between the two teams since over a year ago when the Lions won 3-0 in Canada. Plenty has changed for both teams since then, with Thierry Henry taking over as head coach for the Impact and injecting European talent across the roster. The biggest difference though may be the absence of striker Ignacio Piatti, who left the Impact after last season and was notorious for scoring against the Lions.
As for Orlando, the team should be near its full strength despite forward Dom Dwyer sitting out Monday with quad tightness and midfielder Junior Urso exiting early in Orlando’s last game. The Lions are keeping a close eye on their fitness levels, but aren’t afraid to take risks and press high tomorrow night.
Orlando enters the match with no losses in the group stage while Montreal only won once to secure third place. However, Montreal defender Rod Fanni likes the position his team is in with the pressure on the Lions.
Luiz Muzzi Pleased With Orlando’s Performance
Hired by OCSC near the end of 2018, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi is watching his vision for the club become a reality during this tournament as fans start to see the fruits of his labor. After having Oscar Pareja take over as head coach and adding talented players such as midfielder Mauricio Pereyra and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, Muzzi has built a system that allows its players to play with confidence.
Orlando forward Chris Mueller has shined under Muzzi and Pareja’s system so far. With clear vision in place and a driving motivation for the team to make the playoffs, Mueller noticed a change in mentality for the Lions this year.
“This year’s different because the team has confidence in the other players who are playing,” attacker Chris Mueller said Thursday during a conference call. ”I think that we have an identity as to how we’re going to play on the field. And also the coach is good and has good ideas for the entire team. And for this reason I think the team is different and we have a different way of thinking on the pitch.”
Round of 16 Field Finalized
Only 16 teams remain in the MLS is Back Tournament with the group stage finished and the knockout stage starts tomorrow. The Vancouver Whitecaps booked their spot after a 2-0 win over the Chicago Fire. The morning game featured a weather delay in the second half with both teams level and Vancouver Head Coach Marc dos Santos gave a pep talk to help his team score twice and advance.
Darwin Quintero gave the Houston Dynamo an early lead that they would hold onto all the way until stoppage time. The Dynamo gave up a late penalty that the LA Galaxy’s Cristian Pavon converted to end the game in a 1-1 draw. The result sunk both teams’ chances at claiming a third-place spot, with New York City FC advancing from Group A. Meanwhile, the Portland Timbers took on LAFC and drew 2-2 with a late header to win the group and secure a match with FC Cincinnati in the next round.
The entire bracket is now filled in, with each team learning its path forward. If Orlando beats Montreal then it will face the victor between the Seattle Sounders and LAFC. The other names on the Lions’ side of the bracket include the San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake, Columbus Crew, and Minnesota United.
National Women’s Soccer League Players Eye Europe
Sam Mewis reportedly signed with Manchester City in the Women’s Soccer League. The North Carolina Courage midfielder’s season is over after the club’s early exit in the NWSL Challenge Cup and Washington Spirit star Rose Lavelle could be headed to Manchester City as well.
The contract offer for both Americans is only for one year and I believe they won’t be the only ones making a move to Europe in the coming months. The NWSL Challenge Cup final between the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars is Sunday, but the rest of the season is uncertain. Pride defender Ali Riley was loaned to FC Rosengård earlier this summer and NWSL players could follow suit with their seasons possibly over.
Free Kicks
- Relive the Lions’ successful journey in the bubble and through the group stage.
The boys came to play in the group stage. 😈
The journey continues Saturday at 8:00 pm ET. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/DoOKcJuyDh
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 23, 2020
- You may not be able to head into Exploria Stadium for a game right now, but the club has a gift bundle that is a pretty good deal considering it includes a $20 gift card to Publix.
A new March to the Couch Bundle is here for the #MLSisBack knockouts:
🔘 City umbrella
🔘 CITYiD mystery 2-pack
🔘 #MLSUnites Match poster
🔘 $20 @Publix gift card— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 23, 2020
- The Orlando Pride are bringing back the Golden Swans, so be ready to vote.
The Golden Swans awards are returning 👀
Be on the look for our polls dropping Friday! pic.twitter.com/MKawbAHhyQ
— Challenge Cup Stan Account (@ORLPride) July 23, 2020
- United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter is eager to bring 17-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder Giovanni Reyna into the fold when able to do so.
- A day after Charlotte FC’s reveal, the NFL’s Washington Football Team was announced as the temporary name for the team while the organization works on a more permanent brand. However, the team’s jersey reveal took a little more inspiration from soccer than just a generic name.
Wowwwwww. Whoever made these for Washington couldn’t even bother to remove the soccer nets from the template graphic they used.
(H/t @dylanstw__ for noticing this) pic.twitter.com/7WiaBgnv3c
— Zach Soskin (@ZSoskin) July 23, 2020
- The one team that absolutely nailed its logo and name was the NHL’s expansion team from Seattle, which even made a cinematic intro video.
A legend from the deep awakens.
Meet the Seattle Kraken → https://t.co/to5BtVVPh1 pic.twitter.com/FQfOdaiGQQ
— Seattle Kraken (@NHLSeattle_) July 23, 2020
- Arrests were made after fans gathered a little too closely together to celebrate Liverpool’s English Premier League title and Leeds United’s promotion.
- Before the two square off Sunday with a spot in the Champions League on the line, Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel defended Manchester United’s David de Gea against criticism over errors in the FA Cup.
That’s going to be it for today, Mane Landers. Have a great Friday and an even greater weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/26/24
Orlando City gets ready for Toronto FC, Thiago Silva linked with Orlando, Marta announces international retirement, and more.
I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad it’s Friday. It’s been a bit of a brutal week for me, but the weekend is nearly upon us, and I plan on spending it with my family for my dad’s birthday. I’m also hoping to find some time to read the new book that came out this week from my favorite author, Emily Henry. For now though, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world!
Orlando City Prepares for Toronto FC
After a shaky start to the season, the Lions are unbeaten in their past four games and can make it five when they host Toronto FC Saturday night. Toronto has lost three of its past four games, but is coming off of a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. In the time since Oscar Pareja took over as head coach, Orlando City has won six of its seven games against Toronto. It will be the first meeting between the two with John Herdman at the helm of Toronto, so we will see if the trend of recent Orlando dominance continues. It should be a great game and is another opportunity for the Lions to climb up the table.
Thiago Silva Linked With Orlando City
Brazilian defender Thiago Silva’s contract with Chelsea ends this summer and Orlando City was mentioned as one of many reported clubs interested in signing him. Beyond the surface-level facts that Silva is an incredibly talented defender and Orlando City is a popular landing spot for South Americans who want to play in MLS, the move would not make much sense. The club signed David Brekalo this off-season and Rodrigo Schlegel is a solid option off the bench as well. Even if Orlando does want Silva, there will be plenty of competition. Returning to Fluminense is the expected choice, but Silva could stay in Europe or make the move to Saudi Arabia.
Marta Will Retire From National Team After 2024
Orlando Pride star Marta announced that 2024 will be her last year playing for Brazil. You will need a translating tool for more of the details from her interview with CNN, but she spoke on how she’s at peace with her decision to stop playing at the international level once the year is over. She made her international debut in 2002 and has since played in five Olympics for Brazil. Marta may play in her sixth this summer, and there would be global attention to see one of the greatest players ever to lead Brazil one last time. Her contract with the Pride also ends after this season, but only time will tell if this is her final season in Orlando.
Orlando’s Academy Teams Get Results Against New England
With the Generations Adidas Cup behind them, Orlando City’s U-17 and U-15 teams earned some important points against the New England Revolution’s youth squads. The U-15 team dominated New England in a 4-1 result that included a hat trick from Jakob Garcia. The match between the U-17 sides was a closer affair, as they split the points in a 1-1 draw. Orlando’s teams will play again tomorrow, with a pair of home games against Nashville SC.
Free Kicks
- The San Jose Earthquakes officially have a new Designated Player, signing Argentine winger Hernan Lopez to a contract through the 2026 season. The reported $6 million transfer fee would break the club record if accurate.
- D.C. United midfielder Russell Canouse had a successful first surgery last month to help correct an ulcerative colitis diagnosis.
- American midfielder Malik Tillman had a fantastic game for PSV Eindhoven, scoring twice and adding an assist in the team’s 8-0 win over SC Heerenveen.
- Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera announced that he is retiring from international soccer. The 37-year-old has played in the past four World Cups for Uruguay.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jesse Marsch have reportedly been contacted for the coaching vacancy at the Canadian National Team.
- An active bomb from World War II was discovered during renovations of Mainz’s stadium in Germany and it will be deactivated today.
- We will end our links with this pretty entertaining video series featuring Orlando City players and staff competing in Parcheesi. There’s a bracket, trash talk, and an explanation of the rules as well, if you’ve never played before. Here’s a little clip of the most recent game, if you need convincing.
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: 4/25/24
Duncan McGuire is an Olympic frontrunner, Orlando Pride get ready for the Washington Spirit, Colin Guske signs with Orlando City B, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this work week hasn’t been too stressful for you as we get ready for another weekend packed with Orlando soccer. All of the European soccer this week has been enjoyable as well, as teams fight for silverware and survival. It should be a fun next few days, although most of my match following will be digital. I’m hoping to get out to the stadium for a game or two over the next couple of months as well. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!
Duncan McGuire Likely to Play in Olympics
Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire was listed as one of the frontrunners to join the U.S. for this year’s Olympics. It won’t be much of a shock if McGuire is in Paris this summer, as he’s been impressive in the time since being drafted sixth overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by the Lions. The 23-year-old has followed up a strong rookie year with three goals and an assist so far this season. It will be interesting to see who McGuire could compete with for minutes in the Olympics, with Ricardo Pepi noted as another possible option up top for the U.S. Overall, it’s nice to see McGuire is doing what’s needed to stay in the contention for Paris. I think that staying in Orlando rather than going to England has definitely helped his case.
Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit
The Orlando Pride are riding a five-game unbeaten streak and will take it to the nation’s capital for a difficult road match against the Washington Spirit Friday night. The Pride have won their past two games and will face a Spirit side that has won four of its five games this season. Both teams have been defensively sound, each conceding just four goals, so it may come down to moments of individual brilliance to make the difference. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about the difficulty of the matchup, Orlando’s grit this season, and the impact Barbra Banda had in her debut last weekend.
Orlando City B Signs Colin Guske
Midfielder Colin Guske, who joined Orlando City’s academy back in 2020, signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B through this 2024 season. The 17-year-old made his OCB debut in the team’s season opener this year and scored the game-winning goal. He’s carved out a spot in OCB’s midfield this season, starting in four of the team’s five games. Guske has two brothers who have also gone through the club’s academy and played with OCB. A solid year with the Young Lions from Guske could result in a Homegrown Player contract for the senior team.
Columbus Crew SC Wins First Leg Against Monterrey
The Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals are here and the Columbus Crew are the only MLS team still in the tournament. They came up with a big 2-1 home win in the first leg of their matchup against Monterrey. Cucho Hernandez gave the Crew the lead in the first half and 21-year-old Jacen Russell-Rowe scored the winner in the second. An away goal by Monterrey could prove crucial though due to the tiebreakers, and the second leg will take place on May 1. The winner of this matchup will take on either Club America or Pachuca in the final on June 2.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Dom Dwyer is reportedly headed out west to sign with Oakland Roots SC in the USL Championship.
- Toronto FC traded away $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) to Atlanta United in exchange for winger Derrick Etienne Jr. The 27-year-old has not received much playing time this season, and Atlanta could earn another $175,000 in GAM if performance-based metrics are met.
- The San Jose Earthquakes have reportedly signed Hernan Lopez from Godoy Cruz. It would give a-needed boost to the team, which has just three points from nine games this season.
- St. Louis City winger Celio Pompeu won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his great strike from outside the box in his team’s 3-3 draw with Sporting Kansas City.
- Carlos Jimenez was fired as the Kansas City Current’s head of medical for reportedly having a relationship with a player that violated the league’s non-fraternization policy.
- Next year’s MLS NEXT season will include eight new teams, and there’s a nice breakdown on what each one brings to the table.
- Despite Sergino Dest’s recent injury, PSV Eindhoven’s Peter Bosz spoke on how he’d like the right back to stay with the team after his loan from Barcelona expires.
- Everton came up with a 2-0 win at home against rival Liverpool. Most attention will be on how this dents Liverpool’s title aspirations, but Everton deserves praise for putting more distance between itself and the relegation zone with this win during a difficult season that included point deductions.
- Atalanta beat Fiorentina 4-1 to book its spot in the Italian Cup final against Juventus. That final will take place on May 15 and should be a pretty good match.
- Xavi will reportedly stay on board as Barcelona’s manager for another season after all.
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: 4/24/24
Orlando City and Orlando Pride power rankings, USMNT player news, USWNT will host Costa Rica, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s that time of the week for some tasty links. Two seven-point weekends for Orlando’s soccer teams is nothing to sneeze at, unlike the pollen that coats my hometown of Tallahassee. It’s the time of the year that I make my money back with the unlimited car wash next to my work. Enough with my weather-related car issues, let’s get to the links.
Lions Move Up (and Down) in Power Rankings
There’s nothing that shows the value of “power rankings” better than when you can compare two different ranking lists for the same week for any given club. We all know Orlando City is undefeated in its last four matches thanks to the late heroics of Ivan Angulo to draw CF Montreal over the weekend. But, did you know that was both good and bad?
In ESPN‘s MLS power rankings, Orlando City dropped a spot from 16th to 17th despite “treading water” with a point on the road in Montreal. Meanwhile, the Lions roared ahead three spots from 21st to 18th in MLSsoccer.com’s power rankings. So, do you like that Orlando is 17th in the ESPN piece despite the drop? Or do you prefer the positivity of a three-spot jump to 18th in the MLSSoccer.com rankings?
Orlando Pride Rise in Power Rankings
Forget everything I wrote up there regarding power rankings — at least as far as the Orlando Pride are concerned. After starting the season with three draws, the Pride now have two wins in a row. As such, ESPN moved the Pride up three spots from eighth to fifth in its NWSL power rankings. Their move up the list is entirely deserved and the writer was correct in their assessment. Of course, I’m kidding but it’s still nice to see the Pride get recognized for their results. Now, we just need the Pride to continue the winning streak.
Keeping Up With USMNT Players Abroad
As we shared yesterday, Sergino Dest will likely miss this summer’s Copa America thanks to a knee injury suffered during PSV Eindhoven training. That means the USMNT has a right back situation to address and there are quite a few well known candidates to step in for Dest.
Meanwhile, Weston McKennie has reportedly rejected Juventus’ latest extension offer. I can understand his decision given it doesn’t include any additional salary. McKennie has been very good for Juve, with 10 assists on the season. He’s not the only American making a difference, as Tim Weah provided the assist on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal to send Juventus to the Coppa Italia final.
USWNT Olympic Send-Off Match
The United States Women’s National Team will play a match against Costa Rica at Audi Field on July 16. It will be the final match for the USWNT prior to the Olympics that start nine days later against Zambia. New coach Emma Hayes will join the team on June 1, which isn’t a ton of time before the Olympics start, but she has been a part of the process for months.
Free Kicks
- Former Pride players Erika Tymrak and Jordyn Listro have signed with Tampa Bay Sun FC of the new USL Super League, a Division 1-sanctioned women’s soccer league. More soccer in the U.S. is a good thing, so good luck to Tymrak and Listro.
- The New England Revolution have acquired veteran defender Xavier Arreaga from the Seattle Sounders for a 2025 international roster slot, and up to $75,000 in General Allocation Money depending on performance.
- Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba will be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. Fortunately, he is expected to be back in time for the match against Orlando City on May 15. Where did I put the sarcasm font?
- In an odd occurrence, a Californian team has been chastised. Four players on the LA Galaxy were found to be in violation of the mass confrontation policy in their match against the San Jose Earthquakes over the weekend.
- The unending Inter Miami signings continued, with the club signing Paraguayan midfielder Matías Rojas.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s match against the Washington Spirit this Friday, and Orlando City’s match against Toronto FC on Saturday. Vamos Orlando!
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