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Lion Links: 7/19/20

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4 years ago

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Happy Sunday, everyone. Orlando City has one more Group A match-up on Monday and it’ll be the toughest one yet, as the Philadelphia Union have improved by leaps and bounds over the last season and a half. But it’s nice knowing that regardless of the outcome, the Lions are assured of advancing to the knockout stage.

Hopefully you’re staying safe and sane and neither of those things is easy these days. Let’s jump into the news of the day.

Orlando City’s Goalkeepers Put in the Work

The toughest and most visible position in soccer is goalkeeper and it’s also a position where sharpness matters. It’s difficult for goalkeepers to stay sharp during a pandemic or even during the first couple stages of workouts. Orlando’s keepers were able to do so, and that paid off big for Pedro Gallese last week against New York City FC. Originally credited with seven saves, one of NYCFC’s shots was changed to off target, so he finished with six, but several of them were of the game-saving variety. El Pulpo said the coaching staff put together a good plan for the team’s goalkeepers to follow.

“It was difficult,” Gallese said through a translator. “It was a difficult time. But I think what the coaches were sending us and the plan that they laid out and what we were trying to do during that time really prepared us well for this tournament.”

Orlando Weather Continues to Be a Talking Point

Nobody knows better than Orlando residents that the weather here is ludicrous. I used to live in South Florida and thought that was hot and humid but at least down there we generally had a breeze blowing in off the ocean to move the air around. Here it’s oppressive and the air is so heavy that sometimes you feel like you need to chew it. This is what Orlando City has to deal with every single day, every single season. But folks like Frand de Boer and Jozy Altidore have whined about the conditions of the 9 a.m. games in MLS is Back. Of course, the Lions have to play at noon or slightly later in the afternoon multiple times each summer. Even they know the Central Florida heat index is not something one can fully ever get used to.

Orlando City defender João Moutinho said it’s hard to ever fully adjust to the conditions of playing in Central Florida.

…

“This is now my third season and I can tell you that it’s still really hard for me to acclimate to this heat,” said Orlando City striker Chris Mueller, who has managed to score three goals during the tournament. “It’s really hard for whoever it might be. It’s no joke.”

MLS is Back Group F Results

In the 8 p.m. match Saturday, the Portland Timbers knocked off the Houston Dynamo, 2-1. Jeremy Ebobisse put the Timbers ahead at the break with a powerful shot just inside the far post. The Dynamo had two excellent opportunities to equalize before halftime on shots by Oscar Boniek Garcia and Alberth Elis but both sizzled just wide of the far post. Elis in particular had a sitter but could not put his shot on target. Diego Valeri doubled the lead just past the hour mark. Elis scored on a penalty to cut the lead in half but he was sent off shortly thereafter on a dubious call for a hand to the face and Portland hung on, clinching a spot in the knockout round after the late result.

Chicharito (calf) missed his first shot at El Trafico in the late Group F game Saturday, but it was predictably unpredictable, as usual, before LAFC won it, 6-2. An LAFC own goal opened the scoring, then the teams traded penalties by Diego Rossi and Cristian Pavon. Rossi leveled the game again in first-half stoppage time off the rebound of a save of a Bradley Wright-Phillips shot that Daniel Steres whiffed on clearing. In the second half, Pavon thought he’d restored the lead but he was a step offside, then Wright-Phillips gave LAFC its first lead just moments later. Rossi completed his hat trick with just under a quarter of an hour remaining and former Lion Mohamed El-Munir added an insurance goal a few minutes later and Rossi added a fourth at the death as the Galaxy defense is a mess.

Sky Blue FC, Chicago Red Stars Advance in NWSL Challenge Cup

The semifinals are set for the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup after Saturday’s two quarterfinal matches both went to penalty shootouts without a single goal during normal time. Sky Blue FC joined the Portland Thorns and Houston Dash in the semis with a penalty shootout win after a scoreless draw with the Washington Spirit.  Kailen Sheridan stopped Bayley Feist in the fifth round as Sky Blue won the shootout, 4-3. Former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe stopped a Domi Richardson attempt but Sheridan’s save, along with a shot off the crossbar, sunk the Spirit.

The final participant to enter the semifinals was Chicago after the third penalty shootout in four Challenge Cup quarterfinal matches. The Red Stars and OL Reign went scoreless and Chicago won the ensuing penalty shootout, 4-3. Former Orlando Pride forward Rachel Hill was one of the successful penalty takers for the Red Stars.

We had one goal in four quarterfinal matches in the NWSL Challenge Cup, which is not great. Portland will face Houston and Chicago will take on Sky Blue Wednesday in the semifinals.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City vs. Philadelphia is one of three games that ESPN has added to the network’s MLS is Back Tournament coverage. You can now watch the Lions against the Union either on TUDN or ESPN.
  • If you ever thought to yourself, “you know, I’d really love to watch former Orlando City goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh cook,” now you can.
  • MLS reported zero new positive COVID-19 tests in the latest round of testing. More than 1,300 tests were administered to 1,100+ people. Clearly the bubble is safer than the rest of Florida.
  • USWNT and Utah Royals defender Kelley O’Hara is hosting the Just Women’s Sports Podcast. The first show will drop Tuesday and will feature Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan in her first interview since giving birth to daughter Charlie. For the record, The Mane Land PawedCast asked for Alex about nine weeks ago in preparation for our 200th episode. Maybe we were just too early.
  • Your obligatory Christian Pulisic link for the day.
  • Those born on this date include Lizzie Borden (1860), Queen guitarist Brian May (1947), late Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins (1952), actor/producer Anthony Edwards (1962), and Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch (1976).

That’s all my time this morning, folks. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend. Today’s MLS is Back matches include the Chicago Fire vs. San Jose Earthquakes at 8 p.m. and the Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps at 10:30 p.m. The NWSL Challenge Cup is off until Wednesday.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/2/24

The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.

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2 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

It’s Thursday, Mane Landers. Of course, the name Thursday comes from Thor’s day, and as such, it isn’t a big leap for us to consider it Thorhallsson’s day. Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll just keep things the way they are, but do hold Dagur Dan close to your heart today. Also, let us wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Luana. Despite the devastating news that dropped about her health earlier this week, we hope that her spirits are high and we wish her nothing but happiness today. Let’s get to the links.

The Pride Dominate the Courage

The Orlando Pride defeated the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a midweek match at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride did indeed dominate the Courage as much as the score line indicates. It was once again the Barbra Banda show, with the Pride’s newest player contributing a brace and an assist on the night. It is the Pride’s fourth straight victory and the undefeated run continues.

OCSC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are doing their part this May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The club is sponsoring and attending events and forums available to the general public, as well as holding club staff workshops around promoting mental health. I have to say my favorite is the therapy dogs visits that will be available to the staff. There’s nothing as good for my personal mental health as the joy and unconditional love a dog can bring. If I didn’t have dogs of my own, I’d be really jealous.

The Billionaires Clubs

Orlando City and Orlando Pride owners, the Wilf family, are not the only billionaire owners in the NWSL. There are more and more owners and ownership groups that fall into that category. The influx of more money is a growth opportunity for the league and potentially for those owners. It’s a bit of a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality for these owners as they do better when the league as a whole does better. It’s not just the owners who think so. The NWSL was ranked No. 5 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024. I’m just glad the Pride are in the club.

USMNT News

I hate starting off a section with bad news, but Sergino Dest tore his ACL in training with PSV Eindhoven and will miss the Copa America. Dest will require surgery though there is no time frame yet for when he may return. The loss of Dest is a blow to the U.S. defense heading into the competition this coming June. The USMNT plays Bolivia on June 23.

In better news, Tim Weah provided the assist for Juventus on Arkadiusz Milik’s goal against Lazio. Juventus entered the second leg of the Copa Italia semifinal up 2-0, but Lazio drew level before Milik’s goal. Juventus advanced 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the final.

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That will do it for today. There’s plenty more soccer to come this weekend with all three teams playing. Check back for more as we get you ready for those matches. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/1/24

Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.

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1 day ago

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May 1, 2024

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,
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday and welcome to May, Mane Landers. Don’t forget that the undefeated Orlando Pride are in action tonight, so check back for our match preview and the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast for additional pre-match coverage. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Mason Stajduhar Arrested Early Sunday

Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar and his wife Tatiana Stajduhar were both arrested on disorderly conduct charges following an incident at a nightclub overnight Saturday in the early hours of Sunday morning. The couple were reportedly disrespectful to the club’s staff and got into an altercation with the security guards. Mason stated he was only resisting the security guards to re-enter the club because the bouncers allegedly hit his wife. Tatiana allegedly pushed the police officers after they arrived, and she was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer. The couple were released Monday after posting a bond. Orlando City provided the following statement to WESH 2 News:

“The Club is aware that goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was arrested early Sunday morning. We are currently gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Orlando Pride Host the North Carolina Courage Tonight

After a 3-2 win on the road last Friday against the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful and will take on the North Carolina Courage tonight. Unbeaten in their six games so far this season, the Pride have also won their past three games and sit fourth in the standings. They’re tied on points with a Courage team that beat the Seattle Reign Saturday. Orlando has scored at least one goal in every match this season. Forward Barbra Banda had a great performance in that win against the Spirit, so hopefully the scoring trend continues tonight for the Pride.

Orlando City/Pride Earn Golden Brick Awards

Have you enjoyed the new food options at the stadium? I know I have, and I’m looking forward to trying even more. The efforts made by Orlando City’s front office to feature more local food and beverage options did not go unnoticed, as the club won the Hospitality & Dining category in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s 2023 Golden Brick Awards. The Orlando Pride’s 2023 Highway Woman Kit also won the award in the Arts & Culture category. The home jersey was inspired by the work of Mary Ann Carroll, the sole woman in the famed Highwaymen artists from decades ago.

Colin Guske Speaks On Signing First Pro Contract

Orlando City Development Academy player Colin Guske signed his first professional contract with the club last month and spoke on the importance of this moment in his career. The 17-year-old is now on an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B, and he has started in nearly every game for the Young Lions this year. Both of Guske’s brothers have also played for Orlando City’s academy over the years, and he thanked his family for helping him reach this point.

“It’s awesome to represent the Guskes,” Colin said. “Thanks to my brothers for always pushing me through early mornings and late nights, always putting in the work, doing video sessions, everything. My sister as well, for always being there for me and my parents, too. They’re always helping me and what was the best for me.”

Free Kicks

  • Enjoy all of the sights and sounds from the Pride’s big win over the Spirit in the nation’s capital.
  • The Champions League semifinals are underway and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played to a 2-2 draw in Germany. The second leg will take place on May 8 in Madrid.

That will do it for today. If you can make it out to the stadium tonight to catch the Pride in action, I strongly suggest you do so. Barbra Banda is about to take the NWSL by storm and you’ll want to see it in person. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/30/24

Luana’s season ends with Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, San Diego linked with Chucky Lozano, U.S. and Mexico withdraw 2027 World Cup bid, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 30, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was another busy weekend of Orlando soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. May is an absolutely packed month for all three teams, and the games will be coming thick and fast. We have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This week started off with some very sad news, as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday that midfielder Luana has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list as a result of her being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Brazilian international is starting chemotherapy treatments with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. In a statement, Luana thanked both the Brazilian National Team and the Pride for the support she’s been receiving. Seb Hines and Rafaelle also spoke about how the team has been supporting Luana.

San Diego Reportedly Nears Deal for Chucky Lozano

The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has reported that San Diego FC is in advanced talks to sign Chucky Lozano ($) from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team is expected to receive a transfer fee in the area of $12 million, and Lozano would likely be the highest-profile player for the expansion team ahead of its maiden Major League Soccer season in 2025. While nothing is official, San Diego is said to be hopeful of getting a deal done before Copa America kicks off this summer.

U.S. and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid

The United States and Mexico have announced their decision to withdraw a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and instead focus on bidding for the 2031 edition of the tournament. The bid had made it to the final three of the selection process, in addition to a bid from Brazil and a joint effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlowe Cone cited a desire to have more time to prepare while also having the opportunity to learn from the experience of the joint effort of hosting the 2026 World Cup. As far as who will host in 2027, the decision will be made on May 17, with Germany having hosted a Women’s World Cup back in 2011, while Brazil would be the first South American nation to host the tournament.

English Premier League Approves Spending Cap

Premier League teams took the first step towards implementing a spending cap on Monday. While a final vote is still needed to ratify the proposed changes, Monday’s vote gave the green light to start the legal and economic studies needed to change to a spending cap model. The proposed cap would be based on how much the lowest earning Premier League team earns from television rights, and could be implemented for the 2025-2026 season. There were 16 teams that voted in favor of continuing the process of moving towards a salary cap, while Chelsea abstained from voting, and Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa voted against the motion.

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That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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