Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/11/19
Welcome to Saturday, and happy Mother’s Day weekend to all of The Mane Land moms out there! It’s a little strange for me not to have an Orlando City match to be hyped for today, but the Orlando Pride are hosting the Portland Thorns in Orlando City Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET. Plus, we’ll have OCB this afternoon and the Lions to watch tomorrow afternoon when we’ve all had enough family time for the day!
OCSC Prepares to Start Busy Week of Matches
I’ve really been looking forward to the Lions taking on our wonderful, friendly, and welcoming neighbors of the north, Atlanta United, for the first time this season. The defending Major League Soccer champions — bought not built — aren’t having the best start under new head coach Frank De Boer, so now’s the time for Orlando City to take three big points off of them.
If you’re traveling to the match, or perhaps have already traveled, The Mane Land’s JGlash has an awesome piece about the excitement of road games that you must check out. Our Ben_Miller had a talk with Sydney Hunte of the Atlanta United blog Dirty South Soccer for this week’s Intelligence Report. The club has its official preview of the game and there is also this preview of the “hostile environment” the Lions will be in at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
If you’re like the majority of us and can’t make it to Atlanta for match day, Lion’s Pride is hosting the official watch party. Let’s all just hope that Dom Dwyer has been spending as much time working on putting the ball into the back of the net as he has selling watches.
Fantastic day with @tagheuer who launched their new Connected Golf Watch Series. ⛳️ #DontCrackUnderPressure pic.twitter.com/LFc61MKhG3
— Dom Dwyer (@Ddwyer14) May 10, 2019
Ex-Lion Justin Meram Can’t Get Orlando Off His Mind
If you managed to miss it, one of the most controversial former Orlando City players, none other than blink-and-you’ll-miss-him-in-purple Justin Meram, was traded to Atlanta United this past week. I’m personally psyched for us to be able to play him in an Atlanta shirt, since I can’t stand those either. Apparently, Meram feels “blessed” to have been traded and De Boer thinks “he is a player who can contribute on different spots.” Whatever you say, bro. The best quotes to have come out of Meram’s mouth so far are the ones he told reporter Doug Roberson of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Not only for myself, but for others. I respect them, the people that treated me well. For the most part that’s what it was. An unfortunate situation. For me, my focus is on Sunday, anyway I can help the team. That’ll be the last of Orlando."
— Doug Roberson (@DougRobersonAJC) May 10, 2019
I don’t exactly think we’re the ones that are “holding onto something,” Justin.
Orlando Pride Hosting Portland Tonight, Shout Out “Sister Club”
Since the men are away this weekend, there’s no excuse not to head downtown later this evening to watch the Pride play Portland for the second time this season. While you’re there, make sure to pick up the new Pride home “Reflection” kit.
Stay calm and get your hands on the 2019 Pride Reflection Kit tomorrow at The Den! 🙌
🔘 The first 150 fans to purchase the kit get a #BiggerThanSoccer Patch
🔘 The Den by Gate A opens tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/t2tDkdop37
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 10, 2019
Unfortunately, the Pride will be without U.S. internationals Ashlyn Harris, Alex Morgan, and Ali Krieger, as well as Canadian international Shelina Zadorsky. But the Thorns will also be missing Adrianna Franch, Emily Sonnett, Lindsey Horan, and Tobin Heath to the USWNT camp and leading goal-scorer Christine Sinclair to Canada’s camp. Meanwhile, the team shouted out partner club VfL Wolfsburg’s women’s side for winning the Bundesliga, and Wolfsburg returned the favor.
Our partners @ORLPride take on @ThornsFC tomorrow, & ahead of that game we're delighted to announce we're giving away a jersey signed by the legendary #Marta! 😲👕
To win, simply follow @ORLPride & @VfLWolfsburg_US, and RT this post. Boa sorte! 🤞#VfLWolfsburg #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/dn8xrD2wCA
— VfL Wolfsburg US (@VfLWolfsburg_US) May 10, 2019
U.S. U-20 World Cup Squad Named
U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team Head Coach Tab Ramos announced the 21 young men who will be representing the country at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup later this month. Ten MLS players will feature on the team, including three from current Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi’s former club, FC Dallas.
#FIFAU20WC bound! 👏
Ten MLS players will represent the @USYNT at the U-20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/2wN1ilPE7z
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 10, 2019
The Philadelphia Union supplied two of the 10 MLS players, another club known for having a great academy system. In a somewhat surprising move, Timothy Weah made the U-20 team though Josh Sargent and Tyler Adams did not, indicating that the latter two will most likely feature for the U.S. Men’s National Team in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Free Kicks
- Make sure you vote for Orlando City B goalkeeper Juliano Chade in the USL League One battle for Save of the Month.
Which save from the opening month of the season is your favorite?
▪️ @jara_octavio
▪️ @Coultergk1
▪️ Michael Kirk
▪️ @JulianoChade
▪️ Philip EjimaduVOTE –> https://t.co/q6yhXasXqg #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/gHrmjTiTA4
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) May 10, 2019
- While you’re on Twitter, sign up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup bracket challenge too.
The #FIFAWWC is getting closer.
We'd love you to join in our free & easy to play #BracketChallenge.
Take on the world. Compete in a group against friends. Or do both!
If you register, you could win prizes too.
SIGN UP NOW 👉 https://t.co/pQpMsBsASf pic.twitter.com/0iKGJZ8O5z— FIFA Women's World Cup 🇫🇷 (@FIFAWWC) May 9, 2019
- USWNT players Tobin Heath and Christen Press, among others I’m sure, took to Twitter to shamelessly shill for Hulu. At least they had some fun with it!
Hulu's paying us lots and lots and lots of dollars to tell you that #HuluHasLiveSports. Watch us in the World Cup this summer – live on @hulu! #TeamHuluSellouts #HuluSellouts #ad pic.twitter.com/EbvT6lbCd0
— Tobin Heath (@TobinHeath) May 10, 2019
- In the last bit of USWNT news, some of the players made a video to thank the moms in their lives in honor of Mother’s Day.
Watch the #USWNT thank the moms that raised them ❤️
There’s still time to celebrate the Mom in your life! Go to https://t.co/cKxgSK3isn to send her the perfect soccer-inspired card and watch the @USWNT vs South Africa, Sunday at 1:30p ET on FOX. pic.twitter.com/00B0oz2CcU
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) May 10, 2019
- After the New England Revolution fired Brad Friedel, General Manager Mike Burns discussed the club’s future.
- Shockingly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of the LA Galaxy has been fined for a dive against Columbus Crew SC.
- FloSports wants to obtain the local broadcasting rights for all of MLS.
- The NWSL’s Houston Dash will be without forward Veronica Latsko for the remainder of the 2019 season.
- Neymar got himself a three-match suspension for punching a fan after Paris Saint-Germain’s loss to Rennes in the Coupe de France final.
- The Beckhams have split from business partner Simon Fuller, which includes them buying out a stake Fuller had in Inter Miami CF.
- Mino Raiola, Paul Pogba’s agent, has been issued a worldwide transfer ban by FIFA.
- Now you know what time it is — the good Chelsea news section! I’m still pumped from the Blues’ penalty shootout victory in the Europa League semifinals, and so is Eden Hazard. The club handed out its annual awards on Friday, and you can check out all of the winners by following @ChelseaFC, @ChelseaFCW, and @ChelseaFCinUSA on Twitter. Additionally, defender David Luiz signed a contract extension and will remain in blue until at least 2021.
There you have it. Now, get down to the stadium to support the ladies of the Orlando Pride tonight and then get out there and support your local watch party for the Orlando City match tomorrow. Go City!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/8/24
Orlando Pride move up in power rankings, OCSC will celebrate Pride Month, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re halfway through the week and I hope you’re doing well. Personally, I love Wednesdays, because in my job they are effectively my “Friday,” as my day off is on Thursday. So, as such, I love bringing you the news to start out your midweek morning. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Nearly Top Power Rankings
The Orlando Pride are at the top of the NWSL standings with 18 points, and are riding a five-match winning streak while staying undefeated so far this season. If you thought that would be enough for the team to top ESPN‘s NWSL power rankings, you’d be wrong. The Pride actually came in at second despite all the factors I listed above, with the Kansas City Current ranked above them. Even more shocking is that the writer admits he doesn’t have much of a reason for not ranking the Pride first. I’m not sure what to do with my hands.
Orlando Soccer Matches Will Celebrate Pride Month
Orlando City and the Orlando Pride will recognize Pride Month during a pair of matches in June at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride are set to host the Utah Royals on June 21 and the Lions will then host the Chicago Fire on June 22. Both matches will include celebrating Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community and honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. There are plenty of additional events throughout Pride Month in the Greater Orlando Area as well. I will be at those matches and I hope to see you there as well.
Orlando City B Hosts New York Red Bulls II Tonight
OCB will try to follow up a result on the road with its first result at home tonight at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Forwards Yutaro Tsukada and Shak Mohammed lead the attack for the Young Lions as the club plays only its third home match of the season — and only the second at its actual home field. There’s plenty to look for from OCB as it takes on New York Red Bulls II at 7 p.m. Try to make it to the match if you are able.
U.S. Soccer Doubles Down
The battle between the USWNT and U.S. Soccer over equal pay has been going on for years. Now, U.S. Soccer has reportedly employed Washington D.C. lobbying firms to provide what the organization asserts are “accurate information and factual numbers” to policy makers. Spokespersons for the players’ associations of both the USWNT and USMNT expressed disappointment regarding the move by U.S. Soccer. The issue is front and center as two congresswomen have proposed legislation to block funding for the 2026 World Cup unless equal pay is enacted.
Free Kicks
- Were you wondering how good Barbra Banda has been since arriving in Orlando? Me neither, but here is a cool stat from OptaJack on her shot production.
- Orlando City fans know all too well how good FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta is at scoring goals. Now, the striker is in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. and expressed a desire to play for the USMNT. It would be nice to have him score goals for a team I support.
- Nottingham Forest’s point reduction appeal was rejected by the independent board overseeing the decision. Only three points separate Nottingham from Luton Town and the relegation zone with two matches left this season.
- I know that some Orlando City fans were hoping to see Thiago Silva join the Lions after he left Chelsea, but that rumor never made sense financially, and the defender has chosen to rejoin his old Brazilian club, Fluminense.
- It’s not often that someone follows up an unpopular decision with an even more unpopular explanation for that decision, but that is exactly what MLS Commissioner Don Garber did when explaining that the U.S. Open Cup didn’t offer a competition that “drives value” and that “rises to the level where fans care about it.” I’m sure everyone will now understand the decision. Well done, Commish.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/7/24
Barbra Banda up for NWSL Goal of the Week, Americans in midweek action, Champions League preview, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s teams over the weekend, as Orlando City B drew 1-1 with Chattanooga FC and lost the subsequent shootout, Orlando City lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, and the Orlando Pride won 1-0 over Racing Louisville. As usual, we have a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s dig into the links.
Barbra Banda Up for Goal of the Week
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her strike in the 77th minute against the North Carolina Courage last Wednesday. Banda controlled the ball off a throw-in, turned, and drove across the box before slotting a low shot past Casey Murphy for the Pride’s fourth and final goal of the game. She scored twice in that game and scored again in Sunday’s win over Racing Louisville. Banda now has four goals in four games — including at least one in each of her three starts since appearing off the bench in her debut — and shows no sign of slowing down. Make sure you go vote for her to win this week’s award!
Americans in Midweek Action
As usual, there are a number of Americans playing games this week, so make sure you mark down any that you want to tune in for. Wednesday has Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey traveling to El Volcan to take on Tigres in the quarterfinals of the Clausura. Moving to Friday, Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, and Venezia have a chance to gain promotion to Serie A if they beat Spezia and Como loses. On the other side of things, former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini and Como play Cosenza, and will secure automatic promotion as long as they don’t have a worse result than Venezia.
UEFA Champions League Preview
The UEFA Champions League continues this week with the second legs of the two semifinal matchups. In this afternoon’s game, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has said that even Kylian Mbappe will have to work hard defensively if his team is going to progress to the final. Borussia Dortmund leads that tie 1-0, and will need to rely on a defense that has kept five clean sheets in this year’s tournament. However, the German club has a concerning record away from home, where it has lost nine of its last 11 games. In tomorrow’s game between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, this season’s La Liga winner will hope its finishing prowess continues from the first leg, when it turned two chances into two goals.
European Transfer Rumor Roundup
With European seasons drawing to a close, the transfer rumor mill is starting to heat up, which means there are several items worth discussing today. First, Manchester United will reportedly face competition to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Chelsea and PSG are said to also be interested in signing the Frenchman, who was instrumental in his side’s 4-0 drubbing of the Red Devils yesterday. Staying in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has said he intends to be part of the transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, confirming that he does not intend to leave in the summer. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich is said to have agreed to personal terms with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. David Moyes has confirmed he will leave West Ham at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that the Hammers have reached an agreement with Julen Lopetegui to be the team’s new manager.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held steady at 20th in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Bruno Fernandes missed a club match due to injury for the first time in his career, as he did not play in Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace.
- Speaking of that match, the Premier League outfitted the referee with a camera for the first time in that game, with the footage to be released at a later date.
- Angel City FC will enter a team in The Soccer Tournament this summer.
- Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds United.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/6/24
Lions lose at home, Orlando Pride win, OCB draws Chattanooga FC, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was another mixed weekend for our teams as the Lions lost, the Pride won, and OCB drew. As for me, I’ve been busy managing the broadcast operations for the NISA league’s matches this weekend and also got a chance to cover high school soccer, softball, and badminton. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose at Home to FC Cincinnati
Orlando City lost at home for the second straight weekend with a 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Luciano Acosta scored the lone goal for Cincinnati just seconds into the match. Orlando City went down to 10 men when defender Rodrigo Schlegel received a red card in the first half. The Lions had some chances to get back in this one, including a free kick opportunity in the second half when Wilder Cartagena scored what would have been the equalizer, but Facundo Torres was ruled offside, and the goal was waved off. Cincinnati also dropped to 10 men late in the second half as defender Bret Halsey received his second yellow for a foul on Ivan Angulo and knocked the ball out to waste time. Still, FC Cincinnati found a way to hang on for the victory, securing its third win in a row. Orlando City will look to rebound on Saturday as it takes on the Philadelphia Union at Suburu Park.
Orlando Pride Win at Home Against Racing Louisville FC
The Orlando Pride defeated Racing Louisville FC on Sunday, 1-0, at Inter&Co Stadium, winning their fifth straight game. Barbra Banda scored the lone goal of the match and now has four goals for the Pride this season. The Pride remain undefeated in league play, keeping their unbeaten streak alive at eight matches (5-0-3). Orlando also moved up to first in the NWSL table with 18 points. The Pride will be back home on Saturday to face Bay FC.
OCB Draws Chattanooga FC
Orlando City B drew 1-1 on the road against Chattanooga FC on Saturday. The Young Lions trailed early in the first half as Mehdi Ouamri put Chattanooga FC in front 1-0. Later in the first half, OCB got an equalizer, with forward Shak Mohammed finding the back of the net to score his second goal of the season. The match went to penalties after 90 minutes of action, where Chattanooga FC won the extra point with a 5-4 win over OCB. Despite not getting the extra point in penalties, the Young Lions still keep their road unbeaten streak alive at five. OCB will have a quick turnaround with its next match at Osceola County Stadium on Wednesday against New York Red Bulls II.
European Soccer Roundup
Real Madrid clinched the La Liga title on Saturday, defeating Cadiz 3-0, while their rivals Barcelona dropped points in a 4-2 loss to Girona over the weekend. Madrid has now won La Liga for the 36th time and still has a shot of adding another trophy if it gets past Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to reach the final next month. Elsewhere, we had plenty of drama in England. Let’s start in the EFL Championship, where Ipswich Town joined Leicester City, getting promoted to the Premier League after a 2-0 victory against Huddersfield Town. Leeds United, Southhampton, West Brom, and Norwich City will go to the playoffs to determine the third club to secure promotion. Arsenal won 3-0 over Bournemouth, while Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 win over Wolves to keep the EPL title race tight. Arsenal is in first with 83 points, with two matches remaining, while Manchester City is just behind in second with 82 points and three matches left to play.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos gave insight on her first NWSL start for the Pride after their match against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday.
- PSV Eindhoven clinched the Eredivisie title on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Sparta Rotterdam. American Malik Tillman played for 90 minutes, while Ricardo Pepi came off the bench and added an assist.
- USMNT midfielder Christian Pulisic put on a solid performance and contributed an assist for AC Milan in a 3-3 draw against Genoa on Saturday.
- USWNT forward Catarina Macario came off the bench for Chelsea in the second half and made WSL history by adding two assists in 10 minutes in an 8-0 win over Bristol City.
- Despite their manager Xabi Alonso being in the stands serving a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, Bayer Leverkusen dominated Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 and extended its unbeaten streak to 48 matches.
- Wrexham is reportedly targeting Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. His contract expires with the Premier League-bound club at the end of June.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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