Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/16/19
Wow, what a Friday it was in the world of Orlando City news! I’m happy to be able to bring you my first-ever Lion Links after a chaotic day that saw tons of rumors and a couple of big reveals. Before you head down to the stadium for today’s inaugural Orlando City Invitational, I’ve got plenty of news to tide all of you Mane Landers over until we can finally get our first look at the 2019 Lions.
Without further delay, have at it!
Nani Likely on the Way to Orlando City
As first reported by Paul Tenorio and confirmed by The Mane Land yesterday, former Manchester United standout and current Sporting Lisbon captain Nani is very close to signing a deal with Orlando City. Through some sort of minor miracle, the club might even be able to pull this off on a free transfer, although a current DP (likely Sacha Kljestan) will need to be bought down. Nani should be able to slot into the lineup as a winger, but Head Coach James O’Connor could choose to pair him with Dom Dwyer up front. Either way, Orlando City will be adding some world-class firepower to its fledgling attack, as long as the deal is finalized.
Orlando City Reveals New #BringtheNoise Kit
After several leaks over the last few weeks, Orlando City finally held its 2019 Kit and Face of City Fan Reveal event at Lion’s Pride in downtown O-town on Friday evening. An exciting #BringtheNoise promotional video was shown before introducing the new Face of City participants, each rocking the beautiful Bring the Noise home kit. The reveal was also simultaneously televised on FOX35, the club’s recently announced local broadcast partner. Those in attendance were then able to be among the first to purchase the new kit, with the first 500 purchasers receiving a limited edition Bring the Noise patch.
¡Dale mi amor!#BringTheNoise in the all-new City home kit. 😈@orlandohealth | #FaceOfCity pic.twitter.com/N9Z08w8IuZ
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 15, 2019
Minnesota United Stirs Up Orlando City Invitational Streaming Drama
Thanks to some not-so-subtle shade from this Minnesota United tweet, Orlando City once again found itself involved in some unnecessary drama Friday afternoon. As Mike Gramajo tweeted in response, Minnesota wanted to stream its Orlando City Invitational matches using only one camera. Since that is below the MLS broadcast requirements, Orlando City officials denied the request. The unfortunate problem with this latest kerfuffle is that it’s one more thing neutrals, and Orlando City haters, can and will use against the club. Though we appear to be in the right this time, we did not need any more negative press. On a positive Orlando City Invitational note, the trophy was shown off in this clip:
What's on the line starting tomorrow.
Tickets for the Orlando City Invitational are available starting at $15: https://t.co/AZxny08pCN
STM will receive complimentary tickets by making a donation of a minimum of $5 to the @OrlandoCityFnd. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/Kn1nb8A6uj
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 15, 2019
Orlando SeaWolves to Play Florida Tropics After Short Break
Orlando City vs. New York City FC won’t be the only Orlando soccer happening tonight, as the Orlando SeaWolves of the MASL travel to the RP Funding Center in Lakeland to take on the Florida Tropics. The SeaWolves went on a short break after going away to beat the St. Louis Ambush back on Feb. 2. Since February is American Heart Month, the Tropics will be sporting some unique jerseys in support of the American Heart Association.
The team will be sporting speciality red jerseys for the 2nd annual American Heart Association night tomorrow vs Orlando. Download the @livesource app and select Lakeland to bid on your favorite players starting at 7pm tomorrow through Monday at 5pm. Tix: https://t.co/9XVmz8EuGg. pic.twitter.com/WkCuYLrlIz
— Florida Tropics SC (@FLTropicsSC) February 15, 2019
Kickoff time for the match is 7:05 p.m. and Austin David has more about it in his preview here. Go SeaWolves!
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Kevin Ellis has himself a new job.
- The Orlando City Foundation started its #KickingItBack campaign this past week.
- Orlando City Foundation President Kay Rawlins attended the Go Red for Women event to raise awareness for women’s heart health.
- Three Orlando Pride players received all-W-League honors, while another got an international call-up.
- The united Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay bid for World Cup 2030 was confirmed.
- Elsewhere in MLS, the Vancouver Whitecaps brought back former MLS All-Star Fredy Montero…
- …while the Seattle Sounders went even more green…
- …and San Jose Earthquakes Head Coach Matias Almeyda had this to say about MLS in Copa Libertadores.
- Brazilian soccer club Flamengo played its first match after a tragic fire killed 10 of its academy players.
- Bradenton’s IMG Academy, which you might remember as the place where Orlando City started this preseason, will be hosting the 2019 Concacaf Under-17 Championship.
- Finally, Louisville City FC, former home of Orlando City coach James O’Connor and new signings Kyle Smith and Greg Ranjitsingh, beat the New England Revolution 3-1 in a preseason match.
Whew, that was quite of bit of news for my first time! I very much look forward to interacting with you fine readers in the comments — I only ask that you’re gentle with me just this once. Make sure you get out there and help the boys defend our fortress tonight. Go City!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/2/24
The Pride win big, OCSC celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, USMNT news, and more.
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. It’s also Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating him as well. 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.
Free Kicks
- Despite Bayern Leverkusen’s 46-match unbeaten run, and winning the Bundesliga title, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi believes his team can defeat the German club in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday.
- Borussia Dortmund defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie between the two clubs. Dortmund’s Niclas Fullkrug provided the only goal.
- Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have bigger plans for their club than previously suspected. The pair want to potentially increase the capacity of their stadium, SToK Racecourse, to 55,000 seats.
- Never pulled the trigger on the Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass? Now, you can get it for the remainder of the season at a 30% discount. Once you get past the Messi ads the coverage is pretty good.
- Former USWNT player Carli Lloyd is pregnant, though it was a long journey to get there. She shares her story of unexplained infertility and multiple rounds of IVF treatments. Congratulations, Carli.
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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/1/24
Mason Stajduhar was arrested, Orlando Pride play at home tonight, Colin Guske discusses his signing, and more.
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.
- Spirit defender Anna Heilferty will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury in the team’s loss to the Pride.
- American forward Haji Wright scored his 19th goal across all competitions in Coventry City’s 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town. He will have a chance to make it 20 when Coventry hosts Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
- 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!
Lion Links
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.
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.
Free Kicks
- The Pride have risen to third in CBSsports.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Meanwhile, Orlando City is down to 20th in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- There are a number of Americans playing in midweek games, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar.
- Speaking of Americans, Jesse Marsch has been linked with South Korea’s managerial opening.
- Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny have purchased a minority stake in Necaxa.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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