Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/20/16
That was a weekend to forget for Orlando City, but more soccer is always just around the corner and we want to be there to cover it. So if you are a big fan of Orlando City, we are always looking out for more writers, contributors, and editors to help bring you all the action in the soccer world. If you are interested, click the link above, or give us an email at themaneland@gmail.com. However, make sure before you do that to enjoy today’s Lion Links.
Larin Up for MLS Goal of the Week
There weren’t many positives to take away from Orlando City’s defeat at the hands of Columbus Crew SC, however one is that our only goal from the contest is up for MLS Goal of the Week. The young Canadian’s deft turn and shot from outside of the box was a moment of brilliance in a game of mediocrity, and it was also nice to see Larin’s name return to a score sheet as it has almost been a month since his goal against Toronto.
Young Lions Roar onto MLS 24 Under 24 List
It’s that time again where MLS gives us a list of its 24 top players under the age of 24. Last year, Cyle Larin was the only Lion that made the top 24 despite Rafael Ramos, Cristian Higuita and Carlos Rivas also being on the shortlist. This year, however, Orlando City has already done better with rankings between 24 and 16 being revealed.
Coming in at No. 23 is Central Florida native Tommy Redding. The 19-year-old center back has been a vital part of the Orlando City back line this season and, despite the team's frailties at the back, young Mr. Redding has a very bright future ahead of him in this league due to his athleticism, build, and understanding of the game.
Joining him on the list at No. 21 is Colombian defensive midfielder Cristian Higuita. At the start of the year, the defensive midfield partnership of Orlando City looked pretty set with Higuita and Darwin Ceren, however, with the trade of Ceren to San Jose and an injury to Higuita, things now look quite different. That doesn’t stop Higuita being identified as one of the best young talents in MLS right now.
One player who we hope will make it onto next year's roster is everyone's forgotten man, Bryan Rochez, who notched another goal while on loan at Honduran club RCD Espana on Sunday.
¡GOOOOOL DE RÓCHEZ! Gritalo aurinegro. Merecidamente empatamos el juego. ¡Vamos por el del triunfo! pic.twitter.com/QnlY401Lgb
— Real España Oficial (@rcdespana) September 18, 2016
Orlando Falls One Place in MLS Power Rankings
Despite the disastrous performance put on by the Lions at home on Saturday evening, the relative effect this had on their weekly MLS ranking was negligible with the purple-clad lads only dropping one spot, from 13th place last week to 14th this week. However, the correlation is that Columbus Crew’s resounding defeat bumped the team up three places, to 15th, one below Orlando City. First-place Toronto FC maintained its top spot in the rankings, with Jozy Altidore on fire; and speaking of Fire, Chicago has no change from last week’s bottom spot at No. 20, despite a 2-2 draw against D.C. Make sure to come back tomorrow to see our own Jeff Milby’s power rankings.
USL Playoff Race Down to the Wire
We're now into the final week of the USL regular season and the roundup from the league is describing OCB's chances at a playoff spot being "down to the wire." A win over Bethlehem Steel FC on Sunday for OCB and a defeat for Wilmington over their visiting Richmond Kickers may be enough to put our beach boys into the playoffs. Stay tuned to The Mane Land for full coverage of the upcoming race to the finish!
beIN Sports Asserting Itself as a Soccer Power Channel
Most soccer nuts (so pretty much all of you who are reading this) know about beIN Sports and its expansive coverage of European league soccer matches from La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and others even if you've never signed up or watched. However, it sounds like beIN is continuing to increase its influence over the U.S. soccer fan's viewing habits by adding even more matches to its newly updated streaming service, Sports Connect. I'm not writing their infomercial for them, so if you're interested in learning more, check them out yourself.
Free Kicks
- 35-year-old Portland Timbers midfielder Jack Jewsbury is retiring at season’s end
- Futsal is now a thing, which means we want to let you know that the final 16 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup is now in place.
- Joe Gyau is nearing a return from injury and the USMNT may still be in his future.
- UCF attacker Matias Pyysalo went all David Beckham against Jacksonville University.
- Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jeremy Helan is giving up the beautiful game to focus on religion.
That is all the soccer news fit to link today, Mane Landers. Make sure to drop us an email, comment (or even a fanshot) if you are interested in writing for us, and stay tuned for the best Orlando City blog coverage available.
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. 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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