Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/25/17
Happy Hump Day, Mane Landers! Hopefully your week is moving at exactly the speed you need it to be. And for me, that’s lightning fast as we move towards what I hope is going to be an exciting MLS playoffs. Hint: I’m rooting for the Columbus Crew to get to the final because I not-so-secretly love chaos and would love to see them host the MLS Cup (if you don't know the new format, here it is).
But on to today's news…
Pride Players Out On Loan & W-League Looking Strong Ahead OF 10th Year
The Orlando Pride have released official news of three players going out on loan to the Australian W-League:
- Rookie Rachel Hill will join NWSL MVP Sam Kerr at Perth Glory.
- Toni Pressley will make her first stint with Canberra United.
- Steph Catley will join her Pride teammate Alanna Kennedy at two-time reigning champions Melbourne City.
Catley also recognizes the importance of the 10th season of the W-League brings and the growth the league has seen on the verge of its 10th season.
“We’ve attracted a lot of good players to the league this year and from what we’ve done on the international stage… It’s going to be a really strong league and all the teams have recruited very well, there is a lot of momentum with the Matildas so the W-League is looking really strong this year and I am excited to be a part of it.”
We wish all the Pride players best of luck in their campaigns and a healthy return for the 2018 season.
City Breaks Down 2017 Acquisitions and Sutter Reflects On Year 1
Orlando City did the dirty work for us and broke down all the final statistics for its 2017 acquisitions. With 11 moves, Orlando City stayed very active to help this third-year roster. If you want to judge the club on the effectiveness of the moves, the four main acquisitions to start the season were Donny Toia, Giles Barnes, Jonathan Spector, and Scott Sutter, who all played 25-plus matches. Add in the mid-season transfers of Dom Dwyer, Yoshi Yotún, and Dillon Powers, and you can't say Niki Budalic and co. sat still.
Sutter also gave his take on his first season with Orlando City. He was arguably one of the Lions’ most consistent players, and certainly the club’s second-best defender behind Spector.
“For me, on a personal note, I’ve loved it,” Sutter said after training last Wednesday, “I’ve enjoyed kind of every minute of it other than, obviously, the defeats. But, you know, just the transition to a new team, to a new city, it’s been great for me. I’ve really, really enjoyed being here and transition and how easy everyone’s made it for me. So, I feel right at home and I already can’t wait for next season.”
Longtime Bruce Arena Assistant Named Interim USMNT Coach
Dave Sarachan, longtime assistant of Bruce Arena, has been named by U.S. Soccer to become the interim head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team for the upcoming friendly against Portugal this November. He’s still under contract with the USSF and it made logical sense to carry on in the short term while longer-term, or permanent, solutions can be vetted.
Should we care? Maybe a little. But ultimately this period before the presidential vote in February is more of a blip on the radar that just needs someone to fill. Rumors are the U-20 coach, Tab Ramos, was strongly considered, but opted to wait instead of being judged by a tumultuous intermediate time frame.
USSF President Nominee Steve Egan Shares His Positions
As of now, we know of three nominees for U.S. Soccer president this February. Steve Gans — a lawyer from Boston with a long history in the U.S. Soccer landscape — has publicly put out his positions on a variety of topics.
My personal take? I’m not ruling him out. He has some good points, some typical fluff and generalization, but I think he’s saying some good things overall. My favorite point is his statement to take USSF’s surplus and invest some of it into scholarships for financially challenged kids.
Who’s to say what won't come out over the next few months, but Gans is a very serious candidate and you should get to know him.
De Gea Omission Probably the Biggest FIFA Awards Snub
Getting on my usual goalkeeper soapbox! OK, seriously though, how is Manchester United’s David De Gea not on the ballot for FIFA’s Goalkeeper of the Year? Gigi Buffon won on what was arguably the best year any 39-year-old has had, and I’ll admit to you that De Gea shouldn't have been a finalist. But not on the ballot at all? Not that I’m surprised at another farcical instance with FIFA, but this is like saying LeBron James or Tom Brady shouldn't be considered every year for MVP. It just shouldn't happen.
Ummm, where's David De Gea? pic.twitter.com/y4Dc2XM8gy
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) October 23, 2017
Free Kicks:
- The NASL, in the midst of its lawsuit, claims it has eight teams for 2018. Interesting.
- The NASL is also claiming MLS/SUM was trying to buy out and disband the NY Cosmos.
- MLS has more financial clout than LIGA MX? While that may not show in CONCACAF Champions League, that’s what Chivas execs contend on battle for LAFC Designated Player Carlos Vela.
- Juan Mata’s Common Goal Campaign gains six new members, including former USWNT player Heather Reilly.
- If you didn't already know, Zinedine Zidane is legendary. The FIFA Coach of the Year Award gave him a level of achievement no other player has reached.
- Columbus Crew’s Ola Kamara believes he should be playing for Norway’s National Team.
And for the daily update on enemy numero uno, Anthony Precourt, and the current situation of the #SaveTheCrew initiative, Columbus officials released this statement:
Mayor Ginther & Alex Fischer, President and CEO of the Columbus Partnership, released this statement regarding @ColumbusCrewSC: pic.twitter.com/9veMJFuAOn
— Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther) October 24, 2017
I remain hopeful that it’s more of a political play by Precourt and hopefully all this momentum will help steer back the situation onto the right course. And, of course, if that doesn't work, there’s always this:
With @BizMarkie on our side, we can't possibly lose this fight. #SaveTheCrew pic.twitter.com/5Np6SZm1n4
— Morgan Hughes (@Morgan_Hughes) October 24, 2017
Have a great week and enjoy the start of the MLS playoffs!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/28/24
Getting to know Rafael Santos, Orlando Pride prepare for Chicago, Midge Purce out for the season, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week has been treating you well as we gear up for another weekend of soccer. March flew by for me and April is shaping up to be a pretty busy month as well. In other news, I’m looking into adopting a cat and gathering the supplies to make that happen. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Getting to Know Rafael Santos
Orlando City left back Rafael Santos was the latest Lion to field questions as part of the club’s video series for fans to learn more about its players. The 26-year-old spoke about the decision process behind joining Orlando and playing outside of Brazil for the first time in his career after five years with Cruzeiro. He’s brought his attack-minded style of play to the team, particularly in terms of providing lethal crossing from the wing. Make sure to check out the full video as Santos also shared photos of his newborn and showcased his skill with a cavaquinho.
Orlando Pride Prepare to Host Chicago
After a pair of draws to start their season, the Orlando Pride will have a chance to claim their first win of the season when they host the Chicago Red Stars tomorrow night at 6 p.m. Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about how the Pride have shown plenty of resilience so far this young season. The team managed to secure a point in last week’s 1-1 draw with Angel City FC despite a patchwork back line due to injuries. That defense will likely have its hands full against Mallory Swanson and a Chicago team that won both of its first two games. Hines spoke about how the Pride are preparing for Chicago and how they will need the home crowd to bring the support tomorrow night.
Sophia Smith Signs Record-Breaking New Deal
American forward Sophia Smith signed a new contract with the Portland Thorns that will make her the highest-paid NWSL player, according to the club. The new deal will last through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026 as well. The 23-year-old was drafted by the Thorns with the first overall pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft and has gone on to score 34 regular-season goals. Smith re-signed with the club in 2022 and was set to become a free agent following this season, but will instead stay in Portland.
Midge Purce Out for NWSL Season
NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Midge Purce will miss the remainder of the NWSL season after tearing her ACL. The 28-year-old will undergo surgery and suffered the injury in her team’s 1-0 victory over the Portland Thorns this past weekend. She’s been with Gotham since 2020 and assisted on both goals in her team’s 2-1 win in the 2023 NWSL Championship. It’s a tough blow for the United States Women’s National Team too, as she will not be representing the U.S. during this summer’s Olympics in France.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City B’s match against Carolina Core FC on April 14 has been rescheduled.
- Charlotte FC’s Ashley Westwood won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his volleyed effort against the Columbus Crew. Orlando’s Nicolas Lodeiro tied for second in the voting for his free kick goal.
- LAFC signed center back Maxime Chanot from AC Ajaccio in France’s second division. The 34-year-old returns to MLS after nearly 200 matches with New York City FC and joins LAFC on a contract through 2025.
- American forward Josh Sargent, who missed out on the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League win due to an ankle injury, is available to play for Norwich City tomorrow.
- Manchester United is reportedly interested in talking to Wolverhamption’s Gary O’Neil about a coaching role at Old Trafford.
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: 3/27/24
Bally Sports will broadcast Orlando Pride matches, Pride players called up, USWNT announces SheBelieves Cup roster, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I attended my friend’s wedding this past weekend and have been getting myself back into work mode by covering high school tennis this week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Bally Sports Will Broadcast Select Orlando Pride Matches
Bally Sports was announced as the new local television partner for the Orlando Pride. There will be 13 select Pride matches broadcast this season across Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports Sun, and on the Bally Sports app. The partnership will begin this Friday, with the Orlando Soccer Insider show taking place before the kickoff of the Pride’s home match against the Chicago Red Stars at 7 p.m. The show will be broadcast on Bally Sports Florida, and then you can switch to the Bally Sports app to watch Friday’s match. Below are all the select matches that will be broadcast on Bally Sports this season.
Brazilian Orlando Pride Players Called Up
The Orlando Pride’s Marta, Angelina, and Luana were all called up by Brazil for next month’s SheBelieves Cup. Brazil heads into this tournament after a solid showing in the Concacaf W Gold Cup. The format is different for this year’s SheBelieves Cup, as there will only be four matches instead of six. Brazil’s first match of the tournament will be a semifinal on April 6 against Canada in Atlanta.
USWNT Announces Roster for SheBelieves Cup
United States Women’s National Team interim head coach Twila Kilgore announced the 23-player roster for the 2024 SheBelieves Cup matches next month. The USWNT has won this competition four consecutive times since 2020, and is going for a seventh title in 2024. Of those called up, 19 players on this squad were part of the team that won the Concacaf W Gold Cup earlier this month. San Diego Wave forward Jaedyn Shaw, the Concacaf W Gold Cup’s MVP, is back on the roster after she led the USWNT with four goals. The squad also includes familiar names like former Pride forward Alex Morgan, Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, and Olympique Lyon midfielder Lindsey Horan. Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario return to the squad after being sidelined with injuries. The USWNT will begin its quest to defend its SheBelieves Cup title when it faces Japan on April 6 in Atlanta.
MLS Referees Agree to New CBA
After a lockout that resulted in Major League Soccer starting the season with replacement referees, the Professional Soccer Referees Association voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Referee Organization. The new CBA is a seven-year deal that runs through January of 2031. This deal will also include significant pay raises for referees, assistant referees, and video assistant referees. The PRO referees will return to the pitch for this weekend’s MLS matches.
Ukraine, Georgia, and Poland Qualify for Euro 2024
Ukraine has qualified for this summer’s Euros after edging out Iceland 2-1 in its playoff final, with Mykhaylo Mudryk scoring the winning goal in the second half. Georgia eliminated Greece 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw to book a spot in the tournament as well. Georgia qualifies for its first major tournament after coming up short in 2020. Poland also needed penalties to qualify, with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny making the final save against Daniel James to beat Wales 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw.
Free Kicks
- The latest MLS power rankings have been released. The Lions moved up six spots to 21st after finally getting their first regular-season win this past weekend against Austin FC.
- In the MLS NEXT Pro power rankings, Orlando City B dropped two spots to seventh after securing two points on the road against Huntsville City FC.
- FC Dallas midfielder Paxton Pomykal is out for the rest of the season. He’ll undergo season-ending surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee.
- Atlanta United defender Stian Gregersen will be sidelined for three weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee after sustaining a meniscus injury two weeks ago in Atlanta’s match against Orlando City.
- The Ecuadorian FA condemned the behavior of several of its players, including 16-year-old Kendry Paez, for attending a strip club during the international break, but issued no punishment.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/26/24
Jack Lynn named to MLS Team of the Matchday bench, Nico Lodeiro and Marta up for weekly awards, USMNT stock watch, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was an enjoyable weekend for fans of Orlando soccer as the Lions got in the win column, the Pride stayed unbeaten, and Orlando City B picked up two points by way of a shootout win. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s dive in.
Jack Lynn Makes Team of the Matchday Bench
Jack Lynn’s efforts in Orlando City’s 2-0 win over Austin FC have earned him a spot on the bench in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday. Lynn opened the scoring with a well-finished header in the first half, a tally which was also his very first for the senior side. Aside from his goal, he took another shot that was off target, completed 77% of his passes, and recorded 21 touches. The performance earned him a 6 out of 10 grade from Sean Rollins in his player grades from the match. Lynn’s inclusion in the TotM is well deserved, and hopefully it’s the first of many!
Orlando Players Up for Weekly Honors
Nico Lodeiro’s free kick during Orlando City’s win has been nominated for the MLS Goal of the Matchday. In the 64th minute, with the Lions holding a 1-0 lead, courtesy of Lynn’s goal, the good guys were awarded a free kick due to a handball on the edge of the box. Lodeiro proceeded to deliver the goods, scoring his first league goal for OCSC with a powerful, bending effort that Brad Stuver was unable to keep out of the top corner. Make sure you go and vote for Nico to win this week’s award!
He wasn’t the only Orlando player who had an impressive goal either, as the Orlando Pride’s Marta has been nominated for the National Women’s Soccer League Goal of the Week. It was a well-deserved nomination too, as she leveled the score and rescued a point for the Pride in spectacular fashion. With time ticking down in the 88th minute, she expertly volleyed in a corner kick at home. Go and vote for her to win the honor!
Post-Nations League Stock Watch
Several United States Men’s National Team players either boosted or hurt their stock over the course of last week’s Concacaf Nations League matches. Guys like Giovanni Reyna and Tyler Adams turned in impactful and timely performances. Reyna was named the best player of the tournament at a time when minutes at the club level are tough to come by, while Adams looked great as he continues to work his way back from a long injury layoff. Joe Scally and Folarin Balogun struggled though, with Scally being hooked at halftime against Jamaica and Balogun having a relatively quiet two games while fellow striker Haji Wright was the hero against Jamaica. Nobody’s stock dropped more than Mexico’s though, which has now gone seven games without beating the U.S., and hasn’t scored in almost 500 minutes. *Insert eagle screech here*
Big Names Missing for Euro 2024
The club season won’t be over for a couple more months, but there are a number of big stars who we either already know won’t be appearing at this summer’s Euro 2024, or who have a race against the clock in order to feature. The Real Madrid duo of David Alaba and Thibaut Courtois will both miss the tournament through injury, although Courtois’ rocky relationship with Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco means he may not have been called up anyway. Sven Botman will be unavailable for the Netherlands due to an ACL tear. Ivan Perisic suffered the same fate, sidelining him for Croatia. Then there are the cases of Sandro Tonali and Paul Pogba, who are unavailable for Italy and France, respectively, due to suspensions for off-field issues.
Free Kicks
- Happy National Athletic Training Month from one AT (me) to another!
- The young Yanks engineered a late comeback to earn a 2-2 draw with France, with Cade Cowell scoring the equalizer.
- A vote has reportedly taken place on a new tentative agreeement between PRO and the PSRA.
- LAFC has reportedly sent a formal contract offer for Olivier Giroud to join the Western Conference side once the Serie A season concludes.
- Emil Forsberg’s wife has accused him of abandoning and neglecting his family during his move to the New York Red Bulls.
- Vinicius Junior was in tears during a press conference on Monday, as he opened up about the struggles he has faced as a result of the racist abuse he has suffered while playing in La Liga.
That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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