Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/25/18
Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. Itโs been an exciting weekend, highlighted by the return of the Orlando Pride. Unfortunately, the return ended in a draw and saw Alex Morgan leave before the halftime whistle, but more on that to come.
Itโs also been a conveniently timed bye week for the Lions, who have several key players that are still working themselves into shape for their 2018 debuts. I will admit though: I really missed the boys in purple this weekend.
Fortunately for you, The Mane Land didnโt have a bye week. So here I am, serving up your Sunday helping of Lion Links. Bon appetite.
Pride Draw Season Opener, Morgan Suffers Potential Concussion
In what will be remembered as a chippy affair full of collisions, the Orlando Pride drew their season opener, 1-1, as they hosted Utah Royals FC. With the result now decided, weโre all left to wait in anxious anticipation for word on the status of star striker Alex Morgan, who left the field just prior to halftime and is undergoing concussion protocol. Meanwhile, Marta, who drew the Pride level by dispatching a penalty kick with ease in the 21st minute, was voted as Star of the Match by the Prideโs supporters.
- Michael Citro has your match recap.
- RSL Soapbox has the view from the other side.
And check in later today for our five takeaways from Scott Carnevale and a photo gallery from Carlos Romero.
Landon Donovon Believes Youth is Key for USMNT Success
Donovan, a USMNT legend with 57 goals over 157 caps, was the captain and the face of U.S. soccer throughout some of the countryโs most successful campaigns. Heโs hurting with the rest of us as our national team has struggled as of late, painfully failing to qualify for this summerโs World Cup in Russia. His suggestion for improvement? Focus on the young American talent of MLS, and ensure that they see playing time.
โWe needย Nick Limasย andย Tommy Thompsonsย and a plethora of other guys throughout the league getting opportunities to play and do well and succeed if weโre ever going to succeed at the national-team level,โ said Donovan, whose Club Leon side will likely face Lima and Thompson at some point during their friendly with theย San Jose Earthquakesย on Saturday. โItโs just a fact of lifeโฆPlayers like that getting opportunities are going to lead to us winning a World Cup someday โ as long as we figure out that thatโs what we need to do. Iโm hopeful that that will happen.โ
Another name that Donovan failed to mention here, but absolutely falls into this category, is the Lionsโ Chris Mueller. The no. 6 overall pick out of Wisconsin is a young talent that isnโt quite yet on the radar of the national team, but could be with some big performances. Due to injuries to the Lionsโ attacking depth, Mueller has been getting significant playing time under his belt. Itโs only a matter of time until he converts these opportunities.
Meet the New (USMNT) Kids on the Block
Itโs almost as if someone was listening to Landon. The U.S. menโs national team has recently called up some newer, younger faces for upcoming friendlies. Recognizable and exciting names such as Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson, and Marky Delgado will be donning the new stars-and-stripes-themed jerseys in a time in which the program is finally looking towards the future. Meet the players that will hopefully reinvigorate the squad and lead the U.S. to glory down the road.
Yoshi Sees Red for Peru
Orlando Cityโs Yoshimar Yotun was sent off in Fridayโs international friendly vs. Croatia for a second yellow. It appears he was shown a second yellow (and the subsequent red) when he obstructed Real Madrid superstar Luka Modricโs attempt at a quick-start free kick. It also appears that Yotun was unaware of a stoppage in play, but Iโll let you decide:
Unfortunately for Yoshi, he will be suspended for Peruโs next friendly against Iceland.
Cyle Larin Expresses Support for Orlando City
Besiktas striker and former Lion Cyle Larin was recently interviewed during his time with Canada and expressed support for his former side.
โIโll always support Orlando,โ said Larin. โIโve been there since the start of my professional career. I have a lot of teammates that are friends there so I hope for the best for them.โ
Larin, who left the Lions under contentious circumstances, has yet to see the field for his new team, but he remains optimistic that he can settle in and make in impact down the line as Bestikas pushes for a third consecutive league championship.
โHopefully I can get into a game. We have a lot of important games coming up and we have to go into every one and make sure we win and hopefully we can be champions again.โ
Free Kicks
- The announced attendance for yesterdayโs Pride season opener was 9,017 at Orlando City Stadium; well above last seasonโs average and double the majority of last seasonโs averages.
9,017 in the house for tonight's opener. ๐#FilledWithPride pic.twitter.com/l75AhjC4fy
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 25, 2018
- Orlando City and the Orlando Magic are keeping their major tech projects local, choosing to hire firms here in Central Florida.
- If you havenโt already, meet the USMNTโs Kenny Saief. His story is beyond miraculous.
- Vancouver Whitecapsโ Kendall Watson had his red card from last week rescinded. It was a controversial VAR-influenced decision, too.
- New York City FCโs Alexander Ring has been ruled out for four weeks with a knee injury.
- Sporting Kansas Cityโs home shirt has the motto โNo other clubโ written on their right sleeve in captain Matt Beslerโs handwriting:
Did you know: โNo other clubโ is in Capt. Matt Beslerโs handwriting ๐ #COLvSKC pic.twitter.com/iai3Hmxm1c
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 25, 2018
What a weekend, right? The Pride are back and the Lions got some rest. Hopefully, you did too. Remember to check back in with us for updates on the status of Alex Morgan, and for all things Orlando soccer.
Until next time, Mane Landers, have an excellent week.
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 Iโll 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!
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United: Final Score 2-0 as Early Season Futility Continues for Lions
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando City5 days ago
Orlando City vs. Austin FC: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville: Final Score 2-2 as 10-Player Pride Finish Two-Goal Comeback
-
Lion Links1 week ago
Lion Links: 3/20/24
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City’s Tumble in the MLS Power Rankings Shows Current Troubles
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City at Atlanta United FC: Five Takeaways