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Lion Links: 3/8/20

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. Let’s begin by wishing the Orlando Pride’s Claire Emslie a special happy birthday! The Scottish phenom turns 26 years old today! She’s been in great form for her nation and she’s just now entering her prime, hopefully she brings her best to the Pride this season and helps the club return to form. We’re lucky to have you, Claire!

All right, on to today’s serving of Links. Enjoy!

Lions Fall Late to the Rapids

Following a draw against Real Salt Lake that the Lions could have easily won, the boys in purple traveled to Colorado to take on the Rapids last night. Despite the lads rocking the new Heart and Sol kit, it was hard for me to feel optimistic going into this one with the lineup that Oscar Pareja chose. The match was a back and forth affair, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Lions’ performance. I actually called the Chris Mueller sub and goal at halftime (ask our staff…), so his “super sub” label seems to be sticking around. It is what it is.

In the end, the Lions walked away with zero points and a 2-1 heartbreaking loss — yet the supporters, as well as myself, likely still feel like it was City’s match to win. What’s continuing to be painfully obvious is that the Lions are missing their offensive weapons. I sure hope this is remedied soon. Michael Citro has your match recap.

And check back later today when the bearded guy drops his five takeaways.

SeaWolves Drown in the Wave

The Orlando SeaWolves…well, they’ve endured a horrid season. Yesterday’s match, coupled with today’s rematch against the Wave, marks the final road trip that the SeaWolves will make this season. I’m sure the Orlando-based MASL club is more than ready to put this season behind it though, as a record of 1-18 — they lost this one 11-3 — has plagued the team and resulted in poor morale and chemistry. The Wave, to their credit, have been having a strong season and moved to 13-6 following yesterday’s drubbing of the SeaWolves. Today’s match should bring more of the same, but who knows, maybe the SeaWolves will ride the Wave into a second win…man, even the bad dad jokes won’t even cleanse the bad taste from my mouth when it comes to this season.

Cheers are in order for Piotr Sliwa, at the very least, as the man in goal is set to retire. Thanks for all of your hard work, Piotr. You will be missed.

How Nani Reached the Top

Having now officially served his two-match suspension, Lions captain Nani is raring to go, ready to return to the pitch, don the famous purple kit, and make an immediate impact. While the Portuguese legend will likely make an instant difference on the field, many may not know that the winger was not an instant success as a player.

The winger’s ascension to the top is, at this point, well documented, but I have to be honest; I had no idea just how much others around him wanted him to succeed, and how far they went to see just that. Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably one of the greatest players of all time (and most certainly one of the most divisive), even let Nani live with him at his home in Manchester following his move to Manchester United, providing the Portuguese up-and-comer with a comfortable place to grow while adapting to one of the most competitive leagues in the world. The Lions are lucky to have Nani and personally, I can’t wait to see the icon return to the pitch for the Lions.

SheBelieves Cup: Today’s Fixtures

The U.S. Women’s National Team opened the SheBelieves Cup tournament with a 2-0 win against a strong England side, and today face off against the Spanish national team. Meanwhile, the English women will play against Japan. Christen Press and Carli Lloyd both found the back of the net against England, and Spain should be an easier opponent (knock on wood), but don’t expect a rout from the women donning the Stars & Stripes. The Spanish are a rising side in women’s soccer and have played the USWNT close in their two previous meetings.

England should put away Japan, but I’ve come to realize over the years that you can never count out the Nadeshiko Japan, even though the USWNT beat them in convincing fashion in the 2015 World Cup, 5-2.

Free Kicks

  • Wait…you too, Josh Sargent! Take a bow! Americans abroad have been lighting it up as of late, particularly in the German Bundesliga. I love it!

  • Former Lion Dillon Powers is finding success at Dundee United, but sheesh, their social media manager produces some borderline cringe-worthy content. Regardless, Powers was the lone scorer in his club’s 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle yesterday in the top tier Scottish league.

  • Inter Miami scored the club’s first goal yesterday, and it came from Rodolfo Pizzaro, their marquee signing in their maiden voyage into MLS play. That’s cool, I guess.

  • Here’s a lesson for everyone: don’t speak poorly of your boss. AC Milan chief football executive, or former executive that is, Zvonimir Boban was fired following a “rogue interview” in which he criticized his club’s owner and CEO. Not a smart move, Boban. Not a smart move.
  • Since we mentioned Cristiano earlier in this serving of Links, why not end with his inevitable counterpart, the one who he’ll be forever compared to? Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player to ever grace a pitch on this planet, scored five times in a Champions League match eight years ago yesterday. Sorry for the reminder, Bayer Leverkusen supporters.


Before I make my leave, I have to show you how awesome this young point guard makes his entrances, courtesy of his amazing father. I can’t express to you folks how much I love this, and how many times I watched it, with a happy tear forming in my eye.

Okay, now that I’ve left you just a tad emotional (if that doesn’t lift your spirits, you might be a monster), that’s all I’ve got for you, Mane Landers. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend (make sure your clocks are appropriately reset), and then have an excellent 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.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

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


That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.

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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.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

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.

That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/25/24

Orlando City gets first win, Pride and OCB earn draws, USMNT wins Nations League, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. What a weekend it was for the teams in purple, with results all around. I’ll take more weekends like that, please. Even my Tallahassee Soccer Club pulled out a win in a friendly on Saturday night. Here’s hoping this week is just as good. Let’s get to the links, but first, let’s give a shout out to Dave Shine, our most recent Buy Me a Coffee subscriber. If you’re not familiar with that, it’s a way for us to give you more content/value (or you can simply make a one-time donation if you don’t wish to subscribe). There are thre levels at which you can get involved. Check them out here.

Orlando City Victorious

It took a lot longer than any of us liked, but Orlando City posted its first victory of the 2024 regular season in a 2-0 win over Austin FC at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night. Jack Lynn scored a goal in his first start with the senior team and Nico Lodeiro opened his account with Orlando City. It was a much better performance from the Lions despite not having several normal starters due to international call-ups. Orlando City’s next match is at home against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

Pride Come Back for Late Draw

The Orlando Pride came from behind for a second match in a row, earning a 1-1 draw against Angel City FC Friday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride left it about as late as possible, with Marta scoring the equalizer in the 88th minute of the match. Seb Hines was forced to employ a makeshift back line with Kylie Strom serving a red card suspension and Emily Sams out sick. The Pride are back in action this Friday at home against the Chicago Red Stars.

OCB Win Shootout Following Draw at Huntsville

Orlando City B earned two points in a penalty shootout win over Huntsville City FC at Joe W. Davis Stadium on Friday night in Alabama. The Young Lions earned one point for the 1-1 draw and another for the shootout win. It’s an MLS Next Pro rule. The Young Lions are a point behind first place in the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference standings. OCB has a bit of a rest until the club hosts Inter Miami II on April 2. If you aren’t watching OCB, you really should. The matches are always exciting.

USMNT Wins Concacaf Nations League

The USMNT defeated Mexico 2-0 on Sunday to win the Concacaf Nations League. Tyler Adams sent in an absolute banger to give the U.S. the lead just before halftime.

In the second half, Gio Reyna scored the second goal on a one-time volley to make it dos a cero.

Once again, the Mexico fans used homophobic slurs in a banned chant, meaning that the match was stopped and the players brought to the center circle. That this keeps happening is utterly abhorrent and, in my opinion, more serious repercussions need to happen for it to stop. Regardless, the U.S. won the competition on the pitch.

Free Kicks

  • Florian Wirtz scored the fasted goal ever for Germany. It only took Wirtz seven seconds to give Germany the lead over France. The Germans ultimately won 2-0.
  • Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner accepted the “how fast can you score” challenge thrown down by Wirtz and beat him by one second. Baumgartner scored after only six seconds in the 2-0 friendly win over Slovakia. It was a national team record for Austria.
  • Julian Hall made an appearance for the New York Red Bulls at the tender age of 15 years old — one day before his 16th birthday. He was able to do so because the match was at 2 p.m., meaning he wouldn’t break any New Jersey labor laws.
  • Brazil’s Endrick became the youngest male scorer at Wembley Stadium, breaking a 40-year-old record formerly held by Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside.
  • Spain defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in a Women’s Nations League semifinal to earn a berth in the Paris Olympics.
  • The Houston Dynamo broke the hearts of Colorado Rapids fans with this last-minute winner.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the upcoming matches. Vamos Orlando.

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