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Lion Links: 7/22/20

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Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope the day finds you well. Let’s go ahead and jump right into the links.

Pareja’s Work Shows the Value of Top Coaches

If you’ve been watching the MLS is Back Tournament it’s very clear to see that this year Orlando City feels like a completely different team. It’s evident that Oscar Pareja’s coaching is working for the Lions. Through five matches with the club, Pareja is helping shift the conversation from investing in expensive players to investing in the value of coaches. We’re here for it, and the players are responding. Papi lauded his players after Monday’s win.

“They decided from the first minute to be protagonists of the game and I think they did it,” said Pareja as he congratulated his team on the comeback draw that earned them first place in Group A. “We have another experience when we were down in the score, and we bounced back quickly. That just tells us that the team has personality and desire, and that made us feel very confident. We try to give them guidelines and give them a structure, but the heart of the game is managed by the players,” he noted later in Spanish. “In the end, they wanted more, and in the locker room there was dissatisfaction with the result. And that makes us feel that they want to have the initiative all the time.”

Feeding the Bubble

There’s no question that the Swan and Dolphin resort has been tasked with quite the mission in providing three to five meals a day for all the players and staff currently in the bubble for the MLS is Back Tournament. The hotel estimates it serves almost 5,000 meals a day.

“They’re burning thousands and thousands of calories, I’m sure, running miles on end in a game or practice,” Swan and Dolphin director of food and beverage Luciano Sperduto told ESPN. “We’ve been pretty amazed by the food intake.”

The teams will sometimes eat in one of the onsite restaurants instead of the “buffeteria” style dining to help mix it up. Grubhub, DoorDash, and Instacart are being used regularly by players. Sporting Kansas City ordered Chipotle for everyone to give them a taste of something familiar and to keep things varied.

NWSL Approves Expansion to Los Angeles in 2022

Los Angeles is getting a new team, and this one is for the women. The NWSL announced yesterday that a majority women-funded group with Natalie Portman, Kara Nortman, Julie Uhrman, and Alexis Ohanian at the helm will work to get the new club off the ground. The official name and venue will be revealed later in the year but they’re currently referring to the new club as “Angel City.”

“The growth trajectory of the NWSL is incredibly exciting, but we also need to be strategic and thoughtful about how fast we expand and the communities we partner with,” NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird said. “We’ve long sought the right partner in LA considering the NWSL fanbase that already exists in the region and the massive interest in women’s soccer in general. Those factors, along with an incredible ownership group make this an ideal situation and we couldn’t be more thrilled to move forward.”

Post-Challenge Cup Discussions Taking Place

The National Women’s Soccer League had not previously mentioned that there would a regular season following the Challenge Cup, leaving soccer beyond the event an open question. However, the league’s owners will be meeting virtually to discuss plans for the rest of the season as teams want to keep playing.

“The strong opinion is, we’ll be playing matches end of August, September and whenever we can, whether it’s NWSL-sanctioned matches or league play or a tournament format,” Washington Spirit Coach Richie Burke said Monday. “I’m not quite sure. Everybody I spoke to out in Utah, all the coaches and most of the staff, were like, ‘Let’s play, let’s do more.’

So we might just get to see some Orlando Pride action after all!

Free Kicks

  • Who will OCSC face in the Round of 16? The answer is complicated.
  • The USL released a statement on COVID-19 testing among players and staff. In USL League One, 720 tests were administered to 385 players and club staff and there were eight positive tests among the 12 clubs. No word on whether OCB was one of those clubs. The Young Lions kick off their 2020 season in 10 days.
  • Who will OCSC face in the Round of 16? The answer is complicated.
  • In yesterday’s MLS is Back action, Atlanta United crashed out of the tournament without a point or even a goal, after a 1-0 loss to Columbus, D.C. United was eliminated after a 1-0 loss to Montreal, and Toronto FC and New England played to a 0-0 draw.
  • Who was your first love?


That’s going to do it for me this morning, everyone. Don’t forget, the NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals will be played today in Utah. Have a great day and stay safe!

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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