Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/23/21
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope everyone had a good week as we head into a sunny weekend. I will certainly take advantage of the warm weather by walking around my apartment complex or maybe playing some golf with friends. We have lots of soccer news to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Goalkeeper Brandon Austin Loaned to Orlando City
Orlando acquired goalkeeper Brandon Austin on loan from Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League. The loan is for six months, with an option for an additional six months after that. The 22-year-old goalkeeper is part of the England Youth National Team pool, but has dual citizenship and won’t take up an international spot.
Austin has been part of Tottenham’s youth system and joins the Lions after his recent loan spell with Danish side Viborg FF. Pedro Gallese will be busy this year with the Peruvian National Team during international breaks and Austin will most likely compete with Mason Stajduhar for the backup position. Considering Austin’s loan and Andrew Pannenberg’s selection in the MLS SuperDraft, it’s unlikely Brian Rowe will return to Orlando next season.
USWNT Shuts Out Colombia in Exploria Stadium
Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger started in the United States Women’s National Team’s dominant 6-0 win over Colombia in Exploria Stadium. Krieger played at right back and helped the USWNT earn yet another shutout while also delivering the cross for the team’s first goal, although she wasn’t given credit for the assist.
Megan Rapinoe had a brace in the match while Catarina Macario and Midge Purce scored their first USWNT goals. Lynn Williams and Lindsey Horan scored the USWNT’s other two goals and Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris made the roster but didn’t feature. The USWNT has won all four of its games played at Exploria Stadium and will aim to continue that trend in next month’s SheBelieves Cup.
Orlando Pride Sign Phoebe McClernon
The Pride signed defender Phoebe McClernon to a two-year contract. The Pride selected the 23-year-old in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, but never signed her to a full contract until now. After the team withdrew from the NWSL Challenge Cup, McClernon went on loan to Växjö in the Swedish League and made 12 appearances. McClernon will provide much needed depth when fellow defenders Ali Riley, Ali Krieger, and Konya Plummer are called up to their respective national teams. Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner shared his thoughts on bringing McClernon back.
“We’re very excited to welcome Phoebe back to Pride. She has gained valuable experience playing in the Damallsvenskan and this will only help with the maturity of her performance,” Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner said. “Phoebe possesses many skills that will make her an excellent defender for our team and, already knowing her character, I believe she will offer a lot of quality and help us build a solid foundation for the Club moving forward.”
Carrie Lawrence Reflects on First Season With the Pride
The Orlando Pride’s season was much shorter than planned in 2020. Since the team had to pull out of the NWSL Challenge Cup and wait until September for the NWSL Fall Series, many rookies had to wait longer than expected to make their debuts for the Pride. Lawrence discussed her professional debut for the Pride in the match against the North Carolina Courage on Sept. 19.
“To make it and step on that field for the first time – it was surreal,” said Lawrence. “I was definitely nervous – playing North Carolina in my first game was intimidating. But I tried to keep my mind calm and let the anxiety in my body subside. I knew the one thing that I could control was keeping my mind calm. If I let the adrenaline get to my head, then that could affect my performance. I think that definitely helped and that’s something that, going forward, I’ll continue to control.”
Lawrence trained with the club in 2019 and was signed as a supplemental player last January. The Orlando native and UCF soccer alumna will return to the Pride this season and likely participate in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Jordan Morris Signs Loan Deal with Swansea City
The Seattle Sounders officially loaned winger Jordan Morris to Swansea City for the remainder of the 2020-2021 season. The 26-year-old will join the Welsh club, which is in second place in the EFL Championship, and help boost its promotion hopes for the English Premier League. Morris has been a successful Homegrown Player since joining the Sounders in January of 2016 and had 35 goals and 20 assists in 105 MLS games, winning two MLS Cups with Seattle. Morris now looks ahead towards his next challenge.
I couldn’t be more excited for the next chapter and to be a part of such an amazing club ⚪️⚫️ Can’t wait to get started! 🦢 pic.twitter.com/aCdfwJKEsy
— Jordan Morris (@JmoSmooth13) January 22, 2021
Free Kicks
- Major League Soccer released an update regarding negotiations with the MLS Players Association.
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) January 23, 2021
- Real Madrid announced that manager Zinedine Zidane tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the club’s match today against Alaves.
- The United Soccer League may start a new women’s soccer league next year.
BREAKING: The #USL is aiming to launch a women’s pro-am league in the spring of 2022, sources tell @itsmeglinehan and myself.
Details at @TheAthleticSCCR: https://t.co/118OqhIszj
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) January 22, 2021
- United States Men’s National Team youth left back Chris Gloster plays at PSV Eindhoven but has been drawing interest from Newcastle United.
- Concacaf confirmed its schedule for the 2021 Concacaf Champions League. The draw for the competition will be on Feb. 10, with the tournament starting in April.
- There was some history made during the first round of this year’s NWSL draft.
𝘼 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙩.
Progress and promise for the future 💯 pic.twitter.com/hYMZA2tD59
— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) January 22, 2021
- LAFC draft pick Danny Trejo received some words of encouragement from movie star Danny Trejo.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your weekend, stay safe, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/7/24
Barbra Banda up for NWSL Goal of the Week, Americans in midweek action, Champions League preview, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s teams over the weekend, as Orlando City B drew 1-1 with Chattanooga FC and lost the subsequent shootout, Orlando City lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, and the Orlando Pride won 1-0 over Racing Louisville. As usual, we have a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s dig into the links.
Barbra Banda Up for Goal of the Week
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her strike in the 77th minute against the North Carolina Courage last Wednesday. Banda controlled the ball off a throw-in, turned, and drove across the box before slotting a low shot past Casey Murphy for the Pride’s fourth and final goal of the game. She scored twice in that game and scored again in Sunday’s win over Racing Louisville. Banda now has four goals in four games — including at least one in each of her three starts since appearing off the bench in her debut — and shows no sign of slowing down. Make sure you go vote for her to win this week’s award!
Americans in Midweek Action
As usual, there are a number of Americans playing games this week, so make sure you mark down any that you want to tune in for. Wednesday has Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey traveling to El Volcan to take on Tigres in the quarterfinals of the Clausura. Moving to Friday, Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, and Venezia have a chance to gain promotion to Serie A if they beat Spezia and Como loses. On the other side of things, former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini and Como play Cosenza, and will secure automatic promotion as long as they don’t have a worse result than Venezia.
UEFA Champions League Preview
The UEFA Champions League continues this week with the second legs of the two semifinal matchups. In this afternoon’s game, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has said that even Kylian Mbappe will have to work hard defensively if his team is going to progress to the final. Borussia Dortmund leads that tie 1-0, and will need to rely on a defense that has kept five clean sheets in this year’s tournament. However, the German club has a concerning record away from home, where it has lost nine of its last 11 games. In tomorrow’s game between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, this season’s La Liga winner will hope its finishing prowess continues from the first leg, when it turned two chances into two goals.
European Transfer Rumor Roundup
With European seasons drawing to a close, the transfer rumor mill is starting to heat up, which means there are several items worth discussing today. First, Manchester United will reportedly face competition to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Chelsea and PSG are said to also be interested in signing the Frenchman, who was instrumental in his side’s 4-0 drubbing of the Red Devils yesterday. Staying in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has said he intends to be part of the transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, confirming that he does not intend to leave in the summer. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich is said to have agreed to personal terms with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. David Moyes has confirmed he will leave West Ham at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that the Hammers have reached an agreement with Julen Lopetegui to be the team’s new manager.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held steady at 20th in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Bruno Fernandes missed a club match due to injury for the first time in his career, as he did not play in Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace.
- Speaking of that match, the Premier League outfitted the referee with a camera for the first time in that game, with the footage to be released at a later date.
- Angel City FC will enter a team in The Soccer Tournament this summer.
- Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds United.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/6/24
Lions lose at home, Orlando Pride win, OCB draws Chattanooga FC, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was another mixed weekend for our teams as the Lions lost, the Pride won, and OCB drew. As for me, I’ve been busy managing the broadcast operations for the NISA league’s matches this weekend and also got a chance to cover high school soccer, softball, and badminton. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose at Home to FC Cincinnati
Orlando City lost at home for the second straight weekend with a 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Luciano Acosta scored the lone goal for Cincinnati just seconds into the match. Orlando City went down to 10 men when defender Rodrigo Schlegel received a red card in the first half. The Lions had some chances to get back in this one, including a free kick opportunity in the second half when Wilder Cartagena scored what would have been the equalizer, but Facundo Torres was ruled offside, and the goal was waved off. Cincinnati also dropped to 10 men late in the second half as defender Bret Halsey received his second yellow for a foul on Ivan Angulo and knocked the ball out to waste time. Still, FC Cincinnati found a way to hang on for the victory, securing its third win in a row. Orlando City will look to rebound on Saturday as it takes on the Philadelphia Union at Suburu Park.
Orlando Pride Win at Home Against Racing Louisville FC
The Orlando Pride defeated Racing Louisville FC on Sunday, 1-0, at Inter&Co Stadium, winning their fifth straight game. Barbra Banda scored the lone goal of the match and now has four goals for the Pride this season. The Pride remain undefeated in league play, keeping their unbeaten streak alive at eight matches (5-0-3). Orlando also moved up to first in the NWSL table with 18 points. The Pride will be back home on Saturday to face Bay FC.
OCB Draws Chattanooga FC
Orlando City B drew 1-1 on the road against Chattanooga FC on Saturday. The Young Lions trailed early in the first half as Mehdi Ouamri put Chattanooga FC in front 1-0. Later in the first half, OCB got an equalizer, with forward Shak Mohammed finding the back of the net to score his second goal of the season. The match went to penalties after 90 minutes of action, where Chattanooga FC won the extra point with a 5-4 win over OCB. Despite not getting the extra point in penalties, the Young Lions still keep their road unbeaten streak alive at five. OCB will have a quick turnaround with its next match at Osceola County Stadium on Wednesday against New York Red Bulls II.
European Soccer Roundup
Real Madrid clinched the La Liga title on Saturday, defeating Cadiz 3-0, while their rivals Barcelona dropped points in a 4-2 loss to Girona over the weekend. Madrid has now won La Liga for the 36th time and still has a shot of adding another trophy if it gets past Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to reach the final next month. Elsewhere, we had plenty of drama in England. Let’s start in the EFL Championship, where Ipswich Town joined Leicester City, getting promoted to the Premier League after a 2-0 victory against Huddersfield Town. Leeds United, Southhampton, West Brom, and Norwich City will go to the playoffs to determine the third club to secure promotion. Arsenal won 3-0 over Bournemouth, while Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 win over Wolves to keep the EPL title race tight. Arsenal is in first with 83 points, with two matches remaining, while Manchester City is just behind in second with 82 points and three matches left to play.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos gave insight on her first NWSL start for the Pride after their match against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday.
- PSV Eindhoven clinched the Eredivisie title on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Sparta Rotterdam. American Malik Tillman played for 90 minutes, while Ricardo Pepi came off the bench and added an assist.
- USMNT midfielder Christian Pulisic put on a solid performance and contributed an assist for AC Milan in a 3-3 draw against Genoa on Saturday.
- USWNT forward Catarina Macario came off the bench for Chelsea in the second half and made WSL history by adding two assists in 10 minutes in an 8-0 win over Bristol City.
- Despite their manager Xabi Alonso being in the stands serving a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, Bayer Leverkusen dominated Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 and extended its unbeaten streak to 48 matches.
- Wrexham is reportedly targeting Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. His contract expires with the Premier League-bound club at the end of June.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/3/24
MLS roster profiles revealed, Marta’s best moments, Kelley O’Hara announces her retirement, and more.
Happy Friday! We’ve reached the homestretch of the week and I couldn’t be happier. A busy weekend awaits me, but I’m hoping for some quiet, nice moments to offset some of the hustle and bustle. It’s also another weekend packed with Orlando soccer to enjoy, so make sure to plan your next couple of days accordingly. But for now, let’s get to the links!
MLS Unveils Club Roster Details
There’s a little more transparency in Major League Soccer after the league released helpful snapshots of each club that detail the composition of each roster. From Designated Players and MLS U22 Initiative Players to international roster slots and contract lengths, the graphics are easy to comprehend and give a nice look behind the curtain on each team. Using this, we can see that Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo no longer takes up a U22 Initiative slot and that the team also has an open international roster slot. It should be a fairly nice reference guide for fans moving forward, as well as a way to check out how other MLS teams are building their rosters.
Emily Sams Earns Recognition as Potential USWNT Player
Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was mentioned as one of the top 20 eligible Americans who have yet to make an appearance with the United States Women’s National Team according to Pro Soccer Wire. The shout out is well deserved, as Sams has helped anchor a Pride defense that’s only given up seven goals this season. Only time will tell if Sams will earn a call-up once Emma Hayes is at the helm of the USWNT, but it does feel inevitable given how she’s been playing. Other notable players on the list include Ajax’s Lily Yohannes, Washington Spirit rookie Croix Bethune, and Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden.
Marta’s Top Moments
All For XI compiled some of the best moments from Marta’s career into a tidy top five. Considering how prolific she has been for Brazil over the years, it was nice to see a pair of goals from her time with the Pride receive some recognition. Both of those moments were from 2018, with her free kick to equalize against the Seattle Reign placing fifth and her solo effort to stun the Spirit taking third. It’s fitting though that the top moment on the list showcases the impact she’s had off the field, as it’s Marta’s emotional speech after Brazil’s exit in the 2019 World Cup.
Kelley O’Hara Will Retire After 2024 Season
USWNT defender Kelley O’Hara announced that she will retire from professional soccer following the 2024 season. Over the course of her international career, she’s played in four World Cups, three Olympic Games, and was named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2019. O’Hara has played in every NWSL season since the league’s inception, winning the title with the Spirit in 2021 and again with NJ/NY Gotham FC last year. She joined Gotham as the first free agent signing in NWSL history and she is set to close out her illustrious career there.
Free Kicks
- Curve Fragrances was named the official fragrance partner of Orlando City. As part of the partnership, there will be giveaways and product sampling at select games this season.
- Wrexham’s women’s squad for The Soccer Tournament this summer will include a trio of former Pride players, with Bridget Callahan, Danica Evans, and Nickolette Driesse all taking part. I can’t wait to see if Callahan will make SkoRed a rallying cry at the tournament.
- Orlando City won’t have to contend with FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza tomorrow, as he will miss the next six to eight weeks due to a broken jaw suffered in an off-field incident.
- The Europa League semifinals are underway and Bayer Leverkusen extended its unbeaten run to 47 games after a 2-0 road win against Roma. In the other matchup, Atalanta and Marseille drew 1-1 in France.
- American midfielder Johnny Cardoso hasn’t been with Real Betis for long, but he’s doing well enough that Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old.
- Lucas Hernandez suffered an ACL injury in Paris Saint-Germain’s loss to Borussia Dortmund and will miss out on this summer’s Euros with France.
- Reims and Will Still have mutually agreed to part ways, with the coach leaving now despite just having three games left in the Ligue 1 season. It will be interesting to see where the 31-year-old coaches next, as he had a notable 19-game unbeaten stretch with Reims last season.
- Here’s a detailed dive into the obstacles Everton has faced in recent years, as well as how the club has avoided relegation amid another difficult season.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
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