Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/13/21
Hello, Mane Landers, I hope all is well down in Florida. I’ll be visiting Orlando this weekend to catch up with friends and seeing the theme parks. We’ve got lots to cover today so let’s get to the links.
Daryl Dike Ranked Second in MLS 22 Under 22
Orlando City forward Daryl Dike has had a solid 2021 season and he has been ranked second in MLSsoccer.com’s annual 22 Under 22, featuring the league’s top players under 22 years of age. Last season, Dike was ranked at the number 10 spot during his rookie year. Dike began 2021 in England with Barnsley FC on loan in the EFL Championship, helping lift the Tykes from 12th place to fifth place and scoring nine goals in 22 appearances. Dike also got some attention from the U.S. Men’s National Team, and even though he wasn’t featured much in the Concacaf Nations League, he was still part of the team that defeated Mexico in the final. Dike did play in this summer’s Gold Cup in the group stage, scoring two goals before he suffered a shoulder injury. Dike has returned to the Lions after rehab, scoring in Orlando’s last three matches, including the game-winning header against D.C. United on Oct. 2. FC Dallas forward Ricardo Pepi was the top ranked player. NYCFC defender James Sands finished third.
Orlando Pride Take on the Red Stars Tonight
The Orlando Pride travel to Chicago to take on the Red Stars tonight at 8 p.m. at SeatGeek Stadium as both teams try to stay in the NWSL playoff race. In their last match-up on Aug. 8, Jodie Taylor and Sydney Leroux were the goal scorers to help the Pride defeat the Red Stars, 2-0. The Red Stars lost 3-2 to the OL Reign over the weekend despite goals from Mallory Pugh, giving them the lead early before giving up three unanswered goals. The Pride enter this match after losing to NJ/NY Gotham FC, 3-2. Erika Tymrak and Marta scored for the Pride, while Alex Morgan got her first assist of the season. Morgan currently has 99 regular-season NWSL appearances.
Potential MLS Players on the Move
Speaking of transfers, the latest speculation is that Ricardo Pepi could be leaving FC Dallas after the season. He was linked to FC Bayern Munich and Ajax, but it looks like VFL Wolfsburg is in the lead.
🚨 Sources tell me Ricardo Pepi's camp are in agreement on personal terms with Wolfsburg 🇩🇪 & are looking to close a deal with #DTID 🇺🇲 #USMNT
Haven't been able to reach his agent to confirm yet
— Chris Smith (@CJSmith91) October 12, 2021
Another potential target could be Orlando’s Dike. Early in the summer, Dike was linked with many English Premier League clubs, but nothing materialized. With Dike back in form, it will be interesting to see what attention he draws from Europe after the conclusion of the 2021 MLS season.
USMNT Looks to Bounce Back vs. Costa Rica
The USMNT will be looking to rebound tonight as the Yanks take on Costa Rica at 7 p.m. at Lower.com Field in Columbus. The USMNT lost 1-0 on Sunday against Panama, while Costa Rica had to come back from 1-0 to defeat El Salvador 2-1 to get their first Octagonal win. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen, defender Antonee Robinson, and midfielder Weston McKennie missed the previous match. No decision has been made on McKennie and Robinson. The Yanks will be hoping Columbus becomes their fortress once again as the team is 7-1-2 all-time in Ohio’s capital.
Free Kicks
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintains that having a biennial World Cup would not dilute the magic of the tournament despite criticism from confederations, clubs, players, and fan groups.
- Many European clubs such as FC Barcelona, Juventus, and Liverpool are investing in young American talent to give them a chance to play in Europe.
- The United Soccer League’s new professional women’s league has named Amanda Vandervort as president of the USL Super League.
- Australia’s run of 11 consecutive World Cup qualifying wins came to a stunning end after giving up an own goal in the 85th minute from Aziz Behich to give rivals Japan a 2-1 win.
- Denmark has become the second nation from Europe to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after a 1-0 win against Austria and remains undefeated in Group F.
That will do it for me, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, and I’ll see you next time.
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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