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Lion Links: 10/20/21

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Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all of you are doing well. I had a great weekend catching up with friends in Florida this past weekend at the theme parks. Now I’m back in Chicago, getting acclimated to much cooler weather as we approach the holiday season. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links. 

Orlando City SC Takes on CF Montreal Tonight

The Lions have a midweek match-up tonight as they host CF Montreal at 7:30 p.m. at Exploria Stadium. The Lions enter the match in fourth place in the Eastern Conference after their 1-0 win against FC Cincinnati, while Montreal sits in seventh place after a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union this past weekend. Junior Urso scored the game-winner for the Lions and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese had three saves against FC Cincinnati in the club’s eighth shutout this year, a single-season franchise record. Miguel Gallardo and Evan Weston broke down everything to watch for in this crucial match for both sides.

Alex Morgan Discusses the NWSL and Future World Cups

United States Women’s National Team and Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan spoke about the discussions between the NWSL Players Association and the league as both sides announced an extension in talks earlier this week. As an allocated player, Morgan is not a member of the NWSLPA but was informed by Pride players on the progress of the NWSLPA’s demands.

“I feel optimistic with what information they’ve given me,” Morgan said of the Pride player reps. “The demands that the [NWSLPA] has put forth for NWSL to commit to, and to approve, have still not been taken care of, and there has been an extension, so that in itself says that the NWSL still is being a little too reactive. I know that there’s a lot of things that need to change, but we need to start building that trust, and at this point, it’s just not there yet.”

Morgan, who was recently named to a FIFA technical advisory group focused on growing women’s soccer, also weighed in on the possibility of a women’s World Cup being held every two years. Morgan acknowledged the visibility this would bring players and clubs across the world, but also noted the need for significant investment in women’s soccer for it to happen.

USWNT Prepares for South Korea

Morgan and the USWNT will face South Korea tomorrow at 8 p.m. in Kansas City in the first of two friendlies this month. South Korea’s roster for these matches includes three players from the Women’s Super League, while the other 20 play domestically in South Korea. The USWNT has never lost to South Korea, winning 10 of 13 meetings between the two nations. The USWNT will play South Korea again on Oct. 26 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in what will be Carli Lloyd’s final game for the U.S. before she retires.

UEFA Champions League Group Stage Continues

The UEFA Champions League returned this week, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs in action. Lionel Messi had a brace in Paris Saint-Germain’s thrilling 3-2 win against Tyler Adams and RB Leipzig. Antoine Greizmann had a brace and a red card as Atletico Madrid fell 3-2 to Liverpool. Elsewhere, Real Madrid dominated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0, Inter Milan won 3-1 against Sheriff Tiraspol, and Ajax cruised to a 4-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund. Today, notable match-ups include Lille taking on Sevilla, Manchester United hosting Atalanta, and FC Bayern Munich traveling to Portugal to face Benfica. 

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  • Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod was nominated for NWSL Save of the Week for tipping a shot from Katie McClure over the crossbar.

  • Orlando City SC remains in eighth place in the MLS power rankings after picking up three points this past weekend.
  • The Independent Review Panel upheld the red cards given to Atlanta United’s Ezequiel Barco and Toronto FC’s Auro Junior in their recent match. Both will miss their matches tonight as a result.
  • French striker Karim Benzema discussed possibly playing in MLS in the future, although he remains committed to Real Madrid.
  • According to multiple reports, FOX Sports is close to securing the UEFA European Championship rights from ESPN through 2028.
  • USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi reportedly submitted a transfer request to FC Dallas. VFL Wolfsburg will have some competition to bring in the talented 18-year-old as other clubs are taking notice.


That will be all from me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, and I’ll see you next time.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/19/24

New kits for U.S. Soccer, Nottingham Forest hit with points deduction, Seattle Reign sale announced, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It might not have been the weekend Orlando City fans were hoping for, but Orlando City B and the Orlando Pride both gave fans plenty to cheer about. As usual, we have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into today’s links.

U.S. Soccer Releases New Kits

U.S. Soccer has unveiled the two new kits that its national teams will wear during 2024. The leaks that were making the rounds several weeks ago were accurate, with the home jersey being a white number with stripes on the sleeves and collar, and the away jersey evoking memories of the 2014 bomb pop kit. The kits go on sale this Thursday, just in time for the United States Men’s National Team’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal clash against Jamaica.

Nottingham Forest Deducted Points

Nottingham Forest has been deducted four points as punishment for violating the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. That deduction takes Forest from 25 points down to 21, and drops them into the relegation zone in 18th place, one point shy of newcomers Luton Town. The deduction is the second this season, following Everton being docked 10 points (reduced to six after an appeal), and the Toffees might still be in line for another deduction. The independent commission charged with looking into Forest’s breach had determined that the violation was originally worth a six-point deduction, but it was reduced to four due to cooperation with the investigation.

Seattle Reign Sale Announced

OL Groupe has announced the sale of the Seattle Reign to a group that includes the Seattle Sounders and the investment firm Carlyle. OL Groupe will sell the entirety of its 97% stake in the team, with the price of the deal coming to $58 million. The sale is subject to approval by the Board of Governors for both Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League, but there are not expected to be any issues. OL Groupe got a good return on its investment, as it bought the team in 2019 for an estimated $3.5 million.

International Absences Galore

A number of high profile players will not be joining up with their countries during the international break due to injury. Antoine Griezmann’s record of playing in 84 straight games for his country will come to an end, as the forward has suffered an ankle injury and will be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi. Darwin Nunez has withdrawn from the Uruguayan squad after picking up a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s FA Cup quarterfinal loss to Manchester United. Lionel Messi will also be missing for Argentina due to a hamstring injury.

Lion Links

  • Hats off to the City Beautiful for winning some recognition.

Fiorentina General Manager Joe Barone is on life support after suffering cardiac arrest.


That’s all I have for you this morning, vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/18/24

Orlando City falls to Atlanta United, the Pride get a late result at Louisville, OCB wins tops Atlanta United 2, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope you all had an excellent St. Patrick’s Day weekend. It was a mixed one for our teams, as OCB won, the Pride fought back for a draw, and the Lions suffered another loss. This weekend, I was busy at work between Under Armour and covering high school lacrosse. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links, but first, join us in wishing a happy 32nd birthday to Orlando Pride fullback Kylie Strom.

Orlando City Falls to Rival Atlanta United

Orlando City lost 2-0 to Atlanta United on the road on Sunday and will have to wait for Saturday against Austin FC to get another chance at its first win of the MLS season. Saba Lobjanidze and Georgios Giakoumakis scored for the Five Stripes. Orlando City is now winless in five consecutive matches across all competitions. The Lions have also given up 10 goals in four league matches and are in the 14th place in the Eastern Conference with one point. Michael Citro has your match recap.

Orlando Pride Battle Back for 2-2 Draw at Racing Louisville

The Orlando Pride overcame a two-goal deficit to escape Lynn Family Stadium with a 2-2 draw against Racing Louisville in their season opener Saturday. The Pride also went down to 10 players when Strom was sent off in the second half after receiving a second yellow card. The Pride were down 2-1 late when Summer Yates scored her first career goal from a set piece to even the match. The Pride are winless in season openers, but earned their third opening day draw in NWSL play. Orlando also secured its first ever point in four road matches in Kentucky. The Pride return to action Friday in their home opener against Angel City FC.

OCB Opens Season with 3-2 Road Win Over Atlanta United 2

Orlando City B won its MLS NEXT Pro season opener on the road, beating Atlanta United 2. The Young Lions trailed 1-0 early in the first half but kicked on from there and won 3-2. Jhon Solis equalized with a penalty kick goal and Orlando City 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick Yutaro Tsukada scored on a great free kick to give the Young Lions a 2-1 advantage going into halftime. OCB struck quickly in the second half thruogh Colin Guske. Atlanta United 2 made things interesting with a late goal, but OCB held on. This is the third consecutive year the Young Lions have started a season with a win. OCB’s next match will again be on the road, as the Young Lions face Huntsville City FC on Friday.

Manchester United and Chelsea Win, Advance to FA Cup Semifinals

It was a seven-goal thriller at Old Trafford as Manchester United edged out Liverpool 4-3 after extra time in the FA Cup quarterfinals. The Red Devils were down 2-1 late in the second half before Antony scored the equalizer to tie the match 2-2. Liverpool took the lead in extra time, but Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo scored to put this match away for United. In another thrilling match at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Leicester City were tied 2-2. Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke scored for the Blues deep in stoppage time and secured a 4-2 victory. Manchester City will take on Chelsea, while Manchester United will face Coventry City in the FA Cup semifinals.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/15/24

Leagues Cup schedule revealed, San Diego Wave reportedly set for sale, Europa League action, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Happy Friday! The time change last weekend has made this week really feel like a slog, but I’m finally starting to get a better handle on the fugue state each morning. Plenty of sleep and soccer this weekend should also help, as well as being able to enjoy the extra sunlight in the evenings. I don’t have many plans beyond working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive into today’s links!

2024 Leagues Cup Schedule Announced

The schedule for this year’s Leagues Cup was unveiled, along with the bracket and the “hubs” where select Liga MX teams will play all of their group games. Orlando City will host its pair of group games, taking on CF Montreal on July 26 before playing Atletico San Luis on Aug. 4. If Orlando advances to the knockout stage, it will face a team from the group that includes the Philadelphia Union, Cruz Azul and Charlotte FC. Orlando’s half of the bracket includes every Eastern Conference team other than the Chicago Fire, and also features Tigres, Pachuca, and Santos Laguna.

NWSL Kicks Off After Eventful Off-Season

The National Women’s Soccer League returns this weekend and plenty has changed since last year. There are two expansion teams in the Utah Royals and Bay FC, familiar faces in new places due to a busy free agency, and new players fresh on the scene in the form of the draft and record-breaking transfers. The doubling of the salary cap for 2024 has helped teams get a bit more competitive, and NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed that the international roster spots for each team will increase from five to eight. It’s also an evolving landscape, as questions have also been raised regarding the lack of agency players can have when being drafted or traded. It’s an exciting time to be a women’s soccer fan and this season should be another competitive one featuring some of the world’s best players.

San Diego Wave Reportedly Being Sold

The San Diego Wave are reportedly going to be sold in a two-part $113 million deal that will have the Levine Leichtman family pay for 35% of the team now and the rest after the 2024 season. The Wave joined the league in 2022, with Ron Burkle paying the $2 million expansion fee. Burkle will remain in control of it until the second part of the deal triggers at the end of the season. This deal eclipses the $63 million paid for the Portland Thorns earlier this year and showcases the growth the league has undergone in recent years.

Europa League Round of 16 Comes to a Close

Although no games went into extra time, there was plenty of exciting drama in the second legs of the Europa League’s round of 16 . The most thrilling match of the day took place in Germany, as Bayer Leverkusen ended Azerbaijani club Qarabag’s Cinderella run. A red card reduced Qarabag to 10 men in the 63rd minute, but the underdogs maintained their lead heading into stoppage time. Patrik Schick flipped the script, scoring twice in stoppage time to book Leverkusen’s spot in the quarterfinals and extend the club’s unbeaten run to 37 games.

AC Milan took full advantage of an early red card to Slavia Prague, with Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao scoring and assisting on each other’s goals in a 3-1 win on the road. It was a good day for Serie A teams overall, as AS Roma advanced past Brighton despite a 1-0 loss and Atalanta won a tight 2-1 match against Sporting to move on. English clubs Liverpool and West Ham had big wins at home to reach the quarterfinals, and Villarreal and Benfica round out the quarterfinalists.

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That’s all I have for you this fine Friday. I hope you all have a fantastic day and enjoy all of the soccer this weekend. Beware the ides of March!

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