Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/6/21
Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! There’s a certain freedom to watching MLS when you’re no longer personally invested in the outcomes. Plus, we get to focus on all the off-season trades, rumors, and signings. If you can’t tell, I’m trying to put on a good face, as I’d much rather Orlando City was still in the playoffs. Regardless, we can look forward to the holidays and the season to come. Let’s get to the links.
Facundo Torres Rumblings Grow Louder
As reported yesterday, Orlando City is rumored to be targeting 21-year-old Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres from Peñarol. Nothing is certain yet, though the rumors are heating up.
🔜 Done Deal! Facundo #Torres to #OrlandoCity from #Penarol for €10M. Contract until 2025. #transfers #MLS
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) December 5, 2021
Facundo’s release fee is reportedly $20 million, though the above tweet puts the fee at just over $11 million. Supposedly, Facundo’s agent is currently in Europe hoping to find an offer better than the one from Orlando City. We will continue to update you as more information comes to light.
NYCFC Advances to MLS Cup Final
The Philadelphia Union had their work cut out from them when 11 players entered into the MLS’s health and safety protocols, including Alejandro Bedoya, Andre Blake, Sergio Santos, the whole starting back line, and former Lion Joe Bendik. The result was a lot of “who is that guy” when watching the match, though they also added former Lion and MLS pool goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh as an emergency option off the bench. Surprisingly, Philly was able to get to halftime by being aggressive and disrupting New York City FC with the chaos hammer. The Union actually went up a goal in the 63rd minute on an own goal by Alex Callens. Unfortunately for Philly, Maxi Morales pulled a goal back two minutes later, and Talles Magno gave the Pigeons the win in the 88th minute. NYCFC will face Portland in the MLS Cup final next Saturday at 3 p.m.
FC Cincinnati may be looking to swipe Jim Curtin from the Union, but until then he is maintaining his sense of humor regarding the loss.
Union manager Jim Curtin’s press conference was being slightly interrupted by NYCFC’s celebrations going on in the locker room.
His reaction to hearing it: “We're next to the New York City oil money locker room."
😶
— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) December 5, 2021
Marsch Out at RB Leipzig
Jesse Marsch moved up the Red Bulls ladder, landing at the head coach position of RB Leipzig about four months ago after stints at New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg. His arrival was much heralded, given that he was an American coaching at a top flight Bundesliga club. Now, that time has come to an end. Leipzig’s front office and Marsch “mutually agreed to part ways” and let Marsch go effective immediately. The decision follows a fourth loss in a row, and Leipzig sitting in 11th place in the league. Both parties are saying all the right things as they move on. Leipzig is looking to replace Marsch in the near future, and assistant coach Achim Beierlorzer will lead the team for the next match against Manchester City. No word yet on where Marsch might land, but with his resume he will most likely not be out of a job for long.
NWSL Seeks Collective Bargaining Agreement
The trade window in the NWSL just ended, and for some it highlighted the need for a collective bargaining agreement for the players. There are players who have the latitude to request transfers, but it’s not the same for all the players. The reality is that, like many U.S. sports leagues, clubs have the ultimate decision-making power over whether to trade or retain a player. Tori Huster, president of the NWSL Players Association, is looking to create the NWSL’s first CBA. A collective bargaining agreement could result in better salaries, and more say in where or when a player is moved. For players who don’t make Alex Morgan money, the costs and effort of moving to a new city fall squarely upon the player alone. Additionally, without free agency to let players take offers from other clubs or leagues, it limits player options.
Free Kicks
- The nominations for the U.S. Soccer 2021 Player of the Year awards are out. The usual suspect like Christian Pulisic, Carli Lloyd, and Weston McKennie are joined by newcomers Jaelin Howell, Gianluca Busio, and Ricardo Pepi.
- You may not have recognized all of the player names in the USMNT December camp. Luckily, there’s a primer to fill in that information for you.
- Chicago Red Stars supporter group Chicago Local 134 released a statement regarding controlling owner, Arnim Whisler. Whisler was allegedly aware of the abuse perpetrated by former coach Rory Dames.
If Chicago is getting a clean slate it needs to start from the top. pic.twitter.com/iYpsT0JQf6
— Chicago Local 134 says Support The Players! (@ChicagoLocal134) December 5, 2021
- FIFA really wants the whole bi-annual World Cup thing. Supposedly, it will help smaller nations, though I suspect it will help FIFA more than anyone else.
Have a great week, and vamos Orlando!
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!
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United: Final Score 2-0 as Early Season Futility Continues for Lions
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando City5 days ago
Orlando City vs. Austin FC: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville: Final Score 2-2 as 10-Player Pride Finish Two-Goal Comeback
-
Lion Links1 week ago
Lion Links: 3/20/24
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City’s Tumble in the MLS Power Rankings Shows Current Troubles
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City at Atlanta United FC: Five Takeaways