Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/26/21
Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! It’s a long week between matches as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride don’t play until Saturday night. Before we dive into today’s links, lets wish a happy birthday to Orlando midfielder Sebas Mendez! The Ecuadorian has started in both of the Lions’ games so far and turns 24 today. Now, let’s get to the links.
Second Week of MLS Wraps Up
Although the Lions are still hunting for their first win of the season after a draw against Sporting Kansas City, there have been plenty of dropped points from the rest of the league as well. In all of MLS, only the LA Galaxy have won both games so far. After netting a brace in the Galaxy’s opener, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez had a hat trick in a 3-2 win over the New York Red Bulls.
In Eastern Conference action, Inter Miami won 2-1 over the Philadelphia Union, Atlanta United hosted the Chicago Fire and beat them 3-1, and an own goal sunk D.C. United in a 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution. Playing in Exploria Stadium, Toronto FC had a 2-2 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Out west, Austin FC went on the road and won 3-1 against the Colorado Rapids for its first victory in MLS.
Daryl Dike Will Compete for Promotion
Orlando forward Daryl Dike played all 90 minutes in Barnsley FC’s 1-0 win over Rotherham United, but did not find the back of the net. With the win and other results across the English Football League Championship, Barnsley secured a spot in the playoffs for a chance at promotion. With two regular season games left, Barnsley is jockeying for position in the playoff alongside Swansea City, AFC Bournemouth, and Brentford FC.
WE’VE WORKED SO HARD FOR THIS! WE DON’T STOP NOW! PLAYOFF BOUND BABY‼️ pic.twitter.com/KWe3zEZ25O
— Daryl Dike (@DarylDike) April 25, 2021
As for other Americans abroad this weekend, Zack Steffen started for Manchester City and made a save in the club’s 1-0 win to lift the Carabao Cup against Tottenham Hotspur. On the women’s side, Christen Press scored a goal in Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Tottenham.
European Clubs Race to the Finish Line
As seasons reach the home stretch across Europe, clubs are making final pushes to make sure they finish on top. In the EPL, City is hunting for a treble after winning the Carabao Cup. Pep Guardiola’s squad still hasn’t clinched the league title as Manchester United chases City with five matches left in the season. Ole Gunnar Solskjær had some thoughts before United’s 0-0 draw against Leeds United, but his prediction aged about as well as milk.
Solskjær: "It's not going to be 0-0, I can guarantee it's not going to be 0-0. It's two teams who want to attack and attack as quickly as they can. We know that when we attack they're very dangerous on the counter-attack [and vice-versa]." #mulive [mutv]
— utdreport (@utdreport) April 25, 2021
Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao, opening the door for Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Sevilla FC to win La Liga. Things are a little more wrapped up in Italy’s Serie A after Inter Milan won 1-0 over Hellas Verona. Inter has not lost in Serie A since January 6 as it hopes to topple Juventus’ dominant reign as Serie A champions.
European Super League Clubs May Face Consequences
It’s been quite a week since the Super League formed and failed. UEFA and FIFA both condemned the clubs that attempted to form the breakaway league. Now, UEFA is saying that all the teams involved will face consequences for trying to do so. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has broken down the “offenders” into three groups.
“But for me it’s a clear difference between the English clubs and the other six. They pulled out first, they admitted they made a mistake. You have to have some greatness to say: ‘I was wrong.’ For me there are three groups of this 12 — the English Six, who went out first, then the other three [Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Inter] after them and then the ones who feel that Earth is flat and they think the Super League still exists [Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus]. And there is a big difference between those. But everyone will be held responsible. In what way, we will see.
Free Kicks
- The Young Lions did well this past weekend as neither academy team lost. In the United Premier Soccer League, the U-23 side fought Inter Jax FC to a scoreless draw.
@OrlandoCitySC U15 grinding out a last minute win vs @westonfc_fl and the U17’s not being able to capitalize on the possession to finish with a 0-0 results. Still points taken home and teams sitting on top of the Southeast table! @AllOrlandoCity @RuckusOrlando @OrlandoLionsDen pic.twitter.com/PSsLoYxr2c
— Alyssa Taifi (@AlyssaTaifi) April 25, 2021
- Pride defenders Ali Riley and Toni Pressley will be guests on NWSL Live today at 5 p.m.
Double the fun 🤪
The dream duo of @RileyThree and @Toni_Deion join the #NWSLLive crew tomorrow at 5pm ET on @Twitch ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/5DMEdXm6Kh
— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) April 25, 2021
- Former Pride player Alanna Kennedy buried a goal into the upper left corner for Tottenham in that aforementioned loss to United.
💥 What a hit @AlannaKennedy!#BarclaysFAWSL @SpursWomen pic.twitter.com/DfxSRUjici
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) April 25, 2021
- All of English football will boycott social media from April 30 to May 3 in response to the numerous instances of discriminatory abuse directed at players. The hope is to get the social media platforms to do more to fight against the abuse.
- Let’s end our links by congratulating former Orlando goalkeeper Joe Bendik and his family on the new arrival.
That’s going to be it for today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a great Monday 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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/25/24
Orlando City gets first win, Pride and OCB earn draws, USMNT wins Nations League, and more.
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.
- Here is everything you need to know about this year’s Copa America. The USMNT is in Group C with Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia.
- In case you missed it, Kyle Smith made his 150th appearance for Orlando City against Austin FC. A big thank you to the Accountant.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the upcoming matches. Vamos Orlando.
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