Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/28/22
Happy Saturday, Mane Landers. The Orlando Pride had a whirlwind finish last night to draw 2-2, with both goals coming late in stoppage time. The Lions are at home tonight as FC Dallas come to town. Hopefully, you have added attending the game to your list of Memorial Day weekend festivities. Additionally, OCB will be taking on FC Cincinnati 2 tomorrow, so there is still plenty of Orlando soccer to watch this weekend. For now, let’s check out what is happening around the soccer world.
Orlando City Hosts FC Dallas
Tonight will see Head Coach Oscar Pareja square off against his former club for just the second time since taking over Orlando City and it will also be the first meeting under Papi to take place at Exploria Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. FC Dallas and Orlando have split the series in their last three meetings, with each club winning 2-0 at home before a final 0-0 stalemate in September 2020. Tonight, all eyes will be on forward Jesús Ferreira. He is the leading goal scorer in MLS with nine already this season. Paul Arriola will also garner some attention having found the net five times with a pair of assists. Our own Josh Munsey breaks down the rest of the away team’s stats in his scouting report.
Orlando Pride Stoppage-time Stunners
In a match that was all but over 94 minutes in, Pride players Mikayla Cluff and Darian Jenkins brought the club level at the death against the Washington Spirit. With a goal at 97:53, Jenkins will go down in Orlando folklore for not only stealing a last-gasp point but also scoring the latest regular-season goal in NWSL history. Check out our full recap of the match.
JENKINS STEALS A LATE POINT! 😱
The @ORLPride complete the comeback in the 97th minute! #PrideOfOrlando | #ORLvWAS pic.twitter.com/zWsUWYEBDz
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 28, 2022
MLS East and West Best XIs
Andrew Wiebe of MLSsoccer.com lists his MLS Best XI for each conference so far this season. However, you will not find any Orlando City players on that list. Wiebe has five Philadelphia Union players listed on the best of the Eastern Conference. Additionally, he chose two each from New York City FC and the New England Revolution. To wrap up the conference, FC Cincinnati and CF Montréal represent the attacking midfield with a player each.
For the Western Conference, Golden Boot leader Ferreira, Arriola, and Paxton Pomykal of FC Dallas lead the charge. LAFC and Nashville SC each boast a pair of players. Seattle, Minnesota, Real Salt Lake, and Minnesota United round out the final four slots with one player apiece.
Texas MLS Clubs Unite for Uvalde
In the wake of Tuesday’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas — Austin FC, FC Dallas, and the Houston Dynamo will honor the victims by wearing a remembrance patch on their jerseys during their MLS Week 14 matches this weekend. Additionally, each of the three MLS clubs are donating funds to the Robb Elementary School Memorial Fund, created at First State Bank of Uvalde, to assist the victims, their families, and the local community. All three clubs issued statements regarding their collaborative efforts to assist the community during this difficult time. In addition to their donations, each club is offering other ways to allow fan involvement.
Austin FC: For the month of June, the Robb Elementary School Fund will be the beneficiary of Austin FC’s Verde Store roundup program.
FC Dallas: The FC Dallas Foundation will auction the game-worn, autographed jerseys players will wear against Orlando with proceeds benefiting the Robb Elementary Memorial Fund.
Houston Dynamo FC: Dynamo Charities, the official non-profit of the Houston Dynamo Football Club, will auction the game-worn jerseys that the team’s players will wear against Real Salt Lake with proceeds benefiting the Robb Elementary Memorial Fund.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City players César Araujo and Rodrigo Schlegel have been found guilty of failure to leave the field in a timely manner after receiving red cards in Austin and thus fined undisclosed amounts after. In addition, Orlando City violated the league’s mass confrontation policy and defender Kyle Smith and staff member Joe Schuchmann each have been fined an undisclosed amount for inciting and/or escalating a mass confrontation. There was no mention in the MLS press release of any fine against Joe Dickerson for crimes against soccer.
- BetMGM’s MLS Cup 2022 odds has Orlando City in fifth in the MLS field currently to win the title and third to take the Eastern Conference.
- Where do each of the players for the UEFA Champions League final of Liverpool and Real Madrid rank against one another? Find out here.
- Check out this list of the most expensive American soccer transfers of all-time.
- The MLS Disciplinary Committee has suspended both Sporting Kansas City forward Daniel Salloi and Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Esteves for one additional match (two matches total) and fined each an undisclosed amount for violent conduct in the 96th minute of their match on May 18.
- USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter has added goalkeeper Sean Johnson to the training camp roster to prepare for June matches, replacing Zack Steffen, who withdrew from camp.
- USMNT and Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta reflects on what it was like growing up Japanese-American. He writes this for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month but also for anyone who’s been made to feel like they’re somehow different.
- CF Montréal unveiled its latest new logo, which will be officially used as of the 2023 season.
I hope you are all enjoying a great holiday weekend with friends and family. Speaking of — If you have family in town that has never been to a match before, what are you waiting for?!? Grab an extra ticket and get them on over to Exploria Stadium tonight! Vamos Orlando!
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.
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 white 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 the team 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.
- The Orlando Pride come in at the fifth spot in CBSSports.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- The Biden administration has urged the Supreme Court to allow an antitrust lawsuit against FIFA and U.S. Soccer to proceed to trial.
- Francesco Acerbi has left Italy’s training camp following allegations that he racially abused Napoli’s Juan Jesus.
- Fiorentina General Manager Joe Barone is on life support after suffering cardiac arrest.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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.
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.
Free Kicks
- Christian Pulisic’s scoring streak continues as he added another goal to make it four consecutive matches with a strike for AC Milan. His goal helped Milan win 3-1 against Hellas Verona. Pulisic has scored 12 goals so far across all competitions for AC Milan.
- USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi came off the bench for PSV Eindhoven and scored the winning goal in stoppage time for a 1-0 victory against FC Twente.
- AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud has hinted at a possible moved to Major League Soccer this summer if he decides not to renew his contract at the end of the season.
- Due to injury, Josh Sargent and Luca de La Torre will miss the U.S. Men’s National Team’s upcoming Concacaf Nations League semifinal match against Jamaica. Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright were added as their replacements to the USMNT roster.
- Bay FC won its first NWSL match as an expansion club, beating fellow California side Angel City 1-0.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/15/24
Leagues Cup schedule revealed, San Diego Wave reportedly set for sale, Europa League action, and more.
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.
Free Kicks
- Toronto FC traded midfielder Latif Blessing to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for up to $250,000 in General Allocation Money.
- The Seattle Reign will retire Megan Rapinoe’s number during the club’s match on Aug. 25.
- FIFA announced that both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cups will be held annually. The men’s tournament will expand to 48 teams and take place in Qatar for the next five years starting next year. The women’s tournament will have 24 teams and be in Morocco for five years after this year.
- According to England manager Gareth Southgate, Arsenal defender Ben White does not want to be called up for international duty.
- Enjoy this look at an interesting service in Turkey that rents goalkeepers to recreational soccer teams.
- Jamaica dropped Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey from its Concacaf Nations League squad after he missed curfew.
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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