Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/24/23
Happy Tuesday everyone. I won’t sugarcoat it, there’s a lot to get to today, and some particularly exciting items regarding Orlando City. With that being the case, let’s get straight into things.
Orlando City Transfer Rumors
There are a couple big things to note in the world of Orlando City transfer rumors. First, the Lions are reportedly close to signing Icelandic international midfielder Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. The 22-year-old currently plays as a box-to-box midfielder with Breidablik in Iceland’s top flight. He has four caps for his country and, while he primarily plays central midfield, he can also line up at wing, fullback, and even attacking midfield, and he should bring some nice versatility to Orlando’s roster.
In his tweet addressing the Thorhallsson signing, Tom Bogert also notes that a deal for forward Ramiro Enrique will be completed soon. Both guys fit the profile of a young, promising player that OCSC has begun to target with increasing regularity.
Orlando City are set to complete and seal two signings: Ramiro Enrique from Banfield andd Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, Iceland national team midfielder. 🟣✍🏻 #MLS
Official statement expected soon. pic.twitter.com/KMCFNY4p1X
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2023
Get to Know Felipe Martins
Orlando City has several new faces going into this season, and one of them is Felipe Martins, the 32-year-old midfielder who joins the Lions from Austin FC. Martins took the time to answer a few questions about how he’s settling into his new surroundings, and he also spoke about what drew him to OCSC. He cited fellow Brazilian Kaká’s time in purple as one of the reasons he was initially attracted to the club, but also highlighted both the passion of the team’s fans and the ambition that the club has in chasing trophies. We’re happy to have him, and welcome to the City Beautiful, Felipe!
MLS Transfer Happenings
There are also several pieces of transfer news to catch up on from around Major League Soccer. First up, the Colorado Rapids have signed 24-year-old Connor Ronan from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a four-year deal with an option for 2027.
Staying in the Western Conference, the Houston Dynamo have signed Amine Bassi from FC Betz in Ligue 2. The 25-year-old Moroccan joins on a two-year deal which has options for two more, and was signed using Targeted Allocation Money.
Pivoting to outgoing transfers, the LA Galaxy have sold Samuel Grandsir to Le Havre AC in Ligue 2. The transfer fee was not disclosed, and the Galaxy retain a sell-on fee for the 26-year-old winger.
Finally, Alexander Callens has departed New York City FC after six years to sign with Spanish side Girona FC. The Peruvian international will join former NYCFC forward Valentin Castellanos at the team, which currently sits 11th in La Liga.
Everton Sacks Frank Lampard
Following a period of nine defeats in the club’s last 12 games, Everton announced the firing of Frank Lampard on Monday morning. The team is 19th in the Premier League, with only goal difference keeping it off the bottom spot, and has a paltry 15 points from 20 games played. It’s far from being too late to climb out of the relegation zone, and while the team is reportedly close to bringing in a manager with Premier League experience, it’s unlikely to change the club’s fortunes in the long run, as things have now been declining for several years. Nuno Espirito Santo, Marcelo Bielsa, and Ralph Hasenhuttl are all reportedly being considered for the job.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City academy director Marcelo Neveleff has left the club to become head coach of the Dominican Republic’s national team.
- The United States Men’s National Team will reportedly play its March 27 Nations League game against El Salvador in Orlando, presumably at Exploria Stadium.
USSF planning for USMNT’s Nations League match vs El Salvador March 27 to take place in Orlando, per sources. Logistics and climate are factors. Team would train in Florida, fly to Grenada for March 24 game, back to Orlando for ES. Easy travel to/from Europe for many players.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 23, 2023
- Racing Louisville has traded for Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett, while sending Emily Fox to the North Carolina Courage.
- Former Orlando Pride goalkeeping coach Aline Reis has signed for Spanish side UDG Tenerife as a player.
- The United States Men’s National Team takes on Serbia tomorrow, so here’s a look at what the team will be up against.
- The 2023 United States Women’s National Team kit has been leaked and is reportedly a design that resembles ‘blobs of paint’.
- Chelsea and Arsenal tried to play a Women’s Super League match on a frozen field, and it went about as badly as you might think it would.
That’s all I have for today. Y’all stay safe out there.
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!
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Minnesota United FC: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Tigres UANL, Concacaf Champions Cup: Final Score 0-0 as Defensive Battle Ends without a Goal
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Tigres UANL, Concacaf Champions Cup: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Lion Links6 days ago
Lion Links: 3/13/24
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Minnesota United: Final Score 3-2 as Lions Not Sharp Enough at Either End in Loss
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Minnesota United FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match
-
Orlando City7 days ago
Orlando City vs. Tigres UANL, Concacaf Champions Cup: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More