Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/25/23
Today is the day that we have all been waiting for! MLS action is back. Orlando City invites the New York Red Bulls to town tonight at 7:30 p.m. If you haven’t had this date circled on your calendar for weeks, 1) Do you live under a rock? 2) Welcome to The Mane Land, where we bring all the news related to soccer in The City Beautiful.
But seriously, we’re ecstatic that league play is back underway. Personally, the nervousness is minimal and the anticipation is maximal. I can’t wait to see how this new roster of Lions will hold up against the rest of the league.
But before I go on and on about how hyped I am, let’s all wish a couple happy birthdays to Orlando Pride midfielder Mikayla Cluff and OCB winger Gonzalo Agustoni-Chagas. Now, let’s dive right into the links!
Orlando City Opens 2023 Season At Home
The Lions of Orlando City begin their 2023 campaign at home tonight with 10 new players for 2023, which is the most additions in a primary transfer window for the club since the 2018-2019 off-season. The team is undefeated in home openers through eight seasons in MLS, having won twice and drawn six times on opening day. Most notably, the Lions have not given up a goal in their first match of the season since 2019. As the New York Red Bulls come to town, the Lions will look to build upon their successful previous season that saw the club make yet another playoff run and lift the U.S. Open Cup.
Lions Announce 29-Man First-Team Roster
Luiz Muzzi and the Wilf family have done their fair share of refreshing the Orlando City roster since the 2021 transfer window takeover. While some faces remain the same, such as Peruvian international goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and captain Mauricio Pereyra, there are plenty of new Lions to acquaint yourself with. Newcomers sure to make an instant impact include midfielder and Designated Player Martin Ojeda, MLS U22 initiative forward Ramiro Enrique, and 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick and MAC Hermann Trophy winner Duncan McGuire. Let us know in the comments below which new Lion you are most excited to see take the field on opening day. We’ll have our own roster story later this morning, so stay tuned.
MLS Is Back
If you are trying to get your MLS soccer fix beyond your Orlando City Lions, there are plenty of other matches to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Over 60,000 fans are expected for the start of Charlotte FC’s second year in MLS as North Carolina side hosts the New England Revolution. Orlando City rival Inter Miami will look to show off its new striker — and former Atlanta United player — Josef Martinez against CF Montréal. Newcomer St. Louis City will finally see what the team is made of as the expansion side takes on Austin FC. Meanwhile, an early Eastern Conference match-up of favorites Philadelphia Union and the Columbus Crew will surely be worth a look. These are just a few of many matches that we’ll have our eyes on as we welcome back the start of MLS league play.
Last-Minute MLS Roster Decisions
Plenty of teams were still tweaking that roster compliance knob on Friday to either become roster compliant or to ensure they have what it takes to lift the MLS Cup trophy at the end of the season. The league’s third all-time leading scorer Kei Kamara was traded to the Chicago Fire in a last-minute deal with CF Montréal. Chicago is sending Montréal $250,000 in General Allocation Money across two seasons, plus additional performance-based incentives. Charlotte FC has signed three 2023 MLS SuperDraft picks — midfielders Nick Scardina, Andrew Privett, and forward Patrick Agyemang — through 2023. Toronto FC has signed academy defender Kobe Franklin to a Homegrown contract through 2024. The San Jose Earthquakes have signed 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick Daniel Munie to a first-team contract. Meanwhile, Minnesota United FC and defender Alan Benítez have mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
Free Kicks
- Still trying to decide what number to put on your 2023 “The Wall” kit? We’ve got you covered with all players and jersey numbers here.
Our squad for 2023 🔢#VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/fg74cOkQOv
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 24, 2023
- The MLSPA has spoken out on the league’s decision not to implement temporary concussion substitutions.
Statement on MLS decision to refuse to implement temporary concussions substitute trial.
The league’s lack of courage leaves us with an outdated model that fails to protect players from further injury & allows tradition to triumph over science.
More: https://t.co/XQGMgbYO3P pic.twitter.com/4XBoQm8Vsp
— MLSPA (@MLSPA) February 24, 2023
- The LA Galaxy and LAFC season opener has been postponed due to safety considerations resulting from inclement weather as heavy rains have brought flooding to the Rose Bowl pitch.
Micah Burton and Keyrol Figueroa scored to lead the U-17 USMNT to a 2-0 win over Canada Friday night in the U-17 Concacaf Championships. The Baby Nats will face Mexico in the final Sunday at 5 p.m.
FT | We're going to the U-17 @concacaf Championship final 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZWbt3RhHx1
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) February 25, 2023
- France captain Wendie Renard will not play at this year’s Women’s World Cup she announced on Friday.
- Spanish referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez has filed a criminal lawsuit against former senior referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira for alleged sporting fraud.
- Don’t forget to check out the Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid derby, one of the biggest games in Spanish soccer and world’s biggest rivalries today.
- The Bundesliga title race is up for grabs as Bayern Munich take on Union Berlin this weekend.
If that isn’t enough to get you hyped on soccer and today’s match, I don’t know what is. Remember that it’s opening day downtown. Give yourself a little bit of extra time to get to the stadium and give the game day staff a little bit of extra grace as they work out the kinks. Soccer is back and this should be a fun day and experience for all.
Now, pull on that shiny new purple jersey and head on down to the stadium. 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!
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