Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/6/23
Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. Here we are in February, getting ever so closer to the season starting, and the winds of change here at The Mane Land are blowing. With new teams in town and preseasons underway, things are finally happening. I hope you enjoyed the weekend, because there will be more soccer as the week begins. Let’s get to the links.
The Pride Get Up to Speed
The Orlando Pride preseason is well underway and Head Coach Seb Hines has his players running — a lot. Hines wants to ensure that his players will have the cardio necessary to outlast opponents in the hot Florida weather. If you are familiar with the beep test, you’ll know that they are not messing around with the conditioning. The team did some drills with the ball as well. Getting the players at the right fitness level is important with a long NWSL season ahead of the Pride.
Toni Pressley’s Memorable Moments in Orlando
Defender Toni Pressley won’t be playing for the Pride this season and the club took a trip down memory lane with a look at her time with the team. The last player from the team’s inaugural season in 2016, Pressley has spent the past seven seasons with the Pride. Most of her contributions over the years have been on the defensive side of the ball, making important tackles and blocks to deny her opponents. While her curling strike against Kansas City in 2017 is worth watching over and over again, her most memorable moment with the Pride was her return to the field after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019.
Crusaders Kick Off Their Season
The Central Florida Crusaders kicked off their inaugural National Indoor Soccer League season on Sunday. In the women’s match, Yvonne Hayes scored the first goal in Crusaders history to give her team the lead over the Memphis Americans. However, the Crusaders conceded three goals in the third quarter and fell 9-6 to the defending champs. Before the game, the Pride’s Marta and Carrie Lawrence were there for the first kick.
The Orlando Pride’s Marta and Carrie Lawrence in attendance for the ceremonial first kick. @CrusadersNISL pic.twitter.com/HL6JrPT1Uk
— Mike Gramajo (@byMikeGramajo) February 5, 2023
The men’s side mounted a comeback and defeated Memphis 9-8 thanks to a golden goal from Raphael Tobias in overtime. Tobias had three goals and two assists, with Maycon Franca also scoring a hat trick.
GOLDEN GOAL WINNER IN OVERTIME!
CRUSADERS WIN!#CFLCrusaders ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/OsAdzpyyM7
— Central Florida Crusaders (@CrusadersNISL) February 5, 2023
Keeping Up With Americans Abroad
I’m not certain if he is simply trying to prove something following the World Cup, but Giovanni Reyna can’t seem to stop scoring when he comes on as a substitute for Borussia Dortmund. His latest goal came in Dortmund’s 5-1 win over SC Freiburg. He’s scored in his past three league appearances and Dortmund is now third in the Bundesliga.
GIO REYNA OFF THE BENCH AGAIN 😱 pic.twitter.com/YXQRa785M4
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 4, 2023
In less good news, Alejandro Zendejas was carted off in Club America’s 2-2 draw with Santos Laguna due to an apparent hamstring injury. The USMNT forward has had a good run of form with Club America, but that will now be put on hold.
Weston McKennie made his English Premier League debut for Leeds United, coming off the bench in a losing effort to Nottingham Forest. Keylor Navas also made his Premier League debut, making big saves for Nottingham in the 1-0 victory. The 36-year-old kept a clean sheet and was recognized for his efforts.
A clean sheet and three points on his debut! 🙌
Keylor Navas is your #NFFC Player of the Match! ✨ pic.twitter.com/KteKJ6TZFy
— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) February 5, 2023
Results Across the English Premier League
Manchester United was able to hold on for a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored for Manchester United, but Casemiro received a red card in the 70th minute. Palace drew one back on a 76th minute goal from Jeffrey Schlupp, but was unable to close the gap.
In what had to be the strangest result of the weekend, Everton defeated Arsenal 1-0. James Tarkowski scored the lone goal of the game in the second half and Everton held on for the win. The Toffees may have gotten a new manager boost as it was the team’s first match under Sean Dyche.
Finally, Harry Kane scored his 200th Premier League goal in Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win over Manchester City. The goal was also his 267th for Tottenham, taking him past club legend Jimmy Greaves.
𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 👏
THE MOMENT HARRY KANE SCORED HIS 200TH #PL GOAL 🏴
(Via @NBCSportsSoccer) pic.twitter.com/zpsUmAJSzd
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 5, 2023
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Cyle Larin scored another game-winning goal for Valladolid in La Liga. The Canadian came off the bench and scored the game’s only goal to beat Real Sociedad 1-0.
Cyle Larin 🇨🇦 scores once again off the bench! #CanMNTpic.twitter.com/GuOWg9Sb52
— Giuseppe Campanelli (@giuseppecam22) February 5, 2023
- In case you missed it, the Seattle Sounders fell 1-0 to Egyptian club Al Ahly in the Club World Cup. Al Ahly will take on Real Madrid on Wednesday in the semifinals.
- According to OL Reign Head Coach Laura Harvey, USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe is training without any restrictions following her recovery from an ankle injury. That means she will make the SheBelieves Cup later this month, with the U.S. taking on Canada at Exploria Stadium on Feb. 16.
- Manchester City is reportedly interested in the USMNT’s Antonee Robinson, but Fulham’s price tag for the left back may be too high for the Sky Blues.
Have a great week. 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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/14/24
Orlando Pride sign Alex Kerr, 2024 Pride roster announced, USMNT players called up for Concacaf Nations League, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week has been treating you well as we get ready for a weekend filled to the brim with Orlando soccer. Both the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B are in action this Saturday, with Orlando City facing Atlanta United on Sunday as well. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi!
Orlando Pride Sign Draft Pick Alex Kerr
The Orlando Pride have signed forward Alex Kerr to a one-year contract for the upcoming 2024 season. Kerr was selected by the Pride in the fourth round of the 2024 NWSL Draft with the 50th overall pick. She joined the Pride after a strong final year with Texas Tech that included 11 goals and five assists across 23 appearances. Although she will be a bit low on the depth chart heading into the season, she will help fill the void felt after Simone Charley suffered a season-ending injury this preseason. The Pride have now signed three of the four players they selected in this year’s draft, with Kerr joining Ally Lemos and Cori Dyke.
Orlando Pride Announce Roster for 2024 NWSL Season
We are only a few days away from the 2024 NWSL season and the Orlando Pride have announced their roster for the start of the season. There are 10 new players on the roster that weren’t with the Pride in 2023, including Zambian forward Barbra Banda. The midfield has been heavily reinforced, with Brazilian duo Luana and Angelina joining Morgan Gautrat, Evelina Duljan, and Lemos. Most of the defenders from last year are back, although Megan Montefusco is on the season-ending injury list and Rafaelle fractured her foot while with Brazil. The Pride kick off their season on the road this Saturday against Racing Louisville SC.
USMNT Roster Selected for Concacaf Nations League
United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter called up 23 players for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League in Texas later this month. Midfielder Tyler Adams is back in the fold for the first time since the World Cup after dealing with a hamstring injury. Forward Josh Sargent was also called up amid a great season with Norwich City, scoring 12 goals in 17 appearances. With Sergino Dest suspended for the semifinal against Jamaica on March 21, Joe Scally will likely get the start at right back. It’s a strong roster and we’ll see if the Yanks can win their third-straight Nations League title.
Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund Advance in Champions League
The UEFA Champions League’s round of 16 is officially done and dusted, with Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund claiming the final spots. Memphis Depay gave Atletico Madrid a late goal against Inter Milan to send the game into extra time, with the Spanish side winning the penalty shootout at home to advance. In Germany, Dortmund had a solid performance on both sides of the ball to beat PSV Eindhoven 2-0. Of the eight remaining clubs in the tournament, three are Spanish, two are German, two are English, and Paris Saint-Germain is the lone French representative. The draw for what should be a pretty entertaining quarterfinals will take place this Friday.
Free Kicks
- Changes to MLS roster rules are reportedly in the works and would be implemented starting this summer.
- For the second straight week, Toronto’s Lorenzo Insigne won MLS Goal of the Matchday. The Italian’s strike against Charlotte FC narrowly beat out Atlanta United forward Giorgos Giakoumakis for the honor.
- Arsenal is reportedly interested in Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
- In preparation for this summer’s Olympics, the United States U-23 Men’s National Team will take on Guinea in Spain on March 22.
- Bournemouth overcame a three-goal deficit at halftime against Luton Town to win 4-3 at home. It’s a brutal result for Luton Town, which would have moved out of the relegation zone if it maintained its lead.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
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