Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/19/23
Orlando ready for Dynamo, Alejandro Granados could head to Belgium, Wilfredo Rivera nominated for Goal of the Matchday, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OCvColorado-2023.06.10-64.jpg)
Happy Wednesday, Mane Landers! I don’t know why, but I still think of that old camel commercial every so often on hump day. Aside from being a camel’s favorite day of the week, it is also one of our favorite days of the season as we’re in the MLS All-Star break. Tonight, you can tune in to watch the MLS All-Stars take on Arsenal at 8:30 p.m. While there won’t be any Orlando City players in the match, that is fine by me, as they can rest up for Friday’s bout with the Houston Dynamo in Leagues Cup action. Who doesn’t love a little midseason cup run? Let’s take a look at it all in today’s links!
Orlando Prepares for Leagues Cup
Orlando City hosts the Houston Dynamo on Friday night at Exploria Stadium in the midseason tournament. This will be Houston’s second visit in as many years to Orlando, having lost 2-1 to the Lions last summer. In MLS action, the Dynamo head into the Leagues Cup just above the playoff line in ninth place in the Western Conference. Orlando City center back Antonio Carlos is nearing a personal milestone, as he is only two appearances away from 100 across all competitions for the club.
OCB’s Alejandro Granados Reportedly on the Move
The Belgian Pro League is the top league in Belgium, and Club Brugge is looking to bring the blossoming talents of Orlando City B midfielder Alejandro Granados across the ocean to it. Having played just one single minute for the senior Lions, a $2 million price tag would be extremely high for just an Orlando City academy prospect. The Athletic’s Tom Bogert ($) has sources claiming that could very well be the transfer fee though. The 17-year-old made his MLS debut in June following five appearances for Spain at the U-17 European Championships in May.
Rivalry Win Boosts Confidence for Lions
The 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday night has pushed Orlando City’s defensive confidence another level higher. For Lions Head Coach Oscar Pareja, he knows that he made two prior mistakes earlier this season when not bringing on an extra defender early.
“I’m still carrying a little bit of pain from the two games at home against Atlanta and New York City where I could have helped the team by adding a third defender in a moment that we needed it. Today, in the last 15 minutes, I said well, we’re coming from a hard game in Salt Lake, so it’s normal that they were feeling the pressure. So we said okay, we’re going to defend with an extra center back, because crosses are going to come and we’re going to make sure that we control that part.”
In the dying moments of this recent win, when five minutes of stoppage slowly became 10, Orlando City was able to weather the storm and walk out with all three points from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Wilfredo Rivera Nominated for Goal of the Matchday
The Young Lions are up to eighth in the latest MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings following two wins out of their last three matches. With a strike in the 76th minute from way downtown, Wilfredo Rivera launched himself into MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Matchday contention in a 3-2 comeback victory with only 10-men over Atlanta United 2. Orlando City B is back in action on Sunday when it takes on Chicago Fire II.
USWNT’s World Cup Squad Makeup
The United States Women’s National Team roster for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup features players from ages of 18 to 38. With all of the veteran experience among the squad, it helps to create strength and camaraderie in the squad for those getting their first call-ups to the biggest tournament in the women’s game.
“I think the veterans have been so incredible about telling us what we’re getting into,” said midfielder Andi Sullivan. “They’ve just shared and given examples of [World Cup] craziness in the past. They’ve reiterated to lean on them if there’s something we’re struggling with, which I think is such an incredible thing to do. They want to perform their best but they’re still looking out for us newbies. I think it’s been incredible and has given the whole team this sense of confidence.”
On top of having a range of ages in the team, this will also be a squad that boasts nine women of color. However, the team’s diversity extends beyond race, with several players being openly gay as well. The players hope to be the women they wished they’d seen play when they were younger, ensuring children of color, queer kids, and others will always feel they have a home in the game.
“I think it’s just awesome that the national team is starting to look like the nation,” forward Lynn Williams said. “We have gay people. We have straight people. We have Black people. We have Mexican people. It looks like the United States, and I think that’s exactly what it should look like … so hopefully the younger generations can look to us and say, ‘You know what? Soccer is a space for me, and we want to play as well.’”
Free Kicks
- Did Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines just witness a bird carry away another bird? Don’t worry, Seb, I think we would all be as dumbfounded.
- The Philadelphia Union acquired their first-ever U22 Initiative player in 19-year-old defender Olwethu Makhanya from Stellenbosch FC.
- Left back Ethan Bristow is set to join Minnesota United from English Football League Two side Tranmere Rovers FC.
- Trinity Rodman is geared up and ready to represent the USWNT at the World Cup.
- Here is a look at every team taking part in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and what to watch for.
- USWNT defender Naomi Girma is dedicating her World Cup campaign to friend and fellow Stanford athlete Katie Meyer, who died by suicide on March 1, 2022.
- NWSL expansion team Bay FC announced Jen Millet as its first chief operating officer.
- Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed he expects Romelu Lukaku to leave Chelsea this summer.
- When you’re one of the biggest clubs in the world, sometimes you just feel the need to stomp on the little guys. Bayern Munich did just that with a 27-0 victory over ninth-tier German side FC Rottach-Egern.
That’s all for today folks. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/18/23
Enrique’s great day, Pride upset the Courage, USMNT players abroad, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/media_6942802_6621091_compressed.jpg)
Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. I was feeling a bit under the weather starting Saturday afternoon, but that huge comeback win definitely helped. I was starting to feel better by Sunday afternoon, but by the end of the Pride match I was right as rain. Winning really does make everything better. Let’s get to the links.
Enrique’s Very Good, Not Bad Day
Ramiro Enrique was already a hero for scoring the equalizer in the 86th minute against the visiting Columbus Crew. It wasn’t enough for the young striker, as he earned a free kick close enough to goal to give Orlando City the opportunity to win the match. That still wasn’t enough for Enrique, so he decided to score the winner. If you somehow forgot what it looked like, please enjoy watching it over and over again.
Oscar Pareja said he was proud of his team and confident that the Lions could not only earn a draw but actually win in the last 15 minutes of the match. That belief was held by the players as well. Enrique experienced a moment of pure joy after scoring the winner — you can see it in his celebration — though he was most happy for the three points. Mauricio Pereyra said he is just proud to be the captain of this team. I think it is safe to say that after that result we’re all proud of this team.
Orlando Pride Stun Courage
Two first-half goals were enough to give the Orlando Pride a rare 2-1 win against the North Carolina Courage and in September. Neither of those things have historically come easy for the Pride, but given the fact that Ally Watt scoring the earliest goal in Pride history set the right tone for the evening. The win moved the the Pride into seventh place and — just as importantly — only one spot out of the playoffs. The Pride will be in action next on Oct. 2 at Angel City. If you missed our recap late last night, click the link above and enjoy Sean Rollins’ description of the match.
How USMNT Players Fared Abroad
Folarin Balogun went right from scoring a goal for the USMNT to scoring a goal for AS Monaco in a 2-2 draw with Lorient. Balogun came on as a sub and provided the equalizer for his new club. The USMNT striker is red hot, as is Ricardo Pepi, which makes Gregg Berhalter’s choice difficult going forward. Weston McKennie made his 100th appearance for Juventus and provided an assist in a 3-1 win over Lazio. Much like he did for the USMNT, McKennie played an excellent match.
English Premier League Highlights
Manchester City and Liverpool each scored three goals to win easily against West Ham United and Wolves, respectively. The two top four clubs earned easy, controversy-free victories. However, both Tottenham and Arsenal won, but they did not do so easily or without controversy.
Everton is not good. The Toffees are sitting in the relegation zone with zero wins and only one draw so far this season. Despite that, it took Arsenal until the 69th minute to score the only goal of the match to get the win. It was even harder for Tottenham, given it took two second-half, stoppage-time goals to defeat Sheffield United. United manager Paul Heckingbottom was furious with the officiating.
Free Kicks
- Do you think you can play in most pick-up soccer matches? You almost certainly cannot make the cut for this one in Manchester, England. The players were once paid to play, though they now pay to play — they play a whopping £5.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday. AT&T Stadium is a possible venue for the next World Cup. Does anyone else think — and I say this as a Cowboys fan — that this was a meeting of the sports equivalent of the Legion of Doom?
- Never mind that, this is the actual Axis of Evil. I can’t believe I’m giving Atlanta United credit, but this was well done at Inter Miami’s expense.
Check back with The Mane Land as we get you ready for the midweek match Wednesday against New York City FC. That will do it for today other than one plea to the Orlando City front office and the Wilf family: please give Oscar Pareja, Luiz Muzzi, and Ricardo Moreira new contracts. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/16/23
Orlando City resumes MLS play at home, Lions chasing milestones, OCB clinches a playoff spot, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Yy5Oz_pg-scaled.jpeg)
Welcome to another matchday, Mane Landers! It seems like months since Orlando City’s last match, despite it only being a couple of weeks. It really makes you wonder how we can go a full off-season without our purple fix. Before the match tonight though, I’ll be heading outside with my buddy to get some rock climbing in. It is sunny and mid-60s here in Kentucky, so I’ll be making the most of the early fall weather.
Don’t get me wrong though, I still miss waking up and walking across the street to the beach every morning when I lived in Florida. Whatever your own location is, I’m glad we all get to call Exploria Stadium our personal “home away from home.” Now enough of the lovey-dovey reminiscing stuff, let’s get into today’s links!
Lions Kick Off Slew of Matches at Home
Orlando City resumes league play tonight at 7:30 p.m. when it hosts the Columbus Crew at Exploria Stadium. The Lions and the Crew last squared off in May earlier this season, where City fought to a second-half comeback 2-2 draw. Former Orlando City forward Ercan Kara and rookie striker Duncan McGuire scored to solidify the club’s third-straight unbeaten match against the Columbus. Today’s match is the first of three in a nine-day span for Orlando as the Lions face a quick turnaround for Wednesday’s road match against New York City FC. The team then turns around to host Inter Miami in the Tropic Thunder derby on Sunday.
Lions Hunting for Milestones
We have officially reached the latter part of the season when players and coaches can start to look down their personal goals lists to see just how well they have done this year. Head Coach Oscar Pareja is hunting two more wins to reach the milestone of 60 as the Lions’ manager. Another milestone hunter is Designated Player Facundo Torres, who currently sits level with former forward Dom Dwyer for fourth on Orlando City’s all-time scoring charts. The Uruguayn’s next goal would mark his 25th and tie him with club legend and inaugural MLS captain Kaká for third in club history. For the team as a whole, Orlando City has made it 10 straight home matches without a loss, which is the club’s longest-ever run within a single season in the MLS era.
Orlando Pride Need Wins for Playoff Run
Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines is calling all supporters for the Pride’s must-win match at Exploria Stadium on Sunday. While the Pride have shown sparks of brilliance at times this year, they’ve lost 10 of their 18 games, leaving crucial points behind along the way. The club has massive six-pointers ahead against Angel City, Racing Louisville, and the Houston Dash. Gathering these pivotal wins would be necessary for the Pride to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2017.
Orlando Pride Releases 2023 Moniker Kits
In recent years, the Orlando front office has taken its merch game up a notch with Moniker jerseys of its different start players. This season, August NWSL Rookie of the Month Messiah Bright and captain Marta each earn the special edition honors. The kit includes a special design backing and a limited edition patch only attainable through buying the Moniker kits. Bright’s design is symbolic of a stained glass window, while Marta’s depicts her being the GOAT (greatest of all-time) of professional women’s soccer.
Orlando City B Clinches Playoff Spot with 1-1 Draw at Fire II
Orlando City B drew Chicago Fire II 1-1 last night at SeatGeek Stadium to clinch its spot in MLS NEXT Pro postseason play. The Young Lions were without the services of star striker Jack Lynn, who is likely suiting up for the senior team tonight following the departure of Ercan Kara. It only took 17 minutes for the Baby Sparks to find the net as Sergio Oregel finished off Billy Hency’s cross. In the 71st minute, Wilfredo Rivera stepped up in Lynn’s absence to level the match. Following full time, OCB’s 20-year-old Venezuelan keeper, Javier Otero, made two saves to secure the extra shootout point, 4-3.
Free Kicks
- Inter Miami has signed Ecuadorian international Leonardo Campana to a contract extension through the 2027 MLS season with an option for 2028.
- U.S. Soccer plans to construct the nation’s first-ever designated national training center in the Atlanta area, funded in part by Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank’s $50 million contribution.
- Premier League club Everton has been sold to private equity firm 777 Partners in a deal reportedly worth more than $685 million.
- Arsenal is confident of finalizing a contract extension with 24-year-old midfielder Martin Ødegaard, whose deal expires in 2025. It would likely need to be a significant increase on his current £120,000-a-week wage.
- Spain has granted a restraining order to prevent former football federation chief Luis Rubiales from coming near forward Jenni Hermoso.
- Spanish police arrested three Real Madrid youth players for allegedly distributing a sexual video featuring a minor.
- Barcelona will play Real Madrid on Oct. 28 in the first El Clásico matchup of the 2023-24 season.
- The father of 22-year-old student Martin Podhajsky paid Czech third division side FK Usti nad Labem around $22,000 to secure his son a place in the senior squad and guarantee him at least 10 minutes of first-team action this season. His son has never actually played soccer before.
That’s all I have for you today. Let’s all enjoy the return of some first-time action tonight. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/15/23
Pedro Gallese stands out during the international break, Orlando Pride prepare for the North Carolina Courage, OCB takes on Chicago tonight, and more.
![](https://themaneland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCvColorado-2023.06.10-3.jpg)
It’s finally Friday! I don’t know about you, but this week has felt like forever for me. I don’t have many plans this weekend beyond touring some apartments, packing, and working. Regardless, I’m looking forward to checking out some soccer when I can and enjoying being outside without melting into a puddle. Let’s get into today’s links!
Pedro Gallese Impressed During International Break
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese stood out among the many MLS players who represented their countries during the recent international break. Gallese came up with six saves in Peru’s scoreless draw on the road against Paraguay, and then did well against Brazil in a 1-0 loss. It was further proof towards how important it was that the Lions signed him to a new contract last December, as Gallese’s form is consistent at the club and international level. Wilder Cartagena and Facundo Torres were also noted for receiving some valuable minutes with Peru and Uruguay, respectively.
Orlando Pride Focused Ahead of Sunday’s Match
The Orlando Pride are back in action Sunday night for a pivotal match with the North Carolina Courage at Exploria Stadium. After losing their past two games, the Pride are ninth in the league standings and need a win to insert themselves back in the playoff race. They take on a Courage team that is third in the league and just won the NWSL Challenge Cup. However, the Courage enter this game on short rest and have not won a league game since July 1 (0-2-2). Pride defender Emily Madril spoke on how the team is focused on winning its remaining four matches, starting with Sunday’s.
Orlando City and Orlando Pride Partner With Inter&Co
Inter&Co, which offers finance solutions and digital commerce services, was named the official financial institution of both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride as part of a new partnership. It’s the Brazilian company’s first partnership with an NWSL club, and it’ll be interesting to see what kinds of collaborations come from this partnership in the future. Fans can learn more about the company at tomorrow’s game between Orlando City and the Columbus Crew. It does feel a little wrong to partner with a company named Inter though.
Orlando City B Plays Chicago Fire II Tonight
Orlando City B has a chance to clinch a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs when it takes on Chicago Fire II tonight at 7 p.m. The same can be said for Chicago, making tonight’s match a critical one for both sides. The Young Lions have excelled offensively this year, recording 236 key passes and 56 goals. Of those goals, 11 have come from outside the box, the second most in the league. Forward Jack Lynn remains tied in the Golden Boot race with New York City FC II’s Matt Myers, with both sitting on 18 goals. Lynn is expected on the bench in Orlando on Saturday night, however, so he may not make the trip to Chicago. Hopefully the Young Lions can get the job done tonight on the road and qualify for the playoffs for the first time.
Free Kicks
- EA Sports FC 24 player ratings are out and Martin Ojeda has the highest rating of Orlando City players. As for NWSL players, Marta has the 11th highest rating, while former Pride forward Alex Morgan takes the top spot.
- Sporting Kansas City re-signed Designated Player Alan Pulido to a three-year contract. The forward has been great this year, scoring 13 goals for Kansas City.
- The Vancouver Whitecaps signed versatile attacker Junior Hoilett on a deal through the rest of the 2023 season. A free agent, the 33-year-old most recently played for Reading in England and should give Vancouver a boost to its attack.
- Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara had a successful appendectomy and may miss multiple games while he recovers.
- A Colorado Rapids supporters group released a statement showing its dissatisfaction with the club and ownership during an abysmal season.
- American defender Sam Vines won’t be taking part in Antwerp’s Champions League games in the group stage due to an error.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
-
Lion Links2 weeks ago
Lion Links: 9/4/23
-
Orlando City2 days ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Challenges for Orlando City Down the Stretch
-
Orlando City2 days ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Final Score 4-3 as Lions’ Comeback Extends Unbeaten Run to Six
-
Orlando City5 days ago
Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Three Keys to Victory
-
Lion Links2 weeks ago
Lion Links: 9/5/23
-
Lion Links2 weeks ago
Lion Links: 9/6/23
-
Podcasts2 weeks ago
PawedCast Episode 374: FC Cincinnati Rewind, the Ercan Kara Transfer, OCB-Crown Legacy, and More