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Lion Links: 4/23/15

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10 years ago

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Good Thursday morning, Orlando Citizens.

Wednesday was a fairly interesting day, outside of the 0-0 draw between Juventus and Monaco in the South of France. Let's skip that and jump right in to today's Lion Links, starting with the birthday boy himself.

Kaká Speaks to the Press

Orlando City midfielder and captain Ricardo Kaká talked to the media on Wednesday for about 10 minutes following the conclusion of training at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford. There were some of the usual questions for the Brazilian superstar, which included an inquiry about the difficulty of playing in Major League Soccer, but he also said that he is motivated by the pressure that this Sunday’s match against Toronto FC provides, and that he is learning to become a better leader as he continues to build chemistry with his relatively new teammates. He also said that he’s fine with taking advice from the young players, when warranted.

Most of what Kaká discussed is covered by the story on MLSsoccer.com, but he was also asked about the fan support from the OCSC faithful, which he seemed genuinely appreciative of.

"Thank you to our supporters," he said. "How they are supporting now is very good after the loss against Columbus – it was a tough loss for us. When we arrived at the hotel, the supporters were there [waiting] for us. This means a lot for us because we can do a lot of things together, even in the bad periods and moments. This means a lot, not just for me, but for our group."

Montreal Earns Historic Draw at Azteca

Despite some wacky officiating, Montreal earned a 1-1 draw against Club América on the road on Wednesday night in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final. North American teams have not done well historically at the Azteca, and Montreal really deserved to get out with a win. Solid result nonetheless.

USWNT Releases Uniforms for This Summer’s Women’s World Cup

The social media feedback for the U.S. Men's and Women's National Teams' alternate kits has been largely negative, with the blue gradient theme failing to impress most fans. The reception for the new USWNT home kits, released by Nike on Wednesday, wasn't a whole lot better.

The shirt and shorts are pretty standard, using the same number font and not deviating too much from the previous year's uniforms, although black is incorporated this year. The shoes and socks are where things get a bit weird, though, with blue and green shoes rising into highlighter green and white socks in a look more fit for the Seattle Seahawks than the Stars and Stripes.

Keep doing you, Nike. #NoMaybes.

Cristiano Ronaldo Eyeing Move to L.A. in 2018, according to SI's Planet Fútbol

You've probably been sitting on pins and needles ever since Grant Wahl originally reported that the best looking man in world soccer was planning a move to MLS when his current deal with Real Madrid ends in 2018. If you were holding out hope that Ronaldo would bring his CR7 Underwear line to Orlando (or that Orlando could afford His Grace), then I have some bad news, as Wahl is now reporting that Cristiano's preferred destination in 2018 is Los Angeles.

The good news, of course, is that by 2018, 35-year-old Kaká will be playing through balls to his attacking tandem of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Chicharito.

UEFA Announces Champions League Seeding Change

Speaking of Ronaldo, his Real Madrid side squeezed through into the Champions League semifinal on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over crosstown rivals Atlético Madrid, courtesy of a late winner from the aforementioned Chicharito. UEFA announced on Wednesday that it will change up the seeding system for its most prestigious club tournament next year, awarding top seeds to the champions of Europe's seven biggest leagues.

"The first group comprises the title holder [top seed] and the domestic champions of the seven top-ranked associations in accordance with the access list.

"If the title holder is one of the top seven associations' domestic champions, the group is completed with the champion of the association ranked eight."

The top seeds are currently given to the highest ranked teams on the continent based on a five-year results cycle in UEFA competitions. UEFA said that the Champions League is about competition, so it is only natural to reward those who have won a league in this manner. These changes would mean that Arsenal and Manchester United, currently second and third in the Premier League, respectively, would be out of the running for top seeds in next season's UCL competition.

Sports Illustrated Breaks Down EPL Fandom by Region

Using a cool interactive map, Sports Illustrated has determined that America loves to finish in fourth place. Based on a percentage of Twitter followers who follow at least one of England's top 20 clubs, Arsenal is the most widely supported English club in America, with Chelsea and Manchester United not far behind.

It is notable that Manchester United got into the Twitter game decidedly later than the Gunners and the Blues, joining the Twittershpere in April of 2012. Chelsea FC has been tweeting since March of 2009, while Arsenal joined the party shortly thereafter in April of '09. Also of note, the top three clubs Americans choose to support currently comprise the top three of the Premier League table.

I wish you all a tolerable Thursday.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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23 hours ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

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  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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