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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: 5/30/25

Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

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2 days ago

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May 30, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Lions Called Up For International Duty

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.

Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.

A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.

Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson

The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.

USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China

The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.

Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager

Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/29/25

Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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May 29, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Falls in Atlanta

The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.

MLS All-Star Voting Begins

The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.

Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery

Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.

Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League

Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.

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  • Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
  • Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.

That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/28/25

Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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May 28, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads North

Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.

Banda and Sams Recognized

A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.

Orlando Pride Power

The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.

Freeman and the USMNT

It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?

Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!

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