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Lion Links: 7/18/15

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10 years ago

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Good Saturday morning, Orlando. If you paced yourself at the bar last night, good on ya. If not, pop a Berocca (or three) with breakfast, or – if ‘hair of the dog’ is more your style – perhaps an Irish Coffee is in order.

Whatever you do, do it quick, as tailgate time is approaching this afternoon at the Citrus Bowl prior to Orlando City’s showdown with the New York Red Bulls this evening. As you prep, mentally and physically, for the match, enjoy this morning’s batch of Lion Links and get your game face on like Inchy.

UCF and Orlando City Team Up to Change a 6-Year-Old Boy’s Life

Brazilian boy Paulo Costa Boa Nova was born without part of his arm because of a genetic defect. In today’s “feel better about the world” story, Orlando Health brought the boy and his father to Orlando, where he was presented with a 3-D printed arm created by Limbitless Solutions, which is comprised of students at UCF. The presentation took place at OCSC’s training facility in Lake Mary, where Kaká, Aurélien Collin and Tally Hall were present and even kicked the ball around a bit with Paulo.

City will celebrate the students’ work tonight when they recognize Paulo, his father, and several Limbitless Solutions team members at the NYRB match.

Paulo (right) received his “bionic” arm with support of Alex, the first recipient of a bionic (Iron Man themed) arm from Limbitless. Photo courtesy of Orlando City SC and the University of Central Florida.

Player Salaries Released by MLS

We knew Kaká made a pretty penny to bless us Central Floridians with his soccer genius, and these numbers released on Friday confirm that the Brazilian gets paaaaaaid. With a base salary of $6,660,000 per season plus bonuses, Kaká’s guaranteed compensation for 2015 comes out to a cool $7,167,500. Not too shabby.

Not far behind Orlando’s Captain – per the Orlando Sentinel‘s MLS Salary Database – is Sebastian Giovinco of Toronto FC. Despite a base salary that is more than $1 million lower than Kaká’s, the Atomic Ant’s guaranteed compensation for 2015 is only about $52,000 fewer. Among the surprises on this list is the $60,000 salary of City Designated Player Carlos Rivas, but that may have something to do with his transfer fee from former club Deportivo Cali.

Javaier “Chicharito” Hernández Madness Continues

Friday brought more news in the Chicharito saga, this time from perhaps the least credible source yet. Chicha is not coming to Major League Soccer, and this time we know it’s super official because it came from the mouth of a Liga MX team owner, Chivas Guadalajara’s Jorge Vergara.

“I can assure you that Javier Hernandez is not going to MLS, we are super clear on that. Before he goes to MLS, we would take him in for Mexico [Liga MX], that is for sure,” Vergara told ESPN Mexico’s Raza Deportiva show on Thursday. “We would break the piggy bank for him.”

This comes as a big surprise (sarcasm font). Why would an owner from Liga MX be threatened by MLS targeting Mexican talent? With the recent signing of Gio dos Santos by LA Galaxy and the courtship of Hernández by Orlando, what’s there to worry about?

For the record, this means nothing in terms of Chicharito and Orlando City, but it’s a fine opportunity to make fun of Vergara’s insecurity regarding MLS poaching Mexican talent.

Miami MLS Stadium to Be Built Next to Marlins Park

David Beckham announced his ambitions for a Miami-based MLS team 17 months ago, and Friday it was announced that he and his group of investors would privately fund a stadium next to Marlins Park.

“Today’s meeting with Mayor Regalado was another positive step toward bringing a world class soccer club to Miami,” said a Miami Beckham United spokesperson. “[We] are thrilled by the initial outpouring of support we’ve received from our fans and we’re excited about sharing our plans with the city, county and community soon.”

The stadium is a proposed 25,000-seater, and the group is hopeful to begin play in 2018. Also, is Miami Beckham United a real thing? Because it’s awesomely bad.

Chicago Fire Reportedly Lead the Running to Land King Didi

The Didier Drogba to MLS rumors started long ago following the conclusion of the English Premier League season, and things appear to be heating up again according to ESPN FC. Per the report, “several teams” within MLS are in the running for the Ivorian legend, but the Chicago Fire currently sit in pole position for the services of the former Premier League Golden Boot winner, who spent the majority of his career at Chelsea while also making pit stops at Marseille, Shanghai Shenhua, and Galatasaray.

ESPN FC claims that Chicago is prepared to offer Drogba $2.5 million per year on an 18-month deal, which would be about $3.75 million over that span. Previous reports connecting Drogba to Orlando City had the Ivorian asking for a salary in the Kaká range, but have since been shot down by the Sentinel. The reported number the Fire are willing to offer still seems high for a 37-year-old who is well past his prime, but it is certainly much more reasonable than the numbers reported in previous stories involving Drogba and MLS.

Sports Illustrated Profile of Aston Villa and USMNT Goalkeeper Brad Guzan

Brian Strauss of Sports Illustrated provides us with an in-depth look into the mind of Brad Guzan, who is currently between the posts for the United States Men’s National Team in the Gold Cup and has been with Premier League side Aston Villa since 2008.

Guzan has had a tough road to first team ‘keeping, from battling behind Brad Friedel at Villa and playing second fiddle to Tim Howard with the USMNT for years. It is a very interesting read, and one that certainly gives some perspective on Guzan’s career and adds even more respect (in my mind) to the American shot-stopper who is now taking advantage of his opportunity to grab the reins.

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That’s it for this Saturday edition of Links, Mane Landers. Enjoy today’s festivities, and I hope you all get the chance to celebrate a victory over RBNY tonight. Go City!

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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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1 day 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: 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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