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Lion Links: 8/19/15

Published

10 years ago

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What’s up y’all? It’s Wednesday and if you were hoping to get season tickets for Orlando City, you are now out of luck.

Yesterday, the club announced it has already sold of out the 18,000 allotted season tickets for the new stadium. On the off chance you were questioning how big the soccer community is in Orlando, that should give you your answer. It speaks to what the club is doing right that they have officially sold out of next year’s season tickets before this year is even over. Impressive.

We got some more links for you today, too. Let’s get to it.

Ceren Suspended

The MLS Disciplinary Committee announced that Darwin Ceren’s yellow card shown to him in the 61st minute against the Sounders Sunday has been upgraded to a red card, so he will be suspended for next match. The committee also announced Ceren would be fined an undisclosed amount.

The play in question is, in the unanimous opinion of the Committee from all the video evidence, a clear and unequivocal red card; and The play in question is of an egregious or reckless nature, such that the Committee must act to protect player safety or the integrity of the game. It is the Committee’s unanimous decision that Darwin Ceren’s action was violent conduct that endangered the safety of an opponent. Mr. Ceren is suspended for 1 game and will be issued an undisclosed fine for this action.

It was already known that Ceren would not play in the next match, because when he was originally shown a yellow card it was his fifth of the year and meant he would be suspended for the next match anyway. Since it has been upgraded to a red, Ceren still stands at four yellow cards and when upon return will need to be a little more careful on the pitch or risk another suspension.

Why St. Ledger and Paterson are Gone

As the transfer window wound down, Orlando City made two surprising moves that left many fans speculating what could have happened and what went wrong. The club started by suddenly releasing center back Sean St. Ledger after bringing David Mateos to help out at the position. A couple weeks later, oft-injured Martin Paterson agreed to terminate his contract.

The Orlando Sentinel’s Paul Tenorio reported yesterday that it was due the duo skipping flights and training while staying in New York City after a match with NYCFC.

It’s interesting to note that the report says the two players stayed for several days, which would insinuate they made no effort to even bother coming back with the team. One has to wonder what the situation each player was going through was that would drive them to make such a decision.

I’ve never played professional soccer. But I have had my fair share of days of missing work. But I always made up an excuse for the reason why. These two don’t even seemed to have done that. Here are my top reasons for why I’ve missed work:

  • Lack of sleep
  • Hangover
  • Weather
  • Low morale
  • Dropped a hot pan on my toe
  • A woman

Assuming they’re regular guys like myself, I’d be willing to bet their reason for skipping the flight falls in one of those choices. And it’s probably not the fifth one because they’re coordinated.

Piggy-backing off of that, I would love to hear some of your best reasons for skipping work. Drop a comment.

Practice in Louisville

Ahead of its friendly with former club affiliate Louisville City FC, Orlando City will take part in a free, open-to-the-public practice at Louisville Slugger Field from 3-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24.

This would seem a lot less awkward to me if the clubs had not announced they were going to end their affiliation at the end of the season. But anywho, it is a great chance for Louisville City fans to get out and see some stars like Kaká and Tally Hall for free. The record attendance is just over 8,000 at Louisville Slugger Field.

The game will almost certainly top that number. I wouldn’t be surprised if the practice gets close. Going to be a lot of autographs for this guy to sign.

God love him.

Shocker! Players Could be Missing

In you’re not breaking news of the day, Orlando City could potentially be playing without more players than just Kaká in the Sept. 5 match against the New England Revolution.

The Lions could be missing up to five players, including Cyle Larin, Darwin Ceren, Cristian Higuita and Carlos Rivas. Larin and Ceren are likely to be called up for World Cup qualifiers, while Higuita and Rivas are being considered for a camp with the U-23 Colombian team.

Hard to compete for a playoff spot when you’re playing with a vastly different lineup every single match.

Shea Close to Returning

In an injury that seemed to be the start of Orlando City’s collapse, Brek Shea has missed the past eight games and the Lions have won just one.

But Shea is back practicing and close to returning from his groin injury.

Healthy, good players are a welcome return for a floundering Orlando City team. But it will take Shea a while to get back into game form.

And by then someone else will probably be hurt.

Good times. Good times.

Giovinco Excited

In case you didn’t hear, Orlando City is headed north to play Toronto FC this weekend, and Sebastian Giovinco is pretty excited about it.

Giovinco: “I scored a hat trick last time against Orlando. I’m looking forward to playing them again.” #TFCLive

— Toronto FC (@torontofc) August 18, 2015

And when you’re having arguably one of the best seasons in MLS history, and coming to play against a defense that has been as bad as Orlando City’s, who could blame the guy for being excited?

That’s all we’ve got for you from the Lion Links. Enjoy your Wednesday.

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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.

Published

19 hours 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

2 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

3 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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