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Lion Links: 11/24/15

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10 years ago

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Good morning, Lion Nation. One year ago, our little old blog left our small WordPress site and stepped into the bright lights of the big city known as SB Nation. If you didn't know us then, this was our first post on SBN.

Our first year as a blog of any kind ended on Sept. 23 and our second began. Now we'll embark upon our second year with SB Nation. We've done some things wrong and made a few mistakes during that time, but we feel like we've learned from those and will be better for them, moving forward. We also think we did some things well. Our goal is to give you a good mixture of news, analysis, opinion, and humor, and I think we've mostly done that.

We also broke some stories a time or two although we've known other things and have had to keep it under our hats to get someone on record. I try to hold our staff to traditional journalistic standards when breaking news (i.e. we will always try to find a second source unless the original source is impeccable, and we will not report things 'off the record' — unless told the same thing 'on the record' by another source). We will sometimes report rumors already out there in circulation when we think they're interesting (or sometimes ludicrous), while trying to avoid creating the rumors ourselves. We will strive to be very clear if/when a column delves into the realm of speculation.

We appreciate you being along for the ride, and the comments section at the bottom of each story is a chance for you to tell us what we're doing right and what we're doing wrong. We can't be all things to all people, so we will try to do things the way we feel they should be done (and as our resources allow), but that doesn't mean we're always right. On the other hand, sometimes we try to provide honest analysis and it's taken the wrong way. There's a vocal minority that feels we're bashing the team when we're being critical, and that we should never say anything negative about the team. That's not realistic and you shouldn't expect any outlet aside from maybe the club's own website to proceed like that.

We should all hold the club we love accountable. Remember, even tough love is a form of love.

Personally, I want to thank everyone who reads this site regularly — especially those who have been with us since the WordPress days. Perhaps some of you have even been aboard since the first article over there. To you, I tip my hat. We love what we do. No one here is making a living doing this. Our goal is to cover the team the right way, to the best of our abilities. We don't have the resources other outlets may have. We might all be at our 'real jobs' during that midday press conference or miss a key training session where the team unloads some big news. When that happens, we'll do the best we can to catch up and provide quality analysis. Because you deserve that.

Now that you've all stopped reading my long-winded intro, let's get to your Tuesday morning Lion Links:

CONCACAF: USMNT Needs a Lot of Improvement

The post-Gold Cup analysis dump by CONCACAF is out and the 91st Minute over at Top Drawer Soccer breaks it down. Among my favorite remarks in the report is that they (the U.S.) “make bad passes.” This is obvious to any of us who watched the Gold Cup (or the recent game at Trinidad & Tobago) but it’s pretty awesome when CONCACAF points it out so bluntly. The USMNT also “lack good marking and coverage.” Again, obvious. I’ll bet Jurgen Klinsmann thinks CONCACAF just doesn’t understand the sport.

USWNT's Group Set for Olympic Qualifying

The draw for CONCACAF qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympics took place in Miami yesterday, and the USWNT will headline Group A, squaring off against Puerto Rico, Mexico and Costa Rica. Group B will consist of Canada, Guatemala, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago. The USWNT and the rest of Group A will play in Frisco, TX — home of FC Dallas — while Group B will compete in the Houston Dynamo’s home stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium. The U.S. will take on Costa Rica on Feb. 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET to start their tournament.

How MLS Bonuses Work

Ever wonder how those MLS player bonuses actually work? Here's a piece by Sports Illustrated soccer writer Grant Wahl that gives some details you may not know about the league's financial side. The details come from an unnamed player making under $100,000, whose team is still alive in the MLS Cup playoffs. It's interesting stuff and a short read.

Blatter Says He Almost Died

It's like that bad bumper sticker that says, "Heaven doesn't want me and Hell is afraid I'll take over." Notorious suspended FIFA boss Sepp Blatter told Swiss media outlet RTS that he "was really between the angels who sing and the devil who stokes the fire." Blatter didn't go into details about his condition, and this certainly sounds like a ploy for sympathy from a completely unsympathetic character.

Free Kicks

Big trade in the NWSL on Monday, as the Boston Breakers sent USWNT backup keeper Alyssa Naeher and a third-round pick in the 2016 college draft to Chicago for USWNT defender Whitney Engen, a second-round pick in 2016, and a second-round pick in 2017…Former USMNT manager Bob Bradley drew in his Ligue 2 debut…Iranian soccer star Niloufar Ardalan hasn't been able to travel with the national team because her husband said no. Now she can travel, thanks to a decision by a national judiciary. The husband still hasn't given permission…USWNT coach Jill Ellis was named a 2015 NSCAA Honorary All-American…In news that will absolutely shock you, Sebastian Giovinco was named MLS Newcomer of the Year.

Please pick your jaw off the floor and enjoy your Tuesday.

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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.

Published

2 days ago

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June 6, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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

Lion Links: 6/5/25

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

Published

3 days ago

on

June 5, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

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

4 days ago

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June 4, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

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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