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Lion Links: 11/24/15

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11 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: 8/21/26

Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, MLS playoff changes reportedly coming, Hall of Fame finalists unveiled, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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August 21, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a rough month for all three of Orlando’s soccer teams, but hopefully they can turn things around this weekend. Things haven’t been great, but surely that just means things can only go up from here, right? Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are on the road this weekend for a match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. It’s been a cruel summer for the Pride, as they’ve lost four of their past five games and are currently 13th in the league standings. Despite being on a three-game winless streak, the Spirit are second in the standings and will be a tough opponent for the Pride to face on the road. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on where the team needs to improve in order to get a result away from home against one of the league’s top teams.

Changes Reportedly Coming to MLS Playoff Format

For the umpteenth time, MLS is reportedly planning on overhauling its playoff format. The changes would go into effect when the league changes its calendar and they include allowing 20 teams to qualify for the playoffs, with the overall league standings being used to determine those top 20 teams. After a play-in round, the remaining 16 teams will play in a double elimination format that also features reseeding between rounds. If these changes do come to pass, hopefully the league decides to stick with it rather than constantly fiddling it with it.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The finalists for the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2027 were announced, with nine candidates making the list in their first year of eligibility. Former Orlando Pride player Ali Krieger is one of those nine, along with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. Central Florida native Graham Zusi was also named as a finalist. The two players who receive the most votes and are on at least half the ballots will make the Hall of Fame, with a third player able to make it if they’re on 75% of ballots.

Storylines Ahead of English Premier League Season

The English Premier League season begins today with Arsenal starting its title defense at home against Coventry City. Arsenal has a talented team once again, but it will be interesting to see how much of a challenge Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City can pose with new managers at the helm. Managers seem to be a focal point this season, as other storylines include whether or not Michael Carrick and Unai Emery can keep succeeding at Manchester United and Aston Villa, respectively. I’m just hoping we have an exciting title race by the time spring rolls around.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann tied with Robert Lewandowski for the second-highest rating of all MLS players in EA Sports FC 27.

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: 8/20/26

Orlando City defeated at home, Simone Jackson loaned to FC Rosengard, U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup roster unveiled, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

August 20, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

I think we can confidently say Orlando City’s Wednesday night excellence has come to an end after last night’s loss. I’m not going to claim the new kits are cursed after just two games, but I’ve bought some sage just in case. Before we get to that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Orlando City Falls at Home

The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire and got burned in a 2-1 loss that included a lengthy weather delay that paused things right before halftime. The Fire struck first with an early goal, but Orlando leveled things after the lightning storm passed. However, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty kick from a needless foul in the box for the winner, with the Lions failing to claw their way back a second time. It’s a disappointing result at home and Orlando will need to figure things out before hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Simone Jackson Heads to Sweden on Loan

The Orlando Pride loaned forward Simone Jackson to FC Rosengard in Sweden through June of 2027. Jackson was signed by the Pride in 2025 after four years playing collegiately at the University of Southern California and she has since made 20 appearances for the club. Hopefully this move gives her some more minutes to develop her game abroad so that she can make an impact with the Pride when she returns next summer.

U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster Announced

United States U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Vicky Jepson called up 21 players for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, including eight from NWSL clubs. Goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Nyanya Touray, and forward Emeri Adames are a few of the U.S. players to keep an eye out for this tournament.

The team will be without notable eligible players like Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg though, as youth tournaments take place outside of official FIFA windows when teams are required to release players. United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes also spoke on the importance of tournaments like this one to develop talent while uncertainty looms over the event due to UEFA’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The U.S. is set to start its campaign on Sept. 6 against Italy.

Americans to Watch in the English Premier League

The English Premier League season kicks off this weekend and there are a number of Americans to root for across the league. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are all still in the league but have new managers at the helm of their respective teams. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United avoided relegation last season and will look to build on that, while Haji Wright and Coventry City will fight to stay after earning promotion last season. Unfortunately, Wright will miss multiple weeks at the start of the season due to a quad injury.

Free Kicks

  • Alhassan Yusuf scored a hat trick in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over D.C. United, with Jack Harrison recording three assists.
  • Americans Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both played every minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of its matchup against the Austrian club in UEFA Champions League qualifying
  • Bay FC announced that the club and midfielder Tess Boade mutually agreed to terminate her contract, which was set to end after this season. Boade had been with the club since being selected in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft and was the captain last season.
  • Aston Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a reported $40 million transfer fee. Suzuki played for Japan at the recent World Cup and it will be interesting to see what this move means for Emiliano Martinez’s future at the club.
  • Brighton is covering the cost of tickets for its fans who will be making the trip to the Arctic Circle for its UEFA Conference League playoff match against Tromso in Norway.

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

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Lion Links: 8/19/26

Orlando City match day, Colin Guske reportedly being loaned to RSL, Banda is an MVP candidate, and more.

Published

5 days ago

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August 19, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City plays in a midweek match that thankfully isn’t a Leagues Cup match. There are those who will say they’re sad the Lions are out of Don Garber’s cash grab competition, but I’m not one of them. The U.S. Open Cup and the MLS regular season provide plenty of fixtures for now. The schedule congestion is real, as we can see this week. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Match Day

Orlando City hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire tonight in an Eastern Conference clash. Defending against Lewandowski and Philip Zinckernagel will be a tough task for the Lions’ defense. Orlando City will need its offense to keep pace with the Fire if the Lions are going to take any points from the match. It will be interesting to see both Antoine Griezmann and Lewandowski on the pitch at the same time. Here is your official match guide from the club. Our match preview will drop later this morning at 11 a.m. You can also listen to our thoughts on the match on The Mane Land PawedCast.

Go West, Young Guske

It appears that Orlando City is loaning midfielder/defender Colin Guske to Real Salt Lake, according to Tom Bogert. This is not entirely surprising given how crowded Orlando City’s defensive midfield is with Joran Gerbet and Wilder Cartagena healthy and Luis Otavio rounding into form, not to mention Eduard Atuesta and Braian Ojeda once they return. It’s a good opportunity for Guske to get some minutes, given he’s a bit down on the depth chart with the senior team — far enough down to see more minutes recently at center back with the first team than in the midfield.

MVP Candidate Banda

Despite being away for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and not scoring in her first game back, Barbra Banda maintains her slim lead in the Golden Boot competition and is still a League MVP candidate. If she hopes to win either of those accolades, she will need to resume scoring. The upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to extend that lead.

U.S. National Team News

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia Union and will occupy a Designated Player spot. Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo has been signed by Premier League club Crystal Palace. Of course, there are other USMNT players already playing in Europe, and some are making a quick return to form following the World Cup. USWNT players are also experiencing ups and downs in the NWSL.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is headed to CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda División in Spain.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

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