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Lion Links: 2/4/16

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Oh Thursday, we meet again. Today is the fourth of the month, and that means you now have single-digit days to plan for Valentine's Day. So, switch things up from wine and cheese and move in a direction that includes chocolates, which are a classic, and Grand Marnier. The orange cognac gives a sweet citrus flavor to balance out the cocoa of a dark chocolate. Where else can you get prime Valentine's Day suggestions to go along with your soccer news? Brad's Food, Drink, and Footy Pairing can only be found here at The Mane Land.

Now, on to the links!

MLS Releases Strength of Schedule Rankings for the 2016 Season

Well, as it turns out, Orlando City has the fourth-easiest schedule according to MLS and, personally, I think it’s because they can’t play themselves. The Colorado Rapids have the hardest, and New York Red Bulls have the easiest, respectively.

Strength of schedule is calculated by taking the 2015 average points at home and on the road for each opponent. Each team in MLS faces its conference opponents two to three times and its out-of-conference opponents once. With a fully fit team and a relatively easy schedule, Orlando City could be primed to make a run towards the playoffs in its second MLS season, but that is not taking into account off-season changes for any team.

Harrison Heath, Tyler Turner and Tommy Redding Looking Forward to OCB Action

Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel has a great write-up of the opportunity that the trio of young Orlando City players is presented with by getting game minutes with the club's USL side this season. Harrison Heath talked told the media:

"I think it's a massive opportunity for all of us young guys … I think that [games in USL] can only improve myself and speaking for the other guys, too, game time is the most important thing for us, especially at this stage of our career. Training takes you so far, but that next step is getting game experience."

Given that Heath only played 136 minutes for Orlando City last season, the chance to get consistent game time would be exciting for any 19-year-old. Meanwhile, Turner is looking to rebound from a disappointing end to his 2015 season and Redding is looking to prove himself ready for future consideration with the MLS squad.

Collegiate Soccer to be Well-Represented by Orlando City Youth Players

Yesterday, SB Nation was abuzz with news of National Signing Day, and The Mane Land was no exception. Orlando City Youth players will be going to a wide variety of schools across the country. Abigail Foels, Alexandra Rost, and Logan Laskey will all be staying in the Orlando area playing for Rollins College. Meanwhile, another notable player, Mercedes Sapp — daughter of Warren — will be playing for the Mizzou Tigers. Best of luck to all of our young Lions and hopefully we get to see them return to the City Beautiful and continue to represent.

Orlando Pride Has its First Supporters' Club

Orlando has been greeted with its first NWSL supporters’ club. Joining the likes of the Iron Lion Firm, The Ruckus, and Harbor City Hooligans (OCB supporter’s group), The Crown hopes to carry on the passionate reputation of Orlando City fans for their clubs and their city. The club also announced that away viewing parties will take place at the Graffiti Junktion in Oviedo. Details on how to join the club can be found on its website.

U.S. Soccer Sues USWNT Players Association

The union representing the U.S. Women's National Team was sued Wednesday by U.S. soccer. Since legalese is not our forte, here's the basic premise:

U.S. Soccer sued the union representing the world champion United States women’s national team in federal court Wednesday, a sudden escalation of a labor fight over the team’s collective bargaining agreement.

In the lawsuit, U.S. Soccer, the national governing body for the sport, is seeking to have a court rule that the terms of the agreement — which expired in 2012 but has continued to be the guiding document over the relationship between the federation and star players like Hope Solo and Alex Morgan remain valid.

The suit was filed "reluctantly" by U.S. Soccer.

Stu Holden Retires

The former USMNT and Bolton Wanderers midfielder is calling it a career after 11 years. Holden is hanging up his boots after an outstanding career that, unfortunately, has been cut short due to injury. Holden's final USMNT appearance was in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final where he suffered a torn ACL. Holden's announcement came shortly after the birth of his daughter. We here at The Mane Land wish the new parents and baby all the best in the future, hopefully we get to see another Holden debuting for U.S. on the women's side in 2033 or 2037.

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Today in 1789, George Washington was unanimously elected as first president of the United States. Today’s birthdays include Rosa Parks who passed away in 2005, Alice Cooper is 68, Lawrence Taylor is 57, Oscar De La Hoya is 43, and Cam’ron is 40. Kaylyn Kyle wants you to follow your heart (no word on Earth, Fire, Wind, or Water); The Orlando Pride midfielder discussed symptoms of a heart attack and opened up the discussion with parents about taking care of their health. After Wednesday’s Antonio Nocerino hijinks, our Philadelphia Union site The Brotherly Game wrote on whether single-entity helps MLS GMs stay competitive. Besides having three Canadian clubs in MLS, the Canadian Premier League is almost a thing. Recent Chelsea addition and former New York Red Bull Matt Miazga made the club’s Champions League roster and, noticeably, Radamel Falcao was left off.

That's it for today. Play us out, Falcao!

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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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.

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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.

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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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