Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/15/16

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! An exciting weekend lies ahead as Orlando City will be hosting the struggling New England Revolution while Tom Sermanni’s Orlando Pride will be marking their NWSL debut with an away game at Portland. In advance of that, the Pride held their Media Day yesterday, which was attended by many Mane Land staffers.
Gavin Ewbank was kind enough to write a recap–you should check it out! Moreover, there are more updates on Nigel de Jong's controversial tackle and the USWNT knows its Rio 2016 opponents following yesterday's draws. Before we get to the links, The Mane Land would like to wish Carlos Rivas a happy birthday! If only Andre Blake had allowed Rivas to get an assist Friday night as an early birthday present.
On to the news!
''The team is ready to rebound''
Prior to Sunday’s match against the New England Revolution, Head Coach Adrian Heath affirmed in an article from orlandocitysc.com that his players “are ready to rebound“ after last weekend’s dramatic loss against the Philadelphia Union. Moreover, he also added that he will probably have all his players at his disposal, with Cyle Larin, Cristian Higuita and Tommy Redding returning from their injury setbacks while Brek Shea has served his suspension.
Meanwhile, an Eye On Nigel de Jong's Possible Long-Term Suspension
We are all aware of the sparks created by Nigel de Jong’s tackle on Darlington Nagbe last weekend and now all eyes are on the MLS disciplinary committee in order to see if the Dutch international will get suspended. Orlando will be particularly interested since Brek Shea was suspended following a review by the disciplinary committee on a hard tackle against Portland.
Bright Future For Youngster Tommy Redding
Defender Tommy Redding spoke on how this 2016 MLS campaign was the one he was hoping for for years. He also described his emotions in playing in each of the first four matches, especially those in front a jam-packed Citrus Bowl where they also managed to put up impressive displays. Bright future ahead for this lad! Speaking of Tommy, he joined us this week on the PawedCast for an exclusive interview.
Orlando Pride Release New Kits Ahead of the 2016 Season
The Orlando Pride have released their new kits ahead of their debut season at yesterday's Media Day in Lake Mary. While the home kit is purple with light blue stripes on the sleeves, the away kit is blue with a touch of purple down the kit. Naturally, both shirts have Orlando Health as their sponsor, featured in the same way as the men's kits.
The Inaugural Home Kit is here! Get yours at @UtdWorldSoccer online OR in store. —> https://t.co/csQU6gTORy pic.twitter.com/9MPaF7RLCb
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) April 14, 2016
Orlando Pride Won't Play on National Television
FOX Sports 1 has announced that the network will be televising six matches throughout the NWSL season, with three matches coming in the regular season while the other three will be playoff games. None of these will be Pride matches, unless a new agreement is found (or the Pride make a playoff run).
USWNT Knows Its Rio 2016 Opponents
FIFA World Cup holders USWNT will be facing European giants France, as well as New Zealand and Colombia in its Rio 2016 fixtures. The team will open Group G with a match against New Zealand on Aug. 3, followed by the highly anticipated fixture against France on Aug. 6. The Americans will end their group phase commitments against Colombia three days later.
Not Motivated Yet for Another Day? Dejan Lovren Might Change Your Mood
Liverpool has knocked out German giants Borussia Dortmund from the Europa League after registering a remarkable comeback, scoring three goals in the last 25 minutes to qualify with an aggregate of 5-4 over Jurgen Klopp's former club.
Here is Dejan Lovren's 91st minute winner to seal a massive win for the men in Red…and maybe to motivate you as well!
Dejan Lovren’s goal to end the best match of the season by far ! #LIVBVB #LIVDOR pic.twitter.com/tTmWc16qlU
— Buzz in Sports (@buzzin_sports) April 14, 2016
That's all folks! Have a good weekend and enjoy the matches!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/22/25
Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup
The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.
Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek
Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.
U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results
Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.
Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final
Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.
Free Kicks
- Christian Pulisic reportedly won’t play in the Concacaf Gold Cup so that he can recover from a lengthy season with AC Milan.
- Boston’s NWSL team will play its home games next year at Gillette Stadium due to delays with construction for its eventual home, White Stadium.
- NWSL Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Julie Haddon will leave the league this summer as part of the league’s restructuring. Chief Sporting Director Tatjana Haenni will exit in October as well.
- After winning the domestic treble in his first season in charge, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has extended his contract until 2027.
- Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will undergo shoulder surgery once the Club World Cup is over.
- London City Lionesses were fined for messaging a Southampton player through social media without Southampton’s permission back in August. London City earned promotion this past season and will be the first fully independent women’s team in the Women’s Super League.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/21/25
The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.
Nashville is Next
As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.
Javier Otero Has a New Contract
Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.
Pride USWNT Call-Ups
Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.
USMNT Gold Cup News
Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.
Free Kicks
- The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
- In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
- In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.
- Congratulations to former USWNT player Becky Sauerbrunn who announced she is expecting a baby in October.
That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/20/25
Lions earn weekly recognition, preliminary Gold Cup rosters released, Americans in midweek action, and more.

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Life always feels a little brighter after your team wins a soccer game, even more so when it’s against a hated rival, so I hope you’ve had as good a start to your week as I have. We have no time to rest on our laurels though, because Orlando City is straight back into action tomorrow with a U.S. Open Cup match at home against Nashville SC. Let’s get into today’s links.
Lions Earn Weekly Recognition
Several Orlando City players are getting some deserved plaudits following the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami on Sunday. Pedro Gallese has been named to the starting XI of the MLS Team of the Matchday, while Joran Gerbet is on the bench and Oscar Pareja is the coach of the side. Gallese made four saves while keeping a clean sheet and also assisted Luis Muriel on the first goal of the game. Gerbet did an excellent job of helping to minimize the impact of Lionel Messi, while Oscar Pareja was the man who who masterminded it all. Alex Freeman got some love as one of the standout young players of the matchday, and also had a nice piece written about him in The Athletic (paywall). All the Lions are deserving of their praise, and here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we see them getting some love.
Freeman Named to USMNT Preliminary Gold Cup Roster
The preliminary rosters have been announced for the 16 teams set to participate in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Most of the usual suspects are present for the United States Men’s National Team, with the exceptions of Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna, whose teams are participating in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Of note for Orlando City fans is Alex Freeman’s inclusion on the preliminary roster. That being said, this early list contains 60 names and will need to be cut down to 26 by June 4. With Sergino Dest and Joe Scally both on the 60-man list, Freeman is probably an outside shot to be included, but you never know.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans playing matches during the working week, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar. Chris Richards, Matt Turner, and Crystal Palace host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their penultimate Premier League game later today, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth do the same against Manchester City. Wednesday has Jordan Pefok and Reims visiting Metz in a playoff to decide which team will play in Ligue 1 next season. Alex Zendejas and Club America take on Toluca in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura final on Thursday, and Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis host Valencia in La Liga play on Friday.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
The summer transfer window will be upon us before we know it, so let’s take a look at what the transfer rumor mill is saying these days. Manchester United is said to be on the verge of signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has reportedly agreed to terms on a deal. Man City has reportedly ended its interest in signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, and has instead turned the club’s attention to Barcelona’s Dani Olmo. Finally, Rodrygo is reportedly considering leaving Real Madrid in the summer, with some outlets saying that he “has one foot out of Real Madrid”.
Free Kicks
- Some of the takeaways from the recent round of MLS matches include Orlando City’s continued good play, Marco Reus stepping up, and the trio of strong teams atop the Eastern Conference.
- Kaká has said he is ready to join Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil staff if he’s asked to do so.
- Orlando City rose six spots to no.8 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- The Orlando Pride held fast at no. 2 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Enough said.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Final Score 3-3 as Lions Squander Lead Twice at Home
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami: Three Keys to Victory
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride at North Carolina Courage: Final Score 1-1 as Pride Score a Late Equalizer
-
Photo Galleries2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. New England Revolution: Photo Gallery
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Pride Opponents Reducing Barbra Banda’s Available Space in 2025