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Lion Links: 5/11/16

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Welcome to your Wednesday edition of Lion Links. We still have several days until Orlando City takes on Sporting Kansas City, but there’s plenty to talk about. It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of bringing you the daily dose of pertinent news in the world of Orlando City soccer. While it may be a temporary thing, don’t think that I didn’t enjoy it, nor that I don’t appreciate all of you. That’s enough kissing up to you, my dear readers, let’s hit the Links!

Orlando City Players in the News

It seems that Head Coach Adrian Heath is hopeful that Pedro Ribeiro can make a return from his back surgery before the end of the regular season. Heath hopes to have Ribeiro for the last five to six weeks of the season. I think we’d all like the big guy back by then if possible. In other news, it seems that AC Milan might have some interest in Orlando City midfielder Cristian Higuita (you’ll need to translate the page in Chrome or Google). I prefer it when we get their old players (cough, cough…Kaká), rather than them getting ours. But, what would soccer be without such rumors? Speaking of rumors…

MLS Transfer Deadline Looms

There’s not a lot of time left in the MLS transfer window, seeing as it closes tonight at 1 a.m. ET. That can only mean one thing…rumors and speculation! It seems that Kei Kamara is none too happy in Ohio, according to our friends over at Massive Report. It will be interesting to see if anything comes of the fuss, since we saw this earlier in the day:

If you're hazy on the MLS transfer window, just remember it ends tomorrow, May 12, and doesn't open back up until July 4.

MLS Represents in the Copa América Centenario

This year’s Copa América Centenario isn’t only being played in the U.S., it will also feature quite a few players from MLS. As of right now there are eight MLS players on the USMNT roster alone. Orlando City’s own Cristian Higuita gets a shout out since he’s made it on to Colombia’s preliminary roster. Plenty of teams in CONCACAF will feature players from MLS as well. With the Copa being played in the U.S., it is a great time for those MLS players, cities, and fans to shine.

Speaking of Lions on international rosters, a young Lion has been called up by the Canadian U-23 National Team ahead of upcoming friendlies against teams from Guyana and Grenada. Richie Laryea, Orlando City's first-round 2016 MLS SuperDraft pick, who was taken at No. 7 overall, will take part in the midfield for the 10-day Caribbean training camp. Laryea is currently playing on loan at Orlando City B.

CONCACAF and Soccer United Marketing Join Forces

While not as evil as FIFA, CONCACAF hasn't been without its own scandals and corruption. They've also been without a marketing partner since last July. Now, they have signed on with Soccer United Marketing, the same organization that MLS works with, for sponsorship, tournaments, and events. While I'd bet that SUM can't "cross the streams" between CONCACAF and MLS, it's not hard to see where like interests might end up being served.

Alex Morgan and Hope Solo Speak Out

In a recent Health Magazine article, Orlando Pride's own Alex Morgan answered questions on everything from workouts and eating healthy to the disparity in the field conditions and pay between the men's and women's games. I don't think I'm spoiling anything to tell you she tries to eat right, has specific workouts, and does yoga. Oh, and she isn't very happy about the playing conditions in last summer's Women's World Cup. There's plenty more in there, and it's pretty obvious why she is the public face of the Orlando Pride, and the USWNT. Speaking of USWNT concerns with inequality, Hope Solo contributes her two cents in this Vox video as well.

The Union take on "the Patriots of MLS" tonight

If all of this soccer goodness has you in need of a match to watch, well you are in luck. The Philadelphia Union host the LA Galaxy tonight at 7 p.m. ET on MLS Live. Plus, Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin is either complimenting LA, or throwing some shade.

"They're the gold standard of the league in recent years for sure — the Patriots of MLS — and they have a way of winning." – Jim Curtin

It really depends on how you feel about the Patriots, doesn't it?

That's all for today, Mane Landers, but don't forget to check out the newest Pride Pub this Thursday to prepare for Orlando City's match against Sporting KC!

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/28/25

Orlando Pride prepare for the San Diego Wave, NWSL weekend matches, USMNT roster predictions, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We made it to Friday! Celebrate however you see fit, whether that’s an indulgent breakfast or just your favorite cup of coffee. This week has flown by a bit for me and I’m looking forward to a weekend filled with soccer. I’ll be spending the next few days working, reading a new book or two, and working out the kinks of making a frozen coconut mojito. My blender hates me. Let’s get to today’s links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the San Diego Wave

The Orlando Pride will look to extend their 2025 win streak to three games — and their overall win streak to seven — on Saturday when they host the San Diego Wave at noon. Orlando has looked the part of a defending champion so far, leading the league with eight goals without conceding a single one in two games. The Pride will take on a revamped San Diego team that is unbeaten under Head Coach Jonas Eidevall. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about how Orlando will need to set the tone early on at home against the Wave and keep up the momentum.

NWSL Provides Entertaining Slate of Weekend Matches

While it’s far too early to think about the NWSL Shield race, it never hurts to check out how the Pride’s competitors are doing while enjoying some great soccer. Tonight features a pair of matches at the same time, with the Washington Spirit hosting Bay FC and the Houston Dash playing on the road against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga will have a chance to tie her own record of scoring in eight straight games when her team plays the Utah Royals on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll get to see if the Seattle Reign’s solid start continues against an unbeaten Angel City FC team searching for its first win of the season.

USMNT Roster Predictions for Concacaf Gold Cup

The pressure is on United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino to turn things around after a rough showing in the final four of the Concacaf Nations League. This summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup will be an opportunity for the USMNT to impress in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, and Pro Soccer Wire dove into how the roster could look for the tournament. Injuries to Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun complicate things up top, but we could see Brenden Aaronson or Alex Zendejas could return to the attack. The Gold Cup will likely also determine which goalkeeper between Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Patrick Schulte emerges as the true starter. Players like Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso are other notable names to keep an eye out for leading into the tournament.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Kick Off This Weekend

Only eight teams remain in the FA Cup and the action returns with enticing quarterfinal matchups. Preston North End is the only team outside of the English Premier League still fighting, but Manchester City is the only traditional giant left in the field as well. City will face off against a Bournemouth side that beat it 2-1 back in November, while Preston will have to get past Aston Villa, which has only won two of its last eight games. Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood’s injury adds an obstacle to overcome when the team travels to play Brighton and Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace gets star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta back from injury for its clash with Fulham.

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That’s all I have for you for today’s links. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/27/25

Marco Pasalic wins Goal of the Matchday, Orlando Pride members join U.S. U-23 camp, Orlando City B beats Crown Legacy FC, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We’re another day closer to what should be an awesome Saturday, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride in action. All three of Orlando’s soccer teams have been doing well lately, which is not something we can say too often. Hopefully that trend continues this weekend and beyond. Let’s get to today’s links!

Marco Pasalic Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday

An Orlando City player has won MLS Goal of the Matchday for the first time this season, with Marco Pasalic claiming the award for his strike against D.C. United. The goal was a real team effort from the Lions, as all three Designated Players linked up to get the ball up the field in a hurry for a counter. Pasalic did well to create space and then curl the ball into the back of the net from distance. His goal garnered 64.7% of the vote, beating out goals from Daniel Rios, David Martinez, and Deandre Kerr. In his first year as a Lion, the Croatian winger has already recorded four goals and an assist so far.

Pride’s Zara Chavoshi and Yolanda Thomas Join U.S. U-23 Camp

Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi was called up for the first U-23 United States Women’s National Team training camp of the year, which will run alongside the senior team’s camp in California. The 22-year-old, who was signed by the Pride directly out of college after four years at Wake Forest, will develop her game at the camp alongside other promising young defenders like Savy King, Gisele Thompson, and Eva Gaetino. Orlando Pride Assistant Coach Yolanda Thomas will also be in attendance as an assistant coach at the camp, and it’s great to see her get this opportunity.

Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC on the Road

Orlando City B won its first road match of the 2025 season, beating Crown Legacy FC 1-0 to extend its unbeaten run to three games (2-0-1). The Young Lions didn’t make things easy on themselves by not converting some solid opportunities to extend their lead, but they ultimately held on to secure all three points. Orlando is now tied at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with New York City FC II with eight points from three matches. OCB’s next match will be a road game against Chattanooga FC on April 5.

Say Hello to Boston Legacy FC

Boston’s NWSL team has rebranded itself as Boston Legacy FC, which is leagues better than BOS Nation FC. The team initially went with that anagram of Bostonian as its name back in October as part of a brand launch that also included a widely criticized marketing campaign involving the slogan “Too Many Balls.” While I’m not crazy about the name, the team deserves credit for not defaulting to something too generic after whiffing on its first swing. The Boston Legacy will take the field for the first time next year as the NWSL’s 16th team.

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  • Pride midfielder Angelina was called up by Brazil for its friendlies against the United States in California on April 5 and April 8.

That’s all I have for you this fine Thursday. I hope you all have a terrific day and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/26/25

Orlando City rises in MLS power rankings, Emily Sams called up, Orlando City B faces Crown Legacy FC tonight, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been spending the week reading and eating my way through a pork shoulder after making way too much of it in my slow cooker this weekend. It wasn’t as tender as I was shooting for, but it’ll take some time before I can take another crack at it. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Rises in MLS Power Rankings

The league’s latest power rankings are out and Orlando City has moved up two spots to 14th after its 4-1 victory over D.C. United. Orlando’s Designated Players are firing on all cylinders and no MLS team has scored more goals this year. The breakout of 20-year-old defender Alex Freeman, who was noted as one of the top young performers from this past weekend, is also worth recognition. The Lions have been in need of a young player to step up, and Freeman has done well so far. Orlando will be back in action on Saturday for a road match against an LA Galaxy side still searching for its first win of the season.

Emily Sams Called Up For USWNT Friendlies

Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was one of 24 players called up by United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes for the training camp prior to friendlies against Brazil next month. Forward Trinity Rodman, who hasn’t played for the U.S. since the Olympics, is back in the mix after missing time due to injury. Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce are other interesting players to keep an eye on. The U.S. will take on Brazil April 5 at SoFi Stadium before a rematch on April 8 at PayPal Park.

OCB Plays Crown Legacy FC Tonight

The Young Lions are back in action tonight for a road match against Crown Legacy FC at 7 p.m. It’s OCB’s first away match of the season after a pair of solid results at Osceola Heritage Park to start the season. Orlando will take on a Crown Legacy team that’s only played one game so far this season, losing a shootout to New York City FC II after a 1-1 draw back on March 7. Following tonight’s match, OCB will get some time off before taking on Chattanooga FC in Tennessee on April 5.

Takeaway From USMNT Defeats

After losing both Concacaf Nations League matches, there is plenty of concern surrounding the United States Men’s National Team as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fullback Joe Scally struggled in both matches, putting more of an emphasis on Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest being ready to roll next summer. Weston McKennie lost duels left and right and there are some real questions regarding where he fits in Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s system. There were bright spots as well though. Diego Luna and Patrick Agyemang likely boosted their stock after solid offensive efforts, and Tanner Tessmann was effective in his time on the field. Overall, the Yanks will have to be better in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup.

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That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Go Young Lions!

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