Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/5/16

Welcome to your Labor Day morning edition of Lion Links. It’s nice to be back providing you with your daily dose of all things soccer. We will all miss Luis Hernandez, but I’ll do my best in his absence. Today’s edition is U.S. national team heavy as we don’t get to see Orlando City until Wednesday evening. That being said, to the Links!
Seb Talks Orlando City
Seb Hines is an Orlando City Lion, and starting week in, week out, but he used to play for Middlesbrough FC. He recently shared his thoughts on Orlando City SC, and the City of Orlando with the Middlesbrough Gazette.
"Yes, all my friends tell me I am living the dream. It's a great lifestyle, there's no question about that. The kids love it. It is incredible to think that Disneyland and Universal and all the water parks are on the doorstep and that we can go on jet-skis and enjoy so many outdoor activities in wonderful weather."
We can all relate to that. Fortunately, for Seb it's all about getting to play soccer.
Alex Morgan is Popular
The Orlando Pride’s captain is so popular that a USWNT fan jumped onto the field at Houston Saturday night and raced to Alex to try and get her to sign a jersey and take a selfie — just after she scored during an NWSL game. While I’d also like to have a selfie with Alex, and get her to sign something for me, there is a time and place. Running onto the field during a game is not that time or place. Not only did he not get either the signature or the selfie, he also got banned from the stadium. Don’t be that guy.
Lauren Holiday to Undergo Brain Surgery
Former USWNT player Lauren Holiday has been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Holiday is also expecting a baby with husband Jrue Holiday. They will be inducing labor early so that she will be able to have the brain surgery sooner. While this should be the focus of this story, some of the media has highlighted that Jrue Holiday will not start for the New Orleans Pelicans. However, as Jrue himself has emphasized, it is his wife's health that is most important. We all hope that everything goes well.
USMNT Roster Adjustments
When the U.S. Men’s National Team takes on Trinidad & Tobago in a World Cup qualifier tomorrow night, it will be without Matt Besler and DeAndre Yedlin. Besler will be at home with his wife and his brand new baby daughter. Yedlin will be serving his yellow card accumulation suspension. In return, Jurgen Klinsmann’s side will be getting a pair of Mikes, as Michael Bradley and Michael Orozco will be rejoining the team. We’ll have coverage from the match in Jacksonville.
U.S. Paralympic Squad Heads to Rio
The U.S. Paralympic National Team is headed to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. The first match for the Yanks will be on Sept. 8 against the Netherlands. This is the first time the U.S. squad has qualified for the games, and it’s certainly an inspiring story. You can also hear the 14 players' stories here.
Klinsmann and Altidore on the National Anthem
It seems that — like Colin Kaepernick — Jozy Altidore doesn’t put his hand on his heart during the playing of the National Anthem. He hasn’t for years, and it’s not why you might think. Jurgen Klinsmann also offered his perspective on the recent Kaepernick controversy.
"In Germany … if you wouldn't sing the anthem you would be on the front cover the Bild Zeitung[newspaper], which has 10 million copies every day and is probably read by 20 to 25 million people every day in an 80 million population. Because for them it shows your commitment. So we had that 20 years ago when we were playing. The public urged the athletes to sing the anthem, and slowly they grow into that feeling and say, ‘Yeah, it's all right.' Now everybody sings it."
Referee Controversy…Well, Duh
Seems that refs the world around and their governing bodies might be exactly as good and bad as we think they are. A recent incident during a Manchester City match that resulted in Sergio Aguero getting a three-game suspension, prompted a bit of a Twitter storm that brought unwanted attention to the Football Association and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited regarding missed in-match incidents. This is where I would usually say "PRO gonna PRO", but this time it wasn’t them. That's not the only ref news today, as Honduras will be asking CONCACAF to send a different referee for their upcoming match against Mexico.
That’s it for your Labor Day Monday links. Thankfully we have a good couple of days of soccer to brighten our week. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/16/25
Orlando City players make MLS Team of the Matchday, Luis Muriel focused, Orlando Pride plays tonight, and more.

Happy Friday! I’ve had a pretty good week so far and am looking forward to three straight days of Orlando soccer. The Orlando Pride will get us started tonight and then we have Orlando City B on Saturday before Orlando City plays on Sunday. It should be a fun next few days, and hopefully one filled with celebrations too. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Lions Make MLS Team of the Matchday
There’s plenty of purple in the latest MLS Team of the Matchday following Orlando City’s 3-1 win over Charlotte FC. Martin Ojeda and David Brekalo were both selected, while Oscar Pareja was chosen as the top coach from the midweek slate. Ojeda’s strike in the first half is also up for Goal of the Matchday as his strong run of form continues. The only outfield player on this Team of the Matchday that didn’t score is Brekalo, who had two assists, so it’s nice to see him receive deserved recognition for an excellent performance that included a great setup on Orlando’s third goal. Pareja has the Lions on an 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and is managing things well so far during this busy May.
Luis Muriel Staying Focused in Sophomore Season
With five goals so far this season, Orlando City forward Luis Muriel has already mirrored his scoring total from all of last season. Staying mentally prepared has been key for the 34-year-old in his second year with Orlando, and he spoke about what’s changed for him after not quite reaching expectations in his first year.
“Coming to a league like this isn’t easy. A lot of times from the outside, you aren’t able to measure up or really see what the league is. Sometimes you can underestimate things, thinking it’s easy,” Muriel said. “That leads you to take things on in a different way, the work, the matches.
“When you go into ‘MLS Mode’ you realize how good the league is, how competitive it is, how demanding the league is to be able to do things well. That’s when things start to flow, to go well. I think that’s the difference between this year and last.”
He’s finding his footing in the league now and was a force to be reckoned with against Charlotte on Wednesday. Muriel is aware that the Lions will need him to be at his best when they travel to take on Inter Miami on Sunday for an important rivalry clash.
Diving Into Justin Ellis’s Ascent
Victor Olorunfemi of Top Drawer Soccer gave a great profile on Orlando City B forward Justin Ellis and his growth with the club. Ellis, who just celebrated his 18th birthday on Wednesday with his MLS debut, is having a great year after a solid season with OCB last year. The high school senior was the top scorer at this year’s Generation Adidas Cup with six goals to help Orlando’s U-18 team win the tournament. He can create chances just as well as he can convert them and is quick to give credit to the coaches and staff that have helped him develop. The U.S. youth pool is deep, but Ellis could be a name to keep an eye out for ahead of the U-20 World Cup in September.
Orlando Pride Match Headlines NWSL Weekend
The Orlando Pride’s match tonight against the Kansas City Current is the premier matchup this week in the NWSL. While I wouldn’t call it a rivalry just yet, these two teams had great games last year. The Current are still out for revenge after Orlando beat them while shorthanded last summer and won again in the NWSL playoffs in Orlando before winning the NWSL Championship in Kansas City. First place in the league is on the line and it should be a thrilling match featuring the league’s top two defenses and attacking threats like Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Marta, and Debinha.
NWSL Contenders and Underperformers
We’re about a third of the way into the NWSL season and ESPN‘s Jeff Kassouf dove into how each team is meeting its expectations so far. Despite their stumbles in recent weeks, the Pride are near the top of the table and have plenty of time to get things firing on all cylinders. Two of the California teams are enjoying surprising success so far, with the San Diego Wave up in fourth while Angel City FC is in fifth and could become a real contender once Alexander Straus takes over as head coach. NJ/NY Gotham FC and the North Carolina Courage are sleeping giants of sorts, so it will be interesting to see when they start climbing up the table.
Free Kicks
- You’ll need a paid subscription for the full details, but Orlando City right back Alex Freeman continues to impress this season. Freeman is finding success in a way different from his father Antonio Freeman, who led the NFL in receiving yards for the Green Bay Packers in 1998.
- This year’s MLS pre-match jerseys to celebrate Pride month are out and they’re a vibrant and funky design.
- Esther Gonzalez leads the NWSL with seven goals this season and has agreed to a contract extension with Gotham FC that will last through 2027.
- FIFA representatives, including FA Chair Debbie Hewitt and UEFA President Alexander Ceferin, walked out of FIFA’s annual congress in protest of FIFA President Gianni Infantino arriving three hours late. Infantino has spent this week in the Middle East visiting leaders in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with Donald Trump.
- FC Barcelona officially won this year’s La Liga title after a 2-0 win over Espanyol. Phenom Lamine Yamal scored a sensational goal in the match, which is fitting considering how crucial he was to Barcelona winning the league this year.
- Predictable names like Luis Enrique and Antonio Conte are on the list of top European coaches this year, but this article also shines a light on coaches who navigated tough waters in small boats. Alexander Blessin has St. Pauli on the verge of survival in the Bundesliga and Filippo Inzaghi improved Pisa by 30 points in Serie B to secure promotion.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/15/25
Orlando City beats Charlotte FC, Orlando Pride prepare for the Kansas City Current, Haley McCutcheon up for Impact Award, and more.

So long as Orlando City keeps winning them, I can definitely get used to these midweek matches. The Lions took care of business Wednesday night, which is a nice boost for us to finish the week strongly before a weekend filled to the brim with more Orlando soccer. But before we get to today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B winger Dyson Clapier!
Orlando City Beats Charlotte FC at Home
The Lions extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games across all competitions after winning 3-1 at home against Charlotte FC. Orlando got off to a hot start thanks to its Designated Players and managed to see out the match for a needed victory. The offense seems to have recaptured the form it had earlier this season and it’s nice to see Orlando move up in the standings after six draws this season. The Lions will be back in action on Sunday for a rivalry game against Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale.
Orlando Pride Prepare for the Kansas City Current
The top two teams in the NWSL will square off on Friday when the Orlando Pride host the Kansas City Current. The Pride didn’t win either of their past two games but now return home with a chance to beat the Current and move to the top of the table. While this game will feature some of the best attackers in the league, each team has also only conceded six goals in their eight games so far. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the benefit of being back at home for this match after tough road games in recent weeks.
Haley McCutcheon Nominated for Impact Award
This year’s Lauren Holiday Impact Award nominees were announced and the Orlando Pride chose Haley McCutcheon as the club’s representative for her work in the community. McCutcheon works with the Foundation of Foster Children, where she supports children placed in foster care and provides mentorship. The winner of the Impact Award will be able to choose a charitable organization to receive a $50,000 donation. You can view all of this year’s nominees and how they’re making an impact off the field and in the community.
Savy King Undergoes Successful Heart Surgery
Angel City FC announced that defender Savy King underwent successful heart surgery to address a heart abnormality following tests and is recovering with family. King collapsed in the 74th minute of her club’s match over the weekend and was transported to the hospital. The match continued after the incident and the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association called for change to league policies regarding the continuation of matches after life-saving care is administered.
“While the medical response demonstrated the highest level of competence and care, the decision to continue play demonstrated how player safety is weighed and operationalized in real time. Incidents of this severity must prioritize our collective humanity and should automatically trigger suspension of the match. The Players Association is committed to making this the standard in NWSL.”
Free Kicks
- MLS suspended Minnesota United midfielder Joseph Rosales for three games for violating the league’s non-discrimination policy. This comes after an investigation into an incident involving Rosales and Vancouver Whitecaps forward Emmanuel Sabbi on April 27.
- FIFA is shooting for $1 billion in revenue for the Women’s World Cup. It’s a lofty goal, but I could see it happening as women’s soccer continues to grow across the world.
- Christian Pulisic and AC Milan fell 1-0 to Bologna in the Italian Cup final. It’s Bologna’s first time winning the tournament since 1974 and Head Coach Vincenzo Italiano’s first time winning a final. What a fitting first trophy for someone named Italiano.
- Malik Tillman had two goals and an assist in PSV Eindhoven’s 4-1 win over Heracles to take a one-point lead over Ajax in the Eredivisie title race. Fellow American Sergino Dest had an assist as well, and PSV’s final game of the season is on Sunday.
- As European leagues wind down, here’s a nice guide to what clubs in the bigger leagues are playing for over the next few games. Shout out to Serie A for keeping its title race down to the wire, with Napoli only a point ahead of Inter Milan with two games to go.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/14/25
Orlando City hosts Charlotte FC tonight, Marta called up by Brazil, U.S. Soccer announces new kits, and much more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! Orlando City has midweek games throughout this month, which means we get to enjoy some soccer tonight. But before we get into that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 18th birthday to Orlando City B forward Justin Ellis! On my 18th birthday, I won $10 on the first scratch-off ticket I could legally buy. I wish him similar good fortune today.
Orlando City Takes On Charlotte FC Tonight
Orlando City’s busy month continues tonight when it hosts Charlotte FC for a midweek matchup at Inter&Co Stadium in one of the more intriguing games of today’s MLS slate. The Lions haven’t lost since March 8, but they have also only won four of their 12 games this season and are a point behind Charlotte in the standings. Orlando’s offense has struggled mightily during this stretch, but may have turned a corner following Martin Ojeda’s hat trick against the New England Revolution on Saturday. The Lions could also benefit from the return of midfielder Eduard Atuesta, who was in training as he works his way back from injury. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s eased back into things though and the club has five more games this month after tonight. Even if Atuesta can’t go tonight, maybe he can get some minutes this weekend.
Marta Returns to Brazilian National Team
Marta was called up by Brazil Head Coach Arthur Elias for friendlies against Japan, which is pretty shocking news, considering she announced her retirement from international soccer last year.
“I was with Marta recently and spoke with her. She said she is available to help the team while she is playing at a high level, as she is now,” Elias told reporters. “Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the American League champion.
“Her presence in some call-ups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team.”
Marta’s international career seemed to end in Paris, where she helped Brazil claim the silver medal at the Olympics. The 39-year-old joins Pride teammate Angelina on Brazil’s roster as the team prepares for this summer’s Copa America. It will be interesting to see if Marta will take part in that tournament and it may be worth noting that the 2027 World Cup will take place in Brazil. That’s a couple of years away, but I wouldn’t rule out anything at this point.
U.S. Soccer Unveils New Kits
U.S. Soccer announced two new kits designed in collaboration with Nike and senior players from both the United States Women’s National Team and United States Men’s National Team. The “Brilliant Kit” is white and light blue with star details and celebrates 40 years of the USWNT. The “Heartbeat Kit” is a dark blue with vertical red and blue stripes and is meant to represent the passion of U.S. soccer fans.
I’m also a pretty big fan of the jacket featured as part of this collection. The USWNT will wear both of these jerseys throughout the year, while the USMNT will continue to wear its current white kit and will debut the darker kit on June 7.
USMNT Will Play South Korea and Japan in Friendlies
A pair of friendlies in September were announced for the USMNT, with the Yanks set to take on South Korea Sept. 6 in New Jersey before playing Japan Sept. 9 in Columbus. These will be the USMNT’s first matches following this summer’s Gold Cup and will help the team prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Japan has already qualified for the World Cup, and South Korea is on track to do the same. The USMNT hasn’t played South Korea since winning 2-0 in 2014, while its last match against Japan was a 2-0 defeat in Germany in 2022 before that year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Free Kicks
- Marta and Angelina aren’t the only Pride players called up for international duty, as goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse will join England for UEFA Nations League games.
- Time is running out on joining this year’s Purple Pride 5K on Saturday, so be sure to register if you’ve been meaning to and it slipped your mind.
- Orlando City remained in 12th place in the MLS power rankings following its 3-3 draw with the Revolution.
- The Lions were 11th in Tom Bogert’s “watchability” rankings, which rate teams based on their quality of play, style, and general wow factors. I’m admittedly surprised to see Orlando that high considering the glut of scoreless draws this year
- Former Pride player and USWNT legend Alex Morgan has joined the San Diego Wave as a minority investor. Morgan retired from playing last year in her third season with the Wave and gave birth to her second child earlier this year.
- Santiago Moreno won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his bicycle kick in the Portland Timbers’ 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City.
- Haji Wright and Coventry City drew 1-1 with Sunderland, losing on aggregate in the EFL Championship promotion playoffs. Dan Ballard scored for Sunderland deep in extra time, and Sunderland will face Sheffield United with a spot in the English Premier League on the line.
- The historic Goodison Park will no longer be demolished and will instead serve as the home for Everton’s women’s soccer team, making it the first stadium in England dedicated to a women’s team.
- In lieu of a parade if it wins the Europa League, Manchester United announced that there would be a celebratory barbecue at the club’s training ground. Players are also being restricted to just two free tickets for the Europa League final and club staff did not receive free tickets either.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I wish you all a wonderful Wednesday and a happy game day. Go Orlando!
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