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Lion Links: 2/4/17

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8 years ago

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Great morning Mane Land readers. I hope everyone’s weekend is off to a really good start. Welcome to this morning’s news. We are getting closer to the beginning of the season and we have some updates to share with you all. So sit tight and enjoy this quick review.

Nocerino and Kaka Put on a Show While Heading to Training

Looks like the preseason is going great for the team. Despite the hard work and the heavy training, our team has the time for some fun. Here’s a clip of Antonio Nocerino demonstrating his singing talents for us.

And our captain Kaká didn’t want to fall behind and joined Noce in this Enrique Iglesias song. Great way to show the motivation and teamwork is happening in the preseason.

Former Columbia MF Rhys Williams Gets a Shot with OCB

After a successful year with Columbia in which he won the Ivy League title, Rhys Williams will have an opportunity with Orlando City B for a spot in the team. Rhys earned a second-team all-conference spot during his sophomore year due to his seven goals and five assists. During the last season he faced few injuries, but he was able to play in 16 games, including, as I mentioned before, in the championship game.

USMNT Wins 1-0 Against Jamaica in the Final Pre-Hex Match

The USMNT had a decent presentation against Jamaica with a 1-0 victory last night, with the goal scored by Sounders’ forward Jordan Morris at the 69th minute. Bruce Arena played many guys that didn’t have the opportunity in the first friendly match against Serbia. With great production in the first 20 minutes of each half, the Americans pushed the Reggae Boyz into their own third most of the time. The USMNT had to deal with a team compacted between lines, leaving little to no space for tactical moves. The breakthrough of the game came after a nice team play between Benny Feilhaber and Morris at the top of the box, with Morris finishing the move scoring between the post and goalkeeper. Most of the game had the U.S. pushing forward and Jamaica waiting for the counter attack opportunity.

The USMNT will return to play March 24 against Honduras with the opportunity to change how the competition is going in the Hexagonal to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

USMNT Will Have a Third Kit for First Time since 2011

Our friends from Footy Headlines surprised us by showing us the National Teams’ third kit. The new kit color has red as the main and only color. This is the first time since 2011 the National Teams will have a third kit. Take a look at our new third kit.

Orlando City’s Jordan Bender Part of U.S. U-16 BNT Squad for Argentina Camp

Our U-16 BNT is heading to Argentina today until Feb. 12 to start the preparation for this year’s tournaments. Head Coach Shaun Tsakiris called 21 players to participate in this 10-day camp. The Orlando City Youth Program will be represented by midfielder Jordan Bender. Tsakiris had some words about the decision to hold the training camp in Argentina this year:

“I think this is a little more along the lines of what our players will face in CONCACAF and I think that the style matches that and prepares our players a little bit better. So, anytime we can go to Argentina or Chile or Brazil or any of these top countries, I think it’s a great challenge for our players and ultimately, we want to prepare our players by giving them international experience.”

The team will have three friendly matches while in Argentina against teams located in Buenos Aires: A.A. Argentinos Juniors, San Lorenzo de Almagro, and Racing de Avellaneda.

Only 1,000 spots left for the Purple Pride 5k run

Orlando City’s Kickoff Week is around the corner. Fans are running out of time to register for the Purple Pride 5K run that will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at 9 a.m. This will be the first fan event in celebration of the new stadium.

OCSC is running a promotion for any fan that registers before Feb. 17 at $32. From Feb. 18-22, the price to participate in the event will be between $35 to $40. Everyone participating in this run will receive a t-shirt, a ticket for a future Orlando City match, and an exclusive die-cast medal commemorating the stadium opening.

Other prizes will be $1,000 in Publix gift cards, which will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers. In addition, more than $700 in Academy Sports and Outdoors gift cards will be awarded to randomly selected finishers throughout the run. 

This is the link for fans to register for the 5K run.

Also, the same day of the run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., fans will have the opportunity to tour the new stadium during the House Party. You can have an opportunity to check out the pitch and views from the different seats.

Nat Borchers Announces Retirement from Professional Soccer

In a message on his personal Twitter account, the two-time MLS Cup champion Nat Borchers announced that last season was his final one in a 14-year career. Borchers played for three MLS teams (Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and Portland Timbers) and in Norway with Odds BK. With the National Team he had three matches from 2005 to 2010. Together with the announcement of his retirement Nat, confirmed that he will join the broadcasting team in Portland.

This is it for this morning’s news. Keep up to date with all the news related to the Orlando teams in our Twitter account @themaneland and also on Facebook under the name The Mane Land. Feel free to follow me on Twitter also for your daily soccer doses at @el_flako_87.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

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  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

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: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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