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Lion Links: 2/19/17

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8 years ago

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Good Sunday morning to you, Mane Landers. Today happens to be Orlando Pride defender Toni Pressley’s 27th birthday. Toni got her biggest present recently when Tom Sermanni re-signed her for the upcoming 2017 season. Congratulations to Toni — both on her contract extension and on her birthday.

Orlando City is back in action today at Championsgate with two 90-minute scrimmage sessions against Toronto FC. The preseason sure is flying past, with only Saturday’s tune-up in the new stadium against St. Louis FC still to come before the March 5 opener against the soccer Yankees.

Let’s get to the linkin’.

Kreis Works Off Excess Stress; Ramos Returns

A younger and more energetic me once envisioned running a marathon. I took to running later in life than many and worked my way up to being able to run a 5K without dying. I lived in Texas at the time and that fall I moved to upstate New York. I kept up my running until that winter. I never returned to it. Someone who used to hate running now does it to work off the stresses of the job. Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis can often be seen running around the club’s training grounds or at the stadium and recently he spoke to Orlando Sentinel writer Alicia DelGallo about his need to get his workout in.

Additionally, DelGallo reported that right back Rafael Ramos returned to training after rolling his ankle in the last preseason match against the Philadelphia Union.

“Little bit of pain still, but I'm able to play [today],” Ramos told the Orlando Sentinel. “I had an [ankle] injury before, so that's probably why I felt it a little bit more. After the scrimmage, it was swollen but I did some rehab these last three days and it’s feeling better. Still a little bit of pain, like I said, but wrapped up it's OK.”

Orlando City Welcomes Miggy Back

Club legend Miguel Gallardo, goalkeeper for Orlando City’s USL era, is coming home. Gallardo will be joining the Lions’ crew for local broadcasts. After his most recent stint with the Jacksonville Armada, Miggy’s playing time appears to be over and Orlando City did the right thing by finding a position for one of the more notable players from the club’s early days in Orlando.

Business Community Eager for Stadium to Open

We’re not the only ones who can’t wait for the first Orlando City match in the club’s new stadium. The business community is also eager for the Lions to take to the pitch in their new Parramore-based home. In addition to businesses like the jointly opened Black Cauldron Brewing-Broken Strings Brewery just a few hundred feet from the new venue, there are plans for a farmer’s market and the growth in the area should stimulate many jobs.

U-20 USMNT Falls 1-0 to Panama

Tommy Redding and the United States U-20 Men’s National Team got off to a rough start in the bid to qualify for the U-20 World Cup. The U.S. fell 1-0 to Panama on a 37th-minute shot that deflected into the corner of the net off of Marlon Fossey. Leandro Ávila got the goal and the United States must rally to finish well in order to reach the U-20 World Cup. The loss was especially painful considering the U.S. played 72 minutes with a man advantage. Panama’s Justin Simons was sent off for a challenge on Tyler Adams, leaving Los Canaleros shorthanded.

Redding, who played 69 minutes, had his best moment in the 25th minute, when he cut out a cross by Andrés Andrade that was labeled for Ronaldo Córdoba. His interception thwarted Panama’s scoring chance and kept the game 0-0 at the time. The U.S. U-20s fell to 3-2-0 all-time against Panama. The Yanks will be back in action Tuesday against Haiti at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Rough Generation Adidas Cup Weekend for OCSC Academy

Orlando City’s U15/16 team hasn’t had the best of weekends in Generation Adidas Cup play. The difficulty started in the second half of Friday’s match. After a scoreless opening period, the young Lions shipped four goals in a 4-1 loss to Philadelphia Union. Mario Licor scored the only goal for the good guys Despite scoring first yesterday, Orlando City dropped a 4-2 match to New York Red Bulls. U.S. youth international Jordan Bender opened the scoring for the Lions, who led 1-0 at the break. New York scored four straight before Andres Ojeda pulled one back late. The lads in purple have one match left Monday vs. New England Revolution.

That’s all I’ve got for you today, but I won’t leave you hanging. Joining Toni Pressley in being born on this date were: Nicolaus Copernicus (1473), Lee Marvin (1924), Smokey Robinson (1940), Loverboy guitarist Paul Dean (1946), Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi (1948), Jeff Daniels (1955), Roger Goodell (1959), Seal (1963), Justine Bateman (1966), Benicio del Toro (1967), Italian footballer Gianluca Zambrotta (1977), Steve Cherundolo (1979), Dwight Freeney (1980), Haylie Duff (1985), and Brazilian women’s soccer legend Marta (1986).

Have a great Sunday. Go City!

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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

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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