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Lion Links: 2/24/17

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8 years ago

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Good morning lads, lasses, goons, and silly billies. It’s Alex Mohr writing the Lion Links today for the first time ever. Many happenings have occurred over the past 24 hours, and it’s my duty to inform you about some lovely news regarding Orlando City, the USL, the USWNT, and MLS.

Carlos Rivas on Playing in a Striker Duo

Rivas mainly played on the left wing for the Lions the past two seasons, tallying just three goals and eight assists in 48 appearances. But with a new manager comes new tactics, and with new tactics comes a new formation. Head Coach Jason Kreis has been playing a 4-4-2 throughout the preseason, which is obviously different than the 4-2-3-1 that Rivas has played in previously.

The change means players have to adapt to a different attacking shape. For Rivas he will have to get used to playing in front of a No. 10 with another striker beside him for the upcoming 2017 season. The Colombian seems to welcome the slight change, scoring two goals and adding a few assists in four preseason games, and both he and Kreis had plenty to say regarding his new role up top with Larin.

Kids vs. Pros Game Preview by Kid Korrespondent

A lovely introduction as to what to expect for the upcoming game on March 2 as players from the Lions, Pride, and OCB take on 100 kids at Orlando City’s brand new stadium.

Orlando City Stadium Naming Deal Update

The wait for the highly-anticipated name for the new stadium continues. In January, the club announced that OCSC was close to a confirming a partnership deal regarding stadium name rights, but the agreement hasn’t been settled yet.

“The New Stadium,” as many call it, will continue to lack a formal name for an unknown amount of time.

“The timeline remains the same: whenever it’s right. These are long-term partnerships, minimum 10-15 years. Could be done tomorrow, could be done in a few weeks. This is not something we’re going to rush into.

 “We continue to be in discussion with people and on the phone every day with brands looking at us…value is there for the right partner,” Parker said.

 Maybe City executives are just stalling until the right company contacts them, or maybe there aren’t any companies actually interested. Maybe I should call and try to buy the name rights.

The stadium, though now unnamed, has been praised by many for its soccer-specific design and beauty. Bruce Miller, the architect in charge of designing the 25,500-seat stadium, describes details about our new home here.

OCB Draws in First Friendly of Preseason

The young Lions of Orlando City B took to the pitch for their first friendly of the 2017 USL preseason against the University of Central Florida. At the final whistle, the teams had played to a 0-0 draw, which isn’t a bad result when you consider that OCB Assistant Coach Rob Valentino played center back for a bit, to give some stability to trialists along the back line. The USL Lions used a different group in the second 45 minutes than the first, and it was a good result as far as Head Coach Anthony Pulis is concerned.

“It was a really worth little exercise for us,” Pulis told reporters after the game. “We’ve been back in training for 10 days, but it’s only so much work you can do on the training ground. I think they’ve been itching to get into a game situation for some days now. It was definitely a positive for us to get them out and get them together, and see what they’re like a real game situation.”

Checking in on an Old Friend

Congratulations to former goalkeeper and Orlando’s sweetheart Tally Hall for being awarded some rather special silverware. It’s not an MLS Cup trophy by any means but I’m sure it feels just as special. Jokes aside, thank you for your service and for protecting our streets.

USL President has Plans Beyond Division 2 Upgrade

The United Soccer League has officially jumped from U.S. Soccer Federation’s Division 3 label to a lovelier, advanced, gnarlier Division 2 ranking. This means that both the NASL and USL are now second-tier leagues.

But USL president Jake Edwards believes there’s more in store for the MLS-partnered league. The USL’s next step is launching USL Productions, a project that will allow the USL to broadcast 500 games itself.

USWNT Friendly Against Norway Officially Announced

On the women’s international stage, the USWNT is set to play Norway in an international friendly on June 11. The last time the U.S. women played Norway, they won 2-1, with both goals from Carli Lloyd.

The game may become extremely heated, as there is an intense history between the two teams. In 1991, the USA and Norway squared off in the Women’s World Cup in China, with the U.S. winning, 2-1. The U.S. also ended Norway’s hopes by defeating them 2-1 in the semifinal knockout round of the 1996 Women’s World Cup in Atlanta. Norway went on to beat the U.S. women in two significant World Cup matches, but I don’t want to go into those as losing is depressing and I don’t want to be depressed.

MLS Growth Creates Global Competition for Roster Spots

With MLS growing rapidly, more and more players are needed. Both newly-inducted clubs Atlanta United and Minnesota United will likely sport more foreign-born players in the starting lineups than Americans. This is a slight microcosm for Major League Soccer, as around 45% of MLS players are American.

The league improves as more non-domestic players are imported for play. Competition amongst American players will grow as new talent is brought in, but these challenges only improve the athletes. The competition for roster spots encourages both more talent in the league and an increased pressure for players to fight and claw for a spot in MLS.

MLS is proposing an order that would allow two more roster spots for clubs. The rule would bump up the roster from 28 to 30 athletes, but only if the two extra players are American. MLS executives want it to be known that the addition of foreign-born players must match the development of domestic competitors.

That’s all that I have for today, my friends. Try not to hit that comment section too hard. Spread positivity by trading memes and drinking water.

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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: 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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