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Lion Links: 3/9/17

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8 years ago

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Hello to all on this Thursday. As this is the first time that I have gotten to write something since the big game this past Sunday, all I can say is, “How awesome was that game?” I enjoyed the win very much — as I’m sure the fans out and about did too. If you were able to attend the stadium on opening day then I certainly envy you.

As for the soccer world, it is rocking! With MLS kicking off its season this past weekend news is flooding our gates left and right. On that note, let’s jump into Lion Links for today.

The Road Ahead Without Kaká

This should not be news to you — by now you should know that Kaká has officially been sidelined with a hamstring injury, with the Brazilian likely to miss six weeks of action. The point of emphasis now is moving forward. For Orlando City the goal is to move forward in a positive direction.

Kaká only managed 11 minutes before having to be subbed off, and Orlando City went on to not only score a goal but earn three points in a victory against NYCFC. It may not sound like a big deal to some, but winning and scoring without Kaká was a major achievement from a mental standpoint for the Lions.

The road ahead has been looked at by Will Parchman of www.MLSsoccer.com and he examines two possible options for replacing Kaká over the next six weeks. One option is Giles Barnes, who played well in Sunday’s victory, and the other is Carlos Rivas who was solid in the win as well.

Either way Orlando City goes, they’re bound to sacrifice the central channel in some regard without Kaká. The Brazilian is maybe the best pure reader of the game in MLS right now, and while he doesn’t have the agility of some other pure creative influences in the league, he sees so many steps ahead.

The Orlando Experience

Check out this awesome, awesome video created by The Soccer Tour from YouTube. It explores the sights and sounds from the first MLS game played in the new stadium. The video takes you on a journey from what the fans witnessed and just how amazingly beautiful the stadium truly is.

The World XI: Women’s Football

The World XI has been released by FIFPro, and the Orlando Pride had two players make the squad. Pride defender Ali Krieger and forward Alex Morgan are the two standouts currently representing the best players in the world.

Along with two Orlando Pride players, Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo from the U.S. Women’s National Team also appear in the best XI. This counts for four women of the USWNT to be chosen to make this list, which happens to be the most players represented from one country. Go USA!

Key Players Missing From USMNT

The dates for the qualifying matches are near for the U.S. Men’s National Team. With the games fast approaching, manager Bruce Arena has some concerns that not all of his best players will be available for certain dates.

“Between now and when the players report, there’s going to be a lot of issues, so we have a Plan A, a B and a C, and in a lot of cases we’re probably going to go to Plan C,” Arena added. “Two players, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, may not be available. It may be the case with Geoff. They’ve all been good players for the U.S. team. We’d like to have them all. The reality of the situation is that that’s not likely.”

This could be a concern for the squad, which has already dropped the first two games in qualifying before the departure of Jürgen Klinsmann. Hopefully Arena and company can figure out the best options and solutions as qualifying matches loom closer.

Talks of Another Joint Copa America

The Copa America Centenario was a major success this past summer. With hopes of similar results in the future, the United States hopes to remain the site for this special tournament. Ticket sales and television ratings reached peaks. For instance, FS1 earned its highest watched soccer game ever during the U.S. and Argentina semifinal.

A U.S. Soccer Federation spokesman confirmed that the federation is open to discussing the possibility of hosting the tournament again, and given the money involved it's easy to see why. A recent report by the USSF that was made public at its most recent Annual General Meeting revealed that the organization made $46 million in profit from hosting the tournament.

Eyes on Pulisic

Christian Pulisic continues to be one of the best USMNT players abroad. Yesterday in his Champions League match-up against Benfica, the 18-year-old managed a game-tying (aggregate) assist and then the game-winning goal, again on aggregate. His brilliant play pushed Borussia Dortmund through the round of 16 and now on to the quarterfinals.

As a fan of USMNT soccer, you have to be a fan of Pulisic. He has slowly become a star for Dortmund and continues his rise for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Look for him to be a very valuable piece moving forward in club and country play.

Ice Ice Baby…

OCSC plays the New England Revolution in MLS next. Just so you can get an idea of who and what we are up against, you have to check out New England forward Kei Kamara rapping with Vanilla Ice.

Power Move?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be lured away from Manchester United this off-season. If LA Galaxy have it their way, then Zlatan might be trading his Manchester red in for a Galaxy jersey, following the eventual path of David Beckham. This could be huge for Major League Soccer landing the talent of Zlatan and the charisma that comes along. He is easily one of the best players in the world and has been for a while now.

Barcelona Makes Huge Comeback

So many questions can be asked of the PSG team that essentially threw away the opportunity to advance in the Champions League tournament. PSG had a 4-0 lead on aggregate coming into the game. All they had to do was defend and hold the lead.

But they played against Barcelona. Nothing ever comes easy against such a high profile club and prolific offense. Barcelona not only managed to score goals but they managed to overcome the deficit and move on to the next round.

That is all from me today. Enjoy the second game week of the season and let your voice be heard through social media much like mine. That might be a cheap way of saying follow me on the twittersphere… you know, if you want to. @awesomeniemeier

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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.

Published

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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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