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Lion Links: 4/15/17

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8 years ago

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Happy Match Day, Mane Landers. Your Lions will host the LA Galaxy this afternoon at Orlando City Stadium and yours truly will be there with about 25,500 or so of my closest friends. Be loud today. Maybe going deaf will mess with the Galaxy’s equilibrium. The Pride also play today, kicking off the 2017 NWSL season at Portland Thorns. So, you know, there’s lots of stuff going on.

Before we get to your Saturday helping of piping hot Lion Links, I’d like to take a moment to wish OCSC striker Carlos Rivas a happy 23rd birthday. Let’s hope Carlos gets a better present than Antonio Nocerino got six days ago, when he received a calf strain from the soccer gods.

Here are those Links I promised:

OCB Still Can’t Beat Red Bulls II

It wasn’t a great start to OCB’s three-game road trip to the Northeast. Orlando City B played a mostly good first half and a meh second half, but two defending errors before the break put the young Lions in a 2-1 hole. Switching off mentally on a late set piece gave New York Red Bulls II a somewhat flattering 3-1 win. Albert Dikwa scored the lone OCB goal off a beautiful cross from Pierre Da Silva to equalize the game after Junior Flemmings put the hosts ahead early. Austin Martz hit the outside of the post on a golden opportunity for OCB. A goal in first-half stoppage time made things tough on OCB and the young Lions could never really get back in the game in the second period.

One bright spot though is that the last two trips to play NYRBII resulted in losses by four goals each. So OCB is twice as good now, right? Right?!

Leo Pereira Promoted to Orlando City

Brazilian center back Leo Pereira played in all of three USL matches — one at left back — before impressing enough to take the next step. Orlando City B loaned Pereira to the OCSC MLS side for the full season on Friday. The move is due in part to the absences of Seb Hines and Jose Aja, and the upcoming absence of Tommy Redding, who will leave the club to participate in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea. It is also due in part to outstanding play since his arrival from Clube Atletico Paranaense just a few weeks ago. Pereira will occupy the international slot vacated by Danny Deakin when he was waived on Thursday.

Larin in the Spotlight

Look, we know Cyle Larin is a good soccer player. We know that everyone around MLS knows it. But it’s getting to the point that everyone knows it. Charles Boehm of mlssoccer.com knows it. And he wrote this nice long story about Cyle Larin being a good soccer player. In the story, there are even some comments about Cyle from some of the legends of the game.

“He’s great with his back to goal. I think he’s, if not the best, one of the best inside the [penalty] box in this league,” said Eddie Johnson, the retired U.S. international who recorded 71 league goals and 21 assists over a decade-long run in MLS sandwiched around European adventures in England, Wales and Greece.

“He can hold the ball up, he can score with his head, he can score with his left foot, he can score with his right foot.”

There are also comments from Brian McBride and Jason Kreis, who you may recall was a pretty good goal scorer in MLS.

Kreis on the MPG Suspension

Jason Kreis did what a good coach should do and stuck up for his player when asked about the midweek suspension handed down to Matias Perez Garcia from the MLS Disciplinary Committee. MPG will miss today’s match against the LA Galaxy for kicking Felipe Martins last Sunday after being run over by the Red Bulls midfielder. Here’s what Kreis said about the play and the suspension:

“Disappointed, because live during the game I didn’t think anything was there. I really didn’t,” Kreis said. “I think both players went into a 50-50 challenge a little bit recklessly. Both players, I think, had a little bit of action after the play. I think if you look at that play from a different angle, you could make the same argument that he ought to be suspended for stepping on Matías’ arm.

“But, at the end of the day, we don’t get to make those decisions, we don’t get to be a part of those decisions, so we just respect them and move forward.”

Pride in the Playoffs? We’ll See.

The Orlando Pride were picked to finish fourth — above the playoff line — in the NWSL in 2017 by Soccer America Daily. Orlando is a sexy pick to reach the postseason in Year 2 due mainly to both a revamped defense and the addition of Brazilian superstar Marta, who won’t make it to the season opener today but could be with the team by the home opener next Saturday (pending international paperwork, of course). This story by Graham Hays of ESPNW discusses what effect Marta’s arrival may have on the league and he also talks about the delayed returns of Pride striker Alex Morgan and Houston Dash midfielder Carli Lloyd.

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That will do it for me today. Enjoy both the men’s and women’s matches today. I’ll leave you with this to enjoy:

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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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