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Lion Links: 4/29/17

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9 years ago

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Happy Saturday, Mane Landers! Today is another very exciting game day. This time the Lions will protect our fantastic fortress against the Colorado Rapids. It should be another great game, just like today’s great Lion Links. We start you off with an injury update on Kaká.

Kaká “Likely” to Feature vs. Colorado Rapids

This season has been a bit of an odd one for Orlando City SC. After eight weeks, the club is top of the Eastern Conference table with two games in hand on second-place Columbus Crew and Kaká has played about 10 minutes. Of course, you’ve heard that a million times now, but no matter how many times we acknowledge it, it will still seem surreal. Of course, even with the club’s great form it will be great to see our Brazilian superstar back on the pitch. According to Orlandosentinel.com, his return could come today. His role will likely be coming off of the bench and will surely be met with a loud roar from the crowd. Whether he can complement applause with his play we’ll just have to wait and see.

Cyle Larin’s Value Identified Based on Past Transfers

It seems every month there are more and more transfer rumors about Cyle Larin. I hate just thinking of him leaving. Even more scary: he might not even last this season with Orlando. In this relatively young season, Larin has been averaging a goal a game after playing six games. It doesn't take a math wiz or a master scout to know that  is an excellent rate that will draw attention from big clubs. One concern Lions fans have is whether or not he will be sold for the right price. To identify the right price you can look at some of the other marquee transfers from MLS history. So far, the record is $10 million (Jozy Altidore) and quite frankly I wouldn't be shocked to see a similar figure offered for the Canadian wonderkid. Let us know how you'd feel if the Lions sold Larin for a similar amount of money.

Orlando City – Colorado Rapids Storylines

Orlando City will try try to continue its perfect home record (4-0-0) today when the Lions face the Colorado Rapids. Two defensive sides playing each other may not sound appealing but there are some interesting things to look out for in the game. One key thing to look for is whether or not Cyle Larin will strike again. He has been rampant this season and the Rapids better be prepared for his worst as he has been very consistent of late.

Vote on Tampa Bay’s Stadium Referendum Next Week

Being the only MLS team in the southeast I think a lot of Orlando City fans were excited to have Atlanta United enter the league. There has been talk for a while now about another team — either in Miami or Tampa — joining us in Florida and personally I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it gives us a clear rival, but on the other, they could take the attention off of us and divide the Central Florida fan base. I particularly believe the negative argument should be applied to the Tampa Bay Rowdies' expansion bid. All opinions aside, next Tuesday the Tampa community will be voting on whether or not to approve a lease with the city of St. Petersburg that would allow the club to upgrade Al Lang Stadium. Even if the vote passes, that doesn't mean they will be accepted into the MLS family. What it does mean is that they will have taken a key step in their bid, one Miami FC has tried and failed to take for three years.

Phoenix Rising FC Sign Former Lion Eric Avila

Many of you might remember Eric Avila from his time with Orlando City in the club’s inaugural season. He made 21 appearances in his one year with OCSC before joining the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Now he has made the move away from Central Florida to Phoenix Rising FC. Though I'm sure he'd love to make a return to MLS, Avila is now the envy of all USL midfielders because he gets to try and get the ball to international stars Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Orlando City Youth Star Jordan Bender Fourth Best U-17 Player in Florida

It is always great to see youth players from our very own Orlando City shine and Jordan Bender is another prime example. Earlier this year, Bender was called up to feature for the U-16 Boys National Team and now he has received another impressive accolade. In the latest edition of Florida's youth soccer regional rankings, Bender has made the big leap from 25th to fourth place on the list. He is known as one of the best young forwards in the nation and perhaps could play for our senior team one day.

That wraps up today’s lion links. Enjoy today’s match. For now we leave you with this:

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/20/26

Orlando City defeats Atlanta United, Anna Moorhouse called up, Arsenal wins EPL championship, and more.

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3 hours ago

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May 20, 2026

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Image of Griffin Dorsey preparing to shoot on a breakaway against Atlanta.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I love the U.S. Open Cup. I love the history, the cupsets, and the magical moments. I especially love it when my team wins and wins big like Orlando City did Tuesday night. It was unexpected result but a very welcome one. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Advances to USOC Semifinals

Orlando City defeated rival Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. The Lions unleashed an offensive firestorm in the first half against Atlanta United, scoring four goals before halftime. Frankly, it could have been more. The Lions were unable to add to the lead in the second half and conceded one goal to Atlanta, but it was more than enough to secure the victory.

Moorhouse Called Up

Anna Moorhouse has once again been called up by England for Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. It is always an honor for a player to represent their country. We are happy that Moorhouse will have the opportunity.

World Cup News

We are only weeks away from the start of the World Cup and we know who most of the players representing their countries will be. For example, Granit Xhaka will captain Switzerland in the tournament. Most of us are primarily concerned with the USMNT and which players are in form for club and, hopefully, country.

Premier League News

The 23-year wait is over as Arsenal won the English Premier League championship following a 1-1 draw between Bournemouth and Manchester City on Tuesday. It is all but certain that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer. It’s not the ending that Guardiola wanted for his time at Manchester City, but he leaves the club in a good position. While the Gunners celebrate, Tottenham Hostpur is fighting relegation.

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That will do it for today. Check back later this week as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/19/26

Lions set for international duty, lessons from MLS matchday 14, Austin FC makes changes at the top, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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May 19, 2026

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Image of Marco Pasalic saluting the fans.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone! It wasn’t a particularly successful weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, but we don’t have time to dwell on the past. Orlando City is set for a big U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match against Atlanta United tonight, and all three teams will be back in action over the weekend. We’ve got a whole host of things to talk about today, so let’s jump straight into the links.

Lions Called Up for International Duty

A busy summer break from MLS is almost upon us, and that means that the international call-ups are starting to roll in. Gustavo Caraballo will be joining Venezuela’s U-20 outfit as it gets ready for an upcoming youth tournament.

In addition, Marco Pasalic has been named to Croatia’s World Cup squad, so Orlando City will be represented on the biggest stage.

Congrats to both players!

Lessons from Matchday 14

Matchday 14 is officially in the books for Major League Soccer, so let’s take a look at what we learned from the weekend’s action. For one thing, despite a slightly slow start to the season by his high standards, Hany Mukhtar’s hat trick against LAFC proved that he should still be considered among the league’s elite. Marco Reus flashed his versatility in the LA Galaxy’s 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders, as he played striker and got an assist on LA’s first goal. Finally, while its too early to say things are definitely turned around for Sporting Kansas City, back-to-back wins means that there’s at least something to get excited about, and that’s very welcome in a season that’s been difficult for the most part. The spine of Sporting’s midfield looked improved on Saturday, and having Dejan Jovelic up top is never going to hurt a team’s chances.

Austin FC Makes Personnel Changes

Austin FC followed in the footsteps of the Columbus Crew by announcing the firing of head coach Nico Estevez on Monday. Where Austin went a step further was by also firing sporting director Rodolfo Borrell. The team has begun searches for permanent appointments to both positions immediately, while naming Davy Arnaud as interim manager in what will be his second stint in that role with the club. Austin has endured a difficult start to the season and is currently 13th in the Western Conference with a record of 3-6-5 and 14 points from 14 matches. The 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday seems to have been the final straw, and Austin will now be seeking its third permanent head coach since becoming an MLS club.

Americans in Midweek Action

Most major European seasons have already wrapped up or will be doing so shortly, but there’s still a number of Americans who will be competing during the working week. Things get started later today when Tyler Adams and Bournemouth play host to Manchester City in Premier League action. The stakes ratchet up considerably on Thursday when Kevin Paredes and Wolfsburg play Paderborn in the first leg of the Bundesliga’s promotion/relegation tie. Things then finish up on Friday when Yunus Musah and Atalanta travel to take on Fiorentina in Serie A.

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That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/18/26

Lions draw Atlanta United, Pride and OCB lose, Americans abroad, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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Image of Griffin Dorsey playing against Nashville.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve had a busy week covering high school playoff water polo and soccer. Our beloved Lions, Pride, and OCB were all in action over the weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Atlanta United

Orlando City drew Atlanta United 1-1 Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. Griffin Dorsey scored the opener for the Lions in the first half. Orlando was moments away from securing back-to-back wins. However, the Lions could not hold onto the lead, as Jay Fortune scored a late equalizer for Atlanta, and both teams ended up with a point. It will be a busy week for Orlando City, facing Atlanta United again Tuesday in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup at home, followed by a road trip to take on FC Cincinnati Saturday at TQL Stadium.

Pride Fall to Denver Summit

The Orlando Pride fell 3-1 in their first road match against Denver Summit FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday. It’s the second consecutive match in a week the Pride have lost to a 2026 NWSL expansion team on the road, following a defeat to Boston Legacy FC on Tuesday. Orlando conceded the first goal and trailed 1-0 at halftime. In the second half, Janine Sonis scored a penalty kick goal to give Denver a 2-0 lead. Angelina was sent off with a red card before Barbra Banda pulled one back, but Sonis added her second goal immediately after the Pride scored to put away Denver’s first-ever home win. The Pride will look to bounce back on the road, taking on the San Diego Wave Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium.

OCB Concedes Late in 1-0 Road Loss to New England Revolution II

Orlando City B fell 1-0 to New England Revolution II on the road Sunday at Beirne Stadium in Smithfield, RI. Both teams struggled to score throughout the match, and it looked like the match was heading to a 0-0 draw and a shootout. However, Judah Siqueira scored a winner for New England in the dying moments of the match for the hosts. The result ends the Young Lions’ four-match points streak. OCB will return home to face Inter Miami II Sunday at Osceola County Stadium.

Americans Abroad

Auston Trusty played a full 90 minutes and helped Celtic overturn a 1-0 deficit to complete the comeback and defeat Hearts 3-1 to secure the club’s fifth straight Scottish Premiership title. Antonee Robinson scored his first Premier League goal for Fulham in a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chris Richards came off the bench and played 29 minutes for Crystal Palace in a 2-2 draw against Brentford but suffered an ankle injury toward the end of the match. Christian Pulisic made his return to AC Milan after being sidelined with a lower back injury and came off the bench in the second half in a 2-1 win against Genoa. Ricardo Pepi scored for PSV Eindhoven in a 5-1 win against FC Twente. George Bello and Sam Adeniran helped LASK capture its first Austrian Bundesliga title since 1965, defeating Austria Vienna 3-0 and booking a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League playoff round.

Manchester City Defeats Chelsea to Win FA Cup

Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium Saturday to win the English FA Cup. After a scoreless first half, Antoine Semenyo’s lone goal in the second half was enough to pull Manchester City to victory and keep the club’s domestic treble hopes alive. It’s Manchester City’s second FA Cup trophy in four years.

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  • Orlando City midfielder Gustavo Caraballo has been called up to the Venezuela U-20 Men’s National Team for the upcoming Maurice Revello Tournament in France.
  • Orlando Pride defender Kylie Nadaner gave birth to her first child over the weekend.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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