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Lion Links: 5/8/17

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8 years ago

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Welcome to Lion Links on this Monday! Let’s start the business week off right with soccer news from around MLS and the rest of the world. This weekend’s game was a forgettable one for us Lions fans but luckily we have the future to look forward to and thankfully a home game on the horizon. As the Lions prepare for the game ahead, let’s get you prepared on all things soccer. Enjoy.

Orlando City Stadium Should Boost U.S. Men’s National Team

If Columbus is seen as one of the best places for the USMNT to play on home turf, then Orlando’s new stadium should insert itself into that conversation soon. The stadium has been built as the perfect venue for Orlando’s soccer teams to thrive in, especially as Orlando City SC has gone undefeated at its home venue thus far. The next team to dominate in Orlando could very well be the USMNT and that would be quite fantastic.

“It’s good to know that U.S. Soccer understands and believes that our stadium can help the team,” Leitão said. “They understand that a building like that can help the national team get their results.

“One of the things we always said from the beginning was that we were going to build a stadium that would make a lot of difference for Orlando City, which it’s doing, and will bring some great sports events and big soccer events — and this is the first one.”

Orlando City Stadium will host its first USMNT World Cup qualifier in October.

Marta Scores, Orlando Pride Draw in Kansas City

The Orlando Pride went on the road and earned a 1-1 tie against FC Kansas City. The result brings the Pride to 0-2-2 on the season and still in search of their first win. The good news of the evening was that the newly acquired Marta has opened up her account for the Pride by scoring a goal in the 74th minute.

A smart touch from Marta in the 74th minute appeared to provide a much-needed three points for Orlando Pride. But an equalizer 10 minutes later from a set piece drew FC Kansas City even after Erika Tymrak found the back of the net following two saves from Orlando goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. That late goal erased two of those three points as the teams drew 1-1 Sunday at Swope Park in Kansas City.

The Long Leash Given to MLS Coaches

In a very interesting read, changes are going to be the wave of the future in handling MLS coaches that continue to be unimpressive. Teams across MLS seem to give opportunities to coaches that have yet to earn those opportunities and the result is not always good. The patience of front office executives and owners may finally be wearing thin in an ever-changing and growing league.

Coaches considered to have MLS experience have generally been given long leashes on these shores. About one fourth of the league’s current head coaches are ex-players in their first stint as the top dog of a technical staff – think of D.C. United’s Ben Olsen, Heaps and Robinson (above) – and can generally be considered to have trained on the job. All were blessed with patient superiors during sustained downturns.

“The median tenure of a foreign manager is 40 games, while it is 68 games for domestic managers,” wrote Burdine. “That tells me that patience is much lower for foreigners.”

U.S. U-17s Fall to Mexico in Penalty Shootout

After playing to a 1-1 draw against Mexico the U.S. U-17 team lost the spot kick exhibition we call a shootout, 5-4, in the CONCACAF Championship final on Sunday.

The U.S. broke through just after the hour mark when Tim Weah won a poor clearance at the back, leading to Andrew Carleton’s blistering effort in the 62nd minute. The U.S. had chances to increase the lead, as Josh Sargent’s opportunistic run led to a point-blank save from Mexico goal keeper Cesar Lopez in the 82nd minute before Chris Goslin hit the woodwork in the 90th.

Mexico finally broke through in second-half stoppage time as Robles headed home a cross from Daniel Lopez, sending the final to penalty kicks.

Mexico saved themselves on a last-second goal in stoppage time, just two minutes before the final whistle, and then went on to win the close shootout.

USMNT Players Hope to Break into England’s Top Flight

USMNT player Tim Ream has earned a promotion playoff spot with his club, Fulham. He will now join USMNT player Danny Williams (Reading), as he also fights for his club to be promoted to the Premier League. If either one make it they will surely see fellow USMNT player DeAndre Yedlin, who has already been promoted to England’s top league with Newcastle United.

That is all from me today, folks. I leave you with the Brazilian soccer club Chapecoense lifting its first title since the devastating air crash this past November. Enjoy the rest of your Monday and if you want more from me on soccer stuff feel free to follow me: @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.

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1 day 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

2 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

3 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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