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Lion Links: 5/26/17

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8 years ago

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Good morning, Mane Landers! It’s Friday before a holiday weekend here in the United States and I’m pinch-hitting for Ryan Nagel this morning to bring you all the news you need to kick off your day. But first, I want to remind everyone that our “Why We Are Fans” contest is underway so be sure to submit a FanPost if you want to share your story and maybe win a fabulous prize.

Los Leones are visiting the Loons in Minnesota tomorrow night and our preview of that match will drop later this afternoon. It’ll be a busy day tomorrow with Orlando City, OCB, and the Pride all in action and we’ll have you covered every step of the way. Enough of the preamble… let’s make with the Links, brought to you today by the Scorpions’ Love at First Sting album:

Man Who Fired First Shots Claims He Was Attacked

New York City FC Head Coach Patrick Vieira has characterized Jason Kreis’ postgame comments from Sunday as a “personal attack.” You may recall that Kreis said that NYCFC was deserving of all three points on Sunday but also said coaches should be respectful of opponents, and included himself in that by saying “we, as coaches.” Kreis was referring to Vieira’s bulletin board material when the NYC coach said his team was the better side in its two losses against Orlando City. Vieira had this to say about Kreis’ postgame remarks:

“I’m not going to accept the personal attack because I believe the way that he talks I think it was a little bit of anger and a personal attack,” Vieira said following training on Thursday. “This is something I will not accept.”

“I will accept everyone’s opinion because I say what I think and people can agree or disagree, but I stay on the field and give an opinion on the game,” Vieira said. “I think he should do the same and try to control himself a little bit more.”

This should add a bit more spice to the rivalry (and now it can actually be a rivalry since the Pigeons finally got a second win in the series). I personally find it all a bit humorous and think the league needs more of this kind of thing. I’m all for beefs like this one or Brian Schmetzer vs. Timber Joey.

Portuguese-Speaking Teammates Help Leo Pereira Adapt

Center back Leo Pereira is only 21 and has already made two starts with Orlando City. With a wealth of potential, the young defender from Brazil has stepped in and not looked overmatched by MLS competition. In an Orlando Sentinel story, Pereira said teammates like PC, Kaká, and Rafael Ramos have helped him acclimate because they share a common language. In turn, Pereira has also helped City’s newest left back, PC.

The same way fellow Portuguese speakers have helped Pereira, he has helped them. PC also speaks little English, so when he made his debut at left back in San Jose, playing beside Pereira helped.

“I felt very confident playing next to Leo,” PC said. “He helped me a lot because of the language barrier. It felt good.”

PC showed their close relationship when asked to describe Pereira. He looked over at his teammate, laughed and said jokingly through a translator: “Oh, very annoying. I can’t handle him anymore. He’s too much. I have to take care of him, wake him up in the hotel room. He’s like a small son for me.”

Pride Teammates Confident in Caroline Stanley

Despite being signed as an emergency measure when Aubrey Bledsoe suffered a concussion, Caroline Stanley was thrust right into battle in Seattle when Ashlyn Harris suffered a non-contact injury to a quadriceps muscle. Stanley only allowed one goal to the league’s highest scoring team and earned the respect of her teammates.

“She’d only been with us for a day, 24 hours, and I thought she was incredible. I thought she made some massive saves,” Catley said. “She didn’t look flustered at all. She came and did her role and was loud and confident and really proved that she can perform in the league when she needs to.”

Bledsoe may be able to go tomorrow at Sky Blue FC, but Stanley’s performance last weekend may give Tom Sermanni the opportunity to give Bledsoe an additional week of rest if need be.

Morgan on USWNT Roster for European Friendlies, Krieger Left Out

Orlando Pride and Olympique Lyonnais striker Alex Morgan has been named to Jill Ellis’ 21-player roster for friendlies in Sweden and Norway in June. Pride defender Ali Krieger was left off the roster for the Scandinavian trip, with seven other defenders selected. With goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris unavailable, Ellis turned to Boston Breakers backstop Abby Smith to accompany Alyssa Naeher of the Chicago Red Stars. While it’s always nice to see Pride players represent their countries, it’ll be a chance for Kriegs to rest up and stay fresh for the NWSL schedule. Morgan could rejoin the Pride after the USWNT friendlies. Lyon has one league match remaining in the season and plays in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final on June 1 against rival PSG.

U.S. Defeats Senegal in U-20 World Cup Play

Josh Sargent scored the lone goal and Tyler Adams turned in a Man of the Match performance as the U-20 USMNT edged Senegal, 1-0, in Group F play on Thursday morning in Incheon, South Korea. The United States is assured of at least third in the group with one match left early Sunday morning vs. Saudi Arabia and is likely to advance out of the group. Orlando City’s Tommy Redding was rested after playing in the opener against Ecuador.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City isn’t worried about Cyle Larin’s goal-scoring drought.
  • Don’t know much about the Pride’s opponents tomorrow? Here’s a little background on Sky Blue FC.
  • All MLS matches for Week 13 will begin with a moment of silence for the victims of the Manchester terrorist bombing. It began last night in the Chicago-Dallas game.
  • Tom Hardy as Venom has me way too excited about a movie.
  • Those born on this date include John Wayne (1907), former Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby (1909), Jay Silverheels — who played Tonto on The Lone Ranger — (1912), Peter Cushing (1913), Miles Davis (1926), Dr. Jack Kevorkian (1928), Brent Musburger (1939), The Band drummer/singer Levon Helm (1940), guitarist and former “Spider from Mars” Mick Ronson (1946), Stevie Nicks (1948), Miami Vice actor Philip Michael Thomas (1949), Hank Williams Jr. (1949), Sally Ride (1951), Bobcat Goldthwait (1962), Lenny Kravitz (1964), South Park co-creator Matt Stone (1971), Lauryn Hill (1975), and Italian striker Luca Toni (1977).

That’s all my time this morning. Enjoy your holiday weekend and keep it tuned right here to The Mane Land for coverage of all three Orlando City SC teams, and more. Play me out, Scorps!

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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

3 days ago

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June 6, 2025

By

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

Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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June 5, 2025

By

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

5 days ago

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June 4, 2025

By

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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