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Lion Links: 6/4/17

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9 years ago

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Happy match day, Mane Landers! Orlando City will face the blazing hot Chicago Fire and goal-scoring machine Nemanja Nikolic tonight at the Purple Palace. Of course we’ll be on hand to bring you all the story lines and action from the match, so keep it tuned to The Mane Land for all your OCSC needs.

Hopefully the Lions can put together another run like they had at the start of the year, when Orlando won six of seven to open the season. There has been a great run and a bad run so far, so it’s time to figure out who these Lions really are in 2017.

But before we get to tonight’s match, there is a whole pile of soccer happenings to discuss.

Bendik, Spector on Preliminary Gold Cup Roster

Bruce Arena submitted a 40-man preliminary roster for the 2017 Gold Cup and it includes Orlando City goalkeeper Joe Bendik and defender Jonathan Spector. While it’s nice to see a pair of Lions named to the 40-man roster, there’s no guarantee either will make the final 23-man roster which must be turned in by June 27. Also making the list was former OCSC striker — from the USL days — Dom Dwyer. Bendik is one of six keepers on the 40-man roster, along with Brad Guzan, Jesse Gonzalez, Bill Hamid, Tim Howard, and Sean Johnson. There are 12 defenders on the initial roster.

Orlando City’s USOC Match Moved

Orlando City moved its fourth-round U.S. Open Cup match-up against Miami FC to Wednesday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. This game will take place while I’m on a plane to Las Vegas to see my in-laws, so it’s not ideal for me, but hopefully it works better for you. I would have enjoyed seeing this game on June 13, but now I’ll have to hope it’s on YouTube so I can catch the replay.

If you haven’t been to the gorgeous new Orlando City Stadium yet, this would be a great opportunity to go, since there should be plenty of tickets available. U.S. Open Cup matches in the midweek are a tough sell for clubs. We can only hope that OCSC doesn’t repeat last season’s mistake of trying to get extra people to the game by not making it available to stream online. This hurts fans who don’t live in the area or who can’t make it over from outlying areas on a weeknight and probably doesn’t sell more than a few extra tickets, as the club found out last year with an announced crowd of just 3,162 for its home match against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Orlando Pride Break Boston

Marta scored from the spot on the franchise’s first-ever penalty and Jasmyne Spencer scored off a Camila assist to lead the Orlando Pride to a 2-0 win over the Boston Breakers in the rain. The Pride are 2-0-1 at home this season and unfortunately have to go back on the road next but the home matches will come more frequently from here on out and it’s nice to see the Pride building momentum in the middle of the season.

Barry, Ellis-Hayden Lift OCB to Road Win

The young Lions’ trip to Pittsburgh got off to a rocky start as former OCSC player Corey Hertzog put the Riverhounds ahead, 1-0. But Hadji Barry scored a goal and then helped Zach Ellis-Hayden do the same as Orlando City B came back to win, 2-1. The young Lions have won both trips to picturesque Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh in the last two seasons and the win lifted OCB back above the playoff line in the USL’s Eastern Conference.

USMNT Draws Venezuela in Friendly

In a Hex tuneup out in Sandy, UT, last night, the USMNT had to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with visiting Venezuela at Rio Tinto Stadium. Christian Pulisic (who else?) brought the Yanks back after José Manuel Velázquez put Venezuela ahead off a second ball in off a corner kick. The U.S. had chances but couldn’t quite find the winner. The match served as a tuneup for Hex games coming up against Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico. The Yanks host T&T in Denver on Thursday night.

United States U-20s Fall in Extra Time

Tommy Redding’s U-20 World Cup run is over after a 2-1 loss to Venezuela. The U.S. U-20s were overrun in the quarterfinals by Venezuela late last night and were lucky to last past 90 minutes and into extra time before conceding. Venezuela had a first-half goal overturned by the video assistant referee, hit the crossbar twice in the second half and missed numerous golden scoring chances in normal time — or watched U.S. goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann acrobatically deny shot after shot — as the teams played scoreless through regulation.

The U.S. got very little sight of goal but Erik Palmer-Brown had a free header for the game-winner from six yards out and just missed the target at the death. Adalberto Penaranda scored the game winner just minutes into the first half of extra time and La Vinotinto added a second off a corner late before  Jeremy Ebobisse became the first player to score a goal against Venezuela in the tournament. Redding was an unused sub in the match.

Real Madrid: Champions of Europe (Again)

Real Madrid got two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and snapped a 1-1 halftime deadlock to comfortably win the 2017 UEFA Champions League final over Juventus, 4-1. Mario Mandžukić of Juventus scored the goal of the tournament to tie it before halftime, although that will give the Italian side little solace after coming so close to the title.

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  • Those born on this date include Gunsmoke and McCloud actor Dennis Weaver (1924), Dr. Ruth Westheimer (1928), John Barrymore (1932), Bruce Dern (1936), Freddy Fender (1937), “Mama” Michelle Phillips (1944), Keith David (1956), El DeBarge (1961), Xavier McDaniel (1963), Gotham actor Sean Pertwee (1964), Al B. Sure! (1968), Noah Wyle (1971), hockey’s Derian Hatcher (1972), Russell Brand and Angelina Jolie (both in 1975), (another) Gotham actor Robin Lord Taylor (1978), former Arsenal and Sunderland man Emmanuel Eboué (1983), and German footballer Lukas Podolski (1985).

That’s all my time this morning, folks. Stick around for full coverage of tonight’s match. I leave you with a video of Robin van Persie destroying children.

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Lion Links: 10/23/26

Orlando City prepares for New York City FC, Antoine Griezmann’s impact in Orlando, U.S. will host FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, and more.

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15 hours ago

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October 23, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann taking a set piece against Monterrey in Leagues Cup action.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a pretty nice week for me, as I was able to watch all of Slow Horses and finish reading Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson, both of which were brilliant. Attention now turns to this weekend’s soccer, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride playing at home over the next couple of days. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for New York City FC

The Lions host New York City FC on Saturday in one of the marquee matchups in MLS as the regular season nears its conclusion. Plenty has changed since Orlando’s 5-0 loss to NYCFC on March 7. The Lions have clawed their way up the table while the Pigeons have only won once in their past 13 league games. NYCFC enters this match after a 1-1 draw with LAFC that included an equalizer by former Lion Andres Perea to give the team a valuable point amid the playoff race. Nicolas Fernandez Mercau, Luighi, and Benie Traore are all NYCFC players the Lions will need to keep in check, or else it could end up being another high-scoring affair in the City Beautiful.

Antoine Griezmann’s Impact on Orlando’s Offense

Orlando’s wait for Antoine Griezmann to join in the summer has proven to be well worth it, as he’s transformed Orlando’s attack into a force to be reckoned with just as the playoffs near. Although Griezmann wasn’t able to enjoy a fairytale ending with Atletico Madrid by lifting the Copa del Rey or Champions League trophies this year, he’s breathed life into an Orlando side that struggled mightily prior to his arrival. The 35-year-old has recorded 12 goals and seven assists in just 14 appearances this season. Not only has he excelled when it comes to getting the ball in the net, but he’s done well in terms of defensive metrics and intangibles as well.

U.S. Will Host Women’s Club World Cup

The inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will be held in the U.S. in January of 2028 with the host cities still to be determined. There will be 19 clubs taking part, with Gotham, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Club America having already qualified along with three other teams so far. This tournament is sandwiched between the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, so there’s plenty of exciting women’s soccer to look forward to in the coming years.

U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team Wins at World Cup

The United States U-17 Women’s National Team won 6-1 against Kenya in the group stage of the FIA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, clinching a spot in the round of 16. Maggie DiMaria scored four goals to bring her total to 10 across just two games. The U.S. will play its final group game on Sunday against China PR, which also won both of its games against Kenya and Samoa to secure a spot in the knockout stage. The winner of this group will get to avoid a match with Spain in the round of 16, so there’s still plenty to play for before the next round gets underway.

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  • The first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal between the United States Men’s National Team and Haiti has been moved from Kingston to Miami. Haiti has had to play games outside of the country due to unrest and submitted a request to Concacaf to play in the country of its opponent.
  • American center back Naomi Girma is now dealing with a calf injury that may sideline her for a few weeks according to Chelsea Head Coach Sonia Bompastor. She missed out on the team’s recent friendlies against Spain and may be absent for the Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal against El Salvador next month too.
  • The United States Women’s Cerebral Palsy National Team beat Ireland 15-0 to advance to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup final, which takes place today against Australia. Annie Wickett scored five goals with four other players scoring braces.
  • The San Diego Wave signed defender Mimi Van Zanten to a contract extension through the 2029 season. She’s made 27 appearances for San Diego during her rookie season, helping the club keep pace in the NWSL Shield race.
  • After being stretchered off the field due to a head injury in the U.S. Open Cup final, St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Burki is alert and in good spirits, according to the club.

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: 10/22/26

Martin Ojeda wins MLS Goal of the Matchday, MLS award contenders, sights and sounds from the Orlando Pride’s win, and more.

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2 days ago

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October 22, 2026

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Image of Maxime Crepeau taking a goal kick against Atlanta.
Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? The temperatures have gotten just cool enough here in Florida as of late for me to feel like it’s truly autumn. While it would be nice if our leaves changed colors to really sell the fall feeling, a pumpkin candle and apple cider have definitely helped. Let’s get to the links!

Martin Ojeda Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday

Orlando City Designated Player Martin Ojeda predictably won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his fantastic finish in the team’s 4-1 win over D.C. United, garnering 71.7% of the vote. Ojeda’s acrobatic backheel capped off a smooth series of passes by the Lions and it will likely be in the running for MLS Goal of the Year as well. It was Ojeda’s 15th goal of the season and he has scored in five of Orlando’s past six games.

MLS Year-End Award Voting Begins

The voting for this year’s MLS Year-End Awards has opened and the finalists for each award will be announced on Nov. 12. Former MLS star Bradley Wright-Phillips weighed in on who he thinks the contenders for each award are and there were a few Lions mentioned. Antoine Griezmann is in the running for Newcomer of the Year alongside Houston Dynamo attacker Guilherme, who has 16 goals and 10 assists this season. Maxime Crepeau may make the list of finalists for Goalkeeper of the Year for his incredible run of form since the World Cup, but it’s hard to see him winning it given just how many goals the Lions have conceded compared to other teams. Justin Ellis was also an honorable mention for the Young Player of the Year award for his breakout season.

Sights and Sounds From the Orlando Pride’s Victory

The Orlando Pride released a video showing the sights and sounds from their 2-1 win on the road against the Houston Dash. The video includes huddle talks from Marta and interim head coach Yolanda Thomas, as well as the goals by Luana and Solai Washington. It’s been a difficult year for the Pride and it’s nice to see some highlights as they aim to close out the season strongly after being eliminated from playoff contention.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The third round of matches in the UEFA Champions League’s league phase wrapped up and we’re getting a better sense of where the teams stand. Bayern Munich and Arsenal played to a 2-2 draw in Germany, with Declan Rice scoring a late equalizer for Arsenal. Elsewhere across Europe, Manchester United was beaten 4-1 by Como, Inter scored while down a man to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0, and Austrian club LASK won its first Champions League game by upsetting Sporting CP 3-2. Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Real Betis all won to remain perfect in the tournament as well.

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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: 10/21/26

Justin Ellis recognized, the Orlando Youth Soccer Network expands, the USMNT adds a friendly, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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October 21, 2026

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Image of Justin Ellis dribbling the ball trying to beat a Philadelphia Union defender.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. The weather is getting a bit nicer. I’m actually able to have the windows open at night, which is delightful. However, the temperatures are rising a bit this week, which I find sad. I know we live in Florida, but gosh darn it, we’re only 10 days from Halloween. I should be wearing sweaters rather than shorts. I appreciate you allowing me to rant, now let’s get to the links.

Justin Ellis Named No. 5 of MLS 22 Under 22

Justin Ellis was rightly named to Major League Soccer’s 2026 22 Under 22 list. The Orlando City striker came in at No. 5 on the list. It’s not surprising, given the year he’s had. He’s busted into the starting lineup for Orlando City, and he has 16 goal contributions so far. He also received his first call-up to the USMNT, scoring a goal in his first match and two goals in the four-game window. He’s joined on the list by fellow USMNT teammates Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall. This is his second accolade in the last week as he was also named 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year.

New Orlando Soccer School Announced

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are expanding the Orlando Youth Soccer Network with the addition of the Orlando Soccer School – Winter Haven. The organization is formerly known as the Winter Haven Soccer Club. The school will provide programming for boys and girls ages 3-19. This is an example of the top-to-bottom pipeline the organization is building to develop players for both the men’s and women’s clubs.

Orlando City B Season in Review

Like the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B did not make the post season in 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t a success in other ways. Orlando City B is a developmental squad, and the reserve side did its job in developing prospects this season. Some OCB players made it into the first team, there were a record number of academy debuts, and the team saw several international call-ups. Given how inconsistent the squad was because of all the shuffling around, it’s not surprising the team struggled on the pitch at times. Hopefully, all the younger players getting time will set the team up for success next season.

USMNT to Face Jamaica in December

The USMNT added a friendly against Jamaica on December 13 in Miami. The match takes place outside of the international window, so we can expect Mauricio Pochettino to call up MLS players whose clubs have been eliminated from the playoffs. There’s also a possibility for some European-based players, but clubs are not required to release them. Prior to that, the team will be in action in against Haiti in the two quarterfinal legs of the Concacaf Nations League.

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

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