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Lion Links: 6/10/17

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8 years ago

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Good morning, Mane Landers! As you probably know by now there aren’t any Orlando City games this weekend, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to look forward to. Today is the start of a truly all-American weekend, with both senior teams playing on Sunday.

The USWNT will face Norway away in a friendly at 1 p.m, and then later the USMNT will take on Mexico in the famous Estadio Azteca at 8:30 p.m. The men’s game should be particularly exciting as it will be Bruce Arena’s first big test in his second stint with the USMNT. Anyway, let’s get to those links.

PSRA Writes an Open Letter About Ramos’ Rescinded Red Card

It is not as if this story needed any more controversy, but the Professional Soccer Referee Association just had to bring more. They claim that “PRO privately supported our officials for taking the proper, and courageous, red card action on the field,” and then backtracked because of outside pressures. In the letter, the PSRA supported the match official’s report claiming that it was a “studs exposed tackle that endangered the safety of the opponent.” They even went further to say that MLS referees’ calls need to be “clear and consistent.” I think that last sentence is something we can all agree on, as long as the referees aren’t consistently making decisions against us like the one against Ramos on Sunday.

Orlando City Gets a Few Days Off

Orlando City doesn’t have a game this weekend so Jason Kreis took this opportunity to give the players three days of rest. The rest is especially important after the congested May schedule the players faced and the hectic one they will face in June.

“I wanted the guys to kind of get away, so there was no intent on my part to really be controlling what they were doing,” Kreis said. “I hope that they got away from soccer. I hope that they got some rest, put their feet up and got themselves refreshed and ready to go because we’ve got a lot of games in front of us again in June.

“It’s going to be very taxing on us from the physical standpoint and also from a mental standpoint. I hope the guys did like I did and got away for three days, and now we’re back at it.”

Miami FC Presents a Challenge for Orlando City

Currently Miami FC sits in first place in the NASL standings, which means its U.S. Open Cup game with Orlando City might not be the easy win you’d think. The game will take place on Wednesday at Orlando City Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Miami FC has some dangerous attacking players, including Kwadwo Poku and Vincenzo Rennella, who may cause trouble for Orlando’s back four. Also of note, the team is currently in fantastic form, being unbeaten in their last five matches. Unfortunately, the Lions will be without Will Johnson and Cyle Larin who are on international duty with Canada, although both may have been rested for Saturday anyway.

Miami FC’s Poku Looks Forward to the Match-Up With Orlando City

Ghanaian and Miami FC midfielder Poku made a name for himself in the U.S. Open Cup back in 2014. While competing for the Atlanta Silverbacks, Poku scored a 90th-minute game-winning goal against MLS side Real Salt Lake. Soon after, he made the move to MLS to play for New York City FC, then coached by Jason Kreis. On Wednesday he will get a chance to face his former manager’s team when Miami FC takes on the Lions in Orlando. Poku is probably Miami FC’s best player and it’ll be interesting to see what Kreis does to deal with his combination of strength, pace, and precision.

FOX to Embrace an All-American Broadcast Team

The World Cup is without a doubt the biggest soccer showcase in the world, and here in the United States the commentary has always been a mix of American and British broadcasters. One thing we haven’t seen is the top crew being comprised solely of Americans. It’s likely that that’s exactly what we’re going to see next year. The team is currently going to be made up of Landon Donovan, John Strong, and Stuart Holden. Many Americans are interpreting this move by FOX as a positive showing on the state of soccer in this country. It is still unclear whether or not their entire broadcast crew will be American, which would be an even greater statement.

Stuart Holden on Fox having an All-American broadcast team:

"Soccer in our country is at a point now where I think we're ready to do that, and we have announcers and talent that are capable of bringing educated options,” said Holden. "I think it's time. I think it's time that we embrace the American voices."

That’s all for today’s lion links. Have a wonderful Saturday!

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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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