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Lion Links: 7/13/17

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8 years ago

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Happy I-4 Derby day, Mane Landers. That’s right, the vile enemy from Tampa Bay visits Orlando City Stadium tonight to take on OCB. No doubt Rowdies fans will soon be locking up their double-wides, jumping in their mid-90s Ford pickups and heading east on Interstate 4 to invade our beautiful Purple Palace.

Will they outnumber the home fans? It’s possible. Orlando City’s USL side may have moved to downtown Orlando, but the bump in attendance has been negligible. It’s kind of expensive to support multiple home teams, but this game will be one you’ll want to see. Several of the young Lions on MLS contracts should be in the lineup and you’ll get a chance to see longtime Orlando City player Luke Boden again. Hope to see you there in droves.

While we kill the hours between now and tailgate time, let’s enjoy some links:

USMNT Fumbles Away 2-0 Lead, Still Beats Martinique

In a match that was frustrating to watch if you’re a fan of the USMNT, the Yanks blew a 2-0 lead to tiny Martinique but responded with the final goal to win 3-2 in Tampa. Jordan Morris scored a brace and Omar Gonzalez scored his second career international goal to lead the U.S. to the top of Group B.

In the other Group B match, Nicaragua scored first after a 0-0 opening period, but Panama answered immediately and went on to win, 2-1, moving to four points and the same goal differential as the U.S., but Los Canaleros are in second due to the goals scored tiebreaker.

Kreis Doesn’t Back Off from Ref Remarks

If you thought Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis was just angry in the heat of the moment when he spouted off about PRO referees’ treatment of his team after the Lions’ 3-1 loss to Toronto FC last week, well…maybe not. Kreis has had time to look at the film from that match and when asked about those remarks at training, he basically doubled down.

“…it’s one of those occasions where sometimes after a game you say something without maybe being level-headed or having the ability to look at the video first. Often times you’ll change your opinion from those statements,” he paused, “This is not one of those times.”

“I’ve already watched the video, and it’s very, very clear to me that decisions that went against us – in the Toronto game in particular, but I can tell you generally I feel the same exact way in every single match we played this year – the decisions that have gone against us in 50/50 calls, the little things going against us, it’s just not right. And in that game in particular, the decision for a foul that they called against [Jozy] Altidore that led to the third goal that broke our back, um, was critically wrong. And so, it’s another game where you walk out and you feel like if the referees had been better we certainly could have come back in that game and drawn because we had all the momentum, we’d just scored, things were looking positive for us.”

The question now becomes…will there be one fine from the league, or two?

Ramos, Alston Repeat Injuries Confounding Kreis, Trainers, Doctors

The Lions have tried any number of things to prevent the rash of hamstring issues that plagued the team in preseason and early in the MLS campaign. But despite sticking to proper nutrition, training, strength and conditioning tactics, and rehab, Rafael Ramos and Kevin Alston continue to suffer the same types of ailments. The elusive problem has been frustrating Jason Kreis.

“It’s an impossible situation, right?” Kreis said, lowering his gaze in what looked to be sympathy and frustration when Ramos first was mentioned.

“We all want to look for the black-and-white answer. We’re handling all the black and white information. We’re doing all the right things, the rehab, the nutrition, the strength work, the one-v-one work he’s doing outside the field. We’re putting in all the right information, but for some reason it’s still eluding us. So, I just don’t have an answer.”

Compounding the problem is that both play the same position — right back. Kreis is at least hopeful that the latest injury setback for Ramos will be closer to two weeks than four.

“We’re hopeful it’s a small, minor problem,” Kreis said. “It’s also not to the exact same muscle that he’s been dealing with, so we’re hopeful it could be a minor issue that we can move forward from very quickly. But it’s concerning, it’s concerning no doubt.”

Kaká Featured in MLS Flight Path Series

One of the more interesting story series’ that mlssoccer.com has produced recently is the Flight Path series, which talks about a star player’s travels around the world and how they got to North America. Orlando City skipper Kaká got his turn, and the piece highlights his trek from Brazil to Italy to Spain, then back to Italy, before finally landing in the City Beautiful, where he felt he still had something to prove.

"I always heard, 'Americans don't like soccer, they don't want soccer here,' that it would never be a good sport here. I saw that as a challenge. I said, 'I want to go play there and show the people that soccer has a lot of good value.'

No Lions on the MLS Homegrown Team Roster

MLS Homegrown Team Head Coach Brian McBride’s roster for the 2017 MLS Homegrown Game will be the first without an Orlando City player since the team joined the league in 2015. Tyler Turner had made the squad the last two years before leaving the organization this past off-season. Harrison Heath, now on loan to Sacramento Republic from Atlanta United, was selected previously but was injured prior to the match and couldn’t participate. Center back Tommy Redding was not included in this year’s team, although some of his U-20 USMNT teammates were.

Dwyer Talks USL, MLS, USMNT

Former Lion Dom Dwyer talked about his time in the USL, with Sporting Kansas City, and giving his allegiance to the United States rather than his native England for international play in this video interview:

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  • Former Orlando City midfielder Brian “Cobi” Span played 90 minutes in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match for for IFK Mariehamn vs. Legia Warsaw. Mariehamn lost, 3-0.
  • Here’s a profile on how Orlando City broadcaster McKenzie Thirkill has built a career in sports.
  • French Guiana played Florent Malouda, knowing he was ineligible under FIFA rules and the eventual 0-0 draw would likely be forfeited. French Guiana is not recognized by FIFA but is recognized by CONCACAF. So why not play him against Canada in the country’s territory’s Gold Cup opener? A ruling is expected today.
  • Ex-FIFA exec Chuck Blazer died last night at age 72. He did a lot of good things for soccer, and then he did some not-so-good things.
  • Those born on this date include Julius Caesar (100 BC), Hogan’s Heroes star Bob Crane (1928), Patrick Stewart (1940), Harrison Ford (1942), Roger McGuinn of the Byrds (1942), Cheech Marin (1946), Grease actress Didi Conn (1951), boxer Michael Spinks (1956), filmmaker Cameron Crowe (1957), Community’s Ben Chang himself — Ken Jeong (1969), Welsh footballer Craig Bellamy (1979), baseball’s Shin-Soo Choo and Yadier Molina (both 1982), and Mexican goalkeeper Memo Ochoa (1985).

That’s all the time I have for this morning, folks. Check back later for full coverage of OCB-Tampa Bay, and stick around this weekend for the Orlando Pride vs. FC Kansas City and the USMNT vs. Nicaragua.

I leave you today with some I-4 Derby talk from Anthony Pulis and Rob Valentino.

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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

2 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

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

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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