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Lion Links: 8/3/17

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9 years ago

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Happy Thursday, Lion Nation. We’re just one day away from the weekend and two days removed from the Lions invading the French part of Canada and the Pride returning to the pitch to take on Chicago in search of that elusive first win against the Red Stars. OCB just played last night (more on that below) but the young Lions will also get back to it on Saturday at Cincinnati.

But there’s still soccer to be played tonight while we wait. Up to seven Pride players could be in action on the final match day of the inaugural Tournament of Nations tonight, with Brazil meeting Australia in the early game, and the United States taking on Japan in the nightcap.

Let’s burn some minutes between now and then with a few morning links.

OCB Unbeaten in Six but Draws Fifth Straight

Orlando City B is good at keeping teams from scoring. The young Lions have conceded just twice in six games during their current 1-0-5 unbeaten streak. The problem is that OCB is bad at scoring goals, having found the net just three times in that same span. The team has gone goal-less in two straight matches as it drew 0-0 against the City Islanders last night, just days after a scoreless draw at Charleston. The good news is that the Lions created more chances after Pierre Da Silva returned from suspension. But the ball has to go home. Is it too good for its home?!

MLS All-Stars Draw Real Madrid but Lose Penalty Shootout

Dom Dwyer’s first goal since being traded from Sporting Kansas City to Orlando City didn’t come in a league game. Dwyer scored to pull the MLS All-Stars level with Real Madrid, 1-1, but the Spanish team won a penalty shootout, 4-2. Here’s Dom’s goal:

Dwyer was one of two MLS players who failed to score in the penalty shootout, however (Gio dos Santos hit the bar), after having his attempt saved. Kaká showed well, nearly getting a first-half assist after setting up David Villa, but the NYCFC man had his shot saved by Keylor Navas from point-blank range. Here’s how Villa ruined a perfectly good assist from the captain:

And, in case you went to bed early Tuesday night, the MLS Homegrown Team scored a stoppage-time equalizer to draw the Chivas de Guadalajara U-20 team, 2-2. Chicago Fire product Djordje Mihailovic also scored for the MLS Homegrowns, who are showing technical improvements.

Pride’s Pressley Reinvented Herself for 2017

If you’ve watched the Orlando Pride these first two seasons in club history, there’s no doubt one player’s improvement from 2016 to 2017 stands out above the rest — defender Toni Pressley. Her play on the field is the result of a physical and mental transformation that started this past off-season. Pressley began a detailed running and lifting program in the off-season in addition to going vegan to transform herself physically. She also has turned to hypnosis videos to help with relaxation, concentration, and confidence. These life changes have paid off this season for the Florida State product, who claimed a starting spot on the back line and scored her first NWSL goal.

Unhappy Ending in Atlanta

Orlando City fans had a disappointing end to the game on Saturday in Atlanta when Hector Villalba scored two minutes into stoppage time to tie the game. But three fans had an even worse end to the day, as they were arrested for damaging metal bleachers at Bobby Dodd Stadium by jumping up and down on them.

The three men were charged with damage to property, according to a Georgia Tech incident report obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cage and Pandya were booked into the Fulton County Jail. Ambrose was not.

Without having been there, I can only speculate what happened, but many people jump on bleachers in an attempt to make more noise. People jump on the aluminum flooring in the safe standing section at Orlando City Stadium to do just that. But when you do it and the seat breaks…well, there are consequences. I asked about the situation prior to last night’s Orlando City B match and a club spokesman said Orlando City was aware of the arrests but had no official comment. However, whether intentional destruction or not, it’s always important to represent our club in the best possible manner, so thinking through any possible consequences in advance is always a good idea.

Neymar Saga Nears an End

The long transfer saga of Barcelona winger Neymar seems to be coming to a close, as the player informed the Spanish club on Wednesday of his desire to leave. Now it’s all up to PSG to pay the sizable escape clause in his contract to sign the Brazilian. Lionel Messi bade farewell to his teammate on Instagram.

"It was an enormous pleasure to have shared all these years with you friend Neymar," Messi wrote, alongside a video montage of the pair's highlights as team-mates and friends. 

"I wish you luck in this new stage of your life. I love you."

Free Kicks

  • FC Cincinnati’s magical run in the U.S. Open Cup continued last night with a 1-0 win over Miami FC. Cincy is the first non-MLS team to reach the semifinals since 2011. Good riddance, Florida-based NASL team!
  • With VAR coming to MLS this week, Four Four Two’s Andrew King picked out five moments from the first half of the season that would have been different with video replay, including Rafa Ramos’ red card against Chicago.
  • Speaking of Chicago, not only did that city host this year’s MLS All-Star Game, but it’s becoming a hotbed for European clubs seeking to expand their worldwide brands.
  • If you hate the triple-stripe Adidas look, you’re not going to like this story but the athletic apparel company is extending its MLS deal and throwing boat loads of money at the league. Adidas will be on MLS kits through 2024.
  • More and more African-born players are finding success by moving to MLS.
  • Those born on this date include longtime Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy (1925), legendary crooner Tony Bennett (1926), wrestler Haystacks Calhoun (1934), actor Martin Sheen (1940), noted businesswoman and jailbird Martha Stewart (1941), hockey’s Marcel Dionne (1951), Alan Parsons Project saxophonist Ian Bairnson (1953), football’s Todd Christensen (1956), Scrubs and Office Space actor John McGinley (1959), Metallica’s James Hetfield (1963), Texas A&M football coach Kevin Sumlin (1964), baseball’s Rod Beck (1968), Tom Brady (1977), Lost actress Evangeline Lilly (1979), U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte (1984), and Rams running back Todd Gurley (1994).

That’s all my time this morning, folks. Enjoy your Thursday, and check back with The Mane Land tonight for coverage of the final round of the Tournament of Nations.

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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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13 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.

Free Kicks

  • 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

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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