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Lion Links: 8/10/17

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8 years ago

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Happy Thursday, Mane Landers. Big shout out to our readers in Missouri, since your state was admitted to the union on this date in 1821. I’m sure we’re huge in Missouri.

We’re gearing up for a big weekend, with all three of Orlando City’s teams in action on Saturday night. We’ll be out at the Orlando Pride’s home showdown with Sky Blue FC (more on that below) and have full coverage of Orlando City at New York Red Bulls and OCB at Richmond.

But while we wait for Saturday, let’s indulge in some rumors and a little Linksocology.

Spector Left Training Wednesday with Injury

From the “not great, Bob!” department, center back Jonathan Spector picked up a knee injury in training on Wednesday.

He underwent multiple tests with the club’s medical staff on Wednesday. Results of those tests and an update on his status is expected Thursday.

This is the player Orlando City can least afford to lose, so hopefully this isn’t a serious or long-term injury. If so, get ready for a back line of Jose Aja and Tommy Redding, with Leo Pereira called in as the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option off the bench.

Kaká: “Almost Great”

Economic Times published this story about world-class soccer players whose stay at the top of their game didn’t last long. They included current Orlando City captain Kaká among the six players on the list. Names along with the likes of Ronaldinho, Fernando Torres, Michael Owen, and others, said the Brazilian’s stay on top lasted from 2005-2007.

He was the most graceful footballer of his generation and in 2007 he was on top of the world. In January 2009 Manchester City tried to sign him for £91million until, in Garry Cook's immortal words, Milan “bottled it“. Later that year Kaka did get his move, to Real Madrid for 65m, but it never worked for him there.He got injured and lost that famous old burst of pace. In 2013 he returned to Milan and is now in Major League Soccer with Orlando City. 

Orlando Pride Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris Cleared to Play

Just a day after Aubrey Bledsoe recorded her second clean sheet of the season, the Orlando Pride have cleared starter Ashlyn Harris for play for Saturday’s match-up with Sky Blue FC. Harris injured her quad while taking a goal kick against the Seattle Reign on May 21 and Bledsoe has provided steady backstopping duties in her place for much of the 2017 NWSL season. Still, it’ll be good to have the captain available for duty again.

Also, some guy over at orlandocitysc.com wrote this piece about the Pride’s strong second half showings.

Red Bulls Shorthanded This Weekend

When Orlando City visits Red Bull Arena this Saturday, the hosts will be down a couple of players. Sal Zizzo was sent off in the New York Derby last weekend but the bigger news is the injury sustained by Daniel Royer. The MLS Player of the Month for July was injured in the match at New York City FC and is listed as week-to-week with a hyperextended right knee that resulted in a bone bruise. With 10 goals on the season, Royer is a key component to the NYRB attack. No need to weep for da Bulls, however, who still have a potent offense and are 7-2-2 at Red Bull Arena in 2017.

USMNT Midfielder Paul Arriola to D.C. United

D.C. United’s makeover continues with a huge expenditure of money to bring in USMNT midfielder Paul Arriola from Club Tijuana.

The transfer would be the most expensive in the history of the club, costing DCU $3 million. United would also be on the hook for acquiring his rights from the LA Galaxy.

Man, what Orlando City could have done with a right-sided winger like Arriola. But that price tag is pretty significant in terms of the transfer fee, and the club will reportedly have to tack on a boat load of allocation money for his rights to the Galaxy and over a million per year on salary.

Rafa Marquez Linked to Drug Trafficking

Mexican soccer legend and noted USMNT thorn-in-the-behind Rafa Marquez could be in big trouble.

the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control added Rafael “Rafa” Márquez, a Mexican soccer legend and current captain of the national team, to its list of specially designated nationals for alleged connections to drug trafficking. He is allegedly linked to, among others, the Flores drug trafficking organization — that is, the group led by Raúl Flores Hernández.

I always knew the guy was shady but not that shady.

Free Kicks

  • SB Nation has put together this awesome English Premier League preview for 2017.
  • Columbus Crew sent Ethan Finlay to Minnesota United. I’d have liked to have had Finlay in Orlando, honestly.
  • The Philadelphia Union have hired a chief tattoo officer.
  • Austin is returning to the USL and the club will play at Circuit of the Americas. I’m still not feeling bad that Phil Rawlins moved the Aztex to Orlando for the 2011 season.
  • The Florida Tropics of the Major Arena Soccer League have signed league veteran Mauricio Salles, who has 195 goals in 160 career arena games.
  • Those born on this date include Herbert Hoover (1874), Monopoly creator Charles Darrow (1889), sausage mogul Jimmy Dean (1928), baseball’s Rocky Colavito (1933), “Ronette” Ronnie Spector (1943), Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson (1947), Rosanna Arquette (1959), INXS drummer Jon Farriss (1961), basketball’s John Starks (1965), boxer Riddick Bowe (1967), sportscaster — who didn’t quite work out in soccer — Gus Johnson (1967), Toad the Wet Sprocket guitarist Todd Nichols (1967), former NHL and U.S. defenseman Bret Hedican (1970), Manchester United legend Roy Keane (1971), The Leftovers actor Justin Theroux (1971), former Minnesota United goalkeeper John Alvbåge (1982), and Portland Thorns midfielder Dagný Brynjarsdóttir (1991).

That’s all the time I have today. Please enjoy your Thursday and let’s gear up for another triple game day on 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.

Published

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.

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: 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: 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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