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Lion Links: 10/6/17

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9 years ago

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It’s match day everyone! No, not your usual excitement for the boys in purple, but a day for all of us to get American as possible to cheer on our boys on the USMNT in a critical World Cup qualifier against Panama. This is a dominant story in American soccer right now, but there are other items to bring to your attention. Here are today’s Lion Links for you to chew on before those Yanks go marching in.

Orlando City Stadium Makes History Today

This isn’t the first time the USMNT has visited The City Beautiful, but this is the first time in 20 years, and it is a World Cup qualifying match. Did you know it is being played in Orlando City Stadium for the first time? Of course you did. Orlando City Stadium also received a makeover for the match, a game of extreme importance in the Hex as a win today will go far in helping the Yanks book their ticket to Russia in 2018. Here is hoping that Orlando City Stadium becomes a fortress for U.S. Soccer for many years to come.

Sermanni and Morgan Reveal Pride’s X Factor

The Orlando Pride begin their NWSL playoff push on Saturday when they visit the Portland Thorns in a semifinal match. Head Coach Tom Sermanni and Alex Morgan both say that one key factor to the late season push that saw the Pride reach the playoffs in their second year was commitment. Commitment can be contagious, especially when younger players see the dedication coming from veterans. Could this help drive the Pride to winning the NWSL championship? Some think so.

Marta and Kennedy Make Team of the Month

For the fourth straight month, Orlando Pride’s Marta has made the NWSL Team of the Month — this time for September. She is joined by Pride midfielder Alanna Kennedy, who also won the Week 22 Goal of the Week. Congratulations ladies!

Kaká Gives Details on Past and Future

Kaká has revealed that he turned down an offer to play for Manchester City. While playing for Milan in 2009, the recently Sheikh Mansour-acquired City offered $100 million in a bid for the Brazilian midfielder in an effort to immediately bring City to power in English football. As we all know now, Kaká declined the offer, although the reasons why and what happened shortly after may surprise you.

Now, Kaká is currently in talks with the club to extend his contract through 2018. City CEO Alex Leitão has confirmed that the team has made an offer to Kaká. No details yet, but the ball is in Kaká’s court at the moment.

Kreis is ‘100%’ Orlando City’s Coach in 2018

Alex Leitão also said that Jason Kreis will return as the Lions’ coach next season. Meetings are already planned for the two to meet with majority owner Flávio Augusto da Silva and General Manager Niki Budalic to plan for next season. Leitão also expressed his readiness for a busy off-season.

Bob Bradley Flies In for Bruce Arena

The pressure couldn’t be higher building up to tonight’s World Cup qualifying match. USMNT Head Coach Bruce Arena called in some familiar faces to help this week. Former USMNT Coach, and current Los Angeles Football Club Head Coach Bob Bradley flew in to Orlando on Wednesday. No official role has been given, but Arena and the boys can use all the help they can get. Panama has only conceded five goals in eight Hex matches and has a very physical defense, which targeted Christian Pulisic. But Pulisic says he is ready for it this time around.

Free Kicks

  • While we wait on work from MLS on the outcome of the ineligible player fiasco during the Orlando City vs. FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake Coach Mike Petke was asked his opinion and he freely gave it.

  • Some sources are letting info out in regards to what the outcome will eventually be from MLS and the investigation.

  • Salaries have been revealed for MLS players signed during the summer transfer window, including our very own Yoshimar Yotun.
  • Portland Thorns’ Emily Menges is throwing shade on social media before her team’s match with the Orlando Pride tomorrow. Not sure I would want to taunt the Pride right now.

  • Ever wonder how much a Ballon d’Or goes for on the open market? Cristiano Ronaldo just offered a replica of one of his four to raise money for charity and it sold for some decent scratch.
  • According to some of our European-playing Yanks, the pitch at Orlando City Stadium is firm.

  • One of the hot buttons in U.S. sports right now is what are players going to do during the playing of our national anthem. Tim Howard was asked how he would react if one of his USMNT teammates decided to take a knee.
  • As you may have noticed, I like to sneak in some music for your listening pleasure that has a tie to an upcoming match from the place where it is going to be played. This Free Kick is no different as I submit to you Death, from Orlando, FL, playing “Destiny.”
  • And one extra because I… I Believe… I Believe That… I Believe That We Will Win!

Just so many Links to enjoy. It is going to big day in Orlando today. Remember to hydrate, stretch out before all activity, and exercise those vocal cords. Orlando is going to make a big statement tonight and I am extremely excited to be a part of it. If you see me at the match, stop by, say hi, and let’s chat soccer! Come on you Yanks!

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Lion Links

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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14 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: 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.

Published

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.

Free Kicks

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.

Free Kicks

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

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