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Lion Links: 10/18/17

Published

9 years ago

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It’s the last week of the regular season with no hope, the USMNT is out, and a long NBA season of me listening to whether or not LeBron is leaving or not kicking off has me super enthused for this week. But that doesn't mean there aren’t plenty of topics to keep you all busy! Seriously. We’re starting today off on one hell of a rumor. Read on!

Orlando City B Gone? Are Others Following Suit?

A bombshell, late-night tweet, from Sports Illustrated’s Brian Straus just dropped out of nowhere, and it appears that OCB may be on the outs:

This is interesting if you consider the following:

  • Orlando City offered free OCB tickets for 2018.
  • No development academy players were offered contracts in 2017.

While we have no confirmations from the club, OCB isn’t the only club supposedly in danger:

There has been a lot of talk lately of the independent USL owners vs. the MLS/USL owners, and this could be a product of those conversations behind close doors. While again, we have nothing confirmed, this is worrisome — stay tuned for more news from the club.

Orlando City Focusing on the Future in Final Match

With nearly nothing to play for in its last week, Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis still believes there’s merit to the final match this weekend against Philadelphia, as Alicia DelGallo reports:

Kreis said he’s still looking for “reactions” from players in the final match. He wants to see whose got life and is still fighting when there’s nothing on the line.

Life without Kaká is on the horizon, and when you combine that with a team at the bottom of the table, you’re sure to see a lot of new faces next year. While Kreis can’t confirm anything, you can infer by this message that you probably want to watch this weekend if you want to see some of your favorite Lions:

“There’s still some evaluating to do, but if you’re asking me a direct question, I’m not going to lie and say that Ricky is going to be the only one that’s not back next year,” Kreis said, referring to Kaká by his first name. “That’s part and parcel of playing professional sports and being a part of a team that’s not successful.”

Hackworth Believes the U-17 USMNT Has World Class Qualities

Could we be upon a “Golden Generation” of U.S. Soccer? We can only hope that is the case as the U.S. U-17s just won 5-0 against Paraguay in the U-17 World Cup knockout round. This could very well be the best team since Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, and Kyle Beckerman’s fourth-place finish in the 1999 competition.

Coach John Hackworth talks very highly of his side as the Baby Nats look to move past the bar set by what so far has been the best U-17 generation to date:

"I think [the victory] validates the fact that this group of young men and that this particular pool of players we have in the U.S. right now is a special group. I think it also validates the fact that player development in the country is on the right path. This is a team that has quality, that is coachable, that has the grit when it comes to these kind of games. If you look at the goals that we scored tonight, it’s hard to argue that some of those weren’t world class."

Here’s hoping that Hackworth is right and the road to U.S. Soccer recovery is quick with a ground-breaking performance at the U-17 World Cup.

Compensation Pay to Come in U.S. Youth Soccer?

Lance Reich, attorney for the Crossfire Premier on the an ongoing landmark case for compensation pay in the USA, gives his updates to SoccerAmerica on the current state of training compensation and solidarity payments possibility into the U.S. youth scene.

The USMNT flaming out spectacularly has put the limelight on development and the revamping of the U.S. system. The introduction of FIFA-mandated training compensation and solidarity payments could be a great first step in helping development academies in both their reach and their ability to improve training situations.

As we keep a close eye on a new presidential race for the U.S. Soccer Federation, I’m wondering if this topic doesn't play an important role in the coming months.

Drones Are Cool. Especially When You Get to Hit One

Marta and Alex Morgan recently featured with COPA90 U.S. in trying to hit a drone with a soccer ball. Spoiler, it’s not easy.

NWSL Championship has a Dilemma on its Hands

Last Saturday, Orlando City Stadium hosted the 2017 NWSL Championship match as the Portland Thorns beat the reigning champion North Carolina Courage 1-0 in front of a crowd of 8,124. While Orlando continues to be a benchmark for soccer fandom with great to respectable crowds for multiple teams and U.S. National Team events, this attendance was both under the season average of the Thorns — nearly 18,000 — or the semifinal attendance in North Carolina the week before, which was just over 10,000.

This presents a problem for the NWSL moving forward as it continues to weigh media and logistics vs. attendance, with the added variable of giving home-field advantage in your league’s most important match.

FourFourTwo discusses the challenges involved and offers solutions to many potential outcomes. Notably, one idea — one I agree with — is the disbanding of playoffs. In a league of 10 teams, why is this even needed? It’s a constant American-vs.-European sports debate that they continue to push again.

Sights and Sounds from Kaká’s final match

He will be missed. You can have your opinions, but I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to watch him. If you didn't get a chance to be there last Sunday, then see Kaká in his final match for the Lions (and for those on Apple News):

Is Columbus Really Leaving? Don't Be So Sure

There has been a lot of chatter about the Columbus Crew and owner Anthony Precourt on the potential of relocation to Austin, TX. Our own Michael Citro, my Ohio native in arms, weighed in with his own thoughts, and much to my agreement. But as a fellow Ohioan, and one who cares deeply for his childhood team, and one of the MLS’s original franchises, I had to look into this more.

The key topic appears to be around public stadium funding — a topic, to this point, Columbus has shut down on all occasions. However, we have to wonder if the public nature of Precourt’s statement isn't a political play. If you look into Austin and where their government has positioned itself on multiple occasions, it would seem very odd for Precourt to look at Austin as a viable source.

The mayor has gone on record, once right before the return of the Aztex announcement, and another yesterday morning, saying that he and the city are not in favor of publicly funding a stadium.

If you add that together with the fact that Austin has failed before as a professional soccer city, that getting trademarks is just good business practice so you don't have to buy them later, and the news above, then it is safe to assume that there may be more smoke than fire in this instance. Either way, one side isn't giving the full story.

Free Kicks

And if you’re looking for a team to root for in the next World Cup, why not start by following a team in the UEFA qualifying playoffs?! The draw has happened and here are your options:

Personally, I’m pulling for Switzerland, Croatia, Rep. of Ireland, and Italy. Some of that is business, some of that is for friends. None will be my No. 1 team come next summer, as that distinction goes to my 50% Polish heritage. But if you don't have a strong heritage to fall back on, why not start now? At least you buy yourself some time to watch and find that supporting option.

So enjoy the last week of the regular season, my friends, and may the off-season be swift.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/1/26

Pride and OCB win, Tahir Reid-Brown and Maxime Crepeau called up, USMNT beats Senegal, and more.

Published

20 hours ago

on

June 1, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work and just wrapped up covering high school spring season sports for the school year up here in Chicago. We had the Pride, OCB, and the USMNT all in action, and we’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Pride Beat Bay FC

The Orlando Pride defeated Bay FC 3-1 at Inter&Co Stadium Friday. Barbra Banda scored the opener early in the first half for Orlando, but Bay FC’s Caroline Conti scored the equalizer. In the second half, Banda scored her second goal of the night and added an assist on Cori Dyke’s goal in the 55th minute. Banda went down with an injury late in the match and had to leave the pitch. Since Orlando had already used all its substitutions, the team had to play the final 15 minutes of the match, including stoppage time, down to 10 players, but the Pride held on for the win. Banda has been called up to the Zambia Women’s National Team for the Four Nations Tournament, with the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations set to kick off next month in Morocco.

The Pride will be off until early July due to the NWSL World Cup break. Their next match will be on the road at BMO Stadium against Angel City FC on July 3.

OCB Defeats Chattanooga FC

Orlando City B defeated Chattanooga FC 5-2 at Osceola County Stadium Sunday. Ignacio Gomez scored for the Young Lions six minutes into the match. Chattanooga FC responded with two goals later in the first half to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. In the second half, it was all OCB as Pedro Leao, Harvey Sarajian, and Justin Hylton each added a goal to extend the Young Lions’ lead to 4-2. Leao added a penalty kick goal as OCB secured back-to-back wins in league play and moved to fourth in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference table with 22 points. OCB will face Carolina Core FC Sunday at Osceola County Stadium.

Tahir Reid-Brown and Maxime Crepeau Called Up

Orlando City defender Tahir Reid-Brown and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau have been called up to their respective national teams. Reid-Brown will be joining the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team for upcoming friendlies against Georgia and North Macedonia in Bulgaria.

Crepeau will be with the Canadian Men’s National Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Canada has two international friendlies this week, facing Uzbekistan today and taking on Ireland Friday. Canadian Men’s National Team Head Coach Jesse Marsch stated that he has not yet decided which goalkeeper will start in his team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12, but Crepeau and Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair will split time in goal against Uzbekistan.

USMNT Defeats Senegal in Friendly

The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Senegal 3-2 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, Sunday in an international friendly. Former Lion Alex Freeman started the match and played 45 minutes. Sergino Dest struck first to give the Yanks an early lead, and Christian Pulisic scored his first international goal since November 2024 for the U.S. to take a 2-0 lead in the first half. Sadio Mane pulled one back for Senegal to make it 2-1 just before halftime. In the second half, Mane added another goal to level the match, but Folarin Balogun came off the bench and scored the final goal of the match to seal the win for the Americans. The USMNT will face Germany Saturday in another international friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, before opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, taking on Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.

Paris Saint-Germain Repeats as UEFA Champions League Winner in Penalties

Paris Saint-Germain edged Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw Saturday at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, to win the UEFA Champions League title for the second time in a row. Kai Havertz scored the first goal six minutes into the match to give Arsenal the lead in the first half. However, in the second half, Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, resulting in a penalty for Paris Saint-Germain. Ousmane Dembele converted from the spot to tie the match. After 120 minutes of play, the match went to penalties, where Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made one save, but Paris Saint-Germain still scored four goals. In the final round, Arsenal defender Gabriel sailed his shot over the net, and Paris Saint-Germain became just the second team to win back-to-back Champions League titles in the modern era, since 1992. The other club was Real Madrid, which won three consecutive titles from 2015-2016 through 2017-2018.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando City Academy U-14 squad defeated Inter Miami 3-1 Sunday to win the MLS Next Cup.
  • According to Sportico, Major League Soccer viewership has risen significantly in the first three months of the season.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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Lion Links: 5/29/26

Orlando Pride host Bay FC tonight, Justin Ellis and Colin Guske called up, Ally Lemos joins U.S. U-23 team, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

May 29, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s hard to believe we’re already close to being done with May, but I’m hardly complaining. The World Cup is closer than ever and we still have Orlando soccer to look forward to tonight and later this weekend. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines. Hopefully he can celebrate with a win tonight.

Orlando Pride Host Bay FC Tonight

After three road games in a row, the Orlando Pride are back in the City Beautiful for a match tonight against Bay FC. The Pride have not played at home since a 1-0 win against the North Carolina Courage on May 8, and this will be their last match before the summer break. Although the Pride are coming off of a 1-0 win last week against the San Diego Wave, they’ve struggled with consistency this season. Defender Zara Chavoshi spoke on the importance of the team maintaining a winning mindset.

“Three points is the standard for us,” Chavoshi added. “If we come into the next game the way we came into this last game, with belief and assurance, and the trust that if we do everything to 100% that’s what the outcome is going to be, then we need to keep doing that.”

Justin Ellis and Colin Guske Will Head to U.S. Camp

Orlando City forward Justin Ellis and midfielder Colin Guske were both called up for the United States U-19 Men’s National Team’s training camp at the new training center in Georgia. As part of the training camp, the U.S. will play against Japan to help prepare for this summer’s Concacaf U-20 Championship. Both players were also part of the U-19 team’s 20-player roster in March for a camp in Spain, so it’s nice to see that they’ve done enough to remain in Head Coach Gonzalo Segares’ plans. They’ve each started games this year for the first team, with Ellis recording a goal and two assists so far this season.

Ally Lemos Called Up By U.S. U-23 Team

Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos was called up for international duty as well and will head to Brazil for the United States U-23 Women’s National Team’s training camp. The team will play two matches against SC Corinthians Paulista, which beat Gotham FC and finished second in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup earlier this year. Lemos has been part of the U-23 team’s previous two camps this year as well, and she’s one of eight players called up who placed third at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Storylines Ahead of USMNT Friendlies

The United States Men’s National Team roster was announced and now all eyes turn to how the team does in a friendly against Senegal on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in Charlotte. It should be a great test for the USMNT against one of Africa’s top teams, as well as a chance for some of the Americans to make a splash. Christian Pulisic has been stuck in neutral for most of this year and the starting striker position may come down to which player gets hot over the next week. Other things to keep an eye out for include defender Chris Richards’ availability, the goalkeeping battle between Matt Turner and Matt Freese, and the impact Giovanni Reyna and Alex Zendejas can bring to the attack.

Free kicks

  • Orlando City and Orlando Health teamed up once again to celebrate Orange Center Elementary School students for getting good grades, giving each achieving student a jersey.
  • Tom Bogert of The Athletic reported that the rumors linking Orlando City with French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac are false. Welcome to the summer edition of silly season.

Rumors suggesting Orlando City are about to sign Tigres legend Andre-Pierre Gignac (40) are completely false, sources say

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-05-28T12:53:00.739Z
  • Charlotte FC is reportedly in talks to sign winger Allan Saint-Maximin as a Designated Player. It’s a move that would make sense for Charlotte considering Wilfried Zaha’s recent exit.
  • Atalanta reportedly chose not to exercise the option to buy on American midfielder Yunus Musah’s loan from AC Milan. It’s unclear what’s next for the 23-year-old, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him as a Lion one bit.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your week. Go Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/28/26

U.S. Open Cup semifinal dates revealed, Andre-Pierre Gignac linked with Orlando City, Orlando Pride prepare for Bay FC, and more.

Published

5 days ago

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May 28, 2026

By

Image of Marta showing off the Pride's new Unity Kit.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a bit of a hectic week, but things are finally settling down a bit for me as we get ready for a weekend filled with soccer. The World Cup may not be here just yet, but we do have international soccer to enjoy as teams get in their final preparations. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City’s U.S. Open Cup Semifinal Date Unveiled

The date and time for Orlando City’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal against the Columbus Crew were announced, with the Lions set to play at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Ohio. Following wins against FC Naples and the New England Revolution in earlier rounds, Orlando City reached the semifinals after a convincing 4-1 win over Atlanta United in the quarterfinals earlier this month. Now the Lions are just two wins away from lifting the trophy for the second time in the past five years. They should also have Antoine Griezmann available to tip the scales after he arrives this summer. If the Lions advance then they will host either the Colorado Rapids or St. Louis City in the final on Oct. 21.

Andre-Pierre Gignac Linked With Orlando City

It’s not much more than a rumor at this point, but French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac is reportedly close to leaving Tigres to sign with Orlando City according to journalist Diego Armando Medina on the RG La Deportiva radio show. Gignac has spent the past decade with Tigres in Mexico and is the club’s all-time leading scorer. That being said, he’s also 40 years old and the move wouldn’t necessarily line up with the team’s efforts to develop young players like Justin Ellis. Only time will tell if this rumor has legs or if big names in French soccer will continue to be linked with the Lions due to Griezmann’s impending arrival. Either way, I don’t think an aging striker is going to keep the ball out of Orlando’s net.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Bay FC

The Orlando Pride are back in action on Friday with a home game against Bay FC in their final game before the summer break. The Pride closed out a string of road games with a 1-0 win against the San Diego Wave and will face a Bay team that has only scored eight goals this season. Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz and defender Aldana Cometti both received red cards in their previous match, while Pride midfielder Angelina will miss this match after being handed an additional suspension from the NWSL Disciplinary Committee. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team is preparing for this home game after a long road trip.

Pride Trio Called Up By Brazil

Orlando Pride players Marta, Angelina, and Rafaelle were all called up for Brazil’s pair of friendlies next month against the United States. Both matches will take place in Brazil as the two nations prepare for next year’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil. Marta and Angelina were both part of Brazil’s winning team in last year’s Copa America Femenina, with Angelina scoring once and Marta twice in the final against Colombia.

USWNT Roster Announced for Brazil Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team roster for these friendlies was also announced, with Head Coach Emma Hayes calling up 26 players for the team’s training camp. Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson were all called up together for the first time since dominating the 2024 Summer Olympics. While Naomi Girma, Catarina Macario, and Sam Coffey aren’t available due to injury, goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn and midfielders Croix Bethune and Riley Jackson are back in the mix. The USWNT will first take on Brazil on June 6 in Sao Paulo before a second match on June 9 in Fortaleza.

Philadelphia Union Part Ways With Bradley Carnell

Bradley Carnell’s time as the Philadelphia Union’s head coach has come to a close, with the two sides parting ways after only winning one game so far this season. Carnell was named MLS Coach of the Year last year after helping the Union win Supporters’ Shield, but the team has struggled mightily this year. Philadelphia also named John Scheer as its sporting director, removing the interim tag, and he will begin the hunt for a new head coach. Until then, Philadelphia Union II Head Coach Ryan Richter will serve as the first team’s interim head coach.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City goalkeeper Javier Otero was called up by Venezuela for friendlies against Turkey and Iraq.

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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