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Lion Links: 10/18/17

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8 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.

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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: 11/12/25

Orlando Pride’s playoff picture, Marta goes off, USMNT news, and more.

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2 hours ago

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November 12, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! I hope you’ve enjoyed our Orlando City Season in Review pieces because we’re almost done with them. Fortunately, the Orlando Pride aren’t finished yet, so you’ll have to wait for the Pride Season in Review pieces. For now, let’s get to the links.

Pride Playoff Picture

The Orlando Pride will host Gotham FC Sunday with a chance to advance to the NWSL Championship match. The defending champs aren’t at the top of anyone’s list to win the whole thing, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a chance. We know for sure that the Pride have a better chance of winning back-to-back titles than the Kansas City Current have of winning the double (because they’re already eliminated). Having the Pride in the NWSL Championship match might not be very enticing for anyone but Pride supporters, but I’m not allowing that kind of negativity in my life right now.

Marta Claps Back

For those who hadn’t heard, former NWSL midfielder and commentator McCall Zerboni said the Orlando Pride have “arguably one star” on the Attacking Third podcast on the CBS Sports Golazo Network heading into the match against Gotham FC. A generous person would say she means above the crest, but since that is a fact and not “arguable,” she obviously meant that star was Marta. The GOAT took exception with the comment.

What Zerboni said may even be factual, but when talking about the defending champions, one must be prepared to face the wrath of Marta. If the Pride can win two more matches this year, then there will be two stars over the crest no matter how many stars are on the team.

USMNT News

Weston McKennie was not called up for the November USMNT camp, but it’s not what you think. Mauricio Pochettino is actually looking out for McKennie, as there is yet another new coach at Juventus. Pochettino knows McKennie’s quality but wants Juventus’ new coach, Luciano Spalletti, to keep playing the midfielder.

Matt Freese is at the camp and he is looking to secure the top goalkeeper spot for the USMNT ahead of the World Cup. Others, including Gio Reyna, are also trying to prove they should make the cut for 2026. The team plays friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay on Nov. 15 and Nov. 18, respectively.

U-17 USMNT Wins Group at U-17 World Cup

The U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team topped its group with a 1-0 over Czech Republic. The team won all three group matches, with Mathis Albert scoring the winning goal for the U.S. in the 78th minute on Tuesday. It’s the first time in 34 years that the team has won all three group stage matches. The U.S. heads into the Round of 32 to face Morocco, which finished third in Group B.

🇺🇸 Mathis Albert scores the lone goal for the United States against Czech Republic at the U-17 World Cup for a 1-0 win.USYNT wins all three group games, the first time in program history they won out at the U-17 World Cup group stage

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-11-11T16:39:54.619Z

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That will do it for today. I will be at Inter&Co Stadium Sunday for the Pride’s match against Gotham FC. I hope you’ll join me. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 11/11/25

Anna Moorhouse garners recognition, Tyrese Spicer called up, USMNT roster updates, and more.

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1 day ago

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November 11, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It was a damn good weekend, as the Orlando Pride advanced to the semifinals of the NWSL playoffs and will actually host after Gotham FC pulled the upset against the Kansas City Current! That, combined with the international break, means we have lots to talk about today, so let’s jump right into the links.

Anna Moorhouse Earns Recognition

Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse has been rewarded for her performance in the Orlando Pride’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over the Seattle Reign with a nomination for the NWSL Player of the Week. Moorhouse was instrumental in the Pride advancing to the semifinals, as she stood tall with eight saves in the match and kept a clean sheet in a closely fought game. Congratulations to the Pride’s shot-stopper and here’s hoping that the good work continues in the semifinal.

Tyrese Spicer Called Up

Continuing a recent trend of Lions getting called up by their national teams, Tyrese Spicer is on Trinidad & Tobago’s roster for its upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. T&T will face Jamaica at home on Nov. 13 and Bermuda at home on Nov. 18. With two matches remaining in the current stage, T&T is third in Group B with five points, while Jamaica sits at the top with nine. Two wins would give T&T 11 points and a real chance of winning Group B and qualifying directly for the World Cup, while finishing on eight or nine points would give it a decent shot at being one of the three best second-place finishers and advancing to an intercontinental playoff. Spicer has been in fine form for his country lately, as he scored a goal in each of T&T’s two October qualifying matches.

United States Men’s National Team Roster Adjustments

Speaking of national teams, the USMNT has announced some adjustments to its roster for the team’s two upcoming friendlies. Midfielders Tyler Adams and Sean Zawadzki have both been removed from the roster after the suffered injuries with Bournemouth and the Columbus Crew, respectively, over the weekend. In their place, LAFC midfielder Timmy Tillman has been added to the roster and joined up with the squad in Philadelphia on Monday. Tillman changed from representing Germany to suiting up for the U.S. in 2023 and has earned one cap with the USMNT since then. The team is set to play Paraguay in Philadelphia on Nov. 15, and Uruguay in Tampa on Nov. 18.

Mexico’s World Cup Updates on Schedule

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum says that the country’s infrastructure projects for the 2026 World Cup are on track to be completed in time for the start of the tournament. Among the construction projects are the renovation of a pair of terminals at Mexico City International Airport and the building of a train line connecting Mexico City with another airport about 30 miles away. Additional government-sponsored projects will take place in Monterrey and Guadalajara, although details have not yet been made public. Meanwhile, Azteca Stadium has been closed for renovations that are being carried out by a private company.

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  • Gustavo Caraballo and Venezeula are on to the next round of the U-17 World Cup.
  • Have a look at Alex Freeman and the rest of the USMNT getting ready for the upcoming match against Paraguay.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 11/10/25

Pride defeat Seattle Reign in the NWSL playoffs, several young Lions receive U.S. youth national team call-ups, Americans abroad, and more.

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2 days ago

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November 10, 2025

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Image of Haley McCutcheon, Luana, and Angelina celebrating Orlando's win over Portland.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work and covered high school hockey this week. The Pride continue their playoff run in the National Women’s Soccer League, and we’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Pride Defeat Seattle to Advance to NWSL Semifinals

The Orlando Pride defeated the Seattle Reign 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium Friday in the NWSL playoff quarterfinals. Haley McCutcheon scored the opening goal in the first half to give Orlando the lead. Late in the second half, Luana scored her first NWSL goal from the spot to seal the win for the Pride. Orlando secured its fourth consecutive playoff win in two seasons and looks to take another step towards defending its NWSL crown. After Friday’s match, Haley McCutcheon and Marta discussed welcoming doubters and being motivated to prove them wrong as the Pride move on to the next round. The Orlando Pride will host NY/NJ Gotham FC in the semifinals Sunday at Inter&Co Stadium at 3 p.m. after Gotham’s win at Kansas City over the weekend.

Several Lions Receive Call-Ups to U.S. Youth National Teams

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced the rosters for several upcoming youth national team training camps and several young Lions got the call. The USSF announced that Orlando City Development Academy products Justin Ellis and Colin Guske have received call-ups to the U-19 team for the November FIFA window, while midfielder Jacob Ramirez was also announced as a call-up for the U-17 U.S. squad. The U-19 U.S. Men’s National Team will travel to Wales to participate in the UEFA U-19 Youth Tournament from Nov. 10-17. The squad will face Germany on Nov. 12, Wales on Nov. 15, and Japan on Nov. 18. The U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team will travel to Dubai as that squad prepares for qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. The U-17s will play friendlies against England on Nov. 13, Australia on Nov. 15, and the Ivory Coast on Nov. 18. Meanwhile, Homegrown fullback Tahir Reid-Brown has gotten the call from the U.S. U-20 side, coached by former USL-era Lion Rob Valentino, for a camp from Nov. 10-18 in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The U.S. will play a pair of matches against Costa Rica in that camp.

MLS Playoff Roundup

The first round of the 2025 MLS playoffs wrapped up over the weekend. On Friday, New York City FC beat Charlotte FC 3-1 to win the best-of-three series and advance to the conference semifinals. Saturday featured three matches, with plenty of drama. Minnesota United edged the Seattle Sounders 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. Minnesota trailed 2-0 and fought back to take a 3-2 lead, before Jordan Morris scored the equalizer late in the second half to send the game to spot kicks. FC Cincinnati beat the Columbus Crew 2-1 with a late winner from Brenner to advance. Inter Miami avoided a repeat of last year’s first-round exit and cruised to a 4-0 victory over Nashville SC. San Diego held a 3-0 lead in the late game with less than 20 minutes to play against the Portland Timbers Sunday, with the winner facing Minnesota United in the Western Conference semifinals. The matches set for the next round are the Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC, Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati, and LAFC vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps.

NWSL Quarterfinals Recap

In other NWSL playoff action from the weekend, the Washington Spirit beat Racing Louisville 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to move on to the semifinals. The top-seeded Kansas City Current fell to the eighth-seeded Gotham FC 2-1 after extra time. Katie Stengel scored the game-winning goal late in extra time to help Gotham FC pull off the upset and move on to the semifinals against Orlando. The Portland Thorns also needed to go to extra time to defeat the San Diego Wave 1-0 as Reilyn Turner scored the lone goal. The Portland Thorns will face the Washington Spirit at Audi Field in the other NWSL semifinal matchup on Saturday.  

Americans Abroad

It was a busy weekend for Americans in Europe. Folarin Balogun scored his fourth goal of the season in Ligue 1, but Monaco fell 4-1 to Lens. Patrick Agyemang scored his second goal of the season for Derby County as his side defeated Blackburn 2-1 Saturday and secured a fifth straight win in the EFL Championship. Alyssa Thompson played 86 minutes and scored her first goal in the WSL for Chelsea.

However, Chelsea couldn’t hold onto the lead as Arsenal found a late equalizer, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. In the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Tajikistan 2-1 with a goal from Cavan Sullivan. With the win, the U.S. booked a spot in the Round of 32 and will face the Czech Republic in its final group stage match Tuesday.

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

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