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Lion Links: 11/2/17

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Hello out there to all the lovely people of The Mane Land. Hope your Thursday is off to a bright start and that you accomplish all you set out to do, on what is sure to be a very lovely day outside.

Before I jump into the Lion Links for the day, I just want to take the time to address something very important. Orlando City and The Ruckus have lost a very important member of their family. Joseph Campo, who is more commonly known as Purple Deadpool, passed away in a fatal car accident Tuesday. Joey often led the wall with passion, and was a great role model in his community. He leaves behind his family, his partner, and his son. The Ruckus has organized a GoFundMe to help Joey’s family with the memorial costs, so if there is anything that you would like to — or are able to — donate, you can do so here. Rest easy, Joey.

Kaká’s Strike Up For Goal of the Year

Remember that ridiculous thunderbolt of a goal that Kaká scored against Atlanta United at the end of July? You know, the one that the TV crew was too busy showing a highlight that they completely missed the goal happen? Yeah, now you remember! Well that ludicrous strike is up for MLS Goal of the Year, and it’s all handled by fan voting. So make sure you get on and vote for your captain one last time, so he can go out of MLS on top in this regard. Voting will remain open until Nov. 14.

Good Guy Antonio Nocerino

Ahead of this Saturday’s Fuerza Puerto Rico Friendly match, the Orlando Sentinel’s Alicia DelGallo reports that Antonio Nocerino and his family have donated 100 tickets to the game this Saturday. He did this knowing that Orlando has a very big heart, and he wanted to help bring in as many people as possible to help Puerto Rico. A reminder that all proceeds from this game will be donated to the United for Puerto Rico initiative, which will help the island recover from the utter devastation that was caused by Hurricane Maria. Tickets are still available for this game through Ticketmaster. This is also your last chance to catch Kaká play in Orlando City purple, so this is an event you don’t want to miss, and it is for a fantastic cause.

Steph Catley is Really Busy

Orlando Pride defender Steph Catley has been around the world and back over the last year. Representing three different teams, the Orlando Pride, Melbourne City, and the Australian Women’s National Team, Catley has managed to have maybe four days off all year. She’s been on so many flights around the world that she has completely lost track of how many she’s been on. Between those three teams she has made 48 appearances this season and logged 4,280 minutes of game time. She missed only one game with the Pride, and only one minute with Melbourne City. She also played every minute of her nine appearances with the Matildas. At 23 years of age, that is quite a resume for the young Australian, and boy, does she deserve a vacation. Steph, we all salute you. I even just took a break from typing to slow clap in front of my computer, and I recommend you do the same.

Houston Dynamo Goalkeeper Tyler Deric Arrested

Reports have come out that the Houston Dynamo starting goalkeeper Tyler Deric has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault of a family member early Tuesday morning. Not much is known as of right now. All we know is that he was released on $1,000 bond, and has a court hearing on Tuesday. And as for his playing status in the Major League Soccer, he is suspended until otherwise noted, and will miss out on the Dynamo’s playoff game this Sunday against the Portland Timbers. After the first leg of the playoff match against the Timbers, the Dynamo are tied on aggregate, 0-0, so missing their shot stopper could be a problem.

More of the Same for U.S. Soccer?

We all know that Sunil Gulati is on the hot seat after the U.S. Men’s National Team crashed and burned out of 2018 World Cup qualifying. But now more and more people keep tossing their hat in the ring, at a shot to potentially become the next president of U.S. Soccer. The most recent and most interesting name is Sunil Gulati’s second in command, Carlos Cordeiro. Many believed Cordeiro would stay in support of his good friend Gulati and were shocked to find out that he announced his intention to run, and in doing so proposed a plan that will include significant structural changes to the U.S. Soccer system.

Free Kicks

  • FourFourTwo reporter Paul Tenorio made mention that not only are Crew fans at a loss if the team decides to leave Columbus, but the kids in the academy will find themselves in awful situations.
  • The Philadelphia Union have announced that they will not renew the contracts of several key players. Some of the players on their way out may look relatively good in purple. Just saying.
  • Yet another delay in the case of the NASL vs. U.S. Soccer. This is part of the NASL’s fight to remain at Division 2 status. We should get some more clarity on this case next week.
  • In light of the start of ‘Movember’ or ‘No Shave November,’ whatever you wish to call it, FOX Soccer imagined what it would be like if top clean shaven players were to participate in the event.
  • Champions League action was plentiful yesterday, and, in case you missed any results, we have them all here:

That’s all the links we have for you today. Thanks for stopping by. Today I leave you yet again with another ultra corny and lame dad joke, but this time, this one just resonates with me deeply.

See you all at the stadium on Saturday for the last time in 2017.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks


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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/31/25

Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work but will attend the Chicago Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field later this week. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Beats LA Galaxy on the Road

On Saturday, Orlando City fought back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy struck early in the first half to jump on top. In the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick after Eduard Atuesta was taken down in the box, and Martin Ojeda buried the spot kick to tie the match at one. In the 90th minute, Luis Muriel scored the winning goal on a long-range free kick to complete the comeback. Orlando is on a three-match unbeaten streak and beat the LA Galaxy for the third consecutive time. Orlando City’s next match will be on the road Saturday against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

Orlando Pride Defeat San Diego Wave at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium and extended their win streak to three matches to start the season. After a scoreless first half, Haley McCutcheon scored to give Orlando the lead. The Wave equalized before Marta converted a penalty kick goal to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride are off to a great start this season, outscoring their opponents 10-1, and are atop the NWSL standings ahead of the Kansas City Current on goal difference. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will be on the road in their next match against the Seattle Reign on April 12.

NWSL Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s third week of matches is in the books. On Friday, the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC match ended in a scoreless draw. The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, with Ashley Hatch scoring both goals. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Utah Royals 3-0, while the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage match ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, the Chicago Stars fell 1-0 to Racing Louisville and remain winless, while Angel City FC edged the Seattle Reign 2-1 to secure its first win of the season.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Recap

The FA Cup quarterfinals wrapped up with thrilling drama as four clubs booked a spot in the semifinals. Crystal Palace cruised to a 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Nottingham Forest edged Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw to advance. Aston Villa dominated Preston North End as Marcus Rashford scored twice to seal a 3-0 win, while Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1. The FA Cup semifinals are set for April 26 as Crystal Palace faces Aston Villa while Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester City.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City GM Luiz Muzzi provided some insight in an ESPN.com article on player transfers and highlighted the importance of building connections with different clubs to facilitate transfers.
  • Former Lion Benji Michel is going to play for HJK Helsinki.

  • 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

Lion Links: 3/28/25

Orlando Pride prepare for the San Diego Wave, NWSL weekend matches, USMNT roster predictions, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We made it to Friday! Celebrate however you see fit, whether that’s an indulgent breakfast or just your favorite cup of coffee. This week has flown by a bit for me and I’m looking forward to a weekend filled with soccer. I’ll be spending the next few days working, reading a new book or two, and working out the kinks of making a frozen coconut mojito. My blender hates me. Let’s get to today’s links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the San Diego Wave

The Orlando Pride will look to extend their 2025 win streak to three games — and their overall win streak to seven — on Saturday when they host the San Diego Wave at noon. Orlando has looked the part of a defending champion so far, leading the league with eight goals without conceding a single one in two games. The Pride will take on a revamped San Diego team that is unbeaten under Head Coach Jonas Eidevall. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about how Orlando will need to set the tone early on at home against the Wave and keep up the momentum.

NWSL Provides Entertaining Slate of Weekend Matches

While it’s far too early to think about the NWSL Shield race, it never hurts to check out how the Pride’s competitors are doing while enjoying some great soccer. Tonight features a pair of matches at the same time, with the Washington Spirit hosting Bay FC and the Houston Dash playing on the road against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga will have a chance to tie her own record of scoring in eight straight games when her team plays the Utah Royals on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll get to see if the Seattle Reign’s solid start continues against an unbeaten Angel City FC team searching for its first win of the season.

USMNT Roster Predictions for Concacaf Gold Cup

The pressure is on United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino to turn things around after a rough showing in the final four of the Concacaf Nations League. This summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup will be an opportunity for the USMNT to impress in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, and Pro Soccer Wire dove into how the roster could look for the tournament. Injuries to Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun complicate things up top, but we could see Brenden Aaronson or Alex Zendejas could return to the attack. The Gold Cup will likely also determine which goalkeeper between Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Patrick Schulte emerges as the true starter. Players like Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso are other notable names to keep an eye out for leading into the tournament.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Kick Off This Weekend

Only eight teams remain in the FA Cup and the action returns with enticing quarterfinal matchups. Preston North End is the only team outside of the English Premier League still fighting, but Manchester City is the only traditional giant left in the field as well. City will face off against a Bournemouth side that beat it 2-1 back in November, while Preston will have to get past Aston Villa, which has only won two of its last eight games. Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood’s injury adds an obstacle to overcome when the team travels to play Brighton and Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace gets star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta back from injury for its clash with Fulham.

Free Kicks


That’s all I have for you for today’s links. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!

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