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Lion Links: 2/10/18

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7 years ago

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Happy Saturday, Mane Land readers! Another beautiful weekend is here and the news did not disappoint.

There is big USSF election taking place today which could decide the future of U.S. Soccer as we know it. Also, Orlando City will play its second preseason scrimmage taking on Minnesota United at Slyvan Lake Park.

Oh and only 3 more weeks until the start of the Orlando City season!

Now on to the links!

Orlando Pride Waive Midfielder Nickolette Driesse

OK, so the news did disappoint for at least one person. The Orlando Pride made another roster move by waiving Nicolette Driesse on Friday afternoon. Driesse was drafted in 2017 from Penn State, as the No. 32 overall pick. She appeared four times for the Pride totaling 47 minutes. Head Coach Tom Sermanni praised her work ethic during her time with the team and we wish the best of luck to Nickolette in the next step of her career. 

Sacha Kljestan comments on New York Red Bulls Experience

In an interview with Sirus XM FC earlier this week, Sacha Kljestan was asked about his experiences in New York and the new Lion did not mince words when it came to talking about his old squad.

“It’s never easy to be told you’re no longer wanted at a club, especially a club that you gave a lot for and were extremely successful for over a short period of time,” Kljestan stated in his interview.

He went on to say that he wasn’t happy with the way his old team were building up for this season. He did end the interview on a positive note, sharing his excitement about all the roster building Orlando City has done this off-season, citing the additions of Justin Meram and Uri Rosell. Though Kljestan has moved on to a new team, the pieces around the 32-year-old midfielder could push him to even higher heights.

Rachel Hill Reflects on W-League

If there is any particular Orlando Pride player that had a great off-season, look no further than Rachel Hill. Hill was loaned out to Perth Glory in the W-League where she finished third in the league in goals scored and first in assists, totaling nine and six, respectively. She proclaimed that her experience in Australia was life altering and that she got a bit better playing there. She had the opportunity to train with Samantha Kerr, which she believes improved her game.

“At every game and training session she is just so grateful to be there and just the joy and happiness that she plays with, it’s inspiring,” Hill said of Kerr. “Obviously she works harder than most so that too was something I really look up to. I definitely learned a lot from her.”

Orlando City Adds Two Grow Lights to Strengthen Field Quality

Orlando City Head Groundskeeper Matt Bruderek has picked up a new tool to keep the field in tip-top shape. With the first season in the books, the club wanted to improve the quality of the field due to all of the games played on the surface. There were 50 games played last season as well as two Florida Cup games and six days of the MLS Combine since the start of the new year. The club went out and bought two grow lights that help assist the growth of grass through an artificial light the simulates sunlight. There were issues on the ends of the pitch due to the lack of sunlight they receive during the winter months so the club invested in the lights to ensure that the pitch is healthy going into the season.

USSF Candidates Ramp up Before Election

With the election for U.S. Soccer Federation president occurring today, there has been a combination of events occurring over the past few days that are sure to shake up the race. According to Jeff Carlisle, there is a group of six candidates who are banding together to ensure that a reform-minded candidate would win and not some of the same, which could be what Kathy Carter or Carlos Cordeiro would bring. It was reported earlier this week that Carter had collected the NWSL vote as well as a block of the athlete council. Today will be an exciting day, for the future of U.S. Soccer could be drastically changed depending on who wins the election. Grant Wahl tries to make sense of this group and what this means to the election but no one is truly sure what this all means. Carlisle and Sebastian Salazar provide the latest update on the election.

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  • The U.S. Soccer Federation is rolling out an initiative to help connect the national team programs to the college game through a partnership with six of the top college men’s programs. The colleges included will be Clemson, Duke, Georgetown, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wake Forest.
  • Geoff Cameron writes a tell-all in the player tribune about what the United States Men’s National Team loss meant to him and how it will affect his career from this point on. He speaks to the failures within the system and what needs to change so that the USMNT can be successful.
  • There has been talk this transfer window about a possible move for Christian Pulisic. The young American star has been turning heads in Europe and some of the larger clubs in the region have eyes on the young star. Sport1 has reported that Borussia Dortmund has put the price tag 90 million euros on Pulisic.
  • Former Orlando City player Brek Shea went from being a Designated Player down to a TAM-level player as the Vancouver Whitecaps stated in a radio interview that they will be buying down his contract to make way for another DP. Shea had an underwhelming season for the Whitecaps and hopes to bounce back next season.
  • The United States Men’s National Team has added another friendly to their schedule taking on the Republic of Ireland on June 2. The match will take place in Ireland at Aviva Stadium. This will be the first trip to Ireland for the U.S. since 2014, when they lost, 4-1.

As I always do, I like to end on a positive and what better way to do that then share the new vision of the club going into this season. Last night Orlando City held an event at Lions Pride highlighting the club’s new campaign, Face of Our City, a program about the fans that’s for the fans. If you were there or were watching, you probably caught a glimpse of our very own TheBeardedGuy, as he was one of the fans called up to the stage.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/2/25

Big names leave Toronto FC, hot conditions in Club World Cup match, FIFPRO makes ACL recommendations, and more.

Published

15 hours ago

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July 2, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Wednesday, everyone. It already feels like it’s been a long week, as I just got home from being out of town traveling up and down the East Coast for the last few days. The soccer world hasn’t stopped in my absence though, and as usual we have a lot to cover today. Let’s wish a happy birthday to OCB defender Tahir Reid-Brown, and jump into today’s links!

Italians Leave Toronto FC

It’s the end of an era at Toronto FC, as the club has parted ways with both Federico Bernardeschi, and Lorenzo Insigne. The Reds used both of their two buyouts of guaranteed contracts this season in order to get the transactions done, so the club was pretty keen to get them out the door. It’s hard to blame the Reds, as Insigne was the second-highest paid player in the league while Bernardeschi was the fifth highest. They didn’t have much to show for it though, as Bernardeschi had 26 goals and 22 assists in 99 games across all competitions, while Insigne had 19 goals and 17 assists in 76 matches. TFC never made the playoffs while the duo was on the team, and the decision to turn the page is an understandable one.

Difficult Conditions in Juventus vs. Real Madrid

The Club World Cup Round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, with Real Madrid knocking off Juventus 1-0 in afternoon match. Kylian Mbappe made his tournament debut for Madrid as a substitute, but it was Gonzalo Garcia’s 54th-minute goal that made the difference in the game. Juve boss Igor Tudor highlighted the difficult conditions in Miami, saying in his postgame press conference that 10 different players asked to come off the field during the game. Tudor didn’t outright blame the loss on the high heat and humidity during the 3 p.m. kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium, but noted that they were among several factors that made the game a very difficult one for his side.

FIFPRO Makes Recommendations to Curb ACL Tears

Amid a rash of ACL injuries to women’s soccer players, FIFPRO has made some recommendations to cut down on the rate at which they occur. Rather than focusing on things that can’t be controlled, the federation has suggested modifying the calendar, number of games, and the playing surfaces. FIFPRO member Alex Culvin is calling for minimum standards in the women’s game relating to pitch conditions and access to physiotherapists. More research around risk factors is also necessary, as is implementing preventative exercises at the youth levels of the game.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Summer transfer business is in full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the hot rumors currently flying around. First up, Arsenal is said to be in the final stages of signing Viktor Gyokeres to a five-year deal. Staying in the Premier League, Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Paris Saint-Germain. Juventus reportedly is close to signing Jonathan David after his contract with Lille expired. Finally, Bayern Munich is reportedly preparing a formal offer for Liverpool for Colombian winger Luis Diaz.

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Apparently a non -#usmnt drone has crashed the training session. US Soccer staff aiming to identify it.

— Jeff Carlisle (@jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social) 2025-07-01T17:25:12.954Z

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

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Lion Links: 7/1/25

Pride signings, OCB draws, both U.S. national teams in action Wednesday, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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July 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to July, Mane Landers. If you’re like me, you balanced the excitement and dread of the USMNT advancing on penalty kicks the other night. It was one thing watching Guatemala take out Canada but a whole other level of heart palpitating stress while watching the U.S. avoid a similar fate. There’s no time to relax with plenty of soccer to watch as we head towards Independence Day. Before we get to the links, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride/USWNT defender Emily Sams and OCB defender Clovis Archange each a happy birthday.

Orlando Pride Signings

The Orlando Pride announced a pair of transactions Monday. Midfielder Viviana Villacorta and the club have agreed to exercise the midfielder’s mutual option for the 2026 season. Villacorta was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. The Pride also signed midfielder Ally Lemos to a new contract through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028. The Pride selected Lemos with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2024 NWSL Draft. Orlando continues to lock down current players ahead of time. Now, we wait to see if any new players will be added.

OCB Earns a Point on the Road

Orlando City B played Philadelphia Union II to a 1-1 draw in a Monday afternoon match. Unfortunately, the Young Lions lost the end-of-regulation shootout 4-2 and did not get the additional point. Gustavo Caraballo assisted Jackson Platts on the early goal for OCB. Philadelphia equalized early in the second half. Carlos Mercado was the difference maker in the match, recording a career-high 12 saves.

USMNT’s Gold Cup Run Continues vs. Guatemala

The USMNT will face Guatemala Wednesday night in a 2025 Gold Cup semifinal match. The U.S. advanced past Costa Rica on penalties thanks to a stellar performance from goalkeeper Matt Freese. Guatemala stunned Canada with a second-half equalizer and advanced on penalty kicks. Guatemala has been the overachieving underdog of the competition so far. This will be the USMNT’s 17th Gold Cup semifinal appearance.

USWNT Hosts Canada

The USWNT will host Canada in a third friendly of this international window Wednesday at Washington, D.C.’s Audi Field. The U.S. is coming off two 4-0 victories over the Republic of Ireland. Canada should prove a tougher opponent for Emma Hayes’ squad. There is a possibility that the match will feature two Orlando Pride players — Emily Sams for the U.S. and Zara Chavoshi for Canada. Kerry Abello has returned to her club team after picking up a knock.

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Sources: Bayer Leverkusen are finalizing a deal to sign USMNT attacker Malik Tillman from PSV.Deal in region of $40m.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-06-30T20:36:24.359Z
  • Former Orlando Pride midfielder Erika Tymrak has retired from professional soccer.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match against Charlotte FC this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 6/30/25

Lions fall to FC Cincinnati, USWNT beats Ireland, USMNT defeats Costa Rica in penalties, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 30, 2025

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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 busy at work but got to catch up with friends at a Chicago White Sox game. Let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City midfielder Joran Gerbet, who turns 25 today. Our Lions were the only team in action over the weekend while the Pride and OCB were off. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Fall at Home to FC Cincinnati

Orlando City fell 2-1 to FC Cincinnati Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium, seeing its two-match winning streak end. The Lions trailed 2-0, with Evander scoring both goals for FC Cincinnati. Marco Pasalic pulled one back for Orlando, but it was not enough as FC Cincinnati claimed the three points and remain second in the Eastern Conference standings with 39 points. Orlando City is fifth with 33 points. The Lions will travel to face Charlotte FC Saturday at Bank of America Stadium.

Pride and Grace Chanda Exercise Mutual Option for 2026 Season

On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced the club and Grace Chanda reached an agreement to exercise their mutual option for the 2026 season. Chanda joined Orlando last summer but was placed on the Season-Ending Injury list after sustaining an injury while playing for Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chanda made her debut earlier this season for the Pride on March 19 and came off the bench against the Washington Spirit in the second half. Chanda has made three appearances for the Pride during the 2025 season.

Pride Sign Zara Chavoshi to New Contract

The Orlando Pride also announced Friday the club has reached an agreement with defender Zara Chavoshi on a new contract. The deal is through the 2027 season, with a mutual option for 2028. Chavoshi joined the club ahead of the 2025 season and became the first player Orlando signed directly out of college, following the NWSL’s abolition of the draft as a mechanism for player acquisition last year. Chavoshi made her debut for the Pride on March 23 against NJ/NY Gotham FC and came off the bench. She made her first professional start on May 3 on the road against the Portland Thorns and played 90 minutes. Chavoshi has made four appearances for the Pride during the 2025 season. Also over the weekend, Chavoshi scored her first goal for the Canadian Women’s National Team in a 4-1 win over Costa Rica in an international friendly.

USWNT Defeats Ireland Again in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team beat Ireland 4-0 Sunday at TQL Stadium in an international friendly. It was the second win in a week over Ireland for the USWNT. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams started the match and played 90 minutes. Lynn Biyendolo scored the opener, while Izzy Rodriguez scored her first goal for the USWNT to extend the lead to 2-0 going into halftime. In the second half, Yazmeen Ryan and Alyssa Thompson each added a goal to seal another win for the USWNT. The USWNT has won four in a row, and the team’s next match will be against Canada Wednesday at Audi Field. Meanwhile, Gisele Thompson and Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello have left the U.S. women’s national team training camp due to hamstring injuries. Abello last played for the USWNT on June 3 against Jamaica in a friendly.

USMNT Defeats Costa Rica in Penalties in the Gold Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Costa Rica 4-3 in penalties after a 2-2 draw in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman started the match and played 90 minutes. The USMNT trailed 1-0 early in the first half, and Malik Tillman missed a penalty that would have tied the match. However, Diego Luna scored the equalizer just before halftime. In the second half, the USMNT struck quickly with a goal from Max Arfsten to take a 2-1 lead. Costa Rica equalized late in the second half, and after 90 minutes, the game went to penalties. After three rounds, Orlando City fullback Alex Freeman buried his penalty past goalkeeper Keylor Navas to tie it 3-3. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made three saves, and in the sixth round, Damion Downs scored the winning goal to secure a spot for the USMNT in the semifinals. The USMNT will face Guatemala Wednesday at Energizer Park.

FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 Weekend Recap

The Round of 16 kicked off in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup over the weekend. On Saturday, Palmeiras beat Botafogo 1-0 after extra time, with Paulinho scoring the winning goal. Former Lion Facundo Torres came off the bench late in the second half and played 35 minutes. In another match that needed extra time, Chelsea beat 10-man Benfica 4-1 to advance. On Sunday, Joao Neves scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain crushed Inter Miami 4-0. Miami was the last MLS team remaining in the tournament and saw its run come to an end in the Round of 16. Bayern Munich defeated Flamengo 4-2 to advance, joining Palmeiras, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals. We have two more matches today, as Inter Milan faces Fluminense, while Manchester City takes on Al-Hilal in Orlando at Camping World Stadium.

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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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