Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/15/18

So you’ve survived Valentine’s Day and the candy coma that accompanied it? Good, because it’s Thursday and we’ve got plenty to talk about, as usual, as we hurtle toward the weekend and Orlando City’s preseason date with Real Salt Lake.
We’re just 16 days away from the Lions’ 2018 MLS opener, and there are just a few remaining preseason scrimmages for Jason Kreis to figure out where all the pieces fit best heading into the season. And not everyone is even in camp yet!
Lions Best Philadelphia
Orlando City played four different sessions against the Philadelphia Union in yesterday’s scrimmage and although the club does not consider these legitimate preseason games due to various reasons — odd timing structures, players subbing off and back on, etc. — we as fans do not have much else to judge the team on in these early days before the season. So, to that end, we’ll continue to bring you the final goal total and who scored them out of context, since we’re not permitted to watch these training scrimmages. Yesterday, the Lions scored three times and the Union only once. Maybe it wasn’t a legit game, but to me Orlando City won the scrimmage on aggregate, 3-1.
As usual, Orlando City says there’s no official score from today’s scrimmage but the Lions won 3-1 in our book by virtue of scoring three times and conceding once. Yoshi (pen.), RJ Allen, and Chris Mueller scored.
— The Mane Land (@TheManeLand) February 14, 2018
As mentioned in the tweet, your goal scorers were Yoshimar Yotun (from the spot), RJ Allen, and Chris Mueller, who is having himself one whale of a preseason. Cory Burke scored for Philly.
Getting back to Mueller for a minute, it seems he might be a long-lost clone of the gaffer.
Kreis was asked if @cmueller1662 reminded him of a younger version of himself. Kreis smiled, saying, “Yeah. Yeah he does. I couldn’t be happier with what he’s all about. I knew from the moment I spoke to him at the combine, he reminded me of me.”
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) February 14, 2018
This is how I like to imagine Kreis greets Mueller every time he comes off the field after scoring a goal.
Laryea Wants More Minutes
Richie Laryea is more than just the star of #RichieCam, my favorite new show of 2018. He’s also a soft-spoken Canadian soccer player with a hunger for more minutes after finishing the 2017 season as a regular contributor off the bench for Jason Kreis. Those minutes will be more difficult to come by with all the additions to the Lions this off-season but that doesn’t mean he’s not going for it, as he told ProSoccerUSA’s Jordan Culver.
“Orlando City B helped me last season to get minutes,” he said. “It’s not around this year so I’m looking mainly to get my minutes with the first team and have a real breakthrough season and show everyone what I can do.”
He also discussed Cyle Larin’s exit from the team and, of course, RichieCam.
Pride’s Offense Gets Even Better
The Orlando Pride entered yesterday with such goal-scoring threats as Alex Morgan, Marta, Sydney Leroux, Rachel Hill, and (the currently injured) Camila. But that offense got even better when the club added Australia National Team No. 10 Emily van Egmond. The attacking midfielder will certainly mitigate Camila’s absence to start the season and will provide yet another creative attacking threat to Tom Sermanni’s side. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch the Pride in 2018, folks.
By the way, van Egmond along with Pride teammate Alanna Kennedy, made Australia’s Algarve Cup roster, along with former Pride players Lisa De Vanna, Steph Catley, and Laura Alleway.
Morgan, Harris Named to USWNT’s Preliminary SheBelieves Roster
To no one’s surprise, Orlando Pride stars Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris have been named to Jill Ellis’ preliminary roster for the 2018 SheBelieves Cup. Ellis has named 26 players to the preliminary roster for the four-nation friendly tournament, which will conclude in our very own Orlando City Stadium on March 7. The tourney kicks off on March 1 in Columbus and the roster will be down to 23 by then.
We can probably assume Morgan will get some minutes but with three matches to play in just a week, will Harris get a run-out? Alyssa Naeher has gotten the bulk of the work since Hope Solo was dismissed from the team but Jane Campbell is pushing for minutes as well.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City released its first video in a three-part series called “The Road to March 3rd.” The seven(ish)-minute video is worth a look.
- According to ESPN FC, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is preparing for life after Manchester United by house hunting in Los Angeles. That seems like an oddly long commute to his future job in Orlando, in my opinion.
- Those born on this date include Galileo (1564), piano company founder Henry Steinway (born Heinrich Steinweg in 1797), Susan B. Anthony (1820), polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874), original Batman series actor Cesar Romero (1907), Harvey Korman (1927), former Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson (1949), singer Melissa Manchester (1951), Jane Seymour (1951), The Simpsons and Futurama creator Matt Groening (1954), Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee (1957), football’s Darrell Green (1960), Chris Farley (1964), basketball’s Mark Price (1964), and hockey’s Jaromir Jagr (1972).
That’s all my time for this morning. Happy Lenten season for those of you who celebrate Lent (and good luck with those sacrifices and/or spiritual disciplines).
In honor of birthday boy Galileo, I leave you with this lyrical meme.

Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/22/25
Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup
The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.
Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek
Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.
U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results
Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.
Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final
Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.
Free Kicks
- Christian Pulisic reportedly won’t play in the Concacaf Gold Cup so that he can recover from a lengthy season with AC Milan.
- Boston’s NWSL team will play its home games next year at Gillette Stadium due to delays with construction for its eventual home, White Stadium.
- NWSL Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Julie Haddon will leave the league this summer as part of the league’s restructuring. Chief Sporting Director Tatjana Haenni will exit in October as well.
- After winning the domestic treble in his first season in charge, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has extended his contract until 2027.
- Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will undergo shoulder surgery once the Club World Cup is over.
- London City Lionesses were fined for messaging a Southampton player through social media without Southampton’s permission back in August. London City earned promotion this past season and will be the first fully independent women’s team in the Women’s Super League.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/21/25
The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.
Nashville is Next
As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.
Javier Otero Has a New Contract
Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.
Pride USWNT Call-Ups
Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.
USMNT Gold Cup News
Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.
Free Kicks
- The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
- In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
- In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.
- Congratulations to former USWNT player Becky Sauerbrunn who announced she is expecting a baby in October.
That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/20/25
Lions earn weekly recognition, preliminary Gold Cup rosters released, Americans in midweek action, and more.

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Life always feels a little brighter after your team wins a soccer game, even more so when it’s against a hated rival, so I hope you’ve had as good a start to your week as I have. We have no time to rest on our laurels though, because Orlando City is straight back into action tomorrow with a U.S. Open Cup match at home against Nashville SC. Let’s get into today’s links.
Lions Earn Weekly Recognition
Several Orlando City players are getting some deserved plaudits following the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami on Sunday. Pedro Gallese has been named to the starting XI of the MLS Team of the Matchday, while Joran Gerbet is on the bench and Oscar Pareja is the coach of the side. Gallese made four saves while keeping a clean sheet and also assisted Luis Muriel on the first goal of the game. Gerbet did an excellent job of helping to minimize the impact of Lionel Messi, while Oscar Pareja was the man who who masterminded it all. Alex Freeman got some love as one of the standout young players of the matchday, and also had a nice piece written about him in The Athletic (paywall). All the Lions are deserving of their praise, and here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we see them getting some love.
Freeman Named to USMNT Preliminary Gold Cup Roster
The preliminary rosters have been announced for the 16 teams set to participate in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Most of the usual suspects are present for the United States Men’s National Team, with the exceptions of Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna, whose teams are participating in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Of note for Orlando City fans is Alex Freeman’s inclusion on the preliminary roster. That being said, this early list contains 60 names and will need to be cut down to 26 by June 4. With Sergino Dest and Joe Scally both on the 60-man list, Freeman is probably an outside shot to be included, but you never know.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans playing matches during the working week, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar. Chris Richards, Matt Turner, and Crystal Palace host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their penultimate Premier League game later today, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth do the same against Manchester City. Wednesday has Jordan Pefok and Reims visiting Metz in a playoff to decide which team will play in Ligue 1 next season. Alex Zendejas and Club America take on Toluca in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura final on Thursday, and Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis host Valencia in La Liga play on Friday.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
The summer transfer window will be upon us before we know it, so let’s take a look at what the transfer rumor mill is saying these days. Manchester United is said to be on the verge of signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has reportedly agreed to terms on a deal. Man City has reportedly ended its interest in signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, and has instead turned the club’s attention to Barcelona’s Dani Olmo. Finally, Rodrygo is reportedly considering leaving Real Madrid in the summer, with some outlets saying that he “has one foot out of Real Madrid”.
Free Kicks
- Some of the takeaways from the recent round of MLS matches include Orlando City’s continued good play, Marco Reus stepping up, and the trio of strong teams atop the Eastern Conference.
- Kaká has said he is ready to join Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil staff if he’s asked to do so.
- Orlando City rose six spots to no.8 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- The Orlando Pride held fast at no. 2 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Enough said.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
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