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Lion Links: 3/1/18

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7 years ago

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Good morning, Mane Landers. It’s the beginning of March and it’s a beautiful Thursday morning — in fact, it’s the last Thursday morning before the 2018 MLS season kicks off. So let’s rejoice in the fact that we have only two days left before we finally get to see Orlando City face D.C. United at Orlando City Stadium.

Before we begin the Links for today, I’d like to wish Jonathan Spector a very happy 32nd birthday and showcase one of the best goals of his career against the Montreal Impact last June:

Spector Named Lions’ Captain for 2018

Speaking of Spector, this had to be a great early birthday gift for the center back. Spector was announced as the team captain for 2018 by Orlando City early on Wednesday. Spector should serve as an amazing captain for the Lions as well as the focal point at the core of the Lions’ defense. He will also provide a much-needed veteran presence for the young players at the club such as Josué Colmán, Chris Mueller, and Victor “PC” Giro.

Spector started every one of the 25 games he played in last season, so he is definitely a reliable player that the Lions can count on game in and game out. He also spoke about being the captain of the team:

These are starting to feel like Spector Links rather than Lion Links.

Four Lions Out for Season Opener, Sané a “Maybe”

For those who were wondering what the formation may look like Saturday, these injury updates may make it a bit easier to answer that question:

Dom Dwyer was obviously not playing after suffering a quad strain. Uri Rosell is still getting back into form after a long break from playing. Colmán is still recovering from his quad contusion and Dillon Powers is also struggling with an ankle injury.

Lamine Sané is a “maybe” due to the fact that he hasn’t been with the club very long and just recently started training — or possibly because Werder Bremen hasn’t received all of the necessary documents to finalize the deal — but we are all hoping he will get a chance to play alongside Spector on Saturday.

These injuries also shed some light on the topic of who will be on the field Saturday. Mueller may very well get a chance to get some time as well as Stéfano Pinho, who will likely start in place of Dwyer. Cristian Higuita may play as well. At least Richie Laryea returned to training this week.

Pride Drop Preseason Opener

The Orlando Pride got their preseason underway last night despite missing nine regular players to international duty (more on that below). Tom Sermanni took what was left of his squad — some of which played against a hundred kids the night before — and motored up to Tallahassee to take on Florida State. The Seminoles prevailed, 3-2 on a late goal but the match was noteworthy for producing Sydney Leroux’s first goal with Orlando. It was the Pride’s first-ever preseason loss, but at one point Sermanni put seven trialists on the field at once. This was not a normal match.

USWNT Set to Begin SheBelieves Cup play vs. Germany

The U.S. Women’s National Team will begin play in the SheBelieves Cup tonight vs. Germany. The match-up will pit the top two teams in terms of the FIFA women’s world rankings. The U.S. will be led by the Orlando Pride’s own Alex Morgan, who is competing in her third SheBelieves Cup. The SheBelieves Cup hosts the U.S., Germany, France, and England, all women’s national teams in the top six of the current FIFA women’s rankings.

Look for our SheBelieves Cup preview coming this afternoon at 2 p.m. ET talking about the event itself as well as what to watch, how to watch, and everything SheBelieves Cup.

Algarve Cup Action Gets Off to a Fun Start

The Algarve Cup, a women’s tournament hosted by the Portuguese Football Federation, began play yesterday with some intense action. Here are the results of each game on day one:

  • Portugal defeated China after an 83rd-minute red card led to an 85th-minute goal from Carole Costa
  • South Korea defeated Russia 3-1, with all three goals coming in the second half.
  • Japan was thrashed by the Netherlands 6-2, giving up goals in spurts.
  • Denmark and Iceland drew in a scoreless battle.
  • Australia defeated Norway 4-3 with a 90’+5 goal from Larissa Crummer.
  • Sweden defeated Canada 3-1 in impressive fashion.

The Orlando Pride players in action at the Algarve Cup include Nádia Gomes for Portugal, Alanna Kennedy and Emily Vvn Egmond for Australia, and Shelina Zadorsky for Canada.

Gomes did not play for Portugal against China, while Kennedy and Van Egmond both started for Australia. Zadorsky came on as a late sub for Canada and, unfortunately, her turnover led to the insurance goal in the loss to Sweden.

Jose Aja Officially Joins Vancouver Whitecaps

Former Lion Jose Aja — who was recently acquired by the Vancouver Whitecaps — joined the club and spoke about the new environment:

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That’s about it, fellas.

Before I leave, I’d like to recommend some shows on Netflix for you all that could pass the time between now and Saturday’s opener:

  • Everything Sucks: A show about a freshman in the ’90s who is trying to find his place at his new school.
  • First Team: Juventus: A behind-the-scenes depiction of different storylines at the Italian superpower club Juventus.
  • Altered Carbon: A rebel brought back from the dead has a mission to fulfill in the future where the rich use the poor as pawns in their game.
  • Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee: The name speaks for itself.

Enjoy the rest of your Thursday, rest up tomorrow, and get ready for Saturday against D.C. United! That game, for all who may not know, starts at 7:30 p.m. ET at Orlando City Stadium.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/31/25

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

Published

8 hours ago

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March 31, 2025

By

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.

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  • 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.

Published

3 days ago

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March 28, 2025

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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.

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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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/27/25

Marco Pasalic wins Goal of the Matchday, Orlando Pride members join U.S. U-23 camp, Orlando City B beats Crown Legacy FC, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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March 27, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We’re another day closer to what should be an awesome Saturday, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride in action. All three of Orlando’s soccer teams have been doing well lately, which is not something we can say too often. Hopefully that trend continues this weekend and beyond. Let’s get to today’s links!

Marco Pasalic Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday

An Orlando City player has won MLS Goal of the Matchday for the first time this season, with Marco Pasalic claiming the award for his strike against D.C. United. The goal was a real team effort from the Lions, as all three Designated Players linked up to get the ball up the field in a hurry for a counter. Pasalic did well to create space and then curl the ball into the back of the net from distance. His goal garnered 64.7% of the vote, beating out goals from Daniel Rios, David Martinez, and Deandre Kerr. In his first year as a Lion, the Croatian winger has already recorded four goals and an assist so far.

Pride’s Zara Chavoshi and Yolanda Thomas Join U.S. U-23 Camp

Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi was called up for the first U-23 United States Women’s National Team training camp of the year, which will run alongside the senior team’s camp in California. The 22-year-old, who was signed by the Pride directly out of college after four years at Wake Forest, will develop her game at the camp alongside other promising young defenders like Savy King, Gisele Thompson, and Eva Gaetino. Orlando Pride Assistant Coach Yolanda Thomas will also be in attendance as an assistant coach at the camp, and it’s great to see her get this opportunity.

Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC on the Road

Orlando City B won its first road match of the 2025 season, beating Crown Legacy FC 1-0 to extend its unbeaten run to three games (2-0-1). The Young Lions didn’t make things easy on themselves by not converting some solid opportunities to extend their lead, but they ultimately held on to secure all three points. Orlando is now tied at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with New York City FC II with eight points from three matches. OCB’s next match will be a road game against Chattanooga FC on April 5.

Say Hello to Boston Legacy FC

Boston’s NWSL team has rebranded itself as Boston Legacy FC, which is leagues better than BOS Nation FC. The team initially went with that anagram of Bostonian as its name back in October as part of a brand launch that also included a widely criticized marketing campaign involving the slogan “Too Many Balls.” While I’m not crazy about the name, the team deserves credit for not defaulting to something too generic after whiffing on its first swing. The Boston Legacy will take the field for the first time next year as the NWSL’s 16th team.

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  • Pride midfielder Angelina was called up by Brazil for its friendlies against the United States in California on April 5 and April 8.

That’s all I have for you this fine Thursday. I hope you all have a terrific day and rest of your week!

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