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Lion Links: 3/6/18

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9 years ago

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Greetings, readers. I hope you all enjoyed the return of MLS and a hard-fought draw from the men in purple and gold. Considering the circumstances, that one damn near felt like a win. Here’s your daily dose of soccer-related news.

Two Lions Honored in MLS TOTW

Two members of the team that fought for a 1-1 draw with D.C. United over the weekend were included in the first edition of this season’s MLS Team of the Week. Justin Meram was named as a starter, while Lions captain Jonathan Spector made the bench. Both players were influential in rescuing a point from Saturday’s match, with Spector marshaling the back line well and providing the assist on Stefano Pinho’s equalizer, and Meram terrorizing the United defense for the entirety of the game and generally making a nuisance of himself. On the basis of this week’s performance, this probably won’t be the last time their names pop up in the TOTW. Well done to the both of them.

Sermanni Backs Leroux

Tom Sermanni believes that new signing Sydney Leroux is poised for a big first year with the Orlando Pride. Leroux adds a new threat to a Pride team already loaded with attacking talent, making the task of opposition defenses that much more difficult. Sermanni in particular thinks her pedigree and experience will be a great addition to the team:

Pride Players All Winners in Algarve Cup Round 3 Action

Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond started in Australia’s 2-0 win over China in the third round of Algarve Cup group play yesterday, finishing atop Group A at 2-0-1. Despite going unbeaten in group play and edging out Portugal on the goals scored tiebreaker, the Matildas will not play in the final. Instead, they’ll meet Portugal again for third place on Wednesday. The two teams drew 0-0 on March 2 in the first meeting. Pride rookie Nadia Gomes did not see action in her side’s 2-0 win over Norway on Monday, as Portugal grabbed a share of the Group A top spot and equaled Australia’s goal difference, but failed to score enough goals to win the group.

Shelina Zadorsky started and played the full 90 for Canada in a 3-0 win over South Korea. It was a good recovery for Zadorsky and the Canadian defense to pitch two consecutive shutouts after a 3-1 loss to Sweden in the opening round. Canada finished group play 2-1-0 on six points — one behind Sweden in Group B. Canada will face Japan in the fifth-place match on Wednesday. Sweden will face the Netherlands — Group C winners — in the final, also on Wednesday.

The Pride also announced Monday that Sermanni will have everyone except the Australians back in camp by next week. The Aussies will head to the Asian Cup. The Pride also announced an updated camp roster including the names of the seven new trialists who join previously announced midfielder Bridget Callahan. The new trialists are goalkeeper Kat Elliott, midfielders Kayla Adamek, Christine Creigthon, and Julia Moore, and forwards Trudi Carter, Morgan Ferrara, and Jessica Hamrick.

Americans Impress Abroad

Aron Johannsson and Kenny Saief were the standout performers of the USMNT contingent of players plying their trade abroad. Johannsson scored the equalizer in Werder Bremen’s comeback draw away to Borussia Mönchengladbach. Saief, meanwhile, provided the assist on the game-winning goal in Anderlecht’s 3-2 win against Zulte-Waregem. Timothy Weah made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain at the tender age of 19, and, while it was only an 11-minute cameo, the achievement still deserves recognition. The nature of the Parisian club means that an extended run in the side for Weah will be challenging to say the least, but stranger things have happened.

Relationship Between MLS Teams and Their Fans

The New York Times has written a very interesting article about Major League Soccer and its official supporters’ groups. Among the subjects discussed are the #SaveTheCrew efforts, the dissolution of the Garden State Ultras, and the difficulties associated with the league trying to police and monitor supporters’ groups. The article notes that the beliefs and desires of individual supporters’ groups don’t always reflect those of the clubs they support, and recognizes that this can create a degree of tension. However, it also points out that many groups engage in fundraising for charities, community service, and philanthropy, highlighting that, regardless of any tension that may be present, both sides still have their hearts in the right place.

Investigation Opened Into Astori Death

It was announced Monday that an official investigation will be launched regarding the sudden death of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori. Astori passed away on Sunday morning, and, with his funeral set for this Thursday, an investigation has been opened so that an autopsy may be completed before he is laid to rest. UEFA has also confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held ahead of this week’s round of Champions League games to honor the late player’s memory. As always in these situations, thoughts and prayers from everyone here at TML go out to those affected by Astori’s passing.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City youth soccer welcomed a familiar face to the coaching staff, in the form of former Lions’ center back Seb Hines.

Introducing the newest member to our coaching staff, Seb Hines. Seb will be working with the OCYS junior boys teams.

Welcome Seb!

Posted by Orlando City Youth Soccer on Monday, March 5, 2018

  • Depending on your view of such things, you may or may not find this to be an interesting stat. Personally, I took note of the part about the goal struggles for the recent champions.

If you didn’t make it to last week’s game, never fear: the boys are back in action against Minnesota United this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Unfortunately, I live roughly 900 miles away and am a broke college student, so, unless I win the lottery or burn my apartment down for the insurance money, I don’t think I’ll be making it to a home game anytime soon. Have a beer (or five) for me on match day so that I may live vicariously through you. Ciao.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/11/26

Antoine Griezmann makes Team of the Matchday, reliving the Pride’s win over Houston, academy players head to U.S. training camp, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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September 11, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann watching his shot go in the net against FC Dallas in a friendly.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Today is the first of three straight days of games featuring Orlando soccer and hopefully the teams can replicate their impressive results last weekend as they push for the playoffs. Apart from working and enjoying the soccer, I plan on making some pasta by hand, so wish me luck in that endeavor. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Antoine Griezmann Makes Team of the Matchday

Orlando City star Antoine Griezmann was the only Lion to make the MLS Team of the Matchday following Orlando’s 3-2 win over Atlanta United. He scored twice and came up with a crucial goal-line clearance to lead the Lions to victory on the road. Griezmann has now scored in four straight games and already has seven goals so far this season despite only playing nine games. Hopefully he can keep finding the back of the net when Orlando hosts a Toronto FC side that has only lost once since the World Cup break.

Reliving the Pride’s Victory Over Houston

The Orlando Pride released a video of the sights and sounds from the team’s 3-1 win against the Houston Dash. It was interim head coach Yolanda Thomas’ first game at the helm and the team was able to get a win after an emotional week. From the different angles of Orlando’s goals to Thomas’ speech to the team following the win, it’s a great watch. The Pride will aim to make it another three points tonight when they play on the road against the Kansas City Current tonight.

Orlando City Academy Players Head to Camp

There are four Orlando City academy players heading to Georgia for the U.S. U-15 and U-16 boys national teams’ training camps at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center. Goalkeeper Luan Silva and defender Zorian Civil were called up for the U-16 team, while goalkeeper Mario Martinez Reyes and forward Molina Baladi will be joining the U-15 team. Hopefully they’ll all be able to impress at camp as they continue to develop for both club and country.

Uncertainty Looms Over Racing Louisville’s Future

Racing Louisville ranks near the bottom of the NWSL in both attendance and spending and there are questions circling the club regarding its investment and future in the league. Along with this, forward Emma Sears reportedly requested a trade from the club this summer and 2025 NWSL Coach of the Year Bev Yanez’s contract is set to end after this season. A sale may very well be in the club’s future, with relocation possibly on the table as well. Louisville made the playoffs for the first time last year, but the club has lost 14 games so far this season and is 13th in the league standings.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando Pride moved up a spot to 11th in the CBS Sports NWSL power rankings after beating the Houston Dash.
  • American right back Sergino Dest scored the equalizer in PSV Eindhoven’s 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links: 9/10/26

Orlando City beats Atlanta United, Orlando’s soccer history, U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team draws against Japan, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

September 10, 2026

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Image of Inter&Co Stadium at night.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m feeling pretty good after Orlando City’s win on Wednesday and am hoping the good times keep rolling through this weekend’s games. After a rough August, September has thankfully been kind to Orlando’s soccer teams. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Beats Atlanta United On the Road

The Lions are coming back to Orlando with all three points after winning 3-2 against rival Atlanta United. It looked like it would be a rough night for Orlando after an early own goal, but Antoine Griezmann continues to excel in purple (or gold, as was the case on Wednesday night). Atlanta made it close in the end because of a second own goal, but Orlando ultimately secured the win to climb further up the MLS standings. The Lions will be back in action on Saturday with a home game against Toronto FC before traveling to play the Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday.

Orlando’s History as a Soccer City

The United States Men’s National Team will play at Inter.co Stadium later this month in its first match since the World Cup. The soccer-specific stadium has been no stranger to hosting the U.S national teams since opening in 2017 and has also hosted Concacaf Gold Cup and FIFA Club World Cup games, along with the NWSL Championship and NCAA Women’s College Cup final. The City Beautiful has been a place for soccer for decades, hosting World Cup and Olympic soccer while also having club teams at various levels over the years. Orlando City lifting the U.S. Open Cup trophy in 2022 and the Orlando Pride winning the double in 2024 have helped solidify the city’s reputation as a soccer city as well.

U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team Held to Draw

The United States U-20 Women’s National Team drew 2-2 against Japan in its second game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The U.S. struck first thanks to a goal from Ainsley McCammon in the first half, but Japan equalized in the 74th minute. Alex Buck restored the U.S. lead a minute later, but Japan knotted things up again and the Yanks could not find a winner despite some late chances. It’s a tough result for the U.S., which lost its first group game against Italy. It can still qualify for the knockout round, but would need some help from other results even if it wins against New Zealand on Saturday.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The UEFA Champions League’s league phase is underway this week and there still has yet to be a draw so far. VfB Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic was the standout performer from Wednesday’s slate of games, scoring a hat trick within a 12-minute stretch in a 3-1 win against Viking FK. Elsewhere across Europe, Arsenal edged past Napoli in a 1-0 win in Italy, Barcelona got its campaign started with a big 5-1 win against Feyenoord, and Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda remains an NWSL MVP candidate, although Ashley Sanchez is starting to run away with it with 18 goals so far this season.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links: 9/9/26

Orlando City plays Atlanta, Griezmann gets fined, Banda a Ballon d’Or contender, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

September 9, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann taking a set piece against Monterrey in Leagues Cup action.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s also match day for Orlando City. The fixture congestion is back for the next couple of weeks which means plenty of opportunity to watch the Lions in action. I’m looking forward to seeing Martin Ojeda fully integrate back into the offense with Antione Griezmann. We will have more match prep later today, but for now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads to Atlanta

Orlando City is headed north to take on Atlanta United tonight. Both teams have been playing better of late, but this is still an opportunity for the Lions to get all three points from a rival on the road. Atlanta has struggled to score goals this season, and Orlando City’s offensive weapons are many, and the team is rising up the MLS power rankings, thanks to the win over San Diego FC. It’s a double match week, so it will be interesting to see how Atlanta rotates players based on availability.

Grizi Gets Fined

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann an undisclosed amount for violating the League’s policy regarding throwing/kicking an object toward fans in the match against San Diego FC. Here is the “incident” in case you missed it during the match.

If the fine was more than a dollar, it was too much. That’s not true, a dollar is also too much.

Pride in the News

The Orlando Pride made history in the 3-1 win over the Houston Dash. The victory made Yolanda Thomas the first Black woman in a head coach’s role in NWSL history, and only the fourth female coach to win their first-ever NWSL match in charge. It also comes as no surprise that Barbra Banda is a nominee for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Pochettino’s Big Plans

Mauricio Pochettino wants to make the USMNT one of the “most powerful” international teams in the world. That is a pretty ambitious goal, though I like the high aspirations. Pochettino is now in charge of the procedural and developmental sides of the game. He will have some time to experiment before the next World Cup, including utilizing more MLS homegrowns.

Free Kicks

  • Marco Pasalic has been called up to the Croatian National Team for the UEFA Nations League matches later this month and in the first part of October. Croatia will be playing Czechia, England, and Spain.
  • Ivan Angulo will be sporting a new look at the match tonight. Hopefully it helps him score goals on his breakaway opportunities.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for live match updates and we will also have a recap of the match tonight and more coverage tomorrow. Vamos Orlando!

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