Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/23/18

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! The weekend is almost here and although we don’t have any Orlando City soccer, the Orlando Pride have their season opener tomorrow night against Utah Royals FC. I think we could all use a week off from the Lions after recent results, but before we can get to a relaxing weekend, we have to finish today. Luckily, I have some Lion Links to start your day off the right away.
New Faces Take Center Stage in Pride Opener
After a season where the Orlando Pride led the NWSL in goals and earned their first playoff appearance, Head Coach Tom Sermanni and the front office didn’t take their foot off the gas. This off-season, the Pride brought in eight new players, including big names like Sydney Leroux and Canadian international Shelina Zadorsky, to complement a team led by Alanna Kennedy, Marta, and Alex Morgan. It’s that blend of fresh talent and team leaders that has Morgan looking forward to the 2018 season.
“I’m really excited about some of the newer players…there’s quite a few that we’ve picked up over the off-season, said Morgan. “We just have the quality on this team to do really well this year. I think we’re going to start of pretty strong from the beginning.”
But the Pride have more on their checklist this season than just winning the title. With expectations high, the club is focused on delivering not only on the pitch, but by generating a greater sense of community within the club as well. One of the more popular teams in the NWSL, the Pride are hoping to show fans some of the core values that will shape the club in the coming years.
The Pride kick off their 2018 campaign tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. ET against NWSL newcomers Utah Royals FC, which absorbed the now-folded FC Kansas City roster before trading Leroux to Orlando.
Zlatan to Join the LA Galaxy
A rumor that has circulated for the past two years has now become a reality as reports surface that Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovich has signed a two-year contract with the LA Galaxy. Ibrahimovich’s former club, Manchester United, confirmed yesterday that it would terminate its contract with the striker four months in advance so that he may move to MLS as soon as possible.
The 36-year-old has not played since December of 2017 thanks to a nagging knee injury but he could be on the pitch as early as this month for his new MLS side. The move may ignite MLS critics who claim the league is a retirement destination for players in the tail end of their careers, but Ibrahimovich remains one of the most dynamic and iconic players on the planet.
The Young Lions Head to GA Cup
Orlando City’s U-17 squad is currently in Dallas, TX for the 2018 Generation Adidas Cup. The academy team will take on Real Salt Lake’s U-17 team at 12:30 p.m. ET in its first match of the tournament that will see the young Lions take on both international and domestic teams alike. Make sure to wish our future Lions good luck!
The @OCSC_Academy U-17s are out in Dallas for the #GACup. Give them a follow and keep up with the team. #VamosOrlando https://t.co/DK58FTpF3i
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 22, 2018
Juventus Chosen as MLS All-Star Game Opponent
Italian club Juventus was revealed as the club to take on the MLS All-Star Team on Aug. 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. One of the most iconic clubs in the world, Juventus has been the reigning champion of Serie A for the past six years and boasts some of the best players soccer has to offer. It’s also my favorite European club, so forgive me when I show up in Atlanta in black and white to support the Old Lady.
Path to 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Revealed
Although not official, the word around the proverbial U.S. Soccer water cooler is that the United States will host CONCACAF qualifying for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with tentative locations in Cary, NC, and Frisco, TX. The USWNT will certainly get a boost from the home-field advantage and should earn a berth into the World Cup when qualifying starts in October. But as we found out last year, nothing can be taken for granted in U.S. soccer anymore.
Free Kicks
- It looks like some former Lions have linked up at their new jobs over in England.
Fun fact I just learned: English 5th tier @GuiseleyAFC currently has two former @OrlandoCitySC players on roster. Sean St Ledger (MLS) and John Rooney (USL) pic.twitter.com/atyXfpGACV
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) March 21, 2018
- Speaking of new jobs, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer is getting her side hustle on by joining Orlando City Youth Soccer Club as a goalkeeping coach.
OCYS announces Orlando Pride GK Haley Kopmeyer has joined our Goalkeeping Staff.
Goalkeepers … check your schedules and come train with us.
Welcome @hkopmeyer to OCYS. #anotherreasonOCYS #thefutureispurple
— Orlando City Youth (@OCYouthSoccer) March 22, 2018
OCYS Thanks @khopmeyer for joining our youth GK staff. Great role model and coach for the players. #thefutureispurple #givingback pic.twitter.com/UhforgDPid
— Orlando City Youth (@OCYouthSoccer) March 22, 2018
- USMNT player Graham Zusi has gotten rid of his signature man bun to donate his hair to a wig donation program for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
The rumors are true. It's the end of a hair-a.
But don't be sad. #8's locks were donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a wig donation program that helps women battling cancer. 8 inches of hair or $8 is all it takes. #8or8 pic.twitter.com/ZZxgOW10Mc
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) March 22, 2018
- U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan had his love for soccer reignited in the most unlikely of places: Mexico.
- In probably the most disgusting and horrifying story from yesterday’s news cycle, a since-released player for Argentine club Independiente has allegedly been prostituting teenage boys.
- Closing our links is an interesting take on the current parallel between MLS and the NBA in regard to young athletes, with the NBA looking to change its “one-an-done” rule while MLS welcomes teenage players with open arms.
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That’s all from me, folks. Have a great Friday! I hope it goes smoothly so you can rest before this weekend’s festivities.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/1/25
Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

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
- Orlando City jumped eight places to no. 11 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- Meanwhile the Orlando Pride continue to hold sway at no. 1 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Germany great Thomas Muller has reportedly received offers from MLS teams.
- Tierna Davidson will not play in the USWNT’s upcoming games against Brazil due to a knee injury, with Gisele Thompson replacing her on the roster.
That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/31/25
Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

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.
- Antoine Griezmann is reportedly staying at Atletico Madrid next season despite being linked to a potential move to join LAFC in MLS.
- RB Leipzig has fired manager Marco Rose, as the club is sixth in the Bundesliga table and has appointed Zsolt Low as interim manager until the end of the season.
- David Blitzer is reportedly close to selling his majority ownership stake in the Utah Royals and Real Salt Lake after owning both clubs since 2022.
- Sports Illustrated released its list of MLS Coaches on the hot seat after poor starts, mentioning Sporting Kansas City’s Peter Vermes, the LA Galaxy’s Greg Vanney, and the New England Revolution’s Caleb Porter.
- FIFA is reportedly considering having a one-game playoff between LAFC and Club America, with the winner replacing Club Leon in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
- That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/28/25
Orlando Pride prepare for the San Diego Wave, NWSL weekend matches, USMNT roster predictions, and more.

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
- Time is running out for Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Peru to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after the latest CONMEBOL matches. Peru did well to beat Bolivia, but lost a crucial match against Venezuela.
- Angel City FC signed Brazilian midfielder Maiara Niehues from Sporting CP on a three-year contract. The 20-year-old recorded 18 goals and three assists in 57 matches across all competitions with the Portuguese club.
- MLS announced an expanded partnership with the media company Footballco to increase coverage of the league and its players. Hopefully this partnership results in a spotlight being put on smaller market teams and lesser known stars in the league, but only time will tell.
- Denver’s NWSL team announced its plans for a new training center and temporary stadium that will seat 12,000 fans for 2026 and 2027.
- The English Premier League’s transfer window will temporarily open on June 1 and close on June 10 to allow clubs participating in the Club World Cup to sign players before the tournament.
- After losing 2-0 in the first leg, Chelsea beat Manchester City 3-0 to advance to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals. The semifinals will have Chelsea take on Barcelona and Arsenal square off against Lyon.
- UEFA is investigating Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos for indecent conduct in the Champions League. If a ban is handed out, that player would miss the first leg of Madrid’s quarterfinal matchup with Arsenal.
- Barcelona beat Osasuna 3-0 to move three points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, but forward Dani Olmo sustained a leg injury that could see him miss time.
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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