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Lion Links 4/4/18

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8 years ago

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It’s Wednesday, Mane Landers and we are jam packed this week on plenty of updates for Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and the U.S. Women’s National Team as everything is back in full swing after the men’s international break. So we're going to jump right in.

Trio of Orlando Players Back to Training

Slowly but surely, Orlando City is getting healthy and it’s coming at the right time as it can “tune up” against a Portland Timbers side this Sunday that only has two points from four matches.

Saturday’s second half saw the Lions almost with what most project as the team’s starting lineup, only missing two expected starters in defensive midfielder Uri Rosell and center back Jonathan Spector. But good news on both fronts:

Additionally, there was some great news regarding Stefano Pinho’s ankle injury from earlier this season:

All of this is great news as it’s been a tough go with the injury bug for the beginning of this season. But getting all three players back will be a giant plus. While City took the win, 4-3, against the New York Red Bulls, the two areas noticeably lacking were center back and defensive midfield — the latter being a tough fill all season. But, hopefully Rosell and Spector will lock down a shaky defense that gave up three goals.

Getting Pinho back to the bench will only increase the attacking power Orlando’s needed so badly this season. Tracking the numbers, City scored double the amount of goals this Saturday than it had in the previous three.

It’s amazing what getting your starters like Dom Dwyer and Josué Colmán back can do to actually have a semblance of a competent attack. Getting Pinho back off the bench will help in the substitute department as Dwyer works his way back to full fitness.

Pride Won’t Make Excuses Despite Injuries

The Orlando Pride recently lost to the 2017 bottom-dwelling Washington Spirit this past Saturday in a 2-0 defeat. It was a match that had quite a few missing starters with Alex Morgan still in concussion protocol, Alanna Kennedy still not with the club, and Brazilians Monica and Marta away from international duty.

The even tougher part is that the team is missing 10 total players this week, so it’s not like it can just get back to training as normal. Brazilians Mônica, Poliana, and Marta have been in South America. Australians Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond haven’t made their way to Orlando yet. Americans Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris left this week, along with Shelina Zadorsky (Canada), Nádia Gomes (Portugal) and Lotta Ökvist (Sweden).

But Head Coach Tom Sermanni isn't making excuses.

“It’s easy for me to go on excuses about that in relation to results and preparation, but we feel that we’ve built a squad here that’s capable of winning games regardless of who’s playing,” Sermanni said. “The lack of numbers or lack of bodies at training does obviously impact how much you can do and what you can do. But outside of that, you know, you have to prepare with what you have to prepare with.”

We’ll have to see how the Pride adjust after the international break with a tough trip to the Portland Thorns on April 15.

eMLS Kicks Off with eMLS Cup as Abe Valbuena Represents Orlando City

Are you a huge fan of watching other people play video games? Me neither. But in case you are, the eMLS will kick off this week with the eMLS Cup. Nineteen different MLS clubs feature a contracted individual playing on behalf of the club. Orlando City’s is Abe Valbuena, signed earlier this year and he is a top 32 competitor in the U.S.

For help on understanding the rules, here’s a quick video summarizing eMLS.

U.S. Women Feature a Strong Bevy of Young Players

Last week it was the men, this week features the women in international competition as they get ready for matches against Mexico Thursday in Jacksonville, FL, and Sunday in Houston, TX. Just as the men held a roster with a strong influx of youth, the next generation for the U.S. women will feature heavily this week. The 23-player roster is set with 13 players born in 1993 or later (25 or younger).

Those young players are Morgan Brian (25), Emily Sonnett (24), Abby Dahlkemper (24), Lynn Williams (24), Jane Campbell (23), Lindsey Horan (23), Savannah McCaskill (23), Andi Sullivan (22), Haley Hanson (22), Hailie Mace (21), Tegan McGrady (20), Tierna Davidson (19) and Mallory Pugh (19).

This is a wildly encouraging sign for the future of the U.S. Women’s National Team and the NWSL. There have been times when the rosters have been very heavy with older players and at times it came at the expense of the development of the youth in matches that are very important to future stars.

I cant wait to watch this week as many of the young stars of tomorrow — some already today — will take the field.

Pride Players Take Each Other On

Here’s a fun, quick video covering a one-on-one drill in recent Pride training:

Free Kicks:

  • Later this week, check out Tony Rocha in a player appearance.

And that’s it! I’m on my way to snowy temperatures in Cleveland, OH, so hopefully I’ll be watching the Lions take care of Portland from there. But I leave you today with quite possibly one of the best goals I've ever seen from my modern GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo, in UEFA Champions League action yesterday:

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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.

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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

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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

Lion Links: 9/9/26

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

Published

4 days ago

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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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