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Lion Links: 5/2/18

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We have got a lot of news for you today, so I’ll say a quick hello and hope you’re all gearing up for a great weekend of Cinco De Mayo and Orlando City going for win No. 6 in a row. Also, congrats to my modern GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Real Madrid for making it to their third Champions League final in a row — and fourth in five years — after yesterday’s victory in one of the best matches of the tournament against Bayern Munich.

We’ve got news on the Pride match later today, City focusing on language, transfer rumors, and so much more. So get to reading! Or read slowly and ignore work, really your choice. But let’s not forget to wish Orlando City Assistant Coach Miles Joseph a happy birthday as well!

Is Orlando a Legitimate Eastern Conference Threat?

MLS Soccer gave their take on Orlando City being a contender for their big question of the week:

Bobby Warshaw ends up on the fence knowing it’s early and the mitigating factors to this five-game win streak — the longest of any team this season. Which I think is the right take. City has had an easy run lately against lower teams and — other than the San Jose match — hasn't looked in control in most, but rather coming back in matches to grind out points (not bad to do but you can’t live on that).

The next month will give some clearer answers on where City stands as they face teams like Atlanta United, NYCFC, and Toronto. All the while trying to get Jonathan Spector and Uri Rosell into the mix after both have missed considerable time.

Morgan and Harris Questionable for Today’s Match; Ashlyn Not Suspended

The Orlando Pride travel to Chicago today to face off against the second-place Red Stars tonight at 7:30 p.m. However, they could be without two of their best players as Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris are questionable as of this morning. Morgan has a hyperextended left knee and Harris has a hyperextended left elbow, according to the latest NWSL injury report.

While both are losses, the Pride can hope to replace Morgan much easier with the depth across the front three. Sydney Leroux could be pushed to the central forward role with Rachel Hill most likely starting on the right side.

Harris would be replaced by Haley Kopmeyer who started for the Seattle Reign last season. She is no Aubrey Bledsoe, however, who has been nominated for NWSL Save of the Week every week this season, including winning for the second week in row.

One bit of good news is that Ashlyn, if healthy, will be available for selection. After her incident with Seattle Reign forward Jodie Taylor was reviewed by the league, it has been found that there will be no action taken. It was admittedly a rough challenge and could have gone in either direction. Personally I think the Pride got lucky.

Stay tuned to Twitter to get up to date information on both players.

Orlando City’s Off-the-Field Communication Work a Focus

Go read this article. It is a very good perspective in the area of psychology that is often ignored (by fans/media). Orlando City and its mental coach and Video Analyst Guillermo Sánchez have focused on communication to help build synergy is a vast multicultural element.

“When you have a team of a lot of cultures — I think we have around 12 … if you count coaching staff and staff, we have a lot more than that — it’s important for them to get to know each other so any type of communication can flow better,” said Sánchez, Orlando City’s mental coach and video analyst.

One can hope that all this focus is a contributing factor to the recent wining streak and one that will continue to help the team come together over the course of the season as City has some many new players learning English like Josué Colmán and Lamine Sané.

Ali Krieger Enjoying Her TV Work

If you’re not at the stadium watching, you should have seen Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger spending time with the local TV coverage breaking down some soccer.

“Right now, it’s a bit of a hobby, obviously my first focus is this team and getting in the playoffs and winning this season,” Krieger said. “When I do have time, I really enjoy going in and to hang out and chat and getting my little 10 minutes and still be a part of the game and doing anything for this wonderful club.”

I watched her work with BeIn Sports during USMNT World Cup Qualifying and very much enjoyed her a part of the crew. While it’s a hobby today, strong female voices in the media are always needed and hopefully this turns into a great post-playing career opportunity for her.

Tally Hall Finding a New Purpose in Orlando

Former Orlando City goalkeeper Tally Hall has been seen around the stadium as of late. If you've noticed him, you’d see he’s in a different type of uniform. A great story for a great guy finding his way after professional soccer.

Where Five Yanks Abroad Could be Heading This Summer

FourFourTwo USA recently looked at five hot names in the U.S. National Team pool that could be on the move from their current clubs:

  • Christian Pulisic – Borussia Dortmund BVB
  • Bobby Wood – Hamburg SC
  • Emerson Hyndman – Bournemouth
  • Geoff Cameron – Stoke City
  • Tyler Adams – New York Red Bulls

These names breed interest on both sides of the pond as we may see the likes of Wood and Cameron back home while Adams should be going the opposite direction. Overall I think Wood moving to the Netherlands (think Jozy Altidore’s best European season) or MLS would be the right move. He needs some confidence after a rough year and either location would be great for him.

I think Adams and Pulisic are in different situations than Wood, albeit similar between themselves. These young rising stars need to be on the pitch. I have no issue if Adams stays for another year of seasoning in the MLS where he can get continual time. Although I will say if a team like Schalke could pair him with a U.S. national like Weston McKennie, that would be fun.

Pulisic is the name to watch this summer but he needs the same thing. Moving to a Liverpool where you’re battling the likes of Sadio Mané, Mo Salah, and Roberto Firmino for playing time isn't going to help. More time on the field at his age is the right move and one more year at Dortmund might not be too bad.

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That was a lot for you! So hopefully we were able to keep you away from work for as long as you needed. Go Pride tonight and City on Sunday. And don’t forget to have a margarita or two on Saturday. Cheers!

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/21/25

Scott Sutter joins Orlando Pride staff, Pride watch party schedule announced, USMNT falls flat vs. Panama, and more.

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Carlos Romero, The Mane Land

Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. I just found out that Barbra Banda’s goal didn’t win NWSL Goal of the Week, despite earning the most fan votes. Utterly ridiculous and I hope that Banda takes out the supporters’ frustration this weekend. I need these upcoming matches to take the bad taste of that USMNT match out of my mouth. In the interest of moving on, let’s get to the links.

Former Lion Scott Sutter Joins Orlando Pride Staff

Former Orlando City fullback Scott Sutter has joined Seb Hines’ staff with the Orlando Pride. Sutter was one of three new support staffers announced by the Pride on Thursday and will serve in the role of player development coach. Sutter made 51 appearances with Orlando City in 2017 and 2018, scoring four goals and adding six assists in his time with the club. He joins fellow former Orlando City players Hines and Giles Barnes on the Pride’s staff. Previously, Sutter has coaching experience as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Virginia and as an academy head coach with D.C. United. 

The Pride also named Erin Angelini as the new head of rehabilitation and Tara Kaff as the club’s performance nutritionist. In addition to the new hires, Chris Cafaro and Christi Edson were promoted to head of video performance analysis and head of performance, respectively.

Pride Announce Watch Party Schedule

You can watch the Orlando Pride away matches in the comfort of your own home, but if you crave the excitement of celebrating goals with your follow supporters, you can attend of the club’s official watch parties. These events are scheduled for some of the Pride’s biggest away matches against the best the NWSL has to offer. The match Sunday against NJ/NY Gotham FC is a must-see match and the first of those aforementioned watch parties.

Lifeless USMNT Crashes Out of Nations League

The USMNT lost 1-0 to Panama on a second-half stoppage-time goal from the visitors. The U.S. garnered most of the possession and more shots, but the Yanks couldn’t finish their chances and it came back to haunt them in the end. The loss knocks the U.S. out of the Concacaf Nations League, meaning it will be the first time that the competition isn’t won by the USMNT.

New Women’s World Sevens League

A new 7-v-7 league, Women’s World Sevens, will launch in May with a reported $5 million grand prize pool for each event. Eight clubs will participate in each event, though the participants have not yet been announced. We do know that form USWNT star Tobin Heath will be involved as a player advisor for the events.

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That will do it for today. Make sure to check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/20/25

Marco Pasalic making an early impact, Seb Hines prepares for NJ/NY Gotham FC, USMNT plays Panama tonight, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Not only do we have Orlando soccer to look forward to this weekend, but there’s plenty of international soccer to enjoy as World Cup qualifying heats up all over the world. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda!

Marco Pasalic Impressing Early On

Former MLS player Dax McCarty weighed on which MLS newcomers have been off to a hot start this season, with Orlando City winger Marco Pasalic earning some recognition. The 24-year-old already has three goals and an assist to his name, shaking off some of the concerns about Orlando’s attack heading into the season. While I think it’s a bit early to say that Pasalic has truly replaced Facundo Torres, it is nice to see that he’s already making an impact in a league that can be a bit difficult to get the hang of for new Designated Players. Hopefully he can keep the goals coming when the Lions take on D.C. United at home Saturday.

Seb Hines Talks Shop Ahead of Match Against Gotham

The Orlando Pride started their 2025 NWSL season with a dominant 6-0 win over the Chicago Stars and will look to keep the momentum rolling when they face NJ/NY Gotham FC in their first road match of the year on Sunday. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how his team will have to be at its best to get a result against a Gotham side that has plenty of talent and is coached by Juan Carlos Amoros. He also discussed the Pride’s focus on converting more from corner kicks and the versatility that Prisca Chilufya adds to the attack.

USMNT Takes On Panama Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will face off against Panama tonight in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in Los Angeles. Panama has been a thorn in the Yanks’ side in recent years, beating the U.S. in penalties in the 2023 Gold Cup and getting the best of the USMNT again in last year’s Copa America. Tonight’s match will be the toughest test yet for Head Coach Maurico Pochettino, who will have to navigate these two Nations League games without some key defensive players. The winner of tonight’s game will face either Mexico or Canada in Sunday’s final.

Bethany Balcer Stepping Away From Soccer

Racing Louisville forward Bethany Balcer has announced that she will be taking a break from soccer to focus more on who she is outside of soccer.

“The last year and a half I’ve found my identity slowing [sic] slipping away being consumed with soccer and being a professional athlete,” she wrote. “I’ve been chasing things that are material, I’ve become bitter, and I’ve lost my love and joy for the game.”

Balcer has been in the NWSL since 2019 and has been an advocate for players taking care of their mental health. Former Orlando Pride player Sydney Leroux made a similar decision a few days ago, choosing to step away from soccer for her mental health the day before Angel City FC’s season opener. Broadened mental health services was part of the collective bargaining agreement last year for the league and it’s important for players to have improved options when it comes to the mental toll that being a professional athlete can have on them.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/19/25

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Pride still on top, USMNT prepares for Panama, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! I hope you’re having a good week so far. Just a reminder that we’re only a day away from the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League match, followed by regular-season matches for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Personally, I love knowing I’ll have matches to watch on three of the next four days. Let’s get to the links.

International Lions

I always have mixed feelings about international call-ups. On one hand, I’m happy for the players to be able to represent their individual countries. On the other hand, I don’t want to lose them for whatever matches they may miss due to being gone. This particular instance sees Pedro Gallese, David Brekalo, and Colin Guske on international duty with Peru, Slovenia, and the USYNT U18s, respectively. OCB’s Justin Ellis also received a call up from the USYNT.

https://twitter.com/orlandocityb/status/1902070133449015775?s=46&t=7FrChjNxAZYi8pIcKH7thA

Having Gallese and Brekalo gone when Christian Benteke is coming to town with D.C. United is not ideal. Regardless, I wish them all the best in the upcoming matches and I hope for an injury-free return.

Orlando Pride are a Hit

Following an NWSL opening match record 6-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC, it should be little surprise that three Orlando Pride players made the CBS NWSL Team of the Week — Anna Moorhouse, thanks to the clean sheet; Angelina for midfield excellence; and Barbra Banda for her goal contributions. One of those goals also rightly won the NWSL Goal of the Week.

It’s also entirely unsurprising that the Pride are in the top spot in Sports Illustrated’s NWSL Power Rankings. I know that power rankings are dumb, but I’m not ashamed to admit I like them a bit better when my team is the best.

USMNT Prepares for Panama

The USMNT will play Panama in a Concacaf Nations League semifinal match Thursday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. There have been some roster changes due to injuries. Mauricio Pochettino is replacing Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty with Max Arfsten, Brian Gutiérrez, and, Jack McGlynn. Aside from those changes, the U.S. is bringing the big guns to the match. It’s an opportunity for Pochettino to show what this team can be, especially since he said the U.S. could compete to become the best in the world in as little as five to 10 years.

The Good and Bad of the NWSL

The NWSL is a league that is growing in a sustainable fashion. That is good for teams like the Orlando Pride and for women’s soccer in general. Another example of this growth is the plan for a soccer-specific stadium for the Denver NWSL expansion team. The 14,500-seat stadium will include a public park, surrounding shops, and restaurants.

Of course, there are often growing pains associated with expansion. Pride fans are all too aware of such pains. During the off-season, there were reports of abuse involving Bay FC Head Coach Albertin Montoya. As the NWSL matures as a league, how such matters are addressed will determine the success of the league as a whole.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City jumped up one spot in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings to No. 16. You should all know how serious I take power rankings by now.
  • Remember when Mason Stajduhar collided with a New York City FC player and broke his leg? That player was Malachi Jones, who will undergo another procedure to repair the right tibia fracture he sustained in the collision. I hope for the best for Jones since it’s PRO referees I blame for not raising the offside flag.
  • Canada Head Coach Jesse Marsch replaced former Lion Richie Laryea with Zorhan Bassong for the Concacaf Nations League match Thursday.
  • Despite the growth of the women’s game, there is still a vast disparity between revenue and spending across the board. Hopefully, this gets better with further investment in the various leagues.
  • I know of an MLS club that could use an experienced backup center back.

Matt Hedges isn't retired yet and would like to keep playing, I'm told.The veteran MLS center back would ideally want to return to FC Dallas, his long-time club. No talks have happened yet.Hedges is playing in the U.S. Open Cup with Des Moines Menace tomorrow night.

Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-03-18T17:00:58.231Z

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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