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Lion Links: 5/2/18

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7 years ago

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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.

Free Kicks:

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!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/23/25

Tonight’s OCB match moved to Sunday, Alex Freeman makes USMNT roster, FanDuel Sports Network will stream Orlando Pride games, and more.

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1 day ago

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May 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! A long weekend is ahead of us and there is plenty of Orlando soccer to enjoy as well. I’ll be celebrating my nephew’s first birthday this weekend, so it should be a nice next couple of days visiting family. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

OCB Match Moved to Sunday in Kissimmee

As a heads up, Orlando City B is no longer playing today. OCB’s match against Atlanta United 2 was originally scheduled for tonight in Atlanta, but it was instead postponed to 7 p.m. Sunday and relocated to Osceola Heritage Park rather than Fifth Third Stadium in Georgia. Stadium availability was cited as the reason for the change, and the match will be played behind closed doors, although it will still be streamed live. The Young Lions are coming off of a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II and will face an Atlanta team that has drawn its last four games.

Alex Freeman Makes USMNT Training Camp Roster

Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was named to the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies next month against Turkey and Switzerland. The 20-year-old is one of five uncapped players on the roster and one of 16 MLS players. He’ll likely be behind Sergino Dest on the depth chart, but Joe Scally was not called up for this window. There are many notable players absent, opening the door for players like Freeman across multiple positions to stake their claim to participate in this summer’s Gold Cup and the World Cup next year.

FanDuel Sports Network Will Stream Select Pride Games

The Orlando Pride will have eight of its remaining games streamed on FanDuel Sports Network, including tonight’s road game against the Utah Royals. The regional network, which used to be called Bally Sports before rebranding, is available on various providers throughout Florida and there is an app for streaming as well. Personally, I find this as just another cog in a messy machine of NWSL coverage options, but I imagine this is handy for those out there who are already accustomed to using the network to watch other Floridian pro sports teams.

Winter Garden Lands USL League One Team

Another pro soccer team is coming to Central Florida, as the United Soccer League announced its intent to bring a USL League One team to the area. Central Florida Pro Soccer’s ownership group has plans for a development in Winter Garden that would include a 5,000-seat multi-purpose soccer stadium. The plans also include recreational fields, a hotel, parks, and a walking trail. The group will gather input from the community in the coming months to help determine the team’s colors, badge, and name.

Free Kicks

  • Kansas City Current defender Alana Cook was placed on the season-ending injury list due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus sustained in the club’s match against the Orlando Pride.
  • NJ/NY Gotham FC and Tigres will square off in the Concacaf W Champions Cup final on Saturday. The winner will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup.
  • Luka Modric penned a farewell to Real Madrid fans as his time with the club has come to an end. I don’t know where his next stop will be, but I sure hope it’s not with a team the Lions still have to face this year.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your holiday weekend!

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Lion Links: 5/22/25

Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup

The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.

Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek

Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.

U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results

Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.

Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final

Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/21/25

The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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May 21, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.

Nashville is Next

As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.

Javier Otero Has a New Contract

Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.

Pride USWNT Call-Ups

Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.

FIRST USWNT CALL UP FOR BELLO 🗣️

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-05-20T15:06:37.081Z

USMNT Gold Cup News

Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.

Free Kicks

  • The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
  • In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
  • In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.

That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!

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