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Lion Links: 6/13/18

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7 years ago

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Less than 24 hours, people! That's right. We are less than 24 hours away from the greatest sporting event kicking off. Do not fight me on this. World Cup is my Christmas, New Year’s, and my birthday all rolled up into one month of amazing. I will be watching every match I can no matter who is playing.

Oh yeah, and it’s Orlando City match day.

So to keep you busy until tonight, we’re talking women’s national teams — first team and youth — while the Lions are finally getting healthy, Alex Morgan makes her film debut, and some FIFA news.

Orlando City Getting Healthy…Again

Yes, we are all a bit tired of writing about how we can’t wait for City to get healthy, and maybe we’ve finally hit that point where we don’t have to. It appears all City players —including Scott Sutter, Jonathan Spector, and Lamine Sané — were all training Tuesday in Montreal. That also includes Will Johnson who said he’s doing fine after his hamstring tightened up against Vancouver. As for whether or not we’ll see all of them tonight:

“They’re both in our thinking, in our consideration for starting, as well as available off the bench,” Lions coach Jason Kreis said about Spector and Dwyer. “We have to be mindful. We’re putting a lot into this game. We don’t want to handle it as if it’s the last game of the season, because it’s not. It is an important game, though, and we’ll see where we come out on those two players.” 

Getting Dwyer back fully will be huge as the Lions have averaged over two goals per game with him in the lineup. But Kreis is still trying to get his team to play focused for a full 90 minutes, and it hasn’t been easy.

“We need players to step forward. We need players to say enough is enough. I think that we are going to have to talk to individual players about their performance. We have to expect more, and we have to demand more. Again, it’s not to say everything is bad, because it’s not. There are a lot of positive things, but at the end of the day, we need that 10 percent.”

USWNT Beats China 2-1 in Second Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team swept its two-game series with China as the Yanks beat China 2-1 last night in Cleveland, OH. It was a tale of two halves with the U.S. dominating the first half but only netting one goal for its efforts. In the second half, China took much more control and pressed the U.S. into a tie at one point. It didn't last long as the U.S. found an interesting floating goal from inside the penalty area by Tobin Heath to secure the win.

Orlando Pride players Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris both got the call with Morgan taking the captain’s armband. Morgan had a rather quiet night and so did Harris until she made the save of the match on a great extension that saved the result for the U.S.

You won't have to wait too long for more USWNT as the squad will be back in action for the Tournament of Nations in late July. They also recently announced that they’ll play some late-summer friendlies against Chile in California in late August and early September.

U-17 Women Win Concacaf Championship over Mexico

Yesterday the U-17 Women’s National Team defeated Mexico 3-2 in Bradenton, FL to win the 2018 Concacaf Championship.

This is the fourth championship for the U-17s, and they earned a place in the U-17 FIFA World Cup in Uruguay this November.

The U.S. was also awarded a couple of additional awards for this Concacaf Championship.

Alex and Me Officially Released

Alex Morgan’s debut feature film Alex & Me is available today via digital distribution. It stars Morgan as herself alongside 13-year-old Siena Agudong (Nickelodeon’s Star Falls). Agudong plays Reagan Willis who has dreams of becoming a soccer player like Morgan, who shows up in the teenager’s bedroom after Reagan bumps her head.

“I wanted to eat, sleep, live, breathe soccer at that age, so making a movie like this for kids and teenagers was me thinking back to when I was a kid,” Morgan said.

I will definitely be checking this out as I agree it’s important that young players of all ages have some genuine films and people to look up to.

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I leave you with a bit of news that I am very proud of. Karina (KK) Leblanc has been named the head of Concacaf women’s football. I’ve had the distinct opportunity to work with KK in my time with Puma and I will tell you that this woman is amazing and will do great things — or rather, continue to — for an underrepresented part of the game. All the best to her in this opportunity.

That’s it! Have a great day and get ready to bunker down for the next month watching the World Cup. I know the U.S. didn't make it, but that doesn't mean you still can’t enjoy it!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/11/25

Storylines ahead of Orlando City’s match with CF Montreal, Mia Fishel signs with Seattle Reign FC, D.C. United coach Troy Lesesne fired, and more.

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2 days ago

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July 11, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Friday! The weekend is nearly here, which means it’s almost time to pack Inter&Co Stadium to enjoy some Orlando City soccer. It should be a nice next few days, and I’m hoping I can catch the new Superman movie at some point if the crowds aren’t too crazy. Let’s get to the links!

Storylines Ahead of Orlando City’s vs. Montreal

Orlando City takes on CF Montreal Saturday, and there’s plenty to watch for as the Lions aim to get back in the win column. Martin Ojeda has had a goal contribution in six straight matches, while fellow Designated Player Marco Pasalic is one of three MLS newcomers with double-digit goals so far this season. The Lions will be without Pedro Gallese and Robin Jansson due to yellow card accumulation, although right back Alex Freeman is back from international duty. Orlando is unbeaten in its past five matches against Montreal, including a scoreless draw in Canada on April 19.

Seattle Reign FC Signs Mia Fishel

American forward Mia Fishel made the move to the NWSL, signing a contract with the Seattle Reign through the 2029 season. She was drafted by the Orlando Pride with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, but opted to join Tigres in Mexico instead of coming to the City Beautiful. The 24-year-old has spent the past two seasons with Chelsea and should get more playing time in a Seattle offense that could use a dynamic player like her. Fishel and the Reign will be in Orlando to take on the Pride on Nov. 2, adding another wrinkle to the Decision Day match.

D.C. United Fires Troy Lesesne

Troy Lesesne was fired as D.C. United’s head coach Thursday, with assistant coach Zach Prince leaving the club as well. This decision comes while D.C. United is 12th in the Eastern Conference and just lost to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. Academy Director Kevin Flanagan will take over as the interim head coach, but the club has reportedly agreed to terms with Swiss manager Rene Weiler as a replacement.

Switzerland and Norway Advance to Euro Quarterfinals

Switzerland booked its spot in the 2025 Women’s European Championship quarterfinals in dramatic fashion against Finland. The game was a scoreless affair until Finland took the lead in the 79th minute, but Riola Xhemaili scored an equalizer in stoppage time for the host nation to secure a 1-1 draw. Norway advanced after a 4-3 win over Iceland, with Signe Gaupset scoring twice and assisting on both of Frida Maanum’s goals. Iceland rallied late but finished the tournament without a win.

Today’s action includes a solid matchup between Italy and Spain for the top spot in the group. Meanwhile, Portugal and Belgium will mostly be playing for pride, although Portugal could sneak into the quarterfinals depending on how goal differential shakes out.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/10/25

Orlando City prepares for CF Montreal, Barbra Banda scores twice in win for Zambia, Americans selected for Gold Cup Best XI, and more.

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3 days ago

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July 10, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a hectic week for me, but I’m looking forward to some rest and relaxation once the weekend gets here. Hopefully the rest of the week goes easy on all of you as well. Let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Prepares for CF Montreal

Orlando City will host CF Montreal Saturday, and the Lions enter this match looking to build on their ability to claw their way back to a 2-2 draw on the road against Charlotte FC. It should be a good opportunity for points, as Montreal has only won three games all season. However, two of those wins were in Montreal’s past four games, while Orlando hasn’t won at home since May 24. Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on the team’s preparations heading into this match, as well as how right back Alex Freeman is settling in after returning from the Gold Cup.

Banda Leads Zambia Past Senegal at Africa Cup of Nations

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda scored a brace for Zambia in a 3-2 win over Senegal in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group stage. She scored in both halves, with Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji scoring as well. Pride players Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya also started for Zambia. With the win, Zambia now has four points from its first two games and will face a DR Congo team that was eliminated after a 4-2 loss to Morocco.

Americans Land On Concacaf Gold Cup Best XI

Although the United States Men’s National Team didn’t lift the Concacaf Gold Cup trophy in the end, the Yanks had a solid tournament, and Chris Richards, Diego Luna, and Malik Tillman were selected to the Best XI of the tournament. Richards did well on both sides of the ball, holding things down defensively and scoring two important goals. Midfielders Luna and Tillman each recorded three goals and two assists over the course of the Gold Cup. Mexico had five players make the Best XI, while Panama’s Ismael Diaz earned recognition after scoring six goals.

Paris Saint-Germain Advances to Club World Cup Final

The Club World Cup final is set, after Paris Saint-Germain put Real Madrid to the sword Wednesday in a 4-0 win at MetLife Stadium. Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele both scored in the first 10 minutes of the match, with Ruiz securing a brace later in the first half. The defense did well to shut out a Madrid team loaded with attacking talent, and Goncalo Ramos put a bow on the victory with a late goal. It’s been a phenomenal year for PSG and the French club will take on Chelsea in the final Sunday at 3 p.m.

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  • Former Lion Mauricio Pereyra was spotted at Orlando City’s training. He’s supposedly only visiting, but I’m personally not ruling anything out after Junior Urso’s brief return to the City Beautiful in 2023.
  • There’s yet another American forward to watch in the EFL Championship, as Southampton has signed Damion Downs. The 20-year-old signed a four-year contract with the club and heads to England after scoring 11 goals for FC Koln last season.
  • The U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal between the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls was postponed to Aug. 13 due to severe weather.
  • England got back on track at the Women’s Euros by beating the Netherlands 4-0, with Lauren James netting a brace. France then breezed past Wales in a 4-1 win, but Welsh Seattle Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock made history by scoring her country’s first-ever goal at the Women’s Euros.
  • Lyon will remain in Ligue 1 after winning its appeal against relegation for financial issues.
  • Reggie Cannon won his appeal against Boavista and is owed $468,000, concluding the defender’s two-year battle with the Portuguese club over late payments.

That’s all I have for you for today’s links. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/9/25

Gold Cup reactions, Club World Cup semifinals, Lions rank up, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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July 9, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Thankfully, the fun never ends when it comes to soccer. Yes, the USMNT lost to Mexico which makes me sad, but we’re also now less than a month until the Orlando Pride are back in action. I know it seems like a long time, but I have to hold on to something. In the meantime, check out these links.

Gold Cup Reactions

Sadly, the USMNT lost the Concacaf Gold Cup final 2-1 to Mexico. Now, the reactions and reflections on the competition begin. The USMNT has long had a striker (or lack thereof) problem, but is Patrick Agyemang up for the job? There are those who continue to question whether Mauricio Pochettino is the right man to coach the U.S., but former USMNT forward Clint Dempsey isn’t one of them. Finally, what can the USMNT take from this tournament, and from this loss to Mexico?

Chelsea Awaits PSG-Real Madrid Winner in Club World Cup

Chelsea defeated Fluminense 2-0 to reach the final of the 2025 Club World Cup. Joao Pedro scored a brace in his first start for Chelsea against his boyhood team. Chelsea will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. PSG and Real Madrid are two of the best teams in this competition, but only one will advance following today’s match. The two European giants will play today at 3 p.m. at the aforementioned MetLife Stadium.

Minnesota, Austin Advance to U.S. Open Cup Semifinals

The U.S. Open Cup resumed Tuesday with two quarterfinal matches. Minnesota United came back from a goal down after Chicago defender Omar Gonzalez was sent off, but could not find a game winner until extra time, when the Loons struck twice to win 3-1 in St. Paul. In the late game, Chicho Arango gave the San Jose Earthquakes an early lead at home, only to see Austin’s Brandon Vazquez equalize in the second half. The teams traded goals in extra time and Austin FC advanced by winning the penalty shootout, 4-2. It wasn’t all good news for Austin, however, as Vazquez was stretchered off in the 72nd minute after suffering a non-contact injury.

Tonight, the other two quarterfinal matches will take place. The Philadelphia Union will face the New York Red Bulls and Nashville SC will face D.C. United.

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That will do it for today. Check back and we get you ready for Orlando City’s match this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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