Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/24/18

Published

8 years ago

on

Howdy, Mane Landers and happy Sunday! I trust that everyone’s been having a swell weekend, and if not, turn it around baby! We’ve got beautiful football at our fingertips basically every single day right now, and personally, I can’t get enough of it. I’m watching Mexico play South Korea as I start this column, and man, it’s tough not keeping my eyes glued to the other side of my browser…but I shall persist, I shall push through, because who else would be here to serve up your Sunday helping of Lion Links? There are quite a few of them, too. Bon appetite, folks.

Lions Fall Again to the Montreal Impact, 2-0

With interim head coach Bobby Murphy continuing to tinker with the lineup, the Lions came out in a 3-4-3 like they did Wednesday. Unfortunately for the Lions, the Impact took the full three points in Orlando City Stadium, winning 2-0, and the boys in purple have now fallen to a seven-game losing streak in league play. Michael Citro was on hand to recap the match for you.

The coverage will continue today with Guilherme Torres’ player grades and our bearded guy’s five takeaways.

Pride Take Down the Spirit on the Road, 1-0

My oh my, Alanna Kennedy. It didn’t take the Pride long to put one on the scoreboard in their away trip to Washington, and the way in which it occurred was just absolutely bonkers. Kennedy, operating out of the defensive midfield, intercepted a pass in the midfield, picked her head up and saw the Spirit’s goalkeeper off of her line, and launched a rocket that fell just behind the keeper and into the back of the net: that’s sure to be a candidate (if not winner) of the NWSL Goal of the Week.

It was her golazo that was the difference between the two sides. Marcus Mitchell has your in-depth match recap.

World Cup Goals and Physics: Don’t Defy, but Rely

In an insightful interview with John W.M. Bush, Ph.D. in Geophysics from Harvard, Chris Greenburg of SB Nation prodded the applied mathematics professor of MIT for information regarding how physics has affected some of the golazos we’ve been gifted with as World Cup supporters throughout the years. The common cliche is that a beautiful goal “defies physics,” but as John emphasized in his interview with Chris, they actually rely on physics.

“They shouldn’t say it defies the laws of physics,” he reminds us, “it just relies on relatively subtle physics that is well documented in the literature by now.”

He goes into depth with how several factors affect the resulting trajectory of a shot or cross, and even offers analysis of individual instances of goals, explaining exactly how physics has affected each spectacular goal. He covers both contemporary and historical memorable moments, and his knowledge and insight (especially since he was a player himself at some point in time) is truly compelling, and I’m grateful I was directed to the interview.

Meet Jay Taylor, Bringing Orlando City’s Supporters News…in England

Jay Taylor is a lot like you and I. He’s a die hard Orlando City supporter that doesn’t miss a clip of Lion action…but he’s completely different from you and I in one or two major ways: he lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and is one of the most trusted and established sources of OCSC news, mostly delivered through his popular Twitter account, @AllOrlandoCity. As detailed in an interview with UCFB, his alma mater, Taylor speaks on the difficulties of covering the Lions from across the pond.

“The time difference makes it extremely tough. The earliest kick-offs are usually 10pm UK time, but they are quite rare. The normal kick-off time is 12:35am, but it can go even later than that with the latest being 3:30am! Having a full-time job in social media which sees me work lots of hours in the day can make it challenging to run this channel. I get great interaction from the fans on social media and they seem to enjoy what I do and that makes it worthwhile for me. I also feel if you work hard enough you will get to where you want to be one day. I want to work in soccer media in the US and I hope to actually call Orlando my home one day.”

Cheers, Jay. I hope you get to call Orlando your home one day too.

A Brief World Cup Recap

Yesterday was a doozy…in the best type of way. The World Cup fixtures on the day began with Belgium’s 5-2 win over a resolute and surprisingly strong Tunisian side where the scoreline truly doesn’t reflect the way in which the match unfolded. Regardless, Belgium has all but clinched a spot in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Mexico continued their excellent start to the tournament, downing South Korea, 2-1, in what became a fantastic back-and-forth match that was wide open for large chunks of play. That win moves them closer to punching their ticket to the Round of 16, too. And finally, the final match on the day, Germany vs. Sweden, was a crucial one for Germany, and boy did Die Mannschaft pull the proverbial rabbit out of their hat at the last minute, as Toni Kroos’ goal from an indirect set piece gave them the lead and win within the closing seconds of the match. Germany is still alive, folks.

Free Kicks

  • Props to one of my favorite Lions, Scott Sutter, for representing and honoring Orlando Police’s fallen heroes on his way into Orlando City Stadium prior to yesterday’s match. You’re the man, Scott (and I’ve found myself rooting for Switzerland during their group stage matches because of you).

  • Toronto FC and USMNT striker Jozy Altidore is nearing a return to training following a surgery on May 8 to remove bone fragments in his foot. Good for you Jozy, just don’t score on Orlando City when the two sides meet up in July, please.
  • A plane carrying Peru fans from Yekaterinburg to Tyumen in Russia experienced engine failure, causing smoke to billow into the cabin. The pilot landed the plane safely with one engine.
  • Los Angeles FC star Carlos Vela’s sound spot kick helped his side win Mexico’s second consecutive World Cup match — it was an emotional goal for the striker too, as he dedicated the goal to his grandfather who passed away just last week. Well done, Carlos. Make em’ proud.
  • FC Dallas has announced that it is already moving on from off-season acquisition Anton Nedyalkov, transferring him to Belgium side Ludagarets.
  • Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has become the first player in World Cup history to score a brace in consecutive World Cup matches since Diego Maradona did so back in 1986. Others who have achieved such a rare feat include Brazil legends Garrincha and Pele, Englishman Gary Lineker, Argentina’s Mario Kempes, German striker Gerd Muller, and Portugal’s legend Eusebio.
  • Speaking of Gary Lineker…need I say more?

  • Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah has been granted honorary citizenship by Chechnya’s leader, Ramzan Kadyrov. So, that’s a thing.
  • Great news is coming out of Jose Enrique’s camp, as word has spread that the ex-Liverpool defender is successfully recovering from surgery relating to a brain tumor. Cheers, Mr. Enrique.
  • And here’s an interesting (yet likely deflating to Germans) statistic that came from Germany’s 1-0 loss to Mexico…all I have to say is “Wow.” Vamos Mexico! Give me a hard time all you want, but I’m proudly supporting El Tri and I always have, except when they’re facing the USMNT or doing absurd things out of spite.

What a weekend, eh? That’s all I have on tap for you folks for now, but be sure to check back in with The Mane Land habitually as we keep you updated on Jason Kreis’ eventual replacement, OCSC and Pride news, World Cup updates, and all things soccer that you need to know about. Have an excellent week, Mane Landers. It shouldn’t be that tough: we have another week of mouthwatering World Cup fixtures ahead!

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/23/26

Orlando City prepares for New York City FC, Antoine Griezmann’s impact in Orlando, U.S. will host FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, and more.

Published

20 hours ago

on

October 23, 2026

By

Image of Antoine Griezmann taking a set piece against Monterrey in Leagues Cup action.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a pretty nice week for me, as I was able to watch all of Slow Horses and finish reading Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson, both of which were brilliant. Attention now turns to this weekend’s soccer, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride playing at home over the next couple of days. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for New York City FC

The Lions host New York City FC on Saturday in one of the marquee matchups in MLS as the regular season nears its conclusion. Plenty has changed since Orlando’s 5-0 loss to NYCFC on March 7. The Lions have clawed their way up the table while the Pigeons have only won once in their past 13 league games. NYCFC enters this match after a 1-1 draw with LAFC that included an equalizer by former Lion Andres Perea to give the team a valuable point amid the playoff race. Nicolas Fernandez Mercau, Luighi, and Benie Traore are all NYCFC players the Lions will need to keep in check, or else it could end up being another high-scoring affair in the City Beautiful.

Antoine Griezmann’s Impact on Orlando’s Offense

Orlando’s wait for Antoine Griezmann to join in the summer has proven to be well worth it, as he’s transformed Orlando’s attack into a force to be reckoned with just as the playoffs near. Although Griezmann wasn’t able to enjoy a fairytale ending with Atletico Madrid by lifting the Copa del Rey or Champions League trophies this year, he’s breathed life into an Orlando side that struggled mightily prior to his arrival. The 35-year-old has recorded 12 goals and seven assists in just 14 appearances this season. Not only has he excelled when it comes to getting the ball in the net, but he’s done well in terms of defensive metrics and intangibles as well.

U.S. Will Host Women’s Club World Cup

The inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will be held in the U.S. in January of 2028 with the host cities still to be determined. There will be 19 clubs taking part, with Gotham, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Club America having already qualified along with three other teams so far. This tournament is sandwiched between the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, so there’s plenty of exciting women’s soccer to look forward to in the coming years.

U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team Wins at World Cup

The United States U-17 Women’s National Team won 6-1 against Kenya in the group stage of the FIA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, clinching a spot in the round of 16. Maggie DiMaria scored four goals to bring her total to 10 across just two games. The U.S. will play its final group game on Sunday against China PR, which also won both of its games against Kenya and Samoa to secure a spot in the knockout stage. The winner of this group will get to avoid a match with Spain in the round of 16, so there’s still plenty to play for before the next round gets underway.

Free Kicks

  • The first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal between the United States Men’s National Team and Haiti has been moved from Kingston to Miami. Haiti has had to play games outside of the country due to unrest and submitted a request to Concacaf to play in the country of its opponent.
  • American center back Naomi Girma is now dealing with a calf injury that may sideline her for a few weeks according to Chelsea Head Coach Sonia Bompastor. She missed out on the team’s recent friendlies against Spain and may be absent for the Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal against El Salvador next month too.
  • The United States Women’s Cerebral Palsy National Team beat Ireland 15-0 to advance to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup final, which takes place today against Australia. Annie Wickett scored five goals with four other players scoring braces.
  • The San Diego Wave signed defender Mimi Van Zanten to a contract extension through the 2029 season. She’s made 27 appearances for San Diego during her rookie season, helping the club keep pace in the NWSL Shield race.
  • After being stretchered off the field due to a head injury in the U.S. Open Cup final, St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Burki is alert and in good spirits, according to the club.

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/22/26

Martin Ojeda wins MLS Goal of the Matchday, MLS award contenders, sights and sounds from the Orlando Pride’s win, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

October 22, 2026

By

Image of Maxime Crepeau taking a goal kick against Atlanta.
Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? The temperatures have gotten just cool enough here in Florida as of late for me to feel like it’s truly autumn. While it would be nice if our leaves changed colors to really sell the fall feeling, a pumpkin candle and apple cider have definitely helped. Let’s get to the links!

Martin Ojeda Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday

Orlando City Designated Player Martin Ojeda predictably won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his fantastic finish in the team’s 4-1 win over D.C. United, garnering 71.7% of the vote. Ojeda’s acrobatic backheel capped off a smooth series of passes by the Lions and it will likely be in the running for MLS Goal of the Year as well. It was Ojeda’s 15th goal of the season and he has scored in five of Orlando’s past six games.

MLS Year-End Award Voting Begins

The voting for this year’s MLS Year-End Awards has opened and the finalists for each award will be announced on Nov. 12. Former MLS star Bradley Wright-Phillips weighed in on who he thinks the contenders for each award are and there were a few Lions mentioned. Antoine Griezmann is in the running for Newcomer of the Year alongside Houston Dynamo attacker Guilherme, who has 16 goals and 10 assists this season. Maxime Crepeau may make the list of finalists for Goalkeeper of the Year for his incredible run of form since the World Cup, but it’s hard to see him winning it given just how many goals the Lions have conceded compared to other teams. Justin Ellis was also an honorable mention for the Young Player of the Year award for his breakout season.

Sights and Sounds From the Orlando Pride’s Victory

The Orlando Pride released a video showing the sights and sounds from their 2-1 win on the road against the Houston Dash. The video includes huddle talks from Marta and interim head coach Yolanda Thomas, as well as the goals by Luana and Solai Washington. It’s been a difficult year for the Pride and it’s nice to see some highlights as they aim to close out the season strongly after being eliminated from playoff contention.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The third round of matches in the UEFA Champions League’s league phase wrapped up and we’re getting a better sense of where the teams stand. Bayern Munich and Arsenal played to a 2-2 draw in Germany, with Declan Rice scoring a late equalizer for Arsenal. Elsewhere across Europe, Manchester United was beaten 4-1 by Como, Inter scored while down a man to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0, and Austrian club LASK won its first Champions League game by upsetting Sporting CP 3-2. Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Real Betis all won to remain perfect in the tournament as well.

Free Kicks

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/21/26

Justin Ellis recognized, the Orlando Youth Soccer Network expands, the USMNT adds a friendly, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

October 21, 2026

By

Image of Justin Ellis dribbling the ball trying to beat a Philadelphia Union defender.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. The weather is getting a bit nicer. I’m actually able to have the windows open at night, which is delightful. However, the temperatures are rising a bit this week, which I find sad. I know we live in Florida, but gosh darn it, we’re only 10 days from Halloween. I should be wearing sweaters rather than shorts. I appreciate you allowing me to rant, now let’s get to the links.

Justin Ellis Named No. 5 of MLS 22 Under 22

Justin Ellis was rightly named to Major League Soccer’s 2026 22 Under 22 list. The Orlando City striker came in at No. 5 on the list. It’s not surprising, given the year he’s had. He’s busted into the starting lineup for Orlando City, and he has 16 goal contributions so far. He also received his first call-up to the USMNT, scoring a goal in his first match and two goals in the four-game window. He’s joined on the list by fellow USMNT teammates Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall. This is his second accolade in the last week as he was also named 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year.

New Orlando Soccer School Announced

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are expanding the Orlando Youth Soccer Network with the addition of the Orlando Soccer School – Winter Haven. The organization is formerly known as the Winter Haven Soccer Club. The school will provide programming for boys and girls ages 3-19. This is an example of the top-to-bottom pipeline the organization is building to develop players for both the men’s and women’s clubs.

Orlando City B Season in Review

Like the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B did not make the post season in 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t a success in other ways. Orlando City B is a developmental squad, and the reserve side did its job in developing prospects this season. Some OCB players made it into the first team, there were a record number of academy debuts, and the team saw several international call-ups. Given how inconsistent the squad was because of all the shuffling around, it’s not surprising the team struggled on the pitch at times. Hopefully, all the younger players getting time will set the team up for success next season.

USMNT to Face Jamaica in December

The USMNT added a friendly against Jamaica on December 13 in Miami. The match takes place outside of the international window, so we can expect Mauricio Pochettino to call up MLS players whose clubs have been eliminated from the playoffs. There’s also a possibility for some European-based players, but clubs are not required to release them. Prior to that, the team will be in action in against Haiti in the two quarterfinal legs of the Concacaf Nations League.

Free Kicks

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

Continue Reading

Trending