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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/24/18

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8 years ago

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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!

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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.

Published

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

on

September 10, 2026

By

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

on

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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