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Lion Links: 7/26/18

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What’s going on, Mane Landers? It’s game day against rival New York City FC as the Lions are coming off of a seventh straight road loss in MLS but come back home to Orlando City Stadium. Also, some training updates from yesterday as well as other news around Orlando, MLS, and more. Let’s get right into the links for today.

Justin Meram Training With Eddie Johnson

As the bizarre story builds regarding Justin Meram’s future with the Lions, it was confirmed that he has been training with former USMNT forward Eddie Johnson. Johnson posted this video on Instagram as he was with Meram at Free Kick Orlando.

I’ve always admired @justinmeram as player and what he’s done for @mls and what he’s done at the international level for his country Iraq soccer in a America. From competing against each other during my playing days to now helping each other learn grow and get better in this game is such a humbling feeling working with him today and I don’t take it for granted. Great player but a even greater person. He told me to fatigue him so he can work on his first touch receiving and moving away from pressure so I gave him one of my newest exercises that catered to those needs and you can see he is sharp as hell. Wish this man continued success and blessings and any team that gets his services still only 29 in his prime are blessed with so much futbol left in his tank. His best years are still to come #productofmyenvironment #trainlikeapro #protraining #lovewhatyoudo #dowhatyoulove #positivevibes #positiveliving #hardworkdedication #youareyourenvironment @freekickcenter

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Meram has not been in the game day squad for the last three matches and last played in the 4-1 loss to LAFC. Trade reports have also surfaced over the last week with rumors of Meram moving back to Columbus Crew SC or FC Cincinnati. Meram has had arguably his worst MLS season to date, with only one goal and two assists across 17 MLS matches. Orlando has not commented on Meram missing training.

Orlando City Hosts NYCFC In Mid-Week Duel

After a rough loss to Columbus Crew SC, which involved a questionable penalty and a blown lead, the Lions come home for the first time since July 14 to host their expansion rivals from the north, New York City FC. Orlando City has lost three straight matches against NYCFC, including a 2-0 and 3-0 loss this season. Cyle Larin, oh how we love when he’s brought up, scored all of the Lions’ goals in the series in 2017, so no player other than Larin has scored against NYCFC since 2016, per this nugget from our managing editor.

“The biggest thing for us is making sure we’re prepared. [New York City] are having a fantastic season, very strong team,” Lions head coach James O’Connor said. “We need to reinforce some of the positives we saw in Columbus, try to make sure there’s a good understanding of what we’re trying to do and then there’s a few things we need to be a little bit sharper on. We’ve got a group of guys that are open to growth, and that’s what we’re looking for. We want to make sure that we get good understanding of what we’re trying to achieve, and that we bring the same level of intensity that we did in Columbus.”

The match is huge for both clubs, as the Citizens are trying to keep pace with Eastern Conference leaders Atlanta United, while the Lions are six points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The match begins at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Stay tuned to TML for full coverage.

USWNT Begins Tournament of Nations Against Japan

As the Lions play the Citizens, the USWNT will be playing Japan in Kansas City tonight to kick off the Tournament of Nations. The tournament, which includes the USWNT, Australia, Brazil, and Japan, starts tonight and ends on Aug. 2. The competition will allow the USWNT to get prepared for the Concacaf Women’s Championship later this year. Head Coach Jill Ellis named 23 players for training including Orlando Pride’s Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan. The most recent meeting between the USWNT and Japan came at last year’s Tournament of Nations with the U.S. coming out victorious, 3-0. The match starts at 7 p.m ET on FS1. We’ll have more on this match later, as well.

Phoenix Rising Officials Discuss Expansion with MLS

As expansion teams continue to flood MLS, USL side Phoenix Rising FC requested and held a meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott. The club has been in pursuit of rights to an MLS expansion team. Phoenix had plenty to tell MLS, with one of the major issues pertaining to playable conditions in Arizona during the MLS season, but the league was impressed with the turnout against Seattle Sounders 2 last week. If Phoenix was added to MLS, the club would be the 28th team to be added to the ever-growing league.

Free Kicks

  • MLS has a new version of its app and here is everything you need to know about it.
  • Eloi Amagat signed with NYCFC as a free agent on Wednesday.
  • FC Dallas signed its 23rd Homegrown player in 17-year-old Thomas Roberts.
  • Ashanti will perform the National Anthem at MLS All-Star Game in Atlanta in place of T-Pain.
  • Did Putin give President Trump a soccer ball with a transmitter chip inside?

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/31/25

Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work but will attend the Chicago Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field later this week. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Beats LA Galaxy on the Road

On Saturday, Orlando City fought back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy struck early in the first half to jump on top. In the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick after Eduard Atuesta was taken down in the box, and Martin Ojeda buried the spot kick to tie the match at one. In the 90th minute, Luis Muriel scored the winning goal on a long-range free kick to complete the comeback. Orlando is on a three-match unbeaten streak and beat the LA Galaxy for the third consecutive time. Orlando City’s next match will be on the road Saturday against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

Orlando Pride Defeat San Diego Wave at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium and extended their win streak to three matches to start the season. After a scoreless first half, Haley McCutcheon scored to give Orlando the lead. The Wave equalized before Marta converted a penalty kick goal to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride are off to a great start this season, outscoring their opponents 10-1, and are atop the NWSL standings ahead of the Kansas City Current on goal difference. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will be on the road in their next match against the Seattle Reign on April 12.

NWSL Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s third week of matches is in the books. On Friday, the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC match ended in a scoreless draw. The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, with Ashley Hatch scoring both goals. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Utah Royals 3-0, while the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage match ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, the Chicago Stars fell 1-0 to Racing Louisville and remain winless, while Angel City FC edged the Seattle Reign 2-1 to secure its first win of the season.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Recap

The FA Cup quarterfinals wrapped up with thrilling drama as four clubs booked a spot in the semifinals. Crystal Palace cruised to a 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Nottingham Forest edged Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw to advance. Aston Villa dominated Preston North End as Marcus Rashford scored twice to seal a 3-0 win, while Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1. The FA Cup semifinals are set for April 26 as Crystal Palace faces Aston Villa while Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester City.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City GM Luiz Muzzi provided some insight in an ESPN.com article on player transfers and highlighted the importance of building connections with different clubs to facilitate transfers.
  • Former Lion Benji Michel is going to play for HJK Helsinki.

  • That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/28/25

Orlando Pride prepare for the San Diego Wave, NWSL weekend matches, USMNT roster predictions, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We made it to Friday! Celebrate however you see fit, whether that’s an indulgent breakfast or just your favorite cup of coffee. This week has flown by a bit for me and I’m looking forward to a weekend filled with soccer. I’ll be spending the next few days working, reading a new book or two, and working out the kinks of making a frozen coconut mojito. My blender hates me. Let’s get to today’s links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the San Diego Wave

The Orlando Pride will look to extend their 2025 win streak to three games — and their overall win streak to seven — on Saturday when they host the San Diego Wave at noon. Orlando has looked the part of a defending champion so far, leading the league with eight goals without conceding a single one in two games. The Pride will take on a revamped San Diego team that is unbeaten under Head Coach Jonas Eidevall. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about how Orlando will need to set the tone early on at home against the Wave and keep up the momentum.

NWSL Provides Entertaining Slate of Weekend Matches

While it’s far too early to think about the NWSL Shield race, it never hurts to check out how the Pride’s competitors are doing while enjoying some great soccer. Tonight features a pair of matches at the same time, with the Washington Spirit hosting Bay FC and the Houston Dash playing on the road against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga will have a chance to tie her own record of scoring in eight straight games when her team plays the Utah Royals on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll get to see if the Seattle Reign’s solid start continues against an unbeaten Angel City FC team searching for its first win of the season.

USMNT Roster Predictions for Concacaf Gold Cup

The pressure is on United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino to turn things around after a rough showing in the final four of the Concacaf Nations League. This summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup will be an opportunity for the USMNT to impress in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, and Pro Soccer Wire dove into how the roster could look for the tournament. Injuries to Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun complicate things up top, but we could see Brenden Aaronson or Alex Zendejas could return to the attack. The Gold Cup will likely also determine which goalkeeper between Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Patrick Schulte emerges as the true starter. Players like Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso are other notable names to keep an eye out for leading into the tournament.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Kick Off This Weekend

Only eight teams remain in the FA Cup and the action returns with enticing quarterfinal matchups. Preston North End is the only team outside of the English Premier League still fighting, but Manchester City is the only traditional giant left in the field as well. City will face off against a Bournemouth side that beat it 2-1 back in November, while Preston will have to get past Aston Villa, which has only won two of its last eight games. Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood’s injury adds an obstacle to overcome when the team travels to play Brighton and Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace gets star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta back from injury for its clash with Fulham.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/27/25

Marco Pasalic wins Goal of the Matchday, Orlando Pride members join U.S. U-23 camp, Orlando City B beats Crown Legacy FC, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We’re another day closer to what should be an awesome Saturday, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride in action. All three of Orlando’s soccer teams have been doing well lately, which is not something we can say too often. Hopefully that trend continues this weekend and beyond. Let’s get to today’s links!

Marco Pasalic Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday

An Orlando City player has won MLS Goal of the Matchday for the first time this season, with Marco Pasalic claiming the award for his strike against D.C. United. The goal was a real team effort from the Lions, as all three Designated Players linked up to get the ball up the field in a hurry for a counter. Pasalic did well to create space and then curl the ball into the back of the net from distance. His goal garnered 64.7% of the vote, beating out goals from Daniel Rios, David Martinez, and Deandre Kerr. In his first year as a Lion, the Croatian winger has already recorded four goals and an assist so far.

Pride’s Zara Chavoshi and Yolanda Thomas Join U.S. U-23 Camp

Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi was called up for the first U-23 United States Women’s National Team training camp of the year, which will run alongside the senior team’s camp in California. The 22-year-old, who was signed by the Pride directly out of college after four years at Wake Forest, will develop her game at the camp alongside other promising young defenders like Savy King, Gisele Thompson, and Eva Gaetino. Orlando Pride Assistant Coach Yolanda Thomas will also be in attendance as an assistant coach at the camp, and it’s great to see her get this opportunity.

Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC on the Road

Orlando City B won its first road match of the 2025 season, beating Crown Legacy FC 1-0 to extend its unbeaten run to three games (2-0-1). The Young Lions didn’t make things easy on themselves by not converting some solid opportunities to extend their lead, but they ultimately held on to secure all three points. Orlando is now tied at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with New York City FC II with eight points from three matches. OCB’s next match will be a road game against Chattanooga FC on April 5.

Say Hello to Boston Legacy FC

Boston’s NWSL team has rebranded itself as Boston Legacy FC, which is leagues better than BOS Nation FC. The team initially went with that anagram of Bostonian as its name back in October as part of a brand launch that also included a widely criticized marketing campaign involving the slogan “Too Many Balls.” While I’m not crazy about the name, the team deserves credit for not defaulting to something too generic after whiffing on its first swing. The Boston Legacy will take the field for the first time next year as the NWSL’s 16th team.

Free kicks

  • Pride midfielder Angelina was called up by Brazil for its friendlies against the United States in California on April 5 and April 8.

That’s all I have for you this fine Thursday. I hope you all have a terrific day and rest of your week!

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