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Lion Links: 8/2/18

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What’s going on, Mane Landers? I hope you all are enjoying your Thursday as the month of August is still just beginning. We’ve got plenty of news today as the Lions continue to prepare for the New England Revolution this Saturday. Let’s get straight into the links for today.

Orlando City to Host 2019 MLS All-Star Game

ProSoccerUSA reported yesterday — on the eve of the 2018 MLS All-Star Game — that Orlando City will host the 2019 MLS All-Star Game. If true, the event will bring attention from media, players, and fans for five days next summer, with different events going on leading up to the All-Star Game itself. Orlando City Stadium has already hosted significant events such as the SheBelieves Cup, the NWSL final, and a USMNT World Cup qualifier. Once again, all eyes will be on central Florida in 2019 for the mid-season event. MLS has yet to announce the news officially, so the opponent and date haven’t been set.

Juventus Wins Penalty Shootout After 1-1 MLS All-Star Game

The MLS All-Star Game was a low-scoring affair as Juventus and the MLS All-Stars were tied at one apiece through 90 minutes. Juventus won on penalties, 5-3 as the Italian superpower did not miss a penalty. Orlando City’s lone All-Star, Yoshimar Yotún, subbed on in the 63rd minute for Alphonso Davies and made an impact. Playing left back, he made a tackle to break up a Juventus attack and ran 70 yards before finding Diego Valeri in the box. The Portland star’s shot was blocked, but it was an excellent play. Yoshi nearly scored on a free kick in the 90th minute, hitting it foot or two too high. Yotún did pick up one of the three penalty shootout goals for the All-Stars as he represented the Lions well.

Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez won the match’s MVP award as he picked up the lone goal in regulation for the All-Stars.

Cam Lindley Earns Recognition After Homegrown Game

Cam Lindley got his chance to showcase his skills at the MLS Homegrown Game on Tuesday night and people noticed. Lindley hasn’t appeared in an MLS match for Orlando City since the March 31 victory over New York Red Bulls, so getting the call-up to the MLS Homegrown Game was an important chance for him to get a run out. Atlanta United’s academy director and coach of the match, Tony Annan, had this to say about Lindley’s performance.

“Cam was brilliant. I thought he was very good,” Annan said. “I thought his decision-making was excellent. He’s technically good. He was in the right place, he takes up great starting positions. He played as an 8 in the first half and was very effective and then we dropped him in as a 6… equally as effective. I mean, the kid’s a good soccer player. He’s an intelligent soccer player, which is what we want. We want players that are intelligent and can make decisions and really take over a game. I thought he controlled the tempo of the midfield in both positions he was in.”

As the 21-year-old midfielder continues to develop, it will hopefully lead to more playing time with Orlando City in the future.

Daniel Byrd Eager to Help Orlando City Succeed

Orlando City Assistant Coach Daniel Byrd has plenty of experience with James O’Connor. Byrd and O’Connor go back to when Byrd was an Orlando City youth coach while O’Connor was a player. When O’Connor headed to Louisville City FC in 2014, Byrd followed to be his assistant coach. Byrd was the subject of a nice write-up by Jordan Culver, and said he’s enjoying being back in the Sunshine State.

“When I come down to Orlando, I’m very happy. I like the energy here, I love the sunshine. I love the state. I love the water, the beach,” he said. “I’m into fishing and diving. I have friends down here that are very connected to the land. I’ve got some friends that do some farming down here. I love this area.”

As Orlando City tries to make its final push of the season, Byrd and O’Connor have some work to do to try and get the club that first crack at the postseason.

USWNT Faces Brazil to Cap Off Tournament of Nations

The USWNT will finish up the Tournament of Nations tonight against Brazil. After a 4-2 victory over Japan and a 1-1 draw against Australia, the U.S. will look to cap off the tournament on a high note ahead of World Cup qualifying. The U.S. has a chance to clinch the title and dethrone the Matildas, who won last year. As of now, the U.S. holds the tiebreaker with goals scored as both nations are tied on points and goal difference. Following the ToN, the U.S. will have two friendlies against Chile and enter World Cup qualifying shortly after. Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan, Marta, and Monica will likely feature in the match.

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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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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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