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Lion Links: 8/10/18

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7 years ago

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What’s up, Mane Landers? It’s Friday, so congratulations on making it to the best day of the work week. We’re another day closer to a weekend of soccer with the Orlando Pride playing tomorrow night here in the City Beautiful and Orlando City traveling to the nation’s capital to take on D.C. United on Sunday night. But until we can cheer them on, we have to get through one more day and what better way to start that day than with some links?

Orlando City Head Coach Teases Possible Additions

The Major League Soccer secondary transfer window ended quietly for Orlando City fans. The signing of center back Shane O’Neill and the trade that sent Justin Meram back to Columbus were the only moves made. However, Head Coach James O’Connor has made comments hinting that some new players may be joining the Lions as they try to make a push for the playoffs.

“We’ll just have to see. The window is shut, but it’s still open in regards to players that are free, …[Wednesday] Niki worked really hard on a couple of things. I think there was one that didn’t come through. There’s still a couple of things that we’re looking at. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

It’s far from certain that acquisitions are on the way, but O’Connor also stated that the front office worked hard and late to explore all options to help the team’s glaring needs at the striker position and in the back line. We will have to wait to see if those efforts bear fruit before the rosters freeze on Sept. 14.

O’Connor Impressed With Offensive Performances

It’s no secret that Orlando City has given up the most goals in MLS, but it’s what the team is doing on the other end of the pitch that has O’Connor smiling. For only the second time in the club’s MLS history, the Lions have scored at least three goals in back-to-back games, although one of those goals was an own goal. The increase in offensive production has been encouraging, but O’Connor is ready to turn good performances into points.

Orlando Pride Enter Playoff Mode With Big Matches Looming

Currently in third place in the National Women’s Soccer League, the Pride only have four games left in the regular season to hold on to their playoff spot. With the stakes high and the playoff race tighter than any season before, the Pride are looking at every game as if a win was necessary. Tomorrow night, the Pride will welcome the fourth-place Portland Thorns to Orlando City Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET in perhaps the biggest game of the year for both teams with only one point separating them. The winner of that match will likely get some breathing room, while the loser will have to scramble to stay in the playoff picture with the Chicago Red Stars and Utah Royals FC not far behind.

“We’re definitely fighting each game and we know we need to come out on top with a win,” defender Alanna Kennedy said. “Every game is do or die for us at the moment. They are all must-win games.”

Sydney Leroux Out for Tomorrow Night

The Pride will have to find a way to defeat the Thorns without the help from veteran striker Sydney Leroux as she continues to deal with an undisclosed illness that has sidelined her since July 31. The team’s leading scorer with six goals this season, Leroux will be missed in the Pride’s attack, but the offense will not be too lacking in options with superstars like Marta and Alex Morgan and a great supporting cast with players like Chioma Ubogagu and Rachel Hill. Leroux is anticipated to return next week when the Pride travel to face the North Carolina Courage on Aug. 18. Get well soon, Syd!

Orlando City Hires New Director of Fitness

Isaac Ramos was hired as OCSC’s new First Team Director of Fitness to help the Lions stay healthy as they fight to make the playoffs. The former Venezuelan player has worked extensively in South America, serving on the staff of some of the best teams in Venezuela, Paraguay, and Bolivia. His addition should help stymie the fitness issues that have plagued the Lions in the past, although obviously not all of Orlando’s injury woes could have been prevented by a better fitness plan. This addition also comes with the club parting ways with Dave McKay, who has been with the team since 2015.

Kaká Returns to AC Milan

One of the four faces on Orlando City’s metaphorical Mount Rushmore, Brazilian legend and former Lion Kaká will be returning to the club where he won his Ballon d’Or. Not yet a year since retiring from Orlando and his playing career, Kaká will head to AC Milan next month to become a director. Although the specifics of his role are unclear at this time, Kaká will learn the ropes of the position from fellow AC Milan alumni Leonardo and Paolo Maldini.

Free Kicks

  • After a loss to Japan earlier this week in the U-20 Women’s World Cup, the U.S. responded with an incredible 6-0 win over Paraguay in the second of three group matches. Midfielder Savannah DeMelo scored a hat trick, phenom Sophia Smith netted a brace and an assist, and forward Ashley Sanchez added a goal of her own. Smith, who is celebrating her 18th birthday today, stole the show with a great strike and fancy footwork.
  • Pride forward Chioma Ubogagu was featured in the NWSL’s three moments from the past week of play for her nutmeg to find space and whip a ball in the box.
  • Columbus Crew Head Coach Gregg Berhalter believes that Justin Meram will have a smooth transition back into the Crew’s offense.
  • Seattle Sounders forward Will Bruin won MLS Goal of the Week for his stoppage-time winner against Minnesota United. Coming off the bench, Bruin was able to get on the end of a beautiful headed pass into space by Raul Ruidiaz to chip the ball over a rushing Bobby Shuttleworth to find the back of the net.
  • The Chicago Fire waived both defender Kevin Ellis and midfielder Tony Tchani. Orlando fans may remember Ellis from his five appearances while on loan with the Lions in the USL.

That’s all from me folks! I wish you a great Friday and an even greater weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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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.

Published

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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: 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

By

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.

Free Kicks

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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