Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/10/18

Published

8 years ago

on

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!

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/21/26

Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, MLS playoff changes reportedly coming, Hall of Fame finalists unveiled, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

August 21, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a rough month for all three of Orlando’s soccer teams, but hopefully they can turn things around this weekend. Things haven’t been great, but surely that just means things can only go up from here, right? Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are on the road this weekend for a match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. It’s been a cruel summer for the Pride, as they’ve lost four of their past five games and are currently 13th in the league standings. Despite being on a three-game winless streak, the Spirit are second in the standings and will be a tough opponent for the Pride to face on the road. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on where the team needs to improve in order to get a result away from home against one of the league’s top teams.

Changes Reportedly Coming to MLS Playoff Format

For the umpteenth time, MLS is reportedly planning on overhauling its playoff format. The changes would go into effect when the league changes its calendar and they include allowing 20 teams to qualify for the playoffs, with the overall league standings being used to determine those top 20 teams. After a play-in round, the remaining 16 teams will play in a double elimination format that also features reseeding between rounds. If these changes do come to pass, hopefully the league decides to stick with it rather than constantly fiddling it with it.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The finalists for the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2027 were announced, with nine candidates making the list in their first year of eligibility. Former Orlando Pride player Ali Krieger is one of those nine, along with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. Central Florida native Graham Zusi was also named as a finalist. The two players who receive the most votes and are on at least half the ballots will make the Hall of Fame, with a third player able to make it if they’re on 75% of ballots.

Storylines Ahead of English Premier League Season

The English Premier League season begins today with Arsenal starting its title defense at home against Coventry City. Arsenal has a talented team once again, but it will be interesting to see how much of a challenge Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City can pose with new managers at the helm. Managers seem to be a focal point this season, as other storylines include whether or not Michael Carrick and Unai Emery can keep succeeding at Manchester United and Aston Villa, respectively. I’m just hoping we have an exciting title race by the time spring rolls around.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann tied with Robert Lewandowski for the second-highest rating of all MLS players in EA Sports FC 27.

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: 8/20/26

Orlando City defeated at home, Simone Jackson loaned to FC Rosengard, U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup roster unveiled, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

August 20, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

I think we can confidently say Orlando City’s Wednesday night excellence has come to an end after last night’s loss. I’m not going to claim the new kits are cursed after just two games, but I’ve bought some sage just in case. Before we get to that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Orlando City Falls at Home

The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire and got burned in a 2-1 loss that included a lengthy weather delay that paused things right before halftime. The Fire struck first with an early goal, but Orlando leveled things after the lightning storm passed. However, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty kick from a needless foul in the box for the winner, with the Lions failing to claw their way back a second time. It’s a disappointing result at home and Orlando will need to figure things out before hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Simone Jackson Heads to Sweden on Loan

The Orlando Pride loaned forward Simone Jackson to FC Rosengard in Sweden through June of 2027. Jackson was signed by the Pride in 2025 after four years playing collegiately at the University of Southern California and she has since made 20 appearances for the club. Hopefully this move gives her some more minutes to develop her game abroad so that she can make an impact with the Pride when she returns next summer.

U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster Announced

United States U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Vicky Jepson called up 21 players for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, including eight from NWSL clubs. Goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Nyanya Touray, and forward Emeri Adames are a few of the U.S. players to keep an eye out for this tournament.

The team will be without notable eligible players like Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg though, as youth tournaments take place outside of official FIFA windows when teams are required to release players. United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes also spoke on the importance of tournaments like this one to develop talent while uncertainty looms over the event due to UEFA’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The U.S. is set to start its campaign on Sept. 6 against Italy.

Americans to Watch in the English Premier League

The English Premier League season kicks off this weekend and there are a number of Americans to root for across the league. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are all still in the league but have new managers at the helm of their respective teams. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United avoided relegation last season and will look to build on that, while Haji Wright and Coventry City will fight to stay after earning promotion last season. Unfortunately, Wright will miss multiple weeks at the start of the season due to a quad injury.

Free Kicks

  • Alhassan Yusuf scored a hat trick in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over D.C. United, with Jack Harrison recording three assists.
  • Americans Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both played every minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of its matchup against the Austrian club in UEFA Champions League qualifying
  • Bay FC announced that the club and midfielder Tess Boade mutually agreed to terminate her contract, which was set to end after this season. Boade had been with the club since being selected in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft and was the captain last season.
  • Aston Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a reported $40 million transfer fee. Suzuki played for Japan at the recent World Cup and it will be interesting to see what this move means for Emiliano Martinez’s future at the club.
  • Brighton is covering the cost of tickets for its fans who will be making the trip to the Arctic Circle for its UEFA Conference League playoff match against Tromso in Norway.

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/19/26

Orlando City match day, Colin Guske reportedly being loaned to RSL, Banda is an MVP candidate, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

August 19, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City plays in a midweek match that thankfully isn’t a Leagues Cup match. There are those who will say they’re sad the Lions are out of Don Garber’s cash grab competition, but I’m not one of them. The U.S. Open Cup and the MLS regular season provide plenty of fixtures for now. The schedule congestion is real, as we can see this week. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Match Day

Orlando City hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire tonight in an Eastern Conference clash. Defending against Lewandowski and Philip Zinckernagel will be a tough task for the Lions’ defense. Orlando City will need its offense to keep pace with the Fire if the Lions are going to take any points from the match. It will be interesting to see both Antoine Griezmann and Lewandowski on the pitch at the same time. Here is your official match guide from the club. Our match preview will drop later this morning at 11 a.m. You can also listen to our thoughts on the match on The Mane Land PawedCast.

Go West, Young Guske

It appears that Orlando City is loaning midfielder/defender Colin Guske to Real Salt Lake, according to Tom Bogert. This is not entirely surprising given how crowded Orlando City’s defensive midfield is with Joran Gerbet and Wilder Cartagena healthy and Luis Otavio rounding into form, not to mention Eduard Atuesta and Braian Ojeda once they return. It’s a good opportunity for Guske to get some minutes, given he’s a bit down on the depth chart with the senior team — far enough down to see more minutes recently at center back with the first team than in the midfield.

MVP Candidate Banda

Despite being away for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and not scoring in her first game back, Barbra Banda maintains her slim lead in the Golden Boot competition and is still a League MVP candidate. If she hopes to win either of those accolades, she will need to resume scoring. The upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to extend that lead.

U.S. National Team News

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia Union and will occupy a Designated Player spot. Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo has been signed by Premier League club Crystal Palace. Of course, there are other USMNT players already playing in Europe, and some are making a quick return to form following the World Cup. USWNT players are also experiencing ups and downs in the NWSL.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is headed to CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda División in Spain.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending