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Lion Links: 8/31/18

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8 years ago

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What’s up, Mane Landers? It’s hard to believe that August is coming to a close as this year continues to fly by. We have a soccer filled Labor Day weekend ahead of us with the United States Women’s National Team taking on Chile late tonight at 11 p.m. ET and Orlando City taking the field tomorrow against the surging Philadelphia Union at 7:30 p.m. ET. Now, let’s get to the links of everything you may have missed in the world of soccer yesterday.

Orlando City Aims to Thank Fans Through Results

Despite results on the pitch, Orlando City Head Coach James O’Connor remains confident that his team’s morale is high. With captain Jonathan Spector returning from injury and the recently acquired Carlos Ascues joining the team, there are some silver linings for an Orlando side that has only won once since O’Connor took over the team in July. But one of the driving forces for the Lions has been trying to repay fans for supporting them through thick and thin.

“We’ve consistently had tremendous support throughout my time here and even before then,” O’Connor said. “It definitely motivates you and makes you want to work even harder to bring some success to the supporters because you see how much they give and that’s something I’m absolutely determined to do, is to make sure we get the level of success that they deserve.”

Yoshimar Yotún’s Soccer Journey

Arguably Orlando’s best player, midfielder Yoshi Yotún has played all over the world in some of the most prestigious events that the game has to offer. From trying out at a youth academy in Peru as an 8-year-old to playing in the FIFA World Cup this past summer, Yotún has had a long journey spanning different continents before landing here in Orlando. With experience in the UEFA Champions League with Swedish side Malmo FF and securing qualification in the hyper competitive CONMEBOL, Yotún has done more at age 29 than some players do in their entire career.

Spector Vexed by Injuries and Lack of Consistency

Despite a performance in Orlando’s 2-1 loss to Atlanta United a week ago that earned him the lowest grade of all defenders in our player grades, Spector’s return to the field was a positive sign. In his first full game since June 30, Spector played all 90 minutes and was able to shake off some of the rust that accumulated from playing in only nine of the Lions’ 25 games. Besides dealing with concussions and a nagging hamstring injury, Spector has been frustrated on the sidelines from being unable to establish stability in a rotating back line that desperately needs a pillar.

“I think, as a player, the worst part of being a professional athlete is injuries and not being able to do what you love,” Spector said. “For me, that’s been really frustrating, not being able to help the time when I potentially could have in some difficult moments.”

USWNT Convenes for Chilean Friendlies

With the 2018 Concacaf Women’s Championship right around the corner in October, the USWNT has a month before it needs to qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Between now and then, the team will be in California for two friendlies against a Chilean squad it has never faced before. Familiar faces return to the team at a crucial time, with the likes of Rose Lavelle, Tobin Heath, and Kelley O’Hara all together as the team works to become a cohesive unit. While Orlando fans will certainly be watching how Orlando Pride players Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris fit into Head Coach Jill Ellis’ plans, some attention in these upcoming friendlies will be on getting a glimpse of the promising future of the team.

UEFA Champions League Draw Revealed

This year’s UEFA Championship League draw is over, with the 32 best teams in Europe set to play in what promises to be a great group stage. Barcelona, Tottenham, PSG, and Liverpool all have their work cut out for them with tough groups, while teams like Manchester City and Bayern Munich will have little trouble reaching the knockout legs. As for you Christian Pulisic fans out there, he and Borussia Dortmund were drawn into a group with Atletico Madrid, Monaco, and Club Brugge of Belgium.

Free Kicks

  • Luka Modric has been named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year after a great performance in the FIFA World Cup that saw him bring home the Golden Ball from the tournament. Also, Pernille Harder won UEFA Women’s Player of the Year. In a collective 34 games in her domestic league with Wolfsburg, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and 2019 FIFA World Cup qualifying, the Danish forward had an incredible 30 goals. Congratulations to Luka and Pernille!
  • The Lions have a tough opponent tomorrow as the Union come to town. Philadelphia has been soaring lately, in large part due to forward C.J. Sapong getting shifted out wide. Hopefully Orlando’s fullbacks can keep him in check.
  • Sporting Kansas City forward Diego Rubio will miss the game with Orlando City next week after being called up by the Chilean National Team. Fellow forwards Daniel Salloi and Johnny Russel were also called up to their international teams and miss the match. Those three are SKC’s leading goal scorers with 22 of the team’s 47 goals this season. The Lions will be without Yotún, Mohamed El-Munir, and Amro Tarek.
  • While in California for the friendlies, Alex Morgan and Kelly O’Hara visited the StubHub Center garden to pick carrots and chase some chickens.

  • As the USWNT gears up for its first of two friendlies with Chile tonight, here are a few things you may not have known about the South American squad.
  • Former Lion Cyle Larin was called up to the Canadian National Team for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League qualifiers. He will be returning to Florida ahead of Canada’s first match on Sept. 9 against the U.S. Virgin Islands in Bradenton.
  • As for the UEFA Nations League, here is a great guide to how the new competition will spice up European soccer.
  • USMNT defender Geoff Cameron nears a move to join Queens Park Rangers.
  • We end our links with this story involving the new sport of Quidditch at the University of Central Florida. I only mention it because apparently, the UCF team took on a few Orlando Pride players in a game. Unfortunately, there is no footage of them in action, but if you pause the video below around the two-minute mark you should see the Pride’s Dani Weatherholt, Kristen Edmonds, Haley Kopmeyer, and Christine Nairn with the team. Plus it’s a cool video about the sport that I thought was silly but is kind of interesting.

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Make sure to check back in with us for more Orlando City and Orlando Pride coverage. Have a great Friday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/3/26

All of Orlando’s soccer teams lose, latest MLS transfer roundup, FIFA abandons plans to sell stakes in World Cup, and more.

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4 hours ago

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August 3, 2026

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Image of Tyrese Spicer dribbling the ball.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I can’t believe it’s August already, and I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work and catching up on Ted Lasso before the new season drops on Apple TV later this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Poor Start Dooms Lions in Loss at New York Red Bulls

Orlando City fell 3-2 to the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday. Mijahir Jimenez scored the opener for New York in the first half. The Red Bulls added another goal to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Tyrese Spicer pulled one back for Orlando, but Jimenez responded with his second goal of the match. Griffin Dorsey pulled the Lions back within one, however, New York held on for the win, and Orlando has not beaten the Red Bulls in its last seven matches. Orlando City’s next match will be its Leagues Cup opener Wednesday against Liga MX side Monterey at home.

Pride Suffer Heavy Defeat at North Carolina Courage

The Orlando Pride were blown away 5-0 by the North Carolina Courage on the road at First Horizon Stadium on Friday. Evelyn Ijeh recorded a hat trick, and Lauryn Thompson and Ashley Sanchez each added a goal apiece as the Courage dominated the Pride. Orlando’s offensive struggles continue as the club has lost three of its last four matches. The Pride will be home for their next match Friday to face Racing Louisville FC.

OCB Falls at Connecticut United

Orlando City B fell 4-2 to Connecticut United FC on the road at Reese Stadium in New Haven, CT, on Saturday. Landon Okonski scored the opener in the first half for the Young Lions. However, Connecticut scored two goals to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. In the second half, Connecticut scored twice again to take a 4-1 lead. Matthew Belgodere added a goal for the Young Lions in stoppage time, but Connecticut sealed its fifth consecutive victory. OCB has lost back-to-back matches and will have to wait until next week, on Aug. 11, to face New York City FC II on the road.

Latest MLS Transfer Roundup

Atlanta United has loaned forward Emmanuel Latte Lath to Union Berlin of the Bundesliga ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The loan deal is for one year and includes a purchase option. Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew are reportedly set to transfer wingback Max Arfsten to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough for a $7.5 million transfer fee. Hull City of the English Premier League has reportedly reached an agreement with the Colorado Rapids to sign defender Lucas Herrington.

FIFA Abandons Plans to Sell Stakes in World Cup

On Friday, FIFA announced it will not proceed with plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private equity investors after facing significant backlash. FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal had received strong opposition from the UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC confederations. If the plan was to move forward, UEFA stated that all 55 of its members would boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups. According to reports, UEFA and Concacaf have questioned Infantino’s future leadership in FIFA, raising the possibility that he may face a challenger in the 2027 elections, while other associations such as Wales have reportedly withdrawn support for his re-election.

Meanwhile, UEFA has reportedly threatened legal action against FIFA over its recent proposal to sell off the World Cup.

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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: 7/31/26

Yutaro Tsukada loaned to Rhode Island FC, Orlando Pride play the North Carolina Courage tonight, NWSL ends deal with Victory+, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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July 31, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s the final day of July, and I’m hoping that the Orlando Pride can close out the month on a positive note tonight. We also have both Orlando City and Orlando City B to look forward to Saturday night. Let’s jump right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Yutaro Tsukada Loaned to Rhode Island FC

Orlando City loaned forward Yutaro Tsukada to Rhode Island FC in the USL Championship for the remainder of the 2026 season. Selected by Orlando in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Tsukada signed a first-team contract that August after impressing with Orlando City B. Unfortunately, he missed all of last season due to a knee injury and has only made two appearances for the Lions this season. Hopefully, he can make the most of his playing time in Rhode Island.

Orlando Pride Visit North Carolina Courage Tonight

The Orlando Pride are on the road tonight for a game against the North Carolina Courage. Road wins have been hard to come by for Orlando this season, as the Pride have only won two games away from the City Beautiful this year. While the Pride have struggled when visiting WakeMed Soccer Park over the years, they did manage to draw 1-1 against the Courage there last year. Orlando generated plenty of opportunities in its 1-0 win over the Chicago Stars, and midfielder Haley McCutcheon spoke on how that’s a positive sign heading into this match.

“I think we can either look at our chances and not converting them as a frustration point, or we can look at it as confidence that we’re creating these chances,” she said. “We’ve taken it into this week as: okay, we’re creating, and now we just need that final piece. Especially without Barbra here, it gives other players an opportunity to step up and be the finisher.”

NWSL Terminates Agreement With Victory+

Starting on Sunday, all NWSL games that were scheduled to stream on Victory+ will instead be streamed for free on NWSL+ after the league terminated its media rights agreement with the broadcast partner. The multi-year agreement lasted less than a year and the termination is reportedly due in part to unfulfilled payments to the NWSL. You can check out games on NWSL+ through the league’s website or its app.

UEFA Agrees to Boycott FIFA Events

In response to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s scheme to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors, UEFA’s 55 member nations convened and agreed to boycott all FIFA competitions. Concacaf also released a statement rejecting Infantino’s proposal, expressing concern over the lack of due process and more. We’ll see where the dominoes fall from here, with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup set to take place in Poland starting on Sept. 5. While it’s tough seeing women’s soccer events at risk in this game of chicken, it’s nice to see that the confederations aren’t just shaking their heads while going along with the plans.

Free Kicks

  • Barbra Banda and Zambia will face off against Nigeria in Casablanca on Saturday in a critical Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match.
  • The Philadelphia Union transferred South African defender Olwethu Makhanya to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership for a reported $4.5 million fee. The 22-year-old has been with the Union for three years and was part of South Africa’s World Cup roster.
  • FC Cincinnati midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela was suspended for an additional game and fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for his violent conduct against the Columbus Crew on July 25. As a result, he’ll miss out on the match against Orlando City on Aug. 15.
  • Talks are reportedly taking place for American attacker Giovanni Reyna to move from Borussia Monchengladbach to Strasbourg in France.

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: 7/30/26

Orlando City prepares for New York trip, Orlando Pride face the Courage on Friday, Pride support the community, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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July 30, 2026

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Image of Zara Chavoshi playing for the Orlando Pride.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? All three of Orlando’s soccer teams are on the road this weekend, so be sure to plan accordingly to enjoy all of the action. Whether it’s in your comfiest armchair or at your favorite bar, it should be a nice time to watch some soccer and relax. Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you have a go-to food plan for watching the games. I usually take the easy road and grab a pizza on the way home, but I am looking to switch it up. Let’s get to the links!

Crepeau Stays Hot at MLS All-Star Game

Maxime Crepeau’s strong restart to league play continues. The Canadian international played 30 minutes with the MLS All-Star Team to close out the 2026 MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte on Wednesday. The defense in front of Orlando City’s starting goalkeeper was porous, as Crepeau finished with six saves (equaling the total saves by Matt Freese and Brian Schwake combined) and allowed one goal. MLS beat Liga MX 4-3. After shutting out San Jose and Nashville and then winning the Goalie Wars championship at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on Tuesday, he turned in a great All-Star Game performance capping an outstanding eight days for Crepeau.

Here are two of his saves:

Orlando City Rides Momentum to Road Match

The Lions are flying high after a pair of great wins last week, shutting out both the San Jose Earthquakes and Nashville SC. Orlando’s next match will be on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls in a rematch of the season opener, which New York won 2-1. Plenty has changed since then, with the most notable difference being the addition of Antoine Griezmann to Orlando’s lineup. Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman provided some insight on the team’s preparations for this match before the Leagues Cup begins next week.

Orlando Pride Get Ready for North Carolina

Following a 1-0 win at home, the Orlando Pride will aim to carry some momentum on the road for a match against the North Carolina Courage on Friday. They’ll face a North Carolina side that has lost its past three matches, scoring just once and conceding nine goals during that stretch. Hopefully, the Pride can also find the back of the net against the Courage while Barbra Banda is away on international duty. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team will need to capitalize on its opportunities in a tough environment on the road.

Orlando Pride Support Local Community

The Orlando Pride and Heart of Florida United Way announced that $7,000 was donated to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free support to those dealing with mental health challenges, emotional distress, and more. This was done as part of the club’s Assists for Good campaign that began this year, with the club donating $500 toward good causes in the community for each assist the Pride record this season. For the remainder of the season, Pride assists will result in donations to The Thanksgiving Project as well.

Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi is also making a difference in the local community. She was nominated for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award this year and detailed the work she does for Habitat for Humanity to build homes. I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity a few times and it was incredibly enriching work that I recommend at least looking into.

U.S. and Mauricio Pochettino Reportedly Near New Deal

An agreement is reportedly close to being reached between U.S. Soccer and Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino for him to stay on through the 2030 World Cup. While the U.S. won its first World Cup knockout game since 2002 this summer, the Yanks failed to make it past the round of 16 after a 4-1 loss to Belgium. Failing to win the 2025 Concacaf Nations League or 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup were other low points for the team under Pochettino, but a strong World Cup group stage performance and friendly wins over Japan, Uruguay, and Senegal showed some of the heights the U.S. could reach with him at the helm.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City B players Clovis Archange and Dylan Judelson both started and played the full 90 minutes in Canada’s match against Honduras at the Concacaf U-20 Championship. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Canada atop their group on four points through two of the three group-stage match days.
  • The Portland Timbers signed Dutch forward Vincent Janssen to a contract through the 2027-2028 season. The 32-year-old has spent the past four seasons with Royal Antwerp, recording 64 goals and 27 assists across all competitions with the Belgian club.
  • Liverpool is reportedly preparing a bid for French forward Bradley Bracola, who had 13 goals and seven assists with Paris Saint-Germain this past season.
  • Victor Gabriel was the player involved in the challenge that resulted in Gabriel Pec’s broken leg in Brazil’s Serie A and the defender has been suspended from playing until Pec returns to training. It’s an unorthodox punishment, but I think it’s fitting.
  • Roberto Mancini was once again hired as Italy’s head coach, even though he left the team to coach Saudi Arabia in 2023 the last time he was in charge. Surely retreading old ground is the right choice for a federation that hasn’t played a World Cup game in over a decade.
  • FIFA lodged three disciplinary charges of assault against Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, two against defender Nahuel Molina, and one against coach Roberto Ayala for their actions in the skirmish following the World Cup final.

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

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