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Lion Links: 10/22/18

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7 years ago

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Miraculous, marvelous, magnificent, merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Holy mackerel, Orlando City won a match! I’m not going to lie, I didn’t think it would happen the rest of this season.

Actually, I do know. I’ll type up the best Lion Links since July. Let’s get to it!

Orlando City Defeats the Crew

It was most certainly the best game that Orlando City has played in quite a while. I don’t know if it was that the Lions played for pride, or for the fans, or if James O’Connor finally finished whatever voodoo spell he has been concocting, but they were able to make some magic on Sunday by defeating the Columbus Crew, 2-1 in stoppage time.

The Crew struck first on an incredible free kick by Federico Higuaín, but Orlando City didn’t take long to get back into it with the first of two penalty kicks. Orlando actually played well throughout the game, except for Chris Mueller when he came in. That is until stoppage time, when he made a move in the box that resulted in a penalty. It would be the overconfident move that won the match. Well, once Sacha Kljestan buried the penalty to win the match that is. Regardless, let’s enjoy the feeling.

Your player grades and Man of the Match will come later today from our bearded guy, so keep an eye out for those to see how your favorite Lions did in the big win. Also, check back later today for the five takeaways of the match as seen by our very own Sean Rollins. With all this great content following a win, you’ll be feeling like Yoshi.

Muevelo is the mood. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/YgH4coj6rI

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 21, 2018

Meram Doesn’t Return

Former Orlando City winger Justin Meram did not come back to haunt the Lions on Sunday as there was apparently a gentleman’s agreement in place that he would not play when Columbus came to Orlando. This is something we discussed on the PawedCast a while back and that many people suspected but now there’s confirmation. Andrew Erickson of the Columbus Dispatch broke the news yesterday and ProSoccerUSA.com’s Jordan Culver confirmed it by talking to Crew Head Coach Gregg Berhalter after yesterday’s match.

“Part of the big picture is when we did this trade, much like an inter-league loan, where there’s language that you can’t play against the team you’re getting loaned from, us and Orlando agreed that when we played Orlando, [Meram] wouldn’t play. It was a gentlemen’s agreement, but we’ll stand by it. I think even though we could have used it today, we stood by the agreement and he didn’t play. He didn’t travel.”

MLS Unified Match

Following the Lions’ win, another team took the field. The MLS Unified squads for Orlando City and the Columbus Crew played a Special Olympics match following Orlando City’s win over the senior team. The youngsters in purple won big, defeating the opposition, 7-1.

#ORLvCLB Unified Special Olympics 👏 pic.twitter.com/B8igK0CcMJ

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 21, 2018

Congratulations to both teams on a well played match. That being said, O’Connor wasn’t done with congratulating the Lions, as he addressed Orlando City’s unified team.

Coach O’Connor congratulating our Unified sqaud after the match! #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/rLwV5UZdBJ

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 21, 2018

MLS Playoff Picture Takes Shape

By virtue of its win over the Columbus Crew, Orlando City will not finish last in MLS this year. Yay? Additionally, the win could have other playoff implications for teams in the Eastern Conference. It’s going to come down to the last weekend. Of course, there were other matches this weekend as well.

D.C. United secured a playoff spot with its 3-1 win over New York City FC. The Pigeons haven’t been great down the stretch, being the reverse image of a surging D.C. The New York Red Bulls stayed in the Supporters Shield hunt with a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union. In the Great White North, the Montreal Impact kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Toronto FC. Still, it was nice playing the potential spoiler on Sunday, wasn’t it?

English Premier League Recap

In case you forgot, there’s other soccer going on around the world, including in what many feel is the best league in the world: the English Premier League. That is of course debatable, but many (including myself) follow one team or another. Just as Yoshi was back with Orlando City, the EPL returned from its International break. Manchester City continued to be the class of the league with a 5-0 win over Burnley. Liverpool kept pace with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield, and Manchester United squeaked out a 3-2 win over Newcastle for Jose Mourinho.

Free Kicks

  • It turns out that many of you are in Orlando and care about the University of Central Florida. As such, you’ll be happy to hear that with the 3-0 win over Houston the women’s team has secured a place in the AAC Championship.
  • However, I’m in Tallahassee and I care about FSU Women’s Soccer. By the by, No. 16 FSU beat No. 4 Virginia in Charlottesville for the first time to help the Seminoles’ case in the ACC.
  • Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi has been banned by FIFA for 130 days so far for accepting $65,000 in bribes. Final judgment is coming for the corrupt official. Excuse me, allegedly corrupt official.
  • If you’re one of those soccer fans that plays the FIFA video games, you’ll be interested to know that someone has come up with five players that can potentially compete with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Hey, it’s worth a shot.
  • Finally, in honor of James O’Connor’s voodoo magic, here’s a selection from Queen, Live at Wembley ‘86.

That’ll do it for today’s links. I hope you wore your purple today, as it’s been way too long since we could do that on a Monday and feel great about it. Go Lions!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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15 minutes ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

Free Kicks

  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

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: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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1 day ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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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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Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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