Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/4/18

Happy Tuesday, Mane Landers. The holiday season is upon us, which means my winter break at my job is finally, sort of, a little bit in sight. It sure can’t come soon enough, though. There’s lots to talk about today, so on to the links.
Draw for Concacaf Champions League
The match-ups are all set for the five MLS teams taking part in the 2019 Concacaf Champions League. The Houston Dynamo will play Guastatoya, from Guatemala, Toronto FC plays Club Atletico Independiente from Panama, and Sporting Kansas City has drawn Toluca out of Mexico. The last two spots are not yet finalized, as while Atlanta United has secured one of them, their seeding is not yet determined. If Atlanta wins the MLS Cup, then the New York Red Bulls will play Club Atletico Pantoja from the Dominican Republic, but if the Portland Timbers win then they will play Atletico Pantoja while Atlanta faces the 2018 Caribbean Club champions.
Prestigious Awards Roundup
The awarding of the Ballon d’Or took place yesterday, along with several other honors of note. Real Madrid’s Luka Modric took home the men’s prize, breaking a 10-year monopoly of the award by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For the women, Ada Hegerberg of Lyon took home the first ever women’s prize, beating out the Orlando Pride’s own Marta. It wasn’t all bad for Marta though, as she was awarded the Bola de Prata, the highest award in Brazilian soccer, in honor of her achievements. Elsewhere though, Kylian Mbappe unsurprisingly won the first edition of the Kopa trophy, awarded to the best player under the age of 21. Christian Pulisic actually came in (a distant) second place for that particular award.
Congratulations to Marta who was today awarded with an honorary Bola de Prata, the most prestigious soccer award in Brazil, for her career accomplishments! #Legend pic.twitter.com/I8VceHhcrF
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) December 3, 2018
Premier League Managers in the News
Premier League managers are making the news for all the wrong reasons. Mark Hughes was sacked by Southampton yesterday after the team’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United left them 18th in the table on a paltry nine points and still without a home win. The Welsh manager was only at the reigns for eight months but was unable right the sinking ship even after helping the team stay in the first division after being appointed in March of last year. Elsewhere, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been charged by the FA for his slightly over-exuberant celebrations following his team’s last-gasp victory over Everton on Sunday. After Divock Origi’s 96th-minute winner, Klopp sprinted roughly 40 yards onto the field to hug goalkeeper Alisson. His opposite number for the day, Marco Silva, doesn’t bear any ill will over the incident, but the English FA looked on it less kindly and has charged the German with misconduct.
Roadblock for British Women’s Team?
There may be something standing in the way of Great Britain fielding a women’s soccer team at the 2020 Olympic Games. That potential obstacle is the Scottish FA, which has expressed its concern at how fielding a unified team could affect the country’s FIFA status. Previously, a deal was thought to have been agreed upon, but now the SFA may be looking to back out of the agreement after concerns have arisen that fielding a British women’s team will threaten individual member status within FIFA, even though soccer’s governing body has said it will not. While Great Britain deployed a men’s and women’s team at the 2012 Olympic games in London, no such agreement took place for the most recent iteration of the games in Rio.
Free Kicks
The Orlando City Fund did some good work over the weekend.
ICYMI: Great effort all around by @OrlandoCityFnd to put on the best #KickingItBack Jamboree to date this past Saturday. Had a blast being apart of it as well 😈 #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/bQcMUXsIuM
— Alexander K Wolf (@alexanderkwolf) December 3, 2018
Feyenoord has some of the wiliest ball boys in the game.
Football intelligence from the Feyenoord ball boys 😂 throw another ball into the play during a dangerous chance! pic.twitter.com/z2TRzFv39l
— The @coachdogge Project (@coach_dogge) December 2, 2018
- Alexi Lalas has dropped some new music. I leave you to make your own judgement on it, but personally I think it could be a lot worse.
That’s all for me, ya’ll. Don’t forget that the MLS Cup final is this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Be good to each other, and get all your Christmas shopping done early. Ciao.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/29/25
Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Falls in Atlanta
The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.
MLS All-Star Voting Begins
The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.
Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery
Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.
Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League
Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.
Free Kicks
- Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
- Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.
- Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal is reportedly interested in signing Victor Osimhen from Napoli ahead of the Club World Cup.
- Lamine Yamal signed a contract extension with Barcelona through 2031. The 17-year-old has already made 106 appearances for the club and led La Liga with 13 assists this season.
That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/28/25
Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Heads North
Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.
Banda and Sams Recognized
A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.
Orlando Pride Power
The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.
Freeman and the USMNT
It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?
Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.
Free Kicks
- Goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football, meaning the Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse will potentially have more opportunity for minutes.
- Kansas City Current owners Angie and Chris Long have acquired Danish club HB Køge. Good for them. I’m very content with the Wilfs focusing their attention on their Orlando clubs.
- Orlando City won’t have to face Brian Gutiérrez in the Chicago Fire FC match, as he will be serving a red card suspension. He was also fined for violent conduct in the match against New York City FC.
- St. Louis City SC parted ways with head coach Olof Mellberg after only 15 matches. St Louis City 2 coach David Critchley will take over as interim head coach.
- LAFC’s Carlos Vela announced his retirement from professional football, though he will remain with LAFC as the club’s first Black & Gold Ambassador.
- Wrexham is reportedly interested in CF Montreal striker Sunusi Ibrahim as the club heads into the EFL Championship.
- If I’m being honest, I don’t much care which Italian club the Pope supports, but I’m certain it’s a big deal in Vatican City. Besides, he’s probably all in for Chicago Fire FC. Oh well.
That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/27/25
Eduard Atuesta earns props, lessons from MLS matchday 15, World Cup prep continues, and more.

Happy Tuesday, everyone. If you were lucky enough to have Memorial Day off, then I hope you had a restful and enjoyable holiday! If not, then I hope your week got started off on a good note. As has been the case for most of May, we’ll barely have time to catch our breath before another Orlando City game is upon us, as the Lions travel up to Georgia to take on Atlanta United on Wednesday. Let’s jump right into today’s links.
Eduard Atuesta Earns Recognition
Eduard Atuesta played a crucial role in his first game back from a neck injury, as he supplied the assist on Duncan McGuire’s game-winning goal against the Portland Timbers on Saturday. The Colombian slipped a beautiful ball behind the Timbers’ defense and McGuire made no mistake with his finish. That assist, combined with a defensive performance of three tackles and a clearance, earned him a spot on the bench of the most recent MLS Team of the Matchday. Nic Josey also named him the Man of the Match in his Player Grades piece, so it’s nice to see him getting some wider recognition.
MLS Matchday 15 Lessons
Major League Soccer’s 15th matchday had a ton going on, and there were plenty of things to be taken away from the action. Nashville SC continued its bounce-back from a rough 2024 season with a 2-1 win over Toronto FC, as the team stretched its unbeaten run in MLS play to six matches. The Vancouver Whitecaps also kept things rolling with a 3-2 victory over Real Salt Lake, and they look pretty well prepared for their Concacaf Champions Cup final against Cruz Azul on Sunday. Finally, some of the guys who got the call for the United States Men’s National Team this month had great showings, with Patrick Agyemang and Brian White each scoring braces, and Diego Luna getting a goal as well.
Host Cities Continue World Cup Preparations
The 2026 World Cup will be here before we know it, and that means that cities which will be hosting games are continuing to make their preparations. Host sites with established public transit options like Metlife Stadium have a leg up, while Kansas City is implementing special buses to get fans from the city to the stadium, while also constructing a tram to help ferry people back and forth. Other stadiums have had to make changes to their fields, whether it’s been removing seating in order to widen the pitch, or adding natural grass to a turf surface and letting it grow in naturally over the course of a year and a half. Other changes will happen much closer to the tournament, like existing stadium branding being covered up or replaced and constructing fan zones for spectators to watch games outside the stadium itself. It’s a huge undertaking, and the work won’t stop until balls are being kicked next summer.
Man in Custody after Hitting Spectators at Liverpool Title Parade
Over two dozen people were injured on Monday evening when a car drove into fans at Liverpool’s trophy parade. A reported 27 people were taken to the hospital, and two were said to have “sustained serious injuries.” A man believed to be the driver of the car was taken into custody by the police after the incident, and the police force has urged the public to not make speculations about the nature and intent of the incident. The police have also said that they are not treating the incident as an act of terrorism and are continuing to investigate.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City winger Marco Pasalic has been called up to the Croatian Men’s National Team for June.
- Parma has reportedly put in a lowball offer for Alex Freeman.
- Orlando City rose one spot to No. 7 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Portland.
- The Orlando Pride fell a spot to No. 3 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings despite winning 3-1 on the road behind Barbra Banda’s hat trick.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has seemingly confirmed that he will be leaving Al Nassr, and there are reports floating around that he has an offer to join one of the Brazilian teams participating in the Club World Cup.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
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