Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/2/18

Happy match day, everyone. We’ve made it through the work week and it’s time for some soccer. The USMNT gets us started at 3 p.m. at Ireland and the Lions square off against New York City FC in Yankee Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
While we wait, let’s all wish Orlando Pride forward Danica Evans a happy 23rd birthday. With all the forwards out for the Pride (more on that below), perhaps Evans will get a run out at Seattle tomorrow night.
Now let’s get to today’s linking activities.
Marta, Rachel Hill Out; Pride Sign National Team Replacement Players
We got warning signs earlier this week when reports out of Pride training mentioned Marta experiencing calf pain and she is indeed out for Sunday’s match at the Seattle Reign. To make matters worse, Rachel Hill is also out with the return of a nagging groin injury. Meanwhile, Monica (knee soreness) and Toni Pressley (quad) are questionable and both Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris are away on international duty.
The Pride tried to mitigate the absences of Morgan and Harris by signing a pair of National Team Replacement Players yesterday — midfielder Abby Elinski and goalkeeper Sarah Shimer. Elinski played two matches as an NTRP earlier this season for Orlando but Shimer is new to the Pride, having played collegiate soccer at the University of Washington. With Morgan, Hill, and Marta all out, Tom Sermanni is probably glad that Sydney Leroux finally got on the score sheet (twice) last weekend.
MLSSoccer.com Writer Singles Out Several Lions
Andrew Wiebe over at the official MLS website picked various MLS All-Star teams by theme and singled out multiple Orlando City players for inclusion. Among the Lions selected included:
- Mohamed El-Munir — Pure Entertainment XI
- Dom Dwyer — All-Domestic XI.
- Chris Mueller — All-#PlayTheKids XI.
Speaking of Wiebe, he also selected Orlando City as one of his top five MLS expansion clubs of all time.
Pride’s Carson Pickett an Inspiration to Others
Orlando Pride left back Carson Pickett was born without a left forearm and hand, but she never let it hold her back and she’s played professional soccer on two continents. Carson talked about her situation in this excellent piece by Matthew Hall of The Guardian. My favorite part was the story intro, when Alex Morgan got a taste of what it’s like to be Pickett.
“I can’t wash my hair properly!” Morgan yelled from the showers. “I can’t lift my left arm!”
Carson Pickett, Orlando Pride’s-left back, yelled back: “Welcome to my world.”
Pickett understands that she can serve as a role model for kids who may think that physical limitations could hold them back.
“I have the ability to impact a lot of people,” Pickett acknowledges. “My parents tell me all the time to use the platform God gave me. I can use my arm for something greater than myself. I’m able to impact so many kids and people who may not see a way out. It doesn’t have to impact them through soccer. To see that I am succeeding in life and happy in life can go a long way for some people.”
Kaká Goes to Harvard
Back in 2015 we found out that Kaká was enrolled at Full Sail University. Well, things must have gone well, because he’s apparently now studying at Harvard. The former Orlando City captain and Nuri Sahin, Edwin van der Sar, Mario Melchiot, and Dani Alves are all at Harvard Business School taking a sports management course under professor Anita Elberse. Best of luck to the captain.
U.S./Mexico/Canada World Cup Bid Outshines Morocco’s
FIFA’s technical assessment didn’t reject Morocco’s bid, but did find serious concerns with the country’s ability to host the 2026 World Cup. The united bid by the United States, Mexico, and Canada received a 4.0 rating out of 5.0 and Morocco got just a 2.7. The 4.0 rating is considered “very good.”
The Moroccan bid received a rating of 2.7, considered “sufficient” under FIFA guidelines.
The North American bid received extremely high marks for infrastructure. The only risk component on which it scored lower than Morocco was “government support.”
Let’s hope FIFA votes for the best site this time, not the best bribes.
Free Kicks
- As mentioned in this week’s Intelligence Report, New York City FC has confirmed that midfielder Yangel Herrera has been ruled out against Orlando City.
- The United States Soccer Federation rejected a $500 million bid from Rocco Commisso that would have required the federation to alter its sanctioning process.
- Tough break for Chris Tierney of the Revs, who will miss the rest of the 2018 season with a torn ACL.
- Italian giants AC Milan may be banned from Europa League for violating spending rules.
- Among those sharing a birthday with Danica Evans are Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts (1941), NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman (1952), Dana Carvey (1955), Bangles bassist Michael Steele (1955), wrestler Lex Luger (1958), Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley (1960), former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty (1960), Keane singer and pianist Tim Rice-Oxley (1976), actor Zachary Quinto (1977), former USWNT star Abby Wambach (1980), Firefly/Serenity actress Jewel Staite (1982), and footballers Sergio Aguero (1988) and Freddy Adu (1989).
That’s all I’ve got for you today. Keep clicking themaneland.com for full coverage of today’s USMNT match and tonight’s Orlando City game. Enjoy your Saturday.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/8/25
Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando City Academy Roundup
The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.
We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.
UEFA Champions League Preview
As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held fast at no.11 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- The sports powers that be in Orlando are optimistic about the possibility of hosting games during the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
- The Northern Super League, Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league, has announced a multi-year partnership with ESPN.
- The Vancouver Whitecaps are exploring building a new team-owned stadium in order to help keep the club in the city.
- Denver’s NWSL team has 10,000 season ticket deposits.
- Tammy Abraham says that he wants to head to the U.S. with Christian Pulisic if the American ever decides to move his playing career stateside.
- The Brazilian football federation has introduced a rule that will punish players who stand on the ball with both feet.
- Newcastle scored a pretty wild goal in its 3-0 victory over Leicester City.
That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/7/25
Lions draw on the road, OCB falls to Chattanooga FC, USWNT beats Brazil, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road
Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.
OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road
Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.
USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly
The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.
MLS Weekend Recap
The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.
- Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
- Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
- Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
- Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/4/25
Orlando City gets ready for the Philadelphia Union, OCSC partners with Footy Access, USWNT prepares for Brazil, and more.

Happy Friday! It may feel a bit like the calm before the storm today, as Orlando City, Orlando City B, and the United States Women’s National Team are all in action on Saturday. It all makes for a fun next few days and I’m looking forward to it and also watching some kart racing on Sunday. Let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Gets Ready For the Philadelphia Union
The Lions are back in action Saturday with an away game against the Philadelphia Union at 7:30 p.m. Orlando has won its past two games and leads the league with 15 goals this season. The Union remain near the top of the Eastern Conference, but have lost two of their past three games. Duncan McGuire detailed how healthy competition and a willingness to defend has the offense firing on all cylinders heading into this match.
This will also be a rematch of the season opener on Feb. 22 when the Union won 4-2 at Inter&Co Stadium. Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell spoke on how Orlando is a different team compared to that match due to changes on offense and center back Robin Jansson’s recovery from a knock.
Orlando City Partners With Footy Access
With the Generation Adidas Cup set to take place later this month, Orlando City has partnered with Footy Access, which is a media company focused on youth soccer. This collaboration means fans will be able to enjoy highlights and interviews from Orlando’s academy as it progresses through the tournament. I’m pretty excited about being able to see how well Orlando’s academy is doing.
MLS NEXT also announced that new rankings focused on development rather than results will be used for its U-13 and U-14 age groups. These rankings will use an analytical formula that measures game play and the caliber of offensive and defensive actions. There will also be encouragement for teams to have their own identities on how they want to play.
USWNT Prepares to Face Brazil in Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team will take on Brazil on Saturday in the first of two friendlies this international break, with the second match set for Tuesday. These friendlies will be rematches of last year’s Olympic gold medal match, which the U.S. won 1-0. Marta has retired from international soccer, but Pride midfielder Angelina was called up for these friendlies, along with former Pride forward Adriana. Lorena, who has only conceded one goal in three games for the Kansas City Current this season, will likely get the start in goal for Brazil behind a talented back line anchored by Tarciane. The USWNT will need to find ways to limit attacking threats like Kerolin and Gabi Portilho as well. These should be matches, with familiar faces on both sides for Orlando fans.
U.S. Set to Host 2031 Women’s World Cup
It looks like the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be held in the U.S., as FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the only bid came from the U.S. and potentially other Concacaf nations. The U.S., which withdrew from hosting the 2027 World Cup, would be the first country to host the tournament three times and last hosted it in 2007. The United Kingdom was also revealed as the lone valid bid to host the 2035 World Cup and it would be the first time the tournament is hosted there.
Free Kicks
- Shout out to Orlando City’s U-19 team for its title win and securing a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC and Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós have reached an agreement for a contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2029.
- The schedule for the third round of the U.S. Open Cup is out, with more USL Championship teams joining the fray. Only two MLS NEXT Pro teams remain, while El Farolito is the lone team from an open division still standing.
- Philadelphia Union forward Tai Baribo was named MLS Player of the Month for his performance in March and February. The 27-year-old scored six goals in five games, with five of those goals coming in the Union’s first two games of the season.
- As for the NWSL’s monthly awards, Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga won Player of the Month after scoring in all three of her games so far this season. Houston Dash midfielder Maggie Graham claimed Rookie of the Month for scoring in her first two appearances.
- Goalkeeper Tim Melia has announced his retirement from professional soccer after a 17-year career that included 10 years with Sporting Kansas City.
- Toronto FC added midfielder Maxime Dominguez on loan from Vasco da Gama in Brazil’s top flight.
- Arsenal’s injury woes this season continue, with defender Gabriel Magalhaes set to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
- We’ll end our links with the Lions celebrating Rodrigo Schlegel’s birthday in style.
That’s all for this fine Friday, I hope you all have a fantastic day and a relaxing weekend!
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