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Lion Links: 1/5/19

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Happy Saturday, everyone. Today should be interesting. I’ll be out at Orlando City Stadium for at least a chunk of the 2019 MLS Player Combine. I’ll try to keep my ears open for news and my eyes open for players who impress in their first opportunities in front of the entire league’s scouts. You can watch Copa vs. Nemeziz at 12:30 p.m. ET and watch Predator vs. Team X at 2:45 p.m.

I have absolutely no idea if Orlando City is leaning any particular direction with its first-round pick but I’m a big proponent of just taking the best player available, regardless of position. You want the best and if it ends up overloading one position down the line, at least you’ve got an asset you can trade and some options on who that asset should be. It’s all about getting better.

With all of that said, let’s get to the news of the day.

Ascues Doing Just Dandy in Orlando, Thanks

Midfielder/defender Carlos Ascues is rehabbing a quad tear that he sustained late in the MLS season while in Lima, Peru in the off-season. He told Ovacion that he’s doing fine with Orlando City, has the confidence of James O’Connor, and he’ll be returning to Orlando on Jan. 8 to prepare for the preseason.

“The league is very good, they are going very good players and hopefully continue like this,” he concluded.

Can’t wait to have you back, Carlos.

Same Old, Same Old: Pride’s Morgan and Harris Selected by USWNT

Jill Ellis has called up 26 players for a January USWNT camp and a pair of friendlies in Europe against France and Spain on Jan. 19 and 22, respectively. To no one’s surprise, Orlando Pride stars Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris are among the 26 players selected. Jane Campbell, Alyssa Naeher, and Adrianna Franch join Harris at the goalkeeping position. Danielle Colaprico and Emily Fox are back in the fold and other than that there weren’t any surprising names.

Kaká Proposes, Receives Positive Response

It appears our former captain is going to get hitched again. Based on this Instagram post, the former Orlando City star is going to be marrying model Carolina Dias. Good luck to the happy couple. They are pretty good at staging photos.

Alston Re-Signs with Orange County

Former Orlando City fullback Kevin Alston is still going strong, signing a new deal to stay with Orange County in the USL Championship. Alston helped his new OCSC on top of the USL’s Western Conference standings in 2018, with 66 points. Good luck to Kevin with his 2019 campaign.

Columbus Crew Complete Expected Hires

It seems like such old news that I was generally shocked yesterday to learn that the Crew hadn’t already officially announced Caleb Porter as the new head coach, but the Ohio club did just that on Friday. The other expected move that formally took place was naming former Toronto FC executive Tim Bezbatchenko as the club’s new president. Bezbatchenko oversaw the Reds’ rise in recent years and is a great addition to the club that just staved off a relocation to Austin.

Seven Sign as Generation Adidas Players Ahead of Next Week’s SuperDraft

The 2019 Generation Adidas class is set after seven players became eligible for next week’s SuperDraft and are participating in the MLS Player Combine at Orlando City Stadium. The newly eligible players are UCLA midfielder Frankie Amaya, Syracuse winger Tajon Buchanan, Indiana winger Griffin Dorsey, Virginia Commonwealth winger Siad Haji, North Carolina defender John Nelson, Maryland goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, and Kentucky forward JJ Williams. Good luck, young men.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando SeaWolves went boating on Thursday.

  • On the men’s side, Indiana’s Andrew Gutman took home the big award.

  • Those born on this date include actress Jane Wyman (1917), actor Robert Duvall (1931), Steelers’ coaching legend Chuck Noll (1932), talk show host Charlie Rose (1942), actress Diane Keaton (1946), The Love Boat actor Ted “Isaac” Lange (1948), actor Clancy Brown (1959), former pro soccer player and current Arrow actor Vinnie Jones (1965), Marilyn Manson (1969), Bradley Cooper (1975), football’s Warrick Dunn (1975), January Jones (1978), Deadmau5 (1981), and Sporting Kansas City’s Krisztián Németh (1989).

That’s all I’ve got for you this morning, kids. I hope you enjoy your weekend. Me, I’ll be at the Combine today as mentioned but I’ve got a lot to do as I’ll be moving next weekend. Ugh. Anyone want to do it for me?

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/23/25

Tonight’s OCB match moved to Sunday, Alex Freeman makes USMNT roster, FanDuel Sports Network will stream Orlando Pride games, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! A long weekend is ahead of us and there is plenty of Orlando soccer to enjoy as well. I’ll be celebrating my nephew’s first birthday this weekend, so it should be a nice next couple of days visiting family. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

OCB Match Moved to Sunday in Kissimmee

As a heads up, Orlando City B is no longer playing today. OCB’s match against Atlanta United 2 was originally scheduled for tonight in Atlanta, but it was instead postponed to 7 p.m. Sunday and relocated to Osceola Heritage Park rather than Fifth Third Stadium in Georgia. Stadium availability was cited as the reason for the change, and the match will be played behind closed doors, although it will still be streamed live. The Young Lions are coming off of a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II and will face an Atlanta team that has drawn its last four games.

Alex Freeman Makes USMNT Training Camp Roster

Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was named to the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies next month against Turkey and Switzerland. The 20-year-old is one of five uncapped players on the roster and one of 16 MLS players. He’ll likely be behind Sergino Dest on the depth chart, but Joe Scally was not called up for this window. There are many notable players absent, opening the door for players like Freeman across multiple positions to stake their claim to participate in this summer’s Gold Cup and the World Cup next year.

FanDuel Sports Network Will Stream Select Pride Games

The Orlando Pride will have eight of its remaining games streamed on FanDuel Sports Network, including tonight’s road game against the Utah Royals. The regional network, which used to be called Bally Sports before rebranding, is available on various providers throughout Florida and there is an app for streaming as well. Personally, I find this as just another cog in a messy machine of NWSL coverage options, but I imagine this is handy for those out there who are already accustomed to using the network to watch other Floridian pro sports teams.

Winter Garden Lands USL League One Team

Another pro soccer team is coming to Central Florida, as the United Soccer League announced its intent to bring a USL League One team to the area. Central Florida Pro Soccer’s ownership group has plans for a development in Winter Garden that would include a 5,000-seat multi-purpose soccer stadium. The plans also include recreational fields, a hotel, parks, and a walking trail. The group will gather input from the community in the coming months to help determine the team’s colors, badge, and name.

Free Kicks

  • Kansas City Current defender Alana Cook was placed on the season-ending injury list due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus sustained in the club’s match against the Orlando Pride.
  • NJ/NY Gotham FC and Tigres will square off in the Concacaf W Champions Cup final on Saturday. The winner will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup.
  • Luka Modric penned a farewell to Real Madrid fans as his time with the club has come to an end. I don’t know where his next stop will be, but I sure hope it’s not with a team the Lions still have to face this year.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your holiday weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/22/25

Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup

The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.

Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek

Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.

U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results

Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.

Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final

Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.

Free Kicks


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

Lion Links: 5/21/25

The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.

Nashville is Next

As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.

Javier Otero Has a New Contract

Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.

Pride USWNT Call-Ups

Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.

FIRST USWNT CALL UP FOR BELLO 🗣️

Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-05-20T15:06:37.081Z

USMNT Gold Cup News

Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.

Free Kicks

  • The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
  • In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
  • In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.

That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!

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