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Lion Links: 1/26/19

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Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope your weekend stretches out before you and is filled with only good things. After 13 days in my new house, I finally got my mailbox key yesterday, so that’s one less stressful issue harshing my mellow. With new furniture set to arrive today, a new worry crops up, but hopefully it will be painless.

As for the world of soccer, there is, as usual, plenty to discuss. Let’s get to the news of the day.

Orlando City Home Kit for 2019 Leaked

As usual, footyheadlines.com has leaked a jersey ahead of its official release and as luck would have it, it was Orlando City’s turn. The new home kits for 2019 leave me a bit underwhelmed, to be honest, but I guess they’re OK-ish. I can’t wear one on casual Friday because the collar is gone, and I’ll probably skip this one, but I know some of you collect them all and will no doubt snap one of these babies up as soon as possible. But wait, is it Orlando’s new kit?

Hmmm. We’re hearing there may be some subtle differences in terms of the Adidas striping, as it may not be across the shoulders. I guess we’ll see, but that doesn’t really constitute a huge difference to me where they put the three stripes unless they really do something dumb like make them into a sash.

Anyway, aside from the graphic pattern, which doesn’t tingle my toes, this kit is pretty basic. But if you like it, that’s fine. Tell us in the comments section what you think.

Pride Waive Poliana

For the second year in a row, the Orlando Pride have lost a fullback due to the player’s request. Last year it was Steph Catley requesting a trade out west to better accommodate her frequent flights back to Australia for international duty and to visit home. This year, Brazilian international Poliana was waived to facilitate her return to her home country. The fullback never got her game going in Orlando last season. In fact, in my opinion she was pretty poor. Whether that was due to a poor fit, nursing an injury, or something else, I can’t say, but it was definitely not good enough. Regardless, we wish Poliana well.

SeaWolves Drop a Heartbreaker Late

The Orlando SeaWolves battled back throughout the second half from multiple goals down to tie the score at 6-6 late but the St. Louis Ambush scored with six seconds remaining to steal a 7-6 win at the death at Silver Spurs Arena. The SeaWolves fell to 3-4 after having their two-game win streak snapped and will go on the road next to face Utica on Sunday at 2 p.m.

SeaWolves Acquire Scorer and Other Roster News

Prior to last night’s game, the SeaWolves announced a trade, acquiring Brazilian Elmo Neto from the Harrisburg Heat in exchange for cash considerations. Neto has 128 goals in 130 games in his indoor career in the MISL and MASL. He scored 14 times in 15 games last year, adding three assists.

“Neto is one of the best target forwards in this league,” SeaWolves General Manager Chris Kokalis said, “His ability to hold the ball along with his experience and strength will make him a tremendous asset for the club.”

To make room on the roster for Neto, Orlando waived defender Phibo Arriaga, who has subsequently signed on with the Florida Tropics.

Giovinco On the Move?

Rumors about Sebastian Giovinco transferring to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal FC exploded across social media yesterday. The Toronto FC star leaving would be a huge loss for the Reds, who missed the playoffs after putting together perhaps the best season of any team in league history in 2017. Giovinco may not be headed anywhere, though. This could just be posturing for a new deal.

This situation will bear watching. I’m going to go pop some popcorn.

Free Kicks

  • Congrats to Joshio Sandoval of the Orlando SeaWolves for his milestone earlier this week.

  • Bayern Munich has signed U-20 USMNT defender Chris Richards.
  • After a poor performance with Nantes in Ligue 1, Chelsea reassigned defender Matt Miazga. The center back has been loaned to Reading FC.
  • A high-ranking African soccer has been charged with war crimes.
  • Those born on this date include U.S. General Douglas MacArthur (1880), science fiction / fantasy writer Philip José Farmer (1918), Paul Newman (1925), baseball’s (and Major League’s) Bob Uecker (1934), film critic Gene Siskel (1946), actor David Strathairn (1949), Eddie Van Halen (1955), Anita Baker (1958), Ellen DeGeneres (1958), hockey legend Wayne Gretzky (1961), oft-fired manager Jose Mourinho (1963), lesser known Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley (1963), Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers (1973), basketball’s Vince Carter (1977), Toronto FC (for now, anyway) striker Sebastian Giovinco (1987), and U.S. Soccer’s Gedion Zelalem (1997).

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/29/25

Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

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.

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!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/28/25

Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

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


That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/27/25

Eduard Atuesta earns props, lessons from MLS matchday 15, World Cup prep continues, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

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.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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