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Lion Links: 1/27/19

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6 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. I hope you’re all doing well this fine Sunday. It’s a bit nippy, but it’s always nice to stay inside of a warm home and kick back with your pets or kids and watch some movies. Or maybe you made it out to your local kickarounds? It’s actually the ideal time to get out there, as the mosquito hordes are rebuffed by the cool weather. No matter what you’ve been up to, I’ve been preparing your Sunday helping of Lion Links; I hope you’re hungry. Extra salt, right?

Loanee Danilo Acosta Focused On Becoming Starter

It appears that the recent loan move sending Danilo Acosta to Sunshine State from Real Salt Lake has lit a fire under his season’s ambitions, with the defender vying for a starting spot. Training camp is well underway, and that means that battles are waging on a daily basis to win coveted spots in the club’s starting 11. Acosta, while young at just 21 years of age, isn’t afraid of the task at hand — nor is he ill equipped for it. Acosta has tremendous experience already at both the professional and international levels, highlighting one of the many reasons why he was brought to the club.

“It’s day-by-day. It’s whatever you put on the field that’s what you’re going to get,” said Acosta. “At the end of the day, it’s how much you want it. If you want it really bad you have to work really hard for it, and that’s what I’m going to do. It’s day-by-day because at the end of the day it’s all about competition, so I’m trying to do anything I possibly can to win this spot.”

It’s clear Acosta is here to play. And that’ll only push his teammates to work harder as well. Something to admire about Acosta? His versatility, tenacity in the defensive third, and fighting spirit.

“I’m just here to do anything that I can do for the team to help them out,” said Acosta. “Whatever possible position I can be, it can be on the left side, it can be at center back, whatever the coach wants me to play I’ll try my best.”

JOC Pleased with Start to Camp at IMG Academy

Coaches say this every year, but James O’Connor is generally pleased with what he’s seen from his team after just one week of preseason training at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

“We’ve been really pleased,” O’Connor told Pro Soccer USA. “I think the attitude and the application has been very good. I think the intensity has been great. I think we’ve seen some good glimpses of camaraderie, which is important. We’ve been working really hard and we’ve been pleased with what we’re seeing.”

OCSC Releases 2019 Second Round Pick Tommy Madden

Well…that was short. After being drafted with the 38th overall pick in the second round by the Lions in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, midfielder Tommy Madden has been released. It’s an unfortunate speed bump in the career of the young, talented midfielder, but there’s always opportunities with Orlando City B or with another club elsewhere. Something tells me he’ll find work sooner rather than later, as Tommy was a stalwart in the midfield for UNC-Charlotte, where he made 72 appearances over an illustrious collegiate career. We wish you the best, Tommy!

David Beckham’s Miami MLS Franchise Faces New Lawsuits

Apparently, a Miami attorney has filed two lawsuits aiming to prevent the club from building its new stadium on a city-owned golf course and complex. Yet another wrench in the seemingly never-ending drama that is Inter Miami, this first raises questions regarding whether or not the city appropriately described the land that would be leased for the construction of the stadium and grounds. The second focuses on laws requiring Beckham and his business associates to disclose the ownership of the corporation being represented. It’s getting hairy down in Miami…be sure to keep an eye on the developing hurricane (pun intended, but go Noles).

Gregg Berhalter Defends Michael Bradley’s USMNT Inclusion

Despite a run of poor form for, well, for a while, Berhalter didn’t hesitate in naming Toronto FC stalwart and USMNT regular Michael Bradley to his roster for today’s match against Panama. Berhalter believes “it’s clear that he has the quality.” This may be true, but it’s also a decision that many have criticized, considering the emergence of young talents both domestically and internationally, and the decline of a midfielder that is clearly in the twilight of an amazing career.

“It’s hard for me to understand how people gather that opinion, because when I see [Bradley] up close, it’s clear that he has quality,” Berhalter said. “When you look at his quality level in this group, it’s high.”

It’s clear that Berhalter respects what Bradley still has left in the tank.

”If [a player is] good enough to perform and he can fit and execute in the roles and responsibilities that we have for that position then he should be able to play, whether that’s old or young,” he said. “Michael is a good example of that. He’s been doing well in camp. His leadership has been good, but also his execution has been excellent.”

Free Kicks

  • Want you or your youngin’ to be a badass goalkeeper like Ashlyn Harris? Great news. She’s hosting some goalkeeper training sessions with Ali Kreiger Football Camps!

  • New U.S. Men’s National Team manager Gregg Berhalter addressed the media ahead of today’s match against Panama.
  • Speaking of that match against Panama…the turnout isn’t looking too great so far. Maybe some emphatic wins through exciting play can start turning these numbers around?

That’s all I’ve got for you today folks…footy-wise. I do want leave you with a personal recommendation on a podcast that I’ve really grown to enjoy. It’s a true crime podcast called My Favorite Murder, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. It has an acquired taste, and it can be quite explicit, but the humor along with the intrigue that comes with the excellent story-telling of horrifying tales by these two ladies makes the time fly — whether it be during exercising, at work, or just driving around during errands. I highly recommend you give them a listen, if you can take it.

Anyway, have a great week folks. Stay sexy and don’t get murdered.

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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.

Published

11 hours ago

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May 23, 2025

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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.

Published

1 day ago

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May 22, 2025

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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.

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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

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.

Published

2 days ago

on

May 21, 2025

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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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