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Lion Links: 2/1/19

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6 years ago

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Welcome to February, Mane Landers. This year is just flying by, but at least that means we’re only a month and some change away from the 2019 MLS season. There’s plenty of change happening here in Orlando, but it looks like MLS itself will look much different this season with plenty of players on the move. Let’s start a soccer-filled weekend off on the right foot with some links!

O’Connor Leaning Towards Multiple Formations

With its first preseason game set for tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. against the New York Red Bulls, Orlando City is shifting its focus from conditioning to working on tactics. Head Coach James O’Connor wants to harp on the principles of the play he wants to see and seems to wants his players to be able to fit many different shapes or formations so that they can adapt to in-game situations.

“Multiple formations. I think that’s probably the best way. I think it’s important that you have an understanding of what you want but that you can make in-game changes and [it’s] seamless, which is very easy to say, but when you’re trying to get the level that we’re trying to get to, the understanding becomes really, really important.”

Thankfully, O’Connor also noted that there have not been any major injuries but that the team is still waiting for Josué Colmán and Ruan to join the team down in Bradenton, FL.

Chi Thankful, Nairn Scores in W-League Final Round

Like many other players on the Orlando Pride, Chioma Ubogagu headed to Australia for the W-League season, joining Carson Pickett with the Brisbane Roar. Including her game a few hours ago, which saw the Roar lose 1-0 to Adelaide United, she’s played in 10 games this season, scoring twice, and helping the Roar reach the finals. Ubogagu recently praised the league for its high levels of competition and personally thanked her head coach, Mel Andreatta, for driving her forward.

“Right off the bat, I’ve felt truly welcome, I felt I could give my opinion even if it’d been one or two weeks. Everyone was extremely receptive and that just speaks volumes of what Mel’s done and what the staff’s done and the girls, too. I think it’s awesome. It’s really cool when you do all those things off the field right and then on the field you’re rewarded”

In a game that should be reaching its conclusion any minute now in the W-League (as I’m writing this), Christine Nairn and Dani Weatherholt are currently ahead of Rachel Hill and the Perth Glory. It was Nairn who struck first in the match with a close-ranged header in the 17th minute and she followed up the goal with an assist in the 35th.

Giovinco Leaving Toronto FC

Toronto FC icon Sebastian Giovinco is the latest MLS star to be transferring out of the league as the 32-year-old forward was moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal FC. Undoubtedly the best player in Toronto FC history, Giovinco has been the gold standard for Designated Players and helped the club win the 2017 MLS championship. While Giovinco is excited to join Al-Hilal, an Instagram post by Giovinco has more than hinted at tension between the club and him over his transfer. Regardless of the drama behind the scenes, Al-Hilal FC is ready to bring Giovinco on board and he will be with the club in the coming days.

2019 U.S. Open Cup Format Revealed

The 106th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup’s format has been unveiled for the 2019 year. More than 80 teams will participate this year and the first round will start on May 7, although some local qualifiers will begin in April. Because Orlando City B is affiliated with Orlando, it will not be eligible to participate once the USL League One teams take the field in the first round.

Orlando City and the other MLS teams will join the tournament when the fourth round starts on June 12, with the draw for that round slated for May 30. Make sure to check out the full schedule to know when some of your favorite local teams will be drawn into the fray.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s first-round draft pick Santiago Patino will take over the club’s Instagram account today so keep an eye out for that.

  • Seeing Scott Sutter in Vancouver Whitecaps gear just feels wrong, but good luck to him in the Western Conference.

  • Like most Orlando City fans, Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin isn’t shedding any tears over not having to plan against Miguel Almiron or Giovinco. But I can’t say the same for Jozy Altidore after he learned of Gio’s move.

  • The Seattle Reign are headed to Tacoma, WA where they will play on a grass field in an alcohol-friendly stadium with plans for a new stadium in the future.
  • Tyler Booth becomes the latest American to head to the Bundesliga after Bayern Munich signed the 17-year-old.
  • Check out the latest video in the Behind The Crest series. This one followed the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 3-0 win over Panama.
  • We end our links with Sydney Leroux scarring her kid for life. I’m not sure who designed that toy but it makes a Furby look harmless.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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3 hours ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

Free Kicks

  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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1 day ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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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: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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