Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/21/19

Happy Thursday, Mane Landers. We’re almost a week away from the start of the new MLS season and I for one couldn’t be more excited. Only one more preseason friendly remains between us and opening day against NYCFC. As always there’s lots to discuss so lets get right into it.
Lions Crush Revs, 6-2
Orlando City won a trophy on Wednesday night with a decisive 6-2 win over the New England Revolution. Considering Orlando played some academy and OCB kids and a bunch of reserves while the Revs started guys like Teal Bunbury, Cristian Penilla, and presumed starting goalkeeper Matt Turner, it was an unlikely lopsided win. The Lions led 6-0 before the Revs grabbed a couple of late consolation goals. In all, six different players scored for City and the club grabbed the inaugural Orlando City Invitational trophy. It’s only preseason, but this team appears to have a spirit that was missing last year. Nani was introduced to the fans prior to kickoff.
OCB Roster Released
Orlando City B has announced its roster ahead of the start of its maiden USL League One season. In total, the roster comprises 22 players ranging from ages 15-23, with the average age being 19.5. There are a handful of players signed from the Orlando City Development Academy, as well as eight players that play for their youth national teams, with the likes of Senegal, Ghana, the U.S. and others represented. OCB will kick off its season on March 30 at MVA Athletic Complex on the Montverde Academy campus, where it will play home games this season. As far as how to watch Orlando City B games, USL League One has announced a streaming deal with ESPN+.
Some @USLLeagueOne news this morning in @sbjsbd: the league has signed a deal with ESPN+ to have all the games of its inaugural season (as well as its playoffs) appear on the streaming service.
USL Championship will continue to be available on ESPN+ as well.
— Ian Thomas (@byIanThomas) February 20, 2019
Orlando Pride Preseason News
With preseason for the Orlando Pride set to start two Mondays from now, there is finally a little bit of news about the team’s preseason plans. It was announced yesterday that the Pride will play in the inaugural Friendship Cup, hosted by North Carolina Courage in Cary, NC on Saturday, March 23. This will be the team’s first time facing off against an NWSL opponent in the preseason and will be the first of two games played that day, as North Carolina FC will square off against Liga MX’s Necaxa later that night. While that fixture is the only preseason game announced so far there is plenty of time for other tune up matches to take place, as the NWSL season doesn’t begin until April 13.
NWSL Ends Partnership With A&E
The NWSL has announced the end of its partnership with A&E Networks, one year before the end of a three-year deal. The NWSL schedule is set to be released later today, but part of the delay in the schedule dropping is uncertainty over how the games would be broadcast. There is reportedly an offer on the table from NBC Sports Network, which has done an excellent job with coverage of the Premier League, but there are apparently disagreements over whether or not to take the deal. For now, some games will be broadcast on Yahoo! Sports with all of the games accessible on the NWSL app and NWSL website.
NWSL Cheat Sheets
Speaking of the NWSL, the folks over at The Equalizer have come up with a quick briefing on all the teams ahead of the upcoming season. Their thoughts about the Pride echo many of the opinions voiced on this site by staff and readers alike: the Pride are a somewhat unknown entity as the NWSL preseason gears up. After all, it’s tricky to get a good read on a team that looked like a near shoo-in to make the playoffs during the summer only to have the bottom fall out and gift a previously winless team its only victory of the year. Also pointed out is the fact that some talent has been shed across the back line; although the author does seem to feel that the team will make some noise in the transfer window before the season kicks off.
Better Broadcasting for U.S. Open Cup?
During the USSF’s annual meeting in Arizona last week U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn gave hope to the possibility of better coverage and access to games in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, saying:
“This year we will expand our Open Cup broadcast coverage and will be soon announcing a deal with one of our partners that will provide an unprecedented level of access for fans during the entire competition.”
While no further details were provided, even the weakest of broadcasting deals (I’m looking at you, TNT Champions/Europa League coverage) will be a step up for the U.S. Open Cup. While it’s been easier to stream games in recent years, actual broadcast coverage of the games has been woefully lacking, with last year’s final being the only game of the 2018 competition shown live on national television.
Free Kicks
- Marta featured in an ad for the new Netflix show The Umbrella Academy.
Tyler Turner has left the Orlando SeaWolves and joined USL Championship side Birmingham Legion.
Welcome to the squad, @TyTurner02
Time to work 😤https://t.co/9MmDfkgQGh | #HammerDown pic.twitter.com/c23yZsrkMt
— Birmingham Legion FC (@bhmlegion) February 21, 2019
Former Orlando City player Harrison Heath has a new team.
🚨🚨🚨ROSTER MOVE🚨🚨🚨@TheMiamiFC strengthens midfield with signing of @harrisonheathy1! #VamosMiami
📖: https://t.co/amQQLuHrdQ pic.twitter.com/7J0ybPdEaE
— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) February 20, 2019
- The deadline for Cardiff City to pay Nantes for the transfer of Emiliano Sala has been extended.
Bad news for Memphis Depay after Lyon’s good result against Barcelona on Tuesday.
Memphis Depay's house was broken into while he was playing for Lyon against Barcelona.
Clothes and jewellery were stolen. It's the second time in a year that Memphis has been targeted. pic.twitter.com/uPgQBbYHMF
— Dutch Football (@FootballOranje_) February 20, 2019
That’ll be all for me today. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Pride schedule as it’s supposed to be dropping later. Y’all come back now, ya hear?
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/3/25
Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!
Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials
Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.
Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty
Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.
Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda
NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.
USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season
American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
- San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
- New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
- El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
- Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/2/25
Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.
International Duty, Pride Edition
Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.
Pride Still on Top
It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.
Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties
You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.
On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.
USWNT Youth Movement
Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.
Free Kicks
- The NWSL is looking to expand its media rights deals to include Sunday nights beginning next year. It’s a growth league and a growth market, and I’m all for Sunday night matches.
- Power rankings have now made their way down to MLS NEXT Pro. Spoiler alert, Orlando City B comes in at fifth. Still, it’s nice to see a little love given to the development league. Maybe I should write a power rankings for the various power rankings.
- I’m always for more soccer, and we now know the USL Women’s Super League eight-team playoff dates and format.
- I know it can be hard to feel bad for people who make quite a bit money playing soccer, but I still side with them over the billionaire owners that pay them. Or don’t pay them in the case of Sheffield Wednesday’s owner, Dejphon Chansiri.
- Barcelona is trying to bring the NFL to Spain. If successful, it might be the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes who make an appearance at Camp Nou. This will allow a bunch of Barcelona supporters the opportunity to ask if Taylor Swift will make an appearance.
- If you’re not watching the German Cup — and to be fair, I haven’t been either — you are missing some massive cupsets, including third-tier Arminia Bielefeld taking down Bundesliga champs Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 to advance to the German Cup final.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/1/25
Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.
Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025
After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.
USWNT Announces Canada Match
The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.
Concacaf Champions Cup Preview
The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.
Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes
The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City jumped eight places to no. 11 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- Meanwhile the Orlando Pride continue to hold sway at no. 1 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Germany great Thomas Muller has reportedly received offers from MLS teams.
- Tierna Davidson will not play in the USWNT’s upcoming games against Brazil due to a knee injury, with Gisele Thompson replacing her on the roster.
That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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