Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/21/19

Published

8 years ago

on

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+.

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

Tyler Turner has left the Orlando SeaWolves and joined USL Championship side Birmingham Legion.

Former Orlando City player Harrison Heath has a new team.

  • 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.

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?

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/23/26

Orlando City prepares for New York City FC, Antoine Griezmann’s impact in Orlando, U.S. will host FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, and more.

Published

18 hours ago

on

October 23, 2026

By

Image of Antoine Griezmann taking a set piece against Monterrey in Leagues Cup action.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a pretty nice week for me, as I was able to watch all of Slow Horses and finish reading Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson, both of which were brilliant. Attention now turns to this weekend’s soccer, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride playing at home over the next couple of days. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for New York City FC

The Lions host New York City FC on Saturday in one of the marquee matchups in MLS as the regular season nears its conclusion. Plenty has changed since Orlando’s 5-0 loss to NYCFC on March 7. The Lions have clawed their way up the table while the Pigeons have only won once in their past 13 league games. NYCFC enters this match after a 1-1 draw with LAFC that included an equalizer by former Lion Andres Perea to give the team a valuable point amid the playoff race. Nicolas Fernandez Mercau, Luighi, and Benie Traore are all NYCFC players the Lions will need to keep in check, or else it could end up being another high-scoring affair in the City Beautiful.

Antoine Griezmann’s Impact on Orlando’s Offense

Orlando’s wait for Antoine Griezmann to join in the summer has proven to be well worth it, as he’s transformed Orlando’s attack into a force to be reckoned with just as the playoffs near. Although Griezmann wasn’t able to enjoy a fairytale ending with Atletico Madrid by lifting the Copa del Rey or Champions League trophies this year, he’s breathed life into an Orlando side that struggled mightily prior to his arrival. The 35-year-old has recorded 12 goals and seven assists in just 14 appearances this season. Not only has he excelled when it comes to getting the ball in the net, but he’s done well in terms of defensive metrics and intangibles as well.

U.S. Will Host Women’s Club World Cup

The inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will be held in the U.S. in January of 2028 with the host cities still to be determined. There will be 19 clubs taking part, with Gotham, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Club America having already qualified along with three other teams so far. This tournament is sandwiched between the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, so there’s plenty of exciting women’s soccer to look forward to in the coming years.

U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team Wins at World Cup

The United States U-17 Women’s National Team won 6-1 against Kenya in the group stage of the FIA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, clinching a spot in the round of 16. Maggie DiMaria scored four goals to bring her total to 10 across just two games. The U.S. will play its final group game on Sunday against China PR, which also won both of its games against Kenya and Samoa to secure a spot in the knockout stage. The winner of this group will get to avoid a match with Spain in the round of 16, so there’s still plenty to play for before the next round gets underway.

Free Kicks

  • The first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal between the United States Men’s National Team and Haiti has been moved from Kingston to Miami. Haiti has had to play games outside of the country due to unrest and submitted a request to Concacaf to play in the country of its opponent.
  • American center back Naomi Girma is now dealing with a calf injury that may sideline her for a few weeks according to Chelsea Head Coach Sonia Bompastor. She missed out on the team’s recent friendlies against Spain and may be absent for the Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal against El Salvador next month too.
  • The United States Women’s Cerebral Palsy National Team beat Ireland 15-0 to advance to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup final, which takes place today against Australia. Annie Wickett scored five goals with four other players scoring braces.
  • The San Diego Wave signed defender Mimi Van Zanten to a contract extension through the 2029 season. She’s made 27 appearances for San Diego during her rookie season, helping the club keep pace in the NWSL Shield race.
  • After being stretchered off the field due to a head injury in the U.S. Open Cup final, St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Burki is alert and in good spirits, according to the club.

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/22/26

Martin Ojeda wins MLS Goal of the Matchday, MLS award contenders, sights and sounds from the Orlando Pride’s win, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

October 22, 2026

By

Image of Maxime Crepeau taking a goal kick against Atlanta.
Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? The temperatures have gotten just cool enough here in Florida as of late for me to feel like it’s truly autumn. While it would be nice if our leaves changed colors to really sell the fall feeling, a pumpkin candle and apple cider have definitely helped. Let’s get to the links!

Martin Ojeda Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday

Orlando City Designated Player Martin Ojeda predictably won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his fantastic finish in the team’s 4-1 win over D.C. United, garnering 71.7% of the vote. Ojeda’s acrobatic backheel capped off a smooth series of passes by the Lions and it will likely be in the running for MLS Goal of the Year as well. It was Ojeda’s 15th goal of the season and he has scored in five of Orlando’s past six games.

MLS Year-End Award Voting Begins

The voting for this year’s MLS Year-End Awards has opened and the finalists for each award will be announced on Nov. 12. Former MLS star Bradley Wright-Phillips weighed in on who he thinks the contenders for each award are and there were a few Lions mentioned. Antoine Griezmann is in the running for Newcomer of the Year alongside Houston Dynamo attacker Guilherme, who has 16 goals and 10 assists this season. Maxime Crepeau may make the list of finalists for Goalkeeper of the Year for his incredible run of form since the World Cup, but it’s hard to see him winning it given just how many goals the Lions have conceded compared to other teams. Justin Ellis was also an honorable mention for the Young Player of the Year award for his breakout season.

Sights and Sounds From the Orlando Pride’s Victory

The Orlando Pride released a video showing the sights and sounds from their 2-1 win on the road against the Houston Dash. The video includes huddle talks from Marta and interim head coach Yolanda Thomas, as well as the goals by Luana and Solai Washington. It’s been a difficult year for the Pride and it’s nice to see some highlights as they aim to close out the season strongly after being eliminated from playoff contention.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The third round of matches in the UEFA Champions League’s league phase wrapped up and we’re getting a better sense of where the teams stand. Bayern Munich and Arsenal played to a 2-2 draw in Germany, with Declan Rice scoring a late equalizer for Arsenal. Elsewhere across Europe, Manchester United was beaten 4-1 by Como, Inter scored while down a man to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0, and Austrian club LASK won its first Champions League game by upsetting Sporting CP 3-2. Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Real Betis all won to remain perfect in the tournament as well.

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!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/21/26

Justin Ellis recognized, the Orlando Youth Soccer Network expands, the USMNT adds a friendly, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

October 21, 2026

By

Image of Justin Ellis dribbling the ball trying to beat a Philadelphia Union defender.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. The weather is getting a bit nicer. I’m actually able to have the windows open at night, which is delightful. However, the temperatures are rising a bit this week, which I find sad. I know we live in Florida, but gosh darn it, we’re only 10 days from Halloween. I should be wearing sweaters rather than shorts. I appreciate you allowing me to rant, now let’s get to the links.

Justin Ellis Named No. 5 of MLS 22 Under 22

Justin Ellis was rightly named to Major League Soccer’s 2026 22 Under 22 list. The Orlando City striker came in at No. 5 on the list. It’s not surprising, given the year he’s had. He’s busted into the starting lineup for Orlando City, and he has 16 goal contributions so far. He also received his first call-up to the USMNT, scoring a goal in his first match and two goals in the four-game window. He’s joined on the list by fellow USMNT teammates Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall. This is his second accolade in the last week as he was also named 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year.

New Orlando Soccer School Announced

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are expanding the Orlando Youth Soccer Network with the addition of the Orlando Soccer School – Winter Haven. The organization is formerly known as the Winter Haven Soccer Club. The school will provide programming for boys and girls ages 3-19. This is an example of the top-to-bottom pipeline the organization is building to develop players for both the men’s and women’s clubs.

Orlando City B Season in Review

Like the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B did not make the post season in 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t a success in other ways. Orlando City B is a developmental squad, and the reserve side did its job in developing prospects this season. Some OCB players made it into the first team, there were a record number of academy debuts, and the team saw several international call-ups. Given how inconsistent the squad was because of all the shuffling around, it’s not surprising the team struggled on the pitch at times. Hopefully, all the younger players getting time will set the team up for success next season.

USMNT to Face Jamaica in December

The USMNT added a friendly against Jamaica on December 13 in Miami. The match takes place outside of the international window, so we can expect Mauricio Pochettino to call up MLS players whose clubs have been eliminated from the playoffs. There’s also a possibility for some European-based players, but clubs are not required to release them. Prior to that, the team will be in action in against Haiti in the two quarterfinal legs of the Concacaf Nations League.

Free Kicks

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

Continue Reading

Trending