Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/2/19

Wake up, Mane Landers, it’s match day! Welcome to Major League Soccer Opening Day 2019! Our Orlando City Lions start the season here at home against New York City FC with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff, although I’m sure you were already aware of that. While you recover from last night’s Fifth Annual Orlando City Pub Crawl, take a few minutes to read about all the news you need to know before heading to Orlando City Stadium.
Orlando City Signs Defender Kamal Miller
In the world of poorly kept Orlando City secrets, yesterday saw another confirmed player signing that we all knew was coming, 2019 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick Kamal Miller. Miller has been with the Lions throughout preseason and as The Mane Land’s own Sean Rollins pointed out, Head Coach James O’Connor often had the 21-year-old center back in his first team. One such first team appearance actually came against NYCFC during the Orlando City Invitational, a match that saw Miller impress more than a few fans. After the official announcement, Miller seemed happy to share the news on his Twitter.
Excited to announce that I have officially signed my first professional contract with @OrlandoCitySC Extremely blessed and grateful for this opportunity 🦁💜 #VamosOrlando #KM27 pic.twitter.com/LPAylyI6zs
— Kamal Miller (@KMillz_00) March 1, 2019
Lions Looking to Add Swedish League Champion Robin Jansson
First reported by Swedish news outlet Sport Bladet and confirmed by sources with knowledge of the situation to The Mane Land, Orlando City is in talks to add center back Robin Jansson to the squad. As a defender for Allsvenskan league club AIK, the 27-year-old won the top-tier league’s title in 2018, having started 25 matches for 2,523 minutes and notching two goals and one assist. Based on his resume and current estimated transfer value of approximately $850,000, one might assume that should the signing go through, Jansson will immediately be in consideration for a starting center back spot in O’Connor’s preferred three-man back line. The guy worked in a horseshoe factory and drove 50 miles to train every night, so it sounds like he has the blue-collar grit that appears to be a theme with this incarnation of Orlando City.
Nani is Ready for Today’s Match, But Here’s Some New Game Day Info for the Fans
Before WFTV sports reporter Christian Bruey confirmed that new Orlando City superstar Nani would be available for today’s match, Nani himself took to Twitter to express his excitement over opening day:
Just ONE day to go for the MLS season to kick off… so excited to begin my journey in Orlando! 😈🦁⚽#VamosOrlando #soccer #mls pic.twitter.com/WLMCvlNiEO
— Nani (@luisnani) March 1, 2019
Several pieces of information about the Orlando City Stadium game day experience also dropped on Friday.
- Founder and Vice President of Community Relations Kay Rawlins confirmed that match day posters benefiting the Orlando City Foundation would continue to be available this season, in addition to the new CITYiD patches.
- The drumline of The Wall announced that their GoFundMe goal for replacing and maintaining their equipment was met, meaning they will continue bringing the noise throughout 2019.
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice partnered with the club to sell their yummy frozen treats in various locations around the stadium.
- When you finish your drink during the match, you can now recycle plastic bottles and cans by Section 16 and donate five cents to the Orlando City Foundation in the process.
- A limited edition 2019 Home Opener collectible 20-ounce cup was shown off specifically for today’s game that you certainly won’t want to recycle.
- Finally, the merch of the match in The Den will be the new home kit and the #BringtheNoise scarf of the month.
Make sure to arrive early this afternoon so that you can check out these cool new features of our beautiful Orlando City Stadium.
Orlando SeaWolves Swept Away by Milwaukee Wave
Gordy Gurson scored a brace but the visiting Milwaukee Wave were rarely threatened, beating the Orlando SeaWolves, 6-2 at Silver Spurs Arena last night. The Wave were physical and defensively sound, while Orlando was sloppy and missed some excellent opportunities to climb back into the game. The SeaWolves are back in action tonight at Silver Spurs Arena against the rival Florida Tropics, who came over from Lakeland. Why not make today an Orlando professional soccer double header?
Free Kicks
- Again, surprising no one, a spokesman for Orlando City confirmed to The Mane Land that former Designated Player Sacha Kljestan is now a TAM player and the roster is compliant with three DPs: Nani, Dom Dwyer, and Josue Colmán. Jordan Culver wrote a bit more about it here.
- Culver’s match preview mentioned the club’s favorite off-season phrase, “establishing a new culture.”
- The City of Orlando turned the Lake Eola fountain purple on Friday night to celebrate the start of the Lions’ 2019 season.
- Is Toronto FC looking to Orlando City to improve its preseason next year? Some fans of the Reds think they should.
- The Orlando Pride’s own Shelina Zadorsky helped lead Canada to a 1-0 victory over Scotland in the 2019 Algarve Cup. The Canadians have four points after two matches.
- Meanwhile, Zadorsky’s Pride teammate Marta continues to lead Brazil.
- In DP news, the LA Galaxy officially bought out the final season of Giovani dos Santos’ contract and the Colorado Rapids waived forward Shkelzen Gashi.
- Former United States Men’s National Team star Landon Donovan is “a little worried” about Christian Pulisic.
- HuffPost published this long and quite interesting read about some fringe extremists in the NYCFC fan base.
- Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando announced that the 2019 season will be his last.
- The MLS Disciplinary Committee decided to add a game to the suspension of the Houston Dynamo’s Ronaldo Pena from the 2018 season to the start of the 2019 campaign.
It was another busy Friday for both Orlando City and MLS, as everyone prepared to get the 2019 season started today. I know that I’m super psyched to finally, after what feels like way more than a few months, see the boys in purple take the pitch in a match that has real ramifications. Now get down to the stadium, bring the noise, and go City!
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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/31/25
Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work but will attend the Chicago Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field later this week. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Beats LA Galaxy on the Road
On Saturday, Orlando City fought back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy struck early in the first half to jump on top. In the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick after Eduard Atuesta was taken down in the box, and Martin Ojeda buried the spot kick to tie the match at one. In the 90th minute, Luis Muriel scored the winning goal on a long-range free kick to complete the comeback. Orlando is on a three-match unbeaten streak and beat the LA Galaxy for the third consecutive time. Orlando City’s next match will be on the road Saturday against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.
Orlando Pride Defeat San Diego Wave at Home
The Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium and extended their win streak to three matches to start the season. After a scoreless first half, Haley McCutcheon scored to give Orlando the lead. The Wave equalized before Marta converted a penalty kick goal to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride are off to a great start this season, outscoring their opponents 10-1, and are atop the NWSL standings ahead of the Kansas City Current on goal difference. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will be on the road in their next match against the Seattle Reign on April 12.
NWSL Weekend Recap
The National Women’s Soccer League’s third week of matches is in the books. On Friday, the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC match ended in a scoreless draw. The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, with Ashley Hatch scoring both goals. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Utah Royals 3-0, while the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage match ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, the Chicago Stars fell 1-0 to Racing Louisville and remain winless, while Angel City FC edged the Seattle Reign 2-1 to secure its first win of the season.
FA Cup Quarterfinals Recap
The FA Cup quarterfinals wrapped up with thrilling drama as four clubs booked a spot in the semifinals. Crystal Palace cruised to a 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Nottingham Forest edged Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw to advance. Aston Villa dominated Preston North End as Marcus Rashford scored twice to seal a 3-0 win, while Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1. The FA Cup semifinals are set for April 26 as Crystal Palace faces Aston Villa while Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester City.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City GM Luiz Muzzi provided some insight in an ESPN.com article on player transfers and highlighted the importance of building connections with different clubs to facilitate transfers.
- Former Lion Benji Michel is going to play for HJK Helsinki.
- Antoine Griezmann is reportedly staying at Atletico Madrid next season despite being linked to a potential move to join LAFC in MLS.
- RB Leipzig has fired manager Marco Rose, as the club is sixth in the Bundesliga table and has appointed Zsolt Low as interim manager until the end of the season.
- David Blitzer is reportedly close to selling his majority ownership stake in the Utah Royals and Real Salt Lake after owning both clubs since 2022.
- Sports Illustrated released its list of MLS Coaches on the hot seat after poor starts, mentioning Sporting Kansas City’s Peter Vermes, the LA Galaxy’s Greg Vanney, and the New England Revolution’s Caleb Porter.
- FIFA is reportedly considering having a one-game playoff between LAFC and Club America, with the winner replacing Club Leon in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
- That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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