Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/3/18

Published

8 years ago

on

Happy Sunday, Mane Landers! There’s a decent amount on tap today as the U.S. Men’s National Team traveled to Ireland for an international friendly, the Lions clashed with the Pigeons in New York City, and tonight, the Pride take on Seattle Reign FC.

It’s been a fun weekend on my end, I hope it has been for you all as well. If not, cheer up! I’ve got some tasty links for you below, and then you’ve got a potentially outstanding match-up to look forward to at 9 p.m. ET as the Pride play on the west coast against the Reign.

Enough talk, more Links. Here’s your Sunday serving, Mane Landers. Bon appetite:

Orlando City SC Falls Again at New York City FC

The Lions traveled to Yankee Stadium for the second time this season and dominated possession in the first half, and even had a few dangerous attempts of their own. But in the end Orlando City wasted its scoring opportunities en route to a 3-0 road loss. Sacha Kljestan couldn’t keep a penalty kick on the correct side of the post as the Lions hit the woodwork three times.

Make sure you check back later for Guilherme Torres’ five takeaways, too.

Young USMNT Squad Falls Late to Ireland

In a match that opportunistically featured a lot of young faces for the Americans, the boys in the stars and stripes fell just short of a result, losing in the closing seconds to a more seasoned Ireland side. Honestly, the match looked to be ending in a draw, but Ireland rightfully earned the win, as they were the better side on the majority of the day. Bobby Wood got on the score sheet for the Americans, but goals from Ireland’s Graham Burke and Alan Judge turned the game around. Scott Carnevale has your match recap.

Pride Look to Extend Four-Match Road Unbeaten Streak

Today’s match in Seattle, if won or drawn by the Pride, would extend an impressive unbeaten road stint that’s seen the team turn a lackluster start of the campaign into an energizing (hopefully) springboard for more future successes, both home and away. The current road unbeaten streak stands at four (Chicago, Utah, Portland, and Chicago), but an away match to the Reign almost certainly threatens the streak, especially with backup Haley Kopmeyer (earning her first start for the club with Ashlyn Harris out on international duty) being thrown to the wolves, in a trial by fire match-up that’s sure to see a lot of shots from Seattle. Several injuries and international obligations will hinder the Pride in this one (Marta and Rachel Hill will both be out), so it may well be a rough ride. Tom Sermanni himself admitted:

“Our most recent game was one of the most complete games we’ve played in a while but as we seem to be settling in, we’re now heading into a match that will be impacted by both international call-ups and injuries,” Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “That being said, Seattle will also be dealing with its share of disruptions. This hasn’t been an easy month travel-wise, but it is our job to go out there, leave everything on the turf and hopefully be returning from the West Coast with another strong result.”

Regardless, the match is sure to be a cracker, and I’ll surely be tuning in.

Wayne Rooney and D.C. United in Advanced Talks, Move Imminent

According to Sky Sports News, Rooney and D.C. United are in advanced talks over a move to the capital city to become the club’s Designated Player, with the news coming out that a potential deal worth close to $10 million over two years is nearly finalized. The move could become official as soon as Monday, but, should the deal go through, Rooney won’t be available for selection until at least July 10 (when MLS’ Secondary Transfer Window opens). With D.C. United’s new venue set to be unveiled for its first official match on July 16, something tells me that a grand spectacle will go down at a brand new Audi Field, housing a team with a brand new star.

Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Told Teammates He Is Leaving Real Madrid

Not only had the iconic talisman informed his teammates of his departure prior to the Champion’s League final triumph over Liverpool (3-1), but according to Marca’s Jose Felix Diaz, he had apparently informed them weeks before that fatefully historic night in Kiev that saw Real Madrid win a third consecutive European crown (and that’ll unfortunately always be remembered as the night Loris Karius pooped his proverbial pants). Regardless, the news is monumental, and could cause major financial and league-table-tilting waves throughout Europe. Real Madrid’s record holder for all-time goals will not go cheaply, however, and his release clause comes to the tune of around one billion euros. I don’t know what else to say after typing that sentence, so I’m ending this link with a “damn.”

Free Kicks

  • Bobby Warshaw over at mlssoccer.com provides you with a perfect breakdown of the MLS Eastern Conference picture right now, notably keeping a close eye on what looks to become a tight race for the East’s final playoff spots.
  • Although Orlando City’s own Abraham Valbuena bowed out of the video game competition early, the Global Series Playoffs for the eWorld Cup Grand Final began on Monday, and six of the world’s best eMLS representatives are fighting to become the world’s best FIFA champ. I’d still take ‘em all down.

  • Quite the classy move by NYCFC last night, as the club paid tribute on Pride Night to the victims of the tragic shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub. Personally, it was well-received in a profound way. Thank you, and it’s important to remember the victims.

  • The fellas over at mlssoccer.com (Bobby Warshaw and Matthew Doyle) had a nice little conversation about the state of the USMNT’s young future, specifically speaking on Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.
  • Real Salt Lake is reportedly in talks with Paraguayan winger Osmar Leguizamon, a countryman of Lions’ attacker Josué Colmán.
  • An independent panel has rescinded FC Dallas’ Cristian Colman’s red card and suspension following alleged “violent conduct” in the closing minutes of Dallas’ 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy last Wednesday night. Take a gander at the video that’s included in the link…then laugh. If you’re keeping track, that’s three red cards rescinded in a week. Get it together, PRO, you’ve got replay now and everything.
  • England’s gaffer Gareth Southgate has hinted that Jordan Pickford will start in Russia for the country’s opening match vs. Tunisia.
  • Oh, and uh, I also love me some Tim Weah. #TheFuture. His club side PSG took notice too!

That’s about all that’s fit to print today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Pride this evening, and then have a great week. Much love.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/12/26

Lions beat Columbus Crew, USWNT falls to Spain, Pride players on international duty, and more.

Published

22 hours ago

on

October 12, 2026

By

Image of Antoine Griezmann playing against San Diego FC.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope you all had a great holiday weekend down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work covering high school volleyball and soccer while catching up on season 4 of Ted Lasso. Our beloved Lions were in action over the weekend, and we’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Beat Columbus Crew

Orlando City defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 on Saturday at Inter.co Stadium, snapping a 2-2 stalemate just before stoppage time. Harvey Sarajian scored the opener for the Lions early in the first half before Columbus equalized minutes later. Antoine Griezmann’s goal put Orlando back in front before the break. In the second half, Braias Mendez tied the match for Columbus. But Ivan Angulo scored the late winner for Orlando to seal a crucial three points at home. The win snapped the Lions’ three-match losing streak across all competitions. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made 12 saves, setting a new club single-match record. Griezmann has scored 10 goals this season across all competitions and has played a key role in Orlando’s turnaround, making a strong case for the 2026 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award. Orlando City will have a quick turnaround, with its next match on the road on Wednesday against Toronto FC.

USWNT Falls to Spain in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team fell 2-0 to Spain at Audi Field on Saturday in Washington, D.C. Orlando Pride defender Oihane was on the bench for Spain but did not play in the match. Pati Guijarro and Eva Navarro scored for Spain early in the first half to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. In the second half, the USWNT had a chance to get back into the match, and Sophia Wilson thought she’d scored to pull one back, but the goal was disallowed for offside following video review. Later in the match, Lily Yohannes missed a penalty kick, leaving it at the perfect height for Spain goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares to make a diving save. Spain held on for a clean sheet and the win. The USWNT will face Spain again on Tuesday at Subaru Park in Chester, PA.

Pride Players on International Duty

Multiple Orlando Pride players represented their national teams during the international break. Two Pride players faced off in a friendly between Jamaica forward Solai Washington and Mexico forward Jacquie Ovalle on Friday. Ovalle scored for Mexico, and Washington scored her first international goal for Jamaica in a 4-3 win against Mexico. The two teams will battle again on Tuesday in a friendly.

On Saturday, midfielder Angelina scored for Brazil in a 3-1 friendly win against Argentina. Brazil will face Argentina again on Tuesday. Midfielder Ally Lemos started for the U.S. Women’s U-23 squad in a 5-0 win against the Dominican Republic in a friendly.

Forward Sanne Lekven, who is playing for the Norway Women’s U-23 Team, will face England later today. Forward Barbra Banda and Zambia will take on Uganda on Tuesday in Africa’s second round of the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Americans Abroad

Let’s catch up on Americans in action abroad in Europe. Former Lion Alex Freeman started and played a full 90 minutes for Villarreal in a 1-0 loss to Real Madrid on Saturday. Brenden Aaronson came off the bench and played 19 minutes for Leeds United in a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris both played for Middlesbrough in a 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Championship. Johnny Cardoso played a full 90 minutes for Atletico Madrid in a 2-1 win against Deportivo Alaves. On Sunday, Christian Pulisic started and played 78 minutes for AC Milan in a 1-1 draw against Sassuolo in Serie A. Bryan Reynolds had two assists for Stade Rennes in a 4-1 win against Auxerre in Ligue 1.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride forward Seven Castain, who is on loan at Dallas Trinity, scored a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Brooklyn FC in the USL Super League.
  • FC Cincinnati has reportedly signed former Philadelphia Union midfielder Jose Martinez, who previously played for Brazilian club Corinthians.

🇻🇪 Sources: FC Cincinnati has signed Venezuelan int'l midfielder Jose Martinez after a successful training stint.Martinez, 32, joins after leaving Corinthians. He is finishing recovering from torn ACL.Deal thru end of season + option thru sprint season. Done ahead of today's roster freeze

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-10-09T15:31:32.979Z
  • Racing Louisville forward Emma Sears has reportedly been traded to the Denver Summit in exchange for $1.2 million in intra-league funds.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/9/26

Daryl Dike’s soccer journey, Orlando City B signs Landon Okonski and Matthew Belgodere, analyzing Spain before USWNT match, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

October 9, 2026

By

Image of Matthew Belgodere of OCB firing a shot against Philadelphia Union II.
Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Justin Glatt

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a hectic week for me, but I’m looking forward to a weekend filled with soccer. Both Orlando City and the United States Women’s National Team are in action on Saturday, so be sure to plan your day accordingly. Let’s jump right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

A Day in the Life of Daryl Dike

Orlando City forward Daryl Dike was the latest MLS player to be featured as part of the league’s “Off the Ball” video series that shows what life is like for them outside of soccer. Dike, who returned to Orlando this summer, spoke on how the facilities in MLS were better than many in England but that the level of play was vastly different. Dike also gave insight into the toll the multiple injuries he dealt with had on him while abroad, although he also detailed how that adversity helped him learn more about himself and what makes him happy apart from soccer. It’s great to see Dike out and about in Orlando doing things we all do, although his anime taste is a bit basic in my opinion.

Orlando City B Signs Pair of Academy Players

Orlando City academy players Landon Okonski and Matthew Belgodere were both signed to Orlando City B contracts as they progress through the club’s pathway for young players. Okonski made his professional debut with the Young Lions this year and started 16 games as part of OCB’s defense. Belgodere also made his professional debut this season, recording five goals and two assists across 25 appearances. The 16-year-old was also named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Week for his role in OCB’s 3-2 comeback win over Carolina Core FC after scoring his first OCB goal in style.

Analyzing Spain Ahead of USWNT Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team will take on Spain in a pair of friendlies this month, starting with Saturday’s match at Audi Field in the nation’s capital. While Spain’s roster for these friendlies will be without notable players like Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, and Esther Gonzalez, there are still plenty of stars who could give the U.S. trouble. Alexia Putellas is more than capable of creating chances and putting them away, while Claudia Pina and Edna Imade are other attackers the U.S. will have to find ways to stop. We may also get to see Orlando Pride defender Oihane, who is the only NWSL player called up by Spain for this window.

NWSL Transfer News Roundup

The NWSL roster freeze took place Thursday and various teams that aren’t the Orlando Pride made moves right before the deadline. The Chicago Stars sent $700,000 in intraleague transfer funds to Bay FC for forward Racheal Kundananji, who recorded 12 goals and 11 assists across 63 games for Bay FC. She’s not the only forward on the move, as the Washington Spirit traded Nigerian forward Gift Monday to Boston Legacy FC in exchange for $500,000 in intraleague transfer funds. The North Carolina Courage made a pair of trades as well, adding defender Ella Hase from Racing Louisville for $35,000 in intraleague transfer funds and transferring forward Olivia Wingate to Gotham FC for free.

Free Kicks

  • Barbra Banda and Zambia lost 2-1 to Uganda in the first leg of the series between the two nations in Africa’s Olympic qualifying tournament. Banda assisted on Zambia’s goal to open the scoring, connecting with former Pride player Prisca Chilufya.
  • Portland Thorns forward Sophia Wilson was suspended for an additional game for violent conduct after pulling the hair of Boston Legacy player Lais Araujo.
  • This year’s Best XI was announced for the MLS NEXT Pro, and there are unsurprisingly no OCB players listed.
  • The U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team will be without midfielder Jaedyn Shaw for its upcoming friendlies due to injury precautions.

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/8/26

Orlando City prepares to host the Columbus Crew, Dan Lock joins Orlando City’s academy, Justin Ellis impresses with USMNT, and more.

Published

5 days ago

on

October 8, 2026

By

Image of Harvey Sarajian getting elbowed in the neck by Juan Guevara of Club Leon
Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? October has been going well so far for me, although I wish we got some fall weather instead of the afternoon showers that have made an umbrella a necessity as of late. It at least beats the usual oppressive heat I’m used to here in Florida. But enough about the weather, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for Columbus Crew

Orlando City will be back in action on Saturday against the Columbus Crew in its first match since the international break. This game will be a rematch of the U.S. Open Cup semifinal between the two in Ohio, where the Crew won 2-1. Hopefully playing at home gives the Lions an edge this time around as they fight for a spot in the playoffs. Forward Harvey Sarajian spoke on the team’s excitement to get back on the field following the international break as it prepares to face the Crew yet again.

Dan Lock Hired for Orlando City’s Academy

Orlando City named Dan Lock as its academy head of methodology and coaching for him to oversee efforts to improve the pathway for academy players to develop. He joins Orlando after over a decade in youth soccer development, including time with the Columbus Crew as their academy director and leadership roles in the academies of Charlotte FC and the Seattle Sounders. Lock has also been a coach educator for U.S. Soccer and MLS NEXT.

Justin Ellis Impresses With USMNT

Multiple MLS players stood out at the United States Men’s National Team’s series of friendlies, including Orlando City forward Justin Ellis. The 19-year-old scored in the opening match against Peru and then again to beat Canada. Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall also did well as the youth movement is in full swing with the USMNT to prepare for the 2030 World Cup. The only downside to Ellis’ international break was a knock picked up during the win over Canada, but hopefully it doesn’t take too long for him to recover from the contusion.

USWNT Will Face Tough Test from Spain

The United States Women’s National Team will take on Spain on Saturday in the first of two friendlies between the top two teams according to FIFA’s rankings. Spain has talent across all of its roster, but the offense in particular should challenge a USWNT defense that will be without key players like Naomi Girma, Emily Sonnett, and central midfielder Sam Coffey. The U.S. has put an effort into developing a solid player pool to provide depth when needed at times like these, so it will be interesting to see how Head Coach Emma Hayes aims to keep Spain’s attack in check.

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

Trending