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Lion Links: 4/21/19

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6 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers! I can finally end that statement with an exclamation mark again now that the Lions have added another win to their record on the 2019 campaign to move to 3-3-2. Unfortunately for me, I’ve been dealing with the flu since Wednesday, but I’m finally getting over it. It’s been hell, so I suggest that you get your flu shots while you can.

In much more important (and infinitely more relevant) news, today is Orlando City goalkeeper Adam Grinwis’ 27th birthday! Be sure to hop over to your social media of choice to show him some love. Happy birthday, Adam!

All right, let’s get to the Links.

Cardiac Cats Top the Whitecaps, 1-0

Donning the highly favored annual Adidas Parley kits (Orlando City now moves to 3-0-0 in the special edition kit) at home, the Lions showed why they’ve earned the “Cardiac Cats” nickname throughout the years. In the 88th minute, Sacha Kljestan, brought on as a substitute (and notably dropped from the starting 11 this weekend), took a low shot off a Ruan cross resulting in a deflection off of Portuguese captain Nani, who was credited with the match-winning goal for the home side. An excellent run and pass from Ruan opened up the opportunity for Sacha. The Lions are currently sitting in fifth place in the East. The season is young, but the Lions have now proven that they can grind out gritty wins. I’m as optimistic as I was from the season’s first kickoff.

And keep a keen eye out for Tom’s Five Takeaways later this morning.

The Pride Take On the Reign

Tonight’s match between the Orlando Pride and Reign FC could get ugly, or at least that’s the impression I’ve gotten after the Pride have conceded seven goals and scored none through the opening two matches of the NWSL season. The Reign are an annual top-tier side, but the Pride will hope to bounce back and strike for the first time on the young, green season. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET at Cheney Stadium. The match will be streamed nationally on Yahoo Sports! and in the NWSL app. New Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner thinks the Reign are a great side, too…but he sounds more optimistic than I.

“The Reign are a team with fluidity, consistency and a number of ‘game-changers’ that we’ll need to keep controlled,” Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner said. “This game will cap off a long, difficult opening week that’s a great test for us. If we can make them defend and keep on the front foot, I believe we’ll see the performance we need for a result.”

Go Pride!

Toronto FC’s Jozy Altidore Speaks Out

The USMNT and TFC striker has publicly hit out at the club’s president after exiting his side’s 4-3 win against Minnesota United in the 82nd minute with hamstring tightness, claiming that the owner (Bill Manning) could have had a former trainer remain with the club, but due to the trainer’s affiliation with former Toronto FC superstar Sebastian Giovino, he’s no longer allowed access to the club.

“Well, we had a trainer here the last three years that’s been helping me with muscle injuries, but because he was attached to Seba [Giovinco], he’s not allowed at the club, which I think is ridiculous,” Altidore said. “And so now this is what I’m faced with — games of egos and that (kind of) thing. Hopefully [Manning] can put his ego aside and I can get the guy that’s kept me healthy, kept Michael [Bradley] healthy, kept a bunch of the guys healthy, and we can make things move forward. To run a club, you’ve got to be able to put your ego aside and put the players first, so hopefully that will change.”

Bold words from a bold player, for sure, but an objective mind has to ponder the ramifications of speaking out publicly against the president of the club, and if it will affect the striker’s availability with the national team in the future should Gregg Berhalter choose to call him up.

St. Louis Expansion Bid Reveals Stadium Renderings

The stadium rendering of a ground that St. Louis hopes to make its MLS home one day has made its rounds on the world wide web and it’s been received with warmth as the beautiful building boasts some incredible features. Created by Snow Kreilich Architects and the global design firm HOK, the proposed stadium plans include a promise that every seat will be within 120 feet of the field, as well as a translucent canopy covering for the fans, which also permits light to reach the field. The design will be open to the north and east, which, according to the proposal, is intended to create “a strong visual connection to the surrounding Downtown West District and surrounding neighborhood.”

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  • Speaking of Toronto FC…maybe the club’s president could look to replace Jozy with this Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty fella. (I’m only kidding, but seriously, check this kid out). His Toronto U-15 squad fell to Chivas de Guadalajara in the Generation Adidas U-15 tournament final through spot kicks.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo is a pretty accomplished guy. We can go ahead and add to that as Juventus has again claimed Serie A.
  • Interested in the USL Championship? Here’s a tidy wrap-up of news from around the country.

It seems Evan Bush was pretty upset at being scored upon by the Philadelphia Union, or maybe he was just angry at the Talen Energy Stadium turf. Probably both.

All right folks, that’ll do it for today. If you’re still a little hungry, that’s a good thing, because Tom’s takeaways should be on your plate soon, plus we all have a Pride match to watch tonight. I predict a heavy Reign win, but hope to be wrong. Either way, have yourselves an excellent evening and an even better week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/30/25

Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 30, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Lions Called Up For International Duty

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.

Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.

A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.

Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson

The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.

USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China

The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.

Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager

Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.

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

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Lion Links: 5/29/25

Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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May 29, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Falls in Atlanta

The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.

MLS All-Star Voting Begins

The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.

Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery

Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.

Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League

Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.

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  • Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
  • Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.

That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/28/25

Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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May 28, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads North

Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.

Banda and Sams Recognized

A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.

Orlando Pride Power

The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.

Freeman and the USMNT

It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?

Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!

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