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Lion Links: 5/10/19

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6 years ago

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What’s up, Mane Landers? It’s going to be a busy weekend with Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B, and the United States Women’s National Team all in action. All three Orlando-based teams will look to bounce back after tough games last week as they head into the summer.

Before we get to the links, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Alex De John, who turns 28 today. Congrats on being another year older. Now, let’s get to the links!

No Worries About Orlando’s Offense

Last Saturday’s 2-0 home loss against Toronto FC was the first time the Lions weren’t able to score a goal in a game this season. While this definitely isn’t good news, let’s not dismiss the fact that this is the first time Orlando was shut out this year. Considering this team was unable to score in six of its final eight games last season, I’d say the offense is far from abysmal. Head Coach James O’Connor agrees, noting that the team is very good at creating chances. Despite the slump that Dom Dwyer is in, O’Connor has constant faith in his attacking players.

“The biggest thing for us is our belief doesn’t waver in the players whether somebody scores or doesn’t score,” added O’Connor. “For us, our belief is always there for the players. Whether somebody scores in the game or misses a chance or doesn’t score in the game. For us, our belief in the players doesn’t fluctuate sort of by game. Our belief is there, we expect them to try really hard and to perform what we’re asking them to do.”

Colmán Waiting For His Opportunity

One member of Orlando’s offense that has yet to make a splash this season is young Paraguayan Josué Colmán, who has yet to start this season. Maybe it’s just a consequence of having many attacking options at the team’s disposal, but having a (Young) Designated Player spend most of their time on the bench raises a few concerns. Regardless, both Colmán and O’Connor are pleased with the work ethic given thus far and, after playing 10 minutes in last week’s loss, Colmán could find his way into more of the offense moving forward.

Pride Come Home to Face Thorns

Still without a win this season, the Orlando Pride sit at the bottom of the National Women’s Soccer League standings as they welcome the Portland Thorns to Orlando City Stadium. While it takes time for a new head coach and team to come together, the pressure is definitely on with almost a quarter of the season played and only one point to show for it.

The Pride have only scored once in five games and will try to win without Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, Shelina Zadorsky — all on international duty — and the injured Kristin Edmonds. However, the Thorns will be missing key players as well, with Christine Sinclair, Tobin Heath, Emily Sonnett, Adrianna Franch, and Lindsey Horan all on international duty.

Kopmeyer Hopes to Help Solve Pride’s Puzzling Start

Between television, jigsaw puzzles, and books, Orlando goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer is finding ways to stay determined and grounded as the team continues its drought. The 28-year-old will play in goal Saturday with Harris away and believes that she and other players will need to step up when some of the bigger names on the team are gone for the World Cup this summer. Kopmeyer is all about moving forward and refusing to dwell on past mistakes as her team searches for its first win of 2019.

Young Lions Return to Texas

Saddle up, because Orlando City B is heading back to Frisco, TX for another game with North Texas SC. In the last meeting between the two teams in April, it was a narrow 1-0 loss for the Young Lions on an own goal, but with the defense improving in each game it is only a matter of time before they win their first game of the season. It will be a tough test, however, as North Texas has won all four of its games this season and hasn’t conceded a goal in its past three matches.

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  • In case you missed it above, Shelina Zadorsky will be away with Canada after being called up for the team’s last game before the World Cup. Although Canada’s World Cup roster won’t be officially announced until later this month, Zadorksy is sure to be a part of the squad.

  • With three games — two of which are on the road in tough environments — in the next seven days for Orlando City, O’Connor is carefully managing minutes, and every player will need to do their part this week.

  • After conceding a baffling 30 goals this season, the New England Revolution decided to part ways with Head Coach Brad Friedel.
  • Professional Mexican soccer club C.D. Don Roge added Gordy Gurson from the Orlando SeaWolves, announcing the move in a tweet that has more sponsors than a NASCAR driver. Gurson is expected back after the team’s summer season.

The U.S. U-17s have moved on to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Championship.

  • Arsenal and Chelsea will meet in the Europa League final, a day after Tottenham and Liverpool booked their tickets into the Champions League final. This marks the first time ever that all four teams in the European league finals will hail from the same country.
  • That Arsenal and Chelsea match will also be Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech’s final game as he will retire afterwards. It is sure to be an emotional affair for him as he faces his former club.
  • David Beckham was handed a six-month driving ban after someone spotted him driving while using a mobile phone in London. Remember kids, if you’re going to text in a vehicle, make sure it’s in your limo with your chauffeur behind the wheel. Also, shout out to the bloke who snitched on him for doing this — loyalty goes out the window when putting other people’s lives at risk.

That’s all from me, I hope each and every one of you have a safe and fun weekend. Go Orlando!

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Lion Links: 5/22/25

Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Published

9 hours ago

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May 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup

The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.

Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek

Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.

U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results

Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.

Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final

Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.

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

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Lion Links: 5/21/25

The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

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1 day ago

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May 21, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.

Nashville is Next

As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.

Javier Otero Has a New Contract

Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.

Pride USWNT Call-Ups

Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.

FIRST USWNT CALL UP FOR BELLO 🗣️

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-05-20T15:06:37.081Z

USMNT Gold Cup News

Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.

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  • The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
  • In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
  • In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.

That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 5/20/25

Lions earn weekly recognition, preliminary Gold Cup rosters released, Americans in midweek action, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 20, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Life always feels a little brighter after your team wins a soccer game, even more so when it’s against a hated rival, so I hope you’ve had as good a start to your week as I have. We have no time to rest on our laurels though, because Orlando City is straight back into action tomorrow with a U.S. Open Cup match at home against Nashville SC. Let’s get into today’s links.

Lions Earn Weekly Recognition

Several Orlando City players are getting some deserved plaudits following the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami on Sunday. Pedro Gallese has been named to the starting XI of the MLS Team of the Matchday, while Joran Gerbet is on the bench and Oscar Pareja is the coach of the side. Gallese made four saves while keeping a clean sheet and also assisted Luis Muriel on the first goal of the game. Gerbet did an excellent job of helping to minimize the impact of Lionel Messi, while Oscar Pareja was the man who who masterminded it all. Alex Freeman got some love as one of the standout young players of the matchday, and also had a nice piece written about him in The Athletic (paywall). All the Lions are deserving of their praise, and here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we see them getting some love.

Freeman Named to USMNT Preliminary Gold Cup Roster

The preliminary rosters have been announced for the 16 teams set to participate in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Most of the usual suspects are present for the United States Men’s National Team, with the exceptions of Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna, whose teams are participating in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Of note for Orlando City fans is Alex Freeman’s inclusion on the preliminary roster. That being said, this early list contains 60 names and will need to be cut down to 26 by June 4. With Sergino Dest and Joe Scally both on the 60-man list, Freeman is probably an outside shot to be included, but you never know.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans playing matches during the working week, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar. Chris Richards, Matt Turner, and Crystal Palace host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their penultimate Premier League game later today, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth do the same against Manchester City. Wednesday has Jordan Pefok and Reims visiting Metz in a playoff to decide which team will play in Ligue 1 next season. Alex Zendejas and Club America take on Toluca in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura final on Thursday, and Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis host Valencia in La Liga play on Friday.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The summer transfer window will be upon us before we know it, so let’s take a look at what the transfer rumor mill is saying these days. Manchester United is said to be on the verge of signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has reportedly agreed to terms on a deal. Man City has reportedly ended its interest in signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, and has instead turned the club’s attention to Barcelona’s Dani Olmo. Finally, Rodrygo is reportedly considering leaving Real Madrid in the summer, with some outlets saying that he “has one foot out of Real Madrid”.

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That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!

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