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Lion Links: 5/30/19

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6 years ago

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Happy Thursday, everyone. It’s been a while since I last did Lion Links but here I am, writing them up to drop on the morning of my 16th wedding anniversary (happy anniversary, Jamie!). While we wait for the end of the week to see what fate awaits our teams (OCB on the road Friday at FC Tucson, Orlando City at Montreal on Saturday, and the Pride at home Saturday night against the Courage), here’s some reading material to help you start your day.

There’s a lot to get to, so let’s get started.

Marcelo Neveleff Hired to Lead Orlando City Academy, OCB

On what turned out to be an extremely busy Wednesday for news out of Orlando City SC, one of the biggest items was the hiring of Argentine coach Marcelo Neveleff. The former New England Revolution assistant coach is the new OCSC Academy Director. Neveleff will report directly to Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi and will also oversee OCB’s operations.

During his time in New England, Neveleff worked with U.S. Soccer as both a technical advisor for the Boys’ Development Academy and as an assistant for the U-20 Men’s National Team. In 2017, he was part of a staff that helped lead the U-20s to win the CONCACAF U-20 Championship.

Neveleff has a lot of developmental experience, having served as technical director for powerhouse South Florida youth club Weston FC from 2009 to 2015. On the surface, this looks like an excellent hire by Muzzi and the club.

If you are, like me, wondering what this means for OCB GM Mike Potempa, well, I should be talking with Muzzi in the next couple of days and I’ll be asking about that and lots of other stuff, so stay tuned.

Lions, OCB, and Development Academy All Moving to Osceola Heritage Park

At the end of the 2019 season, Orlando City SC will be moving its MLS side, USL League One team, and development academy all to the club’s new training facility. The two professional teams will move from their current locations at Sylvan Lake Park and Montverde Academy after conclusion of the 2019 season. The academy will relocate at the start of the 2019-2020 academic year. The new facility at Osceola Heritage Park will feature four soccer fields — three natural grass and one artificial turf. The MLS side will use two of the grass fields, with OCB and the academy sharing the other grass pitch and the turf field.

“We are very excited and appreciative that the club has decided to increase its already considerable investment in the new training complex, showing its commitment to the development of our youth players and the future of Orlando City. The move to Osceola is a huge step for this club,” Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said. “I think it’s a huge step for the club, for the first team, for the youth, for OCB and for the whole development pyramid of the club. It gives us the ability to bring the youth together under the same roof – seeing the first team, interacting with the first team and why not training with the first team?”

This total integration of the club has Muzzi’s fingerprints all over it and it should make for a more competitive atmosphere and provide the players at all level with a feeling of connectivity.

Orlando Pride Will Also Get New Customized Training Facility

The facility news doesn’t stop with the academy, OCB, and the MLS side. The club’s NWSL side, the Orlando Pride, will get a new, customized training facility at Sylvan Lake Park after 2019. The club is calling it the “first training facility in the NWSL that is tailored to and used only by a women’s team.”

“I think this [move] is building the sustainability of the club and of the franchise and it shows that, you know what, we’re here to stay,” Orlando Pride General Manager Erik Ustruck said. “We’re showing a commitment to Seminole County, we’re showing a commitment to the Pride and that vision becomes global. This isn’t only for the immediate future and the current team, but it’s also to become a destination for the future of the club, for the future of the franchise and to be able to attract top-class players from around the world and within the NWSL.”

The Pride will have access to the same perks that the MLS team has — two grass fields, a gym, a meal room, a film room, a players’ lounge, and a locker room “designed to replicate the team’s locker room at Orlando City Stadium.”

This is a big upgrade over the team’s current home at Seminole Soccer Complex, a fantastic bit of news for Pride fans, and a great recruiting tool to land players in the City Beautiful.

Nani Would Rather Talk About the Next Game than the Playoffs

Orlando City captain and leading scorer Nani said he gets asked a lot about the playoffs but he wants the focus to be on winning the next match.

“I’ve been learning a lot since I arrived,” Nani, 32, told Omnisport. ”We are ambitious and we want to be more ambitious every season. We want to achieve better goals. ”We want to be among the best teams in the league. But every time I’ve been doing interviews, everyone asked if it’s possible to reach the play-offs. I don’t think it’s a good conversation at the moment because it hasn’t helped until now.

”We must start focusing on each game, play our best because we have a good team. We showed already we can do it. I think it’s better to take some pressure off our team and club and believe we can go far. Obviously, we will arrive there but if we take off this pressure, things will go much better during the season. It will be less stressful on the young players especially and this can help.”

Makes sense to me. If you keep winning the next game, then the next, the playoffs will eventually take care of themselves.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Sentinel and ProSoccerUSA.com writer Jordan Culver covered his last training session before moving on to a new chapter in his career. I’ve personally enjoyed working alongside Jordan — and his expansive bow tie collection — since he arrived on the Orlando City beat and it was good to see the club honor him.

  • It’s always nice to see the club doing great work in the community, so it was quite heartwarming to hear that members of Orlando City and the Pride paid a surprise visit to a local youth goalkeeper battling cancer.

  • Sports Illustrated is honoring the USWNT with six collectible covers in their World Cup preview issue. Grab yours before they’re gone.

  • MLS and Liga MX have announced the “Leagues Cup,” a new competition consisting entirely of meaningless friendlies that will further congest the fixture schedule.
  • Former Lion Jose Villarreal has landed with Las Vegas Lights FC.
  • Those born on this date include Loony Tunes cartoon voice actor Mel Blanc (1908), restaurant founder Bob Evans (1918), Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers (1943), actor and podcaster Stephen Tobolowsky (1951), Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine actor Colm Meaney (1953), basketball coach Billy Donovan (1965), Idina “Elsa from Frozen” Menzel (1971), baseball’s Manny Ramirez (1972), NASCAR’s Clint Bowyer (1979), and Steven Gerrard (1980).

That’s all my time for this morning. Enjoy your Thursday, everyone!

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Lion Links: 11/10/25

Pride defeat Seattle Reign in the NWSL playoffs, several young Lions receive U.S. youth national team call-ups, Americans abroad, and more.

Published

13 hours ago

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November 10, 2025

By

Image of Haley McCutcheon, Luana, and Angelina celebrating Orlando's win over Portland.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work and covered high school hockey this week. The Pride continue their playoff run in the National Women’s Soccer League, and we’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Pride Defeat Seattle to Advance to NWSL Semifinals

The Orlando Pride defeated the Seattle Reign 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium Friday in the NWSL playoff quarterfinals. Haley McCutcheon scored the opening goal in the first half to give Orlando the lead. Late in the second half, Luana scored her first NWSL goal from the spot to seal the win for the Pride. Orlando secured its fourth consecutive playoff win in two seasons and looks to take another step towards defending its NWSL crown. After Friday’s match, Haley McCutcheon and Marta discussed welcoming doubters and being motivated to prove them wrong as the Pride move on to the next round. The Orlando Pride will host NY/NJ Gotham FC in the semifinals Sunday at Inter&Co Stadium at 3 p.m. after Gotham’s win at Kansas City over the weekend.

Several Lions Receive Call-Ups to U.S. Youth National Teams

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced the rosters for several upcoming youth national team training camps and several young Lions got the call. The USSF announced that Orlando City Development Academy products Justin Ellis and Colin Guske have received call-ups to the U-19 team for the November FIFA window, while midfielder Jacob Ramirez was also announced as a call-up for the U-17 U.S. squad. The U-19 U.S. Men’s National Team will travel to Wales to participate in the UEFA U-19 Youth Tournament from Nov. 10-17. The squad will face Germany on Nov. 12, Wales on Nov. 15, and Japan on Nov. 18. The U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team will travel to Dubai as that squad prepares for qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. The U-17s will play friendlies against England on Nov. 13, Australia on Nov. 15, and the Ivory Coast on Nov. 18. Meanwhile, Homegrown fullback Tahir Reid-Brown has gotten the call from the U.S. U-20 side, coached by former USL-era Lion Rob Valentino, for a camp from Nov. 10-18 in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The U.S. will play a pair of matches against Costa Rica in that camp.

MLS Playoff Roundup

The first round of the 2025 MLS playoffs wrapped up over the weekend. On Friday, New York City FC beat Charlotte FC 3-1 to win the best-of-three series and advance to the conference semifinals. Saturday featured three matches, with plenty of drama. Minnesota United edged the Seattle Sounders 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. Minnesota trailed 2-0 and fought back to take a 3-2 lead, before Jordan Morris scored the equalizer late in the second half to send the game to spot kicks. FC Cincinnati beat the Columbus Crew 2-1 with a late winner from Brenner to advance. Inter Miami avoided a repeat of last year’s first-round exit and cruised to a 4-0 victory over Nashville SC. San Diego held a 3-0 lead in the late game with less than 20 minutes to play against the Portland Timbers Sunday, with the winner facing Minnesota United in the Western Conference semifinals. The matches set for the next round are the Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC, Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati, and LAFC vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps.

NWSL Quarterfinals Recap

In other NWSL playoff action from the weekend, the Washington Spirit beat Racing Louisville 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to move on to the semifinals. The top-seeded Kansas City Current fell to the eighth-seeded Gotham FC 2-1 after extra time. Katie Stengel scored the game-winning goal late in extra time to help Gotham FC pull off the upset and move on to the semifinals against Orlando. The Portland Thorns also needed to go to extra time to defeat the San Diego Wave 1-0 as Reilyn Turner scored the lone goal. The Portland Thorns will face the Washington Spirit at Audi Field in the other NWSL semifinal matchup on Saturday.  

Americans Abroad

It was a busy weekend for Americans in Europe. Folarin Balogun scored his fourth goal of the season in Ligue 1, but Monaco fell 4-1 to Lens. Patrick Agyemang scored his second goal of the season for Derby County as his side defeated Blackburn 2-1 Saturday and secured a fifth straight win in the EFL Championship. Alyssa Thompson played 86 minutes and scored her first goal in the WSL for Chelsea.

However, Chelsea couldn’t hold onto the lead as Arsenal found a late equalizer, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. In the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Tajikistan 2-1 with a goal from Cavan Sullivan. With the win, the U.S. booked a spot in the Round of 32 and will face the Czech Republic in its final group stage match Tuesday.

Free Kicks

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

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Lion Links: 11/7/25

Alex Freeman called up, Orlando Pride host Seattle tonight, Pride players nominated for The Best FIFA Women’s 11, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

November 7, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Not only is it Friday, but it’s also game day! The Orlando Pride’s playoff campaign kicks off tonight and I’m a bundle of nerves and excitement. If you’re headed to the stadium for tonight’s game, make sure to stay warm and hydrated. Have fun too! Let’s get to the links.

Alex Freeman Called Up for Friendlies

Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was one of 25 players called up by United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino for friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay this month. Freeman has made 11 appearances for the USMNT this year, but we’ll see how much action he sees with both Sergino Dest and Joe Scally returning to the fold. Giovanni Reyna is also back with the team, while Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah are a few of the notable omissions. The USMNT will take on Paraguay in Pennsylvania on Nov. 15 before coming to Florida for a friendly against Uruguay in Tampa on Nov. 18.

NWSL Playoffs Kick Off Tonight

The Orlando Pride host the Seattle Reign at 8 p.m. tonight in the first game of this year’s NWSL playoffs. Although the Kansas City Current are the favorites heading into the postseason, any team can make a run at lifting the trophy. The defending champion Pride enter tonight’s game on a five-game unbeaten run with some needed momentum for a tough match against a Reign side that has found results despite struggling to create chances this year. Orlando will need to be at its best this month in order to win it all for the second year in a row.

Pride Players Nominated for FIFA Awards

The Pride’s Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, and Anna Moorhouse were all nominated for The Best FIFA Women’s 11, which honors the top performers in the world from Aug. 11 of 2024 to Aug. 2 of this year. The Pride had a historic season last year, with Banda, Marta, and Sams all being named to the 2024 NWSL Best XI First Team. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines is nominated for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach as well, while Moorhouse is also nominated for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper. Make sure to vote!

Bradley Carnell Named MLS Coach of the Year

Speaking of awards, Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell was announced as the winner of the 2025 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year Award. In Carnell’s first year as head coach, the Union won a club-record 20 games this season and won the Supporters’ Shield. Philadelphia’s defense conceded just 35 goals this season and the team only lost once at home. Carnell garnered 37.78% of the total vote to win the award, with Vancouver Whitecaps Head Coach Jesper Sorensen coming in second with 26.53% and San Diego FC Head Coach Mikey Varas finishing third with 19.82%.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City defender David Brekalo was called up for Slovenia’s World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden this month. Slovenia is third in the group and will need a win against Kosovo on Nov. 15 to remain in contention to qualify.

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

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Lion Links: 11/6/25

Alex Freeman named to 2025 MLS Best XI, Orlando Pride prepare for the playoffs, U.S. wins U-17 World Cup opener, and more.

Published

5 days ago

on

November 6, 2025

By

Image of Alex Freeman celebrating after scoring the tying goal at Cincinnati.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the week is treating you well as we get ready for the Orlando Pride’s playoff game and other soccer over the next few days. It’s about that time of the year where I start trialing Thanksgiving dish ideas, which means my oven is being put through its paces. My apartment has been smelling nice at least. But enough about that, let’s get to the links!

Alex Freeman Makes 2025 MLS Best XI

MLS announced its Best XI of the 2025 season to celebrate the top players at each position, and Orlando City right back Alex Freeman became the first Lion to ever receive the honor. Freeman had a breakout year for the Lions, recording six goals and three assists as a regular starter. The 21-year-old was already named MLS Young Player of the Year and is the youngest player to make the Best XI since Brenden Aaronson’s inclusion in 2020.

Freeman is joined on the Best XI’s back line by Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon and Philadelphia Union duo Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner. Those three were the finalists for 2025 MLS Defender of the Year, with Blackmon winning, so it’s pretty good company for Freeman. Forward Denis Bouanga, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair are a few of the other players who made this year’s list.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Playoff Match

The Orlando Pride will host the Seattle Reign on Friday in the quarterfinals of this year’s NWSL playoffs. There will be a bit of déjà vu going on, as the two teams just played to a 1-1 draw in Orlando on Decision Day. The Pride have done well to bounce back in recent weeks after a rough stretch in the second half of the season, so hopefully they can get a win on Friday. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the pressure Orlando faces as the defending champions, as well as the importance of securing home-field advantage for this match.

U.S. Wins First U-17 World Cup Game

The U-17 United States Men’s National Team won 1-0 against Burkina Faso in its first match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. American winger Mathis Albert created chances throughout the match and it paid off in the 79th minute when one of his crosses fell for Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan to score the winner. Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes had four saves, and the defense did well to secure the clean sheet. The U.S. will be back in action on Saturday with a match against Tajikistan.

Analyzing the USWNT Roster

Although the United States Women’s National Team still has a pair of friendlies against Italy this year, we’re starting to get a clearer look at how the roster is shaping up under Head Coach Emma Hayes. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams is likely to be called up until further notice, although Jordyn Bugg’s ascent and Naomi Girma’s health may determine her chances at starting. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has seemingly locked up the starting job while the forward position is filled with talented players who give Hayes different ways of attacking defenses. There’s still a year before the Concacaf W Championship that will serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so it will be interesting to see if there are any major changes on the roster between now and then.

Free Kicks

  • Luis Suarez was suspended for Inter Miami’s deciding playoff match in the best-of-three series against Nashville SC on Saturday for kicking Andy Najar last weekend. Whoever writes his apologies for violent conduct must have one of the most secure jobs in the world at this point.

Can confirm @tombogert.bsky.social's report. Luis Suárez will miss Game 3 of Inter Miami's playoff series against Nashville SC for this off-the-ball kick on Andy Nájar. No foul was called in the game, MLS DisCo has deemed it rises to the level of violent conduct.

— Ben Wright (@benwright.bsky.social) 2025-11-05T16:42:59.720Z
  • Real Salt Lake signed both Sporting Director Kurt Schmid and Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni to new contracts, while Tony Beltran was promoted to assistant sporting director. These moves come a week after former Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis was named Real Salt Lake’s president of soccer operations.
  • Victor Osimhen is now the leading scorer in this year’s UEFA Champions League after his hat trick in Galatasaray’s 3-0 win over Ajax.
  • According to Wrexham Chief Executive Michael Williamson, the filming of Welcome to Wrexham played a role in Christian Eriksen choosing not to play there.
  • Here’s what to watch for across the many Europa League matches today, with Roma’s road game against Rangers likely to be a good one.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a great day as we look forward to the weekend!

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