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Lion Links: 6/2/19

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7 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. First and foremost, happy birthday to the Pride’s Danica Evans! It’s a shame we couldn’t celebrate it with the Pride also snagging their first win of the season, but we’re celebrating for you nonetheless!

All right. We’ve got a bevy of content to dive into today, so buckle up, grab some popcorn, and let’s get straight into what was both a legendary but tragic weekend in the world of soccer.

Impressive Lions Win on the Road, 3-0

Can you say “positive goal differential?” It’s not the most familiar phrase as an Orlando City supporter, but welcome to 2019! The Lions showed up in Canada ready to play, netting three times in a strong first half and taking home a 3-0 win. The third goal, in particular, was a thing of absolute beauty. After 21 completed passes (that’s right, 21 passes), Will Johnson found himself on the end of a punched cross, heading the final touch past a helpless goalkeeper. It may have been the best team goal the club has scored…ever. Just take a look for yourself.

Following a well-played first half, the Lions held fast to their 3-0 lead to take all three points back through customs with them. While the absence of Ignacio Piatti was obviously a factor, this result was stunning and only serves to raise hopes of the Lions finding their way into the MLS playoff picture for the first time.

Also keep an eye out for Jennifer Warren’s five takeaways from this exciting road thrashing!

The Pride host the Courage, Lose 3-0

Let’s be honest: it’s been an abysmal start to the 2019 campaign for the Orlando Pride. Winless through the first nine matches of the season, it’s clear that the squad is hampered (to be generous) by a lack of quality. The World Cup absences certainly can be blamed, but it can’t shoulder the full load. This team is close to crisis, with attendance still at an all-time low and the team at the bottom of the table. A silver lining? The team didn’t concede a goal in the first half for the first time this season. I guess that’s pretty cool. Kristen Hamilton put three in the back of the net to complete her hat trick and the Courage coasted to a 3-0 win.

Marta is Ready for the World Cup, Shrugs Off Retirement Talks

The Brazilian star has reportedly denied any plans of retiring soon, declaring that she currently has no intention of hanging up her boots following the World Cup and the 2019 NWSL season. The 33-year-old was front and center for the few matches she could play for the Pride this season, and led the team in shots and shots on target while playing the full 90 in each match. The fiercely competitive Marta was fully focused on the Pride during the buildup to the World Cup, exemplifying her professionalism and intense commitment. It wasn’t until her time with the Pride was put on hold that she turned her attention to the World Cup, but she did so with a fervor that has impressed her club teammates and coach, as well as her fellow Brazilian international teammates.

The USWNT Dictionary

That’s right, the U.S. Women’s National Team has released a team dictionary, providing insight for supporters into what all of their inside jokes mean. It’s a nice gesture from the World Cup favorites. My personal favorite? Hair perfection. Why? Because I always find myself saying something along the lines of, “Damn. That haircut is really something. In a good way.” Check it out and familiarize yourself with it before the big tournament kicks off in less than a week!

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  • When I mentioned that it was also a tragic weekend in the world of soccer, I was referring to the profoundly upsetting passing of José Antonio Reyes. At just 35 years old, the former Spanish international is being mourned by Real Madrid, Sevilla, Arsenal, and a bevy of other fortunate clubs that were able to secure his services. Rest in power, José. You will be missed.

  • Orlando’s new NPSL side, Central Florida SC, lost a close one to a strong Naples United FC in Winter Park. The match was affected heavily by weather delays, but hey, we do live in Florida, right? The Panthers see action next on June 8, facing off against the table topping Miami FC.

  • Tallahassee SC traveled to Hattiesburg to take on Hattiesburg FC and took home all three points, winning off of a beautiful Boneco Bazil bicycle kick. The Battle Lions take to the pitch again on June 8, in Tallahassee, against Port City FC.

  • Looking for some insight into the roster that will eventually represent the U.S. in the Gold Cup? Look no further, I’ve got you covered.
  • I’ll believe it when I see it, but apparently Argentina icon Lionel Messi is considering passing on representing his country at the World Cup in 2022. But again, I’ll believe it when I see it.
  • Congratulations are in order to Liverpool FC for taking home the European crown, beating Tottenham in the Champions League final, 2-0. It wasn’t the most entertaining affair (that pitch invader was entertaining though), but the Reds will happily take the monumental win. To add to that, Sadio Mane, easily one of the the club’s most influential players, almost signed for Manchester United, but a man named Jürgen Klopp convinced him otherwise, and the rest is history. You’ll never walk alone! Also, this guy probably didn’t have to buy a single drink yesterday.

Whew. It was a busy one, huh? But almost everything went perfectly this weekend. Almost. Hopefully the Pride can figure things out and right the ship. Time will tell, but I’m not the most optimistic about their chances, even after the World Cup stars return.

Regardless, I hope you all enjoy the remainder of your Sunday and then have an even better week.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/22/26

Orlando City prepares for FC Cincinnati, Angelina receives an additional suspension, Orlando City B signs Albright Chikamso, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

May 22, 2026

By

Image of Angelina launching a long pass.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! There’s a smorgasbord of Orlando soccer waiting for us this weekend and I’m looking forward to it. Along with enjoying the games, I plan on spending the weekend tearing my way through the rest of Kristen Perrin’s murder mystery series after devouring “How to Solve Your Own Murder.” I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of whodunits. Now, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for FC Cincinnati

The Lions are back in action on Saturday with a road match against FC Cincinnati in the last match for both clubs before the World Cup break. Orlando enters this match with plenty of momentum after beating Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, but the team has struggled playing away this year and Cincinnati is a tough opponent. Both offenses are flying high as of late, and the only team in the league that has conceded more goals this season than Cincinnati is Orlando, so a high-scoring affair might be in the cards for us before the break.

Angelina Suspended for an Additional Game

The NWSL Disciplinary Committee handed Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina an additional one-game suspension for a violation of “Major Game Misconduct.” Angelina received a red card following video review in Orlando’s 3-1 loss to the Denver Summit after she pulled Delanie Sheehan’s hair. The Pride will now be without her for both Sunday’s game against the San Diego Wave and the game on May 29 against Bay FC, meaning she won’t be available for selection until after the summer break.

Orlando City B Signs Albright Chikamso

Defender Albright Chikamso has signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B that will last through 2028. The academy product has made four appearances with OCB already and scored in his first start with the team on Oct. 10 of last year. It’s nice to see the club’s youth program continue to develop players so that they can move up the pipeline. Hopefully Chikamso can continue to impress with the Young Lions this season.

Chris Richards Injury Update Before World Cup

American defender Chris Richards tore ligaments in his ankle according to Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who confirmed that he won’t be available for the team’s season finale on Sunday. There’s notably still a chance that he plays in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday. However, the World Cup is only a few weeks away and United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce the team’s roster on Monday. Richards has been a critical part of the U.S. defense under Pochettino and we wish him a speedy and smooth recovery.

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  • MLS players will wear personalized jerseys this weekend in recognition of the upcoming World Cup, with an auction to follow.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

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Lion Links: 5/21/26

Orlando City will face the Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup semis, USMNT roster predictions, Casemiro linked with Inter Miami, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

May 21, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m still riding high from Orlando City’s big win over Atlanta United and am hoping to keep carrying that momentum through these next couple of days before a busy weekend. It will be the last time all three of Orlando’s soccer teams are in action during the same weekend for a while due to the World Cup, so savor every minute of it. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Will Face Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup

We now know Orlando City’s opponent for the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, with the Columbus Crew advancing after a 1-0 win over New York City FC. After a scoreless first half, Max Arfsten scored the game’s only goal and the Crew held on for a big win at home just a few days after Henrik Rydstrom was fired as head coach. The Lions will be on the road for the semifinal against the Crew in September. Should Orlando win, it will host the final no matter which team from the other side of the bracket advances.

Predicting the USMNT World Cup Roster

We’re less than a week away from United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino announcing the 26-player roster for this year’s World Cup. Most of the team seems fairly locked in, but midfielders Giovanni Reyna, Aidan Morris, and Diego Luna are all on the bubble, with Tanner Tessmann possibly still in the mix despite an injury. SBI Soccer projects Aidan Morris making the cut, while former USMNT player Alejandro Bedoya has Luna and Jack McGlynn on his projected roster. As for the defense, we’ll see if the center back group is too crowded for Miles Robinson or Noahkai Banks to be included. I don’t expect any big surprises from Pochettino on May 26, but forwards Zavier Gozo and Julian Hall are young players who could bring a spark off the bench in a tournament setting.

Casemiro Linked With Inter Miami

Inter Miami is reportedly close to signing Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who announced he is leaving Manchester United once his contract expires this summer. One of the interesting wrinkles in this reported move is that the LA Galaxy hold Casemiro’s discovery rights and that issue is not yet resolved. Miami also does not have an open Designated Player slot, so I expect some more “creative” roster structuring to take place in order to fit him in if this comes to pass. The 34-year-old has scored nine goals for United this season and was named to Brazil’s World Cup roster.

Aston Villa Wins UEFA Europa League

Aston Villa beat SC Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final to win silverware for the first time since 1996. Emiliano Buendia had a goal and an assist in the match, with Villa scoring twice late in the first half and the defense doing its part for a shutout victory. This was Unai Emery’s fifth time winning the Europa League as a manager, lifting the trophy three years in a row with Sevilla and once with Villarreal before doing it again now with Villa. It’s wild that all three clubs have “villa” as part of their names.

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  • ESPN ranked the top 50 American men’s soccer players and former Orlando City defender Alex Freeman placed 15th on the list.
  • After playing in the USL Super League for two seasons, Spokane Zephyr FC announced that it will not be continuing operations.
  • MLS has spoken with the International Football Association Board to trial stopping the clock during matches for injuries, substitutions, and set pieces. I already get annoyed when the broadcast shrinks the game on the screen to try selling me cars and beer, so I don’t know if I could handle an actual commercial break.
  • Sporting Kansas City’s Stephen Afrifa won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his curling winner to lift his team to a 2-1 win over Austin FC.
  • Wyland, the artist whose mural was painted over for a World Cup display in Dallas, is taking legal action over the act.

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

Lion Links: 5/20/26

Orlando City defeats Atlanta United, Anna Moorhouse called up, Arsenal wins EPL championship, and more.

Published

5 days ago

on

May 20, 2026

By

Image of Griffin Dorsey preparing to shoot on a breakaway against Atlanta.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I love the U.S. Open Cup. I love the history, the cupsets, and the magical moments. I especially love it when my team wins and wins big like Orlando City did Tuesday night. It was unexpected result but a very welcome one. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Advances to USOC Semifinals

Orlando City defeated rival Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. The Lions unleashed an offensive firestorm in the first half against Atlanta United, scoring four goals before halftime. Frankly, it could have been more. The Lions were unable to add to the lead in the second half and conceded one goal to Atlanta, but it was more than enough to secure the victory.

Moorhouse Called Up

Anna Moorhouse has once again been called up by England for Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. It is always an honor for a player to represent their country. We are happy that Moorhouse will have the opportunity.

World Cup News

We are only weeks away from the start of the World Cup and we know who most of the players representing their countries will be. For example, Granit Xhaka will captain Switzerland in the tournament. Most of us are primarily concerned with the USMNT and which players are in form for club and, hopefully, country.

Premier League News

The 23-year wait is over as Arsenal won the English Premier League championship following a 1-1 draw between Bournemouth and Manchester City on Tuesday. It is all but certain that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer. It’s not the ending that Guardiola wanted for his time at Manchester City, but he leaves the club in a good position. While the Gunners celebrate, Tottenham Hostpur is fighting relegation.

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That will do it for today. Check back later this week as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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