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Lion Links: 6/10/19

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6 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! While it might not have been a great weekend for the U.S., we did still get to start watching the World Cup. Frankly, I think we should refer to the women’s version that way until the USMNT gets its stuff together. Which team has three stars? Exactly. Let’s get to the links.

USMNT Falls to Venezuela

The less than optimal United States National Team did less than optimal things against Venezuela, losing the match 3-0. Unfortunately, it wasn’t even as close as the scoreline, as the U.S. was never really in the match. Jordan Morris had one shot that went wide left, but Venezuela dominated this match as the USMNT lost its second Gold Cup warm-up in a row. Stay tuned to social media for a mental breakdown from U.S. supporters.

Josué Colmán On the Move?

In what remains as speculation and is far from official, it looks like Orlando City midfielder Josué Colmán is headed to Paraguayan club Cerro Portena on loan.

The 20-year-old Young Designated Player has only started in one game so far this season and this may be a good opportunity for him to find minutes. However, the speculated move comes at an odd time as Orlando could use the depth with the U.S. Open Cup starting for MLS teams this month and more than a few players away on international duty. It’s hard to say if this is an effort to bring in a DP during the summer transfer window or the start of Colmán’s eventual exit from the team, but make sure to check back with The Mane Land as more information becomes available.

Orlando City on Break

The Lions last played on June 1, winning 3-0 over Montreal. Since then, they’ve been on a break, resting and recuperating. Given their recent form, one might want the team to keep playing and winning. James O’Connor and the players are actually glad for the break, given that they are halfway through the season, and a bit of fatigue is setting in. After some rest the Lions have returned to training in preparation for their U.S. Open Cup match against USL side Memphis 901 FC this Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Orlando Pride’s Claire Emslie Makes History for Scotland

The Orlando Pride’s newest player Claire Emslie made history on Sunday, scoring Scotland’s first Women’s World Cup goal ever. Unfortunately, Scotland came up short in the 2-1 loss to England. Emslie also spoke to Not the Old Firm about the excitement she feels about representing her country at the World Cup.

Other Women’s World Cup Results

The USWNT plays tomorrow, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t had plenty of great matches. Sunday started out with Australia taking on Italy. Sam Kerr’s 22nd-minute goal was her first scored in a World Cup. It wasn’t enough though, as Barbara Bonansea scored a brace to give Italy the victory over Alanna Kennedy, Emily van Egmond, and the rest of the Matildas in stoppage time. In the second match of the day, Brazil easily defeated Jamaica by a score of 3-0, despite the Orlando Pride’s Marta being on the bench as she tries to come back from an injury. Camila was also on the bench for Brazil.

Still No Equal Treatment

As I mentioned in the intro, the USWNT is by far the superior U.S. side when it comes to international competition. Part of the blame goes to lawmakers who have allowed U.S. Soccer near total latitude to direct the fortunes of the national program. There are several former and current players involved in a lawsuit for equal pay. Perhaps yet another good World Cup showing will bring more light to the subject. The U.S. players aren’t the only women under fire, as the Brazil Women’s National Team is dealing with misogyny at home. Despite having such players as Formiga, and perhaps the greatest woman to ever play the game in Marta, they have never finished better than runner-up in 2007. The Brazilian women don’t get the support they deserve either.

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  • The USMNT U-23s have been called up for camp in Utah. Included in the call-ups are Orlando City’s Cam Lindley and Benji Michel. We told you about Michel in Saturday’s Lion Links, but add Cam to the list!

  • U.S. military personnel and French locals celebrated 75 years since their predecessors played a similar match following the events of D-Day, and the liberation of France. It was a reminder of the worst of times and how good people were able to come together following such tragedy.

That’s all I’ve got for you today. It’s another busy soccer week as the USWNT kicks off its World Cup run tomorrow, and on Wednesday Orlando City visits Memphis in U.S. Open Cup action and OCB hosts FC Tucson. Saturday sees the Pride visit Houston and OCB travels to South Georgia Tormenta. We’ll cover it all for you.

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Lion Links

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

10 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

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.

Published

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

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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