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Lion Links: 7/8/19

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7 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! What a weekend of soccer that was. We had the World Cup, Gold Cup, Copa America, and Orlando City all in one action packed Sunday. It was a day of joy and despair as the United States Women’s National Team triumphed, the Lions drew, and the United States Men’s National Team fell. Let’s hit the links.

Orlando City Get a Point on the Road

The Lions traveled to Talen Energy Stadium Sunday to take on the Philadelphia Union for the second time in four days. Unlike Wednesday’s match, Orlando City wasn’t given two red cards and was able to draw Philadelphia, 2-2. Keeping in mind the upcoming U.S. Open Cup match this Wednesday against New York City FC, James O’Connor rotated nine players in the starting 11.

Make sure to check back later today for our five takeaways from the match as well.

The USWNT Repeats as World Champions

The USWNT defeated the Netherlands to earn its fourth World Cup championship, defending its 2015 title. The Dutch were able to keep the Yanks off of the scoreboard longer than any other team could in the tournament. In the second half, Alex Morgan was fouled in the area, and a penalty was awarded. Megan Rapinoe stepped up, sent Sari van Veenendaal to her right, and deftly put it to the left for the U.S.’s first goal in the 61st minute. Rose Lavelle doubled the team’s lead with a goal in the 69th minute. No team should ever give her as much space in front of the goal as the Dutch did, and Lavelle made them pay for it. Though the European teams showed how much they have narrowed the gap, the USWNT proved it’s still the best in the world.

USMNT Falls in Gold Cup

The USMNT couldn’t do what the USWNT was able to do: win. I’m not sure what the plan was for the match, but it didn’t work out. Zack Steffen managed to keep the Yanks in the game until the 73rd minute, when Mexico finally broke through. The U.S. had some chances throughout the match but was never able to establish any kind of consistency, falling short in the Gold Cup Final 1-0.

Brazil Wins Copa America

Amidst all the U.S. and Orlando matches, you may have missed the Copa America final between Brazil and Peru. Despite not having Neymar, Brazil won its first Copa America since 2007, defeating Peru, 3-1. Everton Soares started the scoring in the 15th minute for Brazil, and Peru equalized in the 44th minute on Paolo Guerrero’s goal. Gabriel Jesus gave Brazil the lead back moments later just before the half. In the 70th minute, Jesus was sent off thanks to his second yellow card. However, Peru wasn’t able to capitalize on being a man up, and in the 87th minute Soares earned a penalty for Brazil. Richarlison took the kick from the spot and sealed the match for Brazil.

Budweiser Steps Up

Longtime readers will know that I’m a big fan of craft beer, and I’m definitely not a Bud drinker. However, I do like to give credit where it’s due, and it’s definitely great that Budweiser has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with the National Women’s Soccer League. This is exactly the type of support that the women’s game and the NWSL has been missing. Budweiser will have naming rights to the playoffs, the championship, and the MVP trophy. I’m not saying I’m going to start buying a bunch of Budweiser, but I might be willing to raise one in support of the company’s commitment to the women’s game.

Free Kicks

  • The USWNT will return to America and receive a ticker tape parade in New York City. As much as we’d all like Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger, and Ashlyn Harris to return to Orlando, it is an honor well deserved.
  • Though the U.S. women don’t make as much as the men, despite many more accolades, how much will they make from their World Cup victory?
  • For some, Sunday’s trio of championship matches sounds like a perfect day. To others, it’s a sad commentary on how far the women’s game has to go to get respect. Would there be championship games scheduled on the same day as the Men’s World Cup Final? It’s a good question, and a discussion that should be had by FIFA and soccer federations around the world.
  • From the highest altitude match ever played to the biggest match ever played, women soccer players from around the world are doing whatever they can to advance equality in the game. This is a fascinating article and worth checking out.
  • Finally, I’ll leave you with the ad that Nike put out following the USWNT’s World Cup victory.

That’s all from me, have a great Monday as you start another work week. Go Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/21/26

Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, MLS playoff changes reportedly coming, Hall of Fame finalists unveiled, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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August 21, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a rough month for all three of Orlando’s soccer teams, but hopefully they can turn things around this weekend. Things haven’t been great, but surely that just means things can only go up from here, right? Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are on the road this weekend for a match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. It’s been a cruel summer for the Pride, as they’ve lost four of their past five games and are currently 13th in the league standings. Despite being on a three-game winless streak, the Spirit are second in the standings and will be a tough opponent for the Pride to face on the road. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on where the team needs to improve in order to get a result away from home against one of the league’s top teams.

Changes Reportedly Coming to MLS Playoff Format

For the umpteenth time, MLS is reportedly planning on overhauling its playoff format. The changes would go into effect when the league changes its calendar and they include allowing 20 teams to qualify for the playoffs, with the overall league standings being used to determine those top 20 teams. After a play-in round, the remaining 16 teams will play in a double elimination format that also features reseeding between rounds. If these changes do come to pass, hopefully the league decides to stick with it rather than constantly fiddling it with it.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The finalists for the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2027 were announced, with nine candidates making the list in their first year of eligibility. Former Orlando Pride player Ali Krieger is one of those nine, along with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. Central Florida native Graham Zusi was also named as a finalist. The two players who receive the most votes and are on at least half the ballots will make the Hall of Fame, with a third player able to make it if they’re on 75% of ballots.

Storylines Ahead of English Premier League Season

The English Premier League season begins today with Arsenal starting its title defense at home against Coventry City. Arsenal has a talented team once again, but it will be interesting to see how much of a challenge Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City can pose with new managers at the helm. Managers seem to be a focal point this season, as other storylines include whether or not Michael Carrick and Unai Emery can keep succeeding at Manchester United and Aston Villa, respectively. I’m just hoping we have an exciting title race by the time spring rolls around.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann tied with Robert Lewandowski for the second-highest rating of all MLS players in EA Sports FC 27.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/20/26

Orlando City defeated at home, Simone Jackson loaned to FC Rosengard, U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup roster unveiled, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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August 20, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

I think we can confidently say Orlando City’s Wednesday night excellence has come to an end after last night’s loss. I’m not going to claim the new kits are cursed after just two games, but I’ve bought some sage just in case. Before we get to that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Orlando City Falls at Home

The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire and got burned in a 2-1 loss that included a lengthy weather delay that paused things right before halftime. The Fire struck first with an early goal, but Orlando leveled things after the lightning storm passed. However, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty kick from a needless foul in the box for the winner, with the Lions failing to claw their way back a second time. It’s a disappointing result at home and Orlando will need to figure things out before hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Simone Jackson Heads to Sweden on Loan

The Orlando Pride loaned forward Simone Jackson to FC Rosengard in Sweden through June of 2027. Jackson was signed by the Pride in 2025 after four years playing collegiately at the University of Southern California and she has since made 20 appearances for the club. Hopefully this move gives her some more minutes to develop her game abroad so that she can make an impact with the Pride when she returns next summer.

U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster Announced

United States U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Vicky Jepson called up 21 players for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, including eight from NWSL clubs. Goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Nyanya Touray, and forward Emeri Adames are a few of the U.S. players to keep an eye out for this tournament.

The team will be without notable eligible players like Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg though, as youth tournaments take place outside of official FIFA windows when teams are required to release players. United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes also spoke on the importance of tournaments like this one to develop talent while uncertainty looms over the event due to UEFA’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The U.S. is set to start its campaign on Sept. 6 against Italy.

Americans to Watch in the English Premier League

The English Premier League season kicks off this weekend and there are a number of Americans to root for across the league. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are all still in the league but have new managers at the helm of their respective teams. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United avoided relegation last season and will look to build on that, while Haji Wright and Coventry City will fight to stay after earning promotion last season. Unfortunately, Wright will miss multiple weeks at the start of the season due to a quad injury.

Free Kicks

  • Alhassan Yusuf scored a hat trick in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over D.C. United, with Jack Harrison recording three assists.
  • Americans Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both played every minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of its matchup against the Austrian club in UEFA Champions League qualifying
  • Bay FC announced that the club and midfielder Tess Boade mutually agreed to terminate her contract, which was set to end after this season. Boade had been with the club since being selected in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft and was the captain last season.
  • Aston Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a reported $40 million transfer fee. Suzuki played for Japan at the recent World Cup and it will be interesting to see what this move means for Emiliano Martinez’s future at the club.
  • Brighton is covering the cost of tickets for its fans who will be making the trip to the Arctic Circle for its UEFA Conference League playoff match against Tromso in Norway.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/19/26

Orlando City match day, Colin Guske reportedly being loaned to RSL, Banda is an MVP candidate, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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August 19, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City plays in a midweek match that thankfully isn’t a Leagues Cup match. There are those who will say they’re sad the Lions are out of Don Garber’s cash grab competition, but I’m not one of them. The U.S. Open Cup and the MLS regular season provide plenty of fixtures for now. The schedule congestion is real, as we can see this week. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Match Day

Orlando City hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire tonight in an Eastern Conference clash. Defending against Lewandowski and Philip Zinckernagel will be a tough task for the Lions’ defense. Orlando City will need its offense to keep pace with the Fire if the Lions are going to take any points from the match. It will be interesting to see both Antoine Griezmann and Lewandowski on the pitch at the same time. Here is your official match guide from the club. Our match preview will drop later this morning at 11 a.m. You can also listen to our thoughts on the match on The Mane Land PawedCast.

Go West, Young Guske

It appears that Orlando City is loaning midfielder/defender Colin Guske to Real Salt Lake, according to Tom Bogert. This is not entirely surprising given how crowded Orlando City’s defensive midfield is with Joran Gerbet and Wilder Cartagena healthy and Luis Otavio rounding into form, not to mention Eduard Atuesta and Braian Ojeda once they return. It’s a good opportunity for Guske to get some minutes, given he’s a bit down on the depth chart with the senior team — far enough down to see more minutes recently at center back with the first team than in the midfield.

MVP Candidate Banda

Despite being away for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and not scoring in her first game back, Barbra Banda maintains her slim lead in the Golden Boot competition and is still a League MVP candidate. If she hopes to win either of those accolades, she will need to resume scoring. The upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to extend that lead.

U.S. National Team News

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia Union and will occupy a Designated Player spot. Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo has been signed by Premier League club Crystal Palace. Of course, there are other USMNT players already playing in Europe, and some are making a quick return to form following the World Cup. USWNT players are also experiencing ups and downs in the NWSL.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is headed to CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda División in Spain.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

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