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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: 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

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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.

Free Kicks

  • 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.

Free Kicks

  • 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.

Free Kicks

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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