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Lion Links: 7/8/19

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6 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.

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  • 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: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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22 hours ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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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: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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