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Lion Links: 7/18/19

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6 years ago

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Happy Orlando City match day, Mane Landers! It’s quite odd to say that on a Thursday morning. The Lions’ schedule of late has been interesting, to say the very least. Thanks to tonight’s game being on the opposite cost, Orlando will face the Portland Timbers at 10 p.m. ET. If you need some light reading to get through your work day prior to that, I’ve got you covered.

Before we get to that, let’s wish midfielder Cam Lindley a happy 22nd birthday. He may be away on loan with Memphis 901 FC, but he’s still our dude.

Nani Up for MLS All-Star Captain

Orlando City superstar Nani, the man who wears the armband for the Lions every time he’s on the pitch, is one of four Major League Soccer All-Stars nominated for captain of this year’s All-Star Game. It’s easy to vote via Twitter for our leading man, so there’s no excuse not to get your vote in. We here at The Mane Land have even provided the tweet — all you need to do is retweet it!

Wayne freaking Rooney, Chris Wondolowski, and Carlos Vela are the other three nominees, not that it should matter. If for some reason you still need convincing, Nani himself posted a skills compilation video since he is also participating in the All-Star Skills Challenge.

“Confident” Lions Travel to Portland on Another Short Week

The signing of new Orlando City player Robinho certainly couldn’t have come at a better time, considering the Lions made the 2,500-mile trek to the Pacific northwest on Tuesday afternoon for this evening’s match against the Portland Timbers. Head Coach James O’Connor told ProSoccerUSA’s Julia Poe that the former Columbus Crew SC midfielder, who will sport the No. 95, is “someone who we think can help us, so fingers crossed he’ll be able to come in soon and be able to give us a little bit of something.” Stalwart center back Robin Jansson added the following.

“I think we’re feeling quite good actually. We have tired bodies here and there, but that’s normal when you play a lot of games in a small amount of days. We’re feeling that we’re in a good mood and that we need to transition that into a good energy on the field.”

Danilo Acosta has definitely gotten some minutes in recent matches because of O’Connor’s need to heavily rotate his squad. Take a look at Acosta’s journey from Honduras to Orlando in this clip. Of course, the men in purple will make the return trip quickly in order to prepare for Sunday’s home battle with the New York Red Bulls. Provided Chris Mueller isn’t too exhausted to function, he’s got a meet-and-greet scheduled for Tuesday, July 23.

And yes, Orlando City got in on the aging-your-players-in-pictures craze that’s all over social media currently.

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Sometimes stoppage time really does feel that long.

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USWNT World Cup Stars Ready to Help Pride

Alex Morgan, Ashlyn Harris, and Ali Krieger (how am I just now noticing that all of their names start with “A”?) were finally back in Orlando Pride training Wednesday morning. Our own Scott Carnevale was there to cover it and reported that Morgan “was sitting off to the side resting her knee.” Head Coach Marc Skinner later cleared up the situation, telling the media that the star striker’s injury is just a “niggle” that she suffered during the United States Women’s National Team’s historic World Cup run.

The Pride will continue the welcome back party for the champions on Saturday with the home game versus Sky Blue FC. Morgan, Harris, and Krieger want to see us all there — make sure you don’t let them down! This match will unfortunately not be one of ESPN’s featured National Women’s Soccer League games (even more of a reason to get to the stadium). The viewing numbers, however, for last Sunday’s loss to Portland Thorns FC were released and seem to be decent.

Krieger and Harris Discuss World Cup, Legacies

Krieger, fresh off her Women’s World Cup after not being a part of the USWNT for nearly two years, is “good right now” and wants you to know it. In this excellent piece for The Players’ Tribune, the defender describes both the “shock” of finding out her USWNT contract had been terminated and the “validation” of receiving the call-up this past March. It’s an absolute must-read for any soccer fan, as Krieger’s fierce determination is something we can all admire.

Meanwhile, Krieger’s fiance and teammate, Ashlyn Harris, spoke about the legacy of this year’s WWC winning squad.

Free Kicks

  • The Area 51 memes are already wearing extremely thin as far as I’m concerned, but this one is simply perfection.

  • Liverpool FC fans are apparently the sexiest of the English Premier League. Somehow, I doubt that’s scientific.
  • I have no words for the new Huddersfield Town home kit.
  • After exposing your eyes to whatever is going on with the above kit, I must now grace you with the clean beauty that is Chelsea FC’s 2019/20 away kit.
  • Speaking of my EPL club, Italian side Fiorentina are looking to sign current Chelsea player Matt Miazga due to his nationality.
  • On to the two wonderful pieces of VfL Wolfsburg news. Women’s World Cup bronze medal-winning Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl has signed with the VfL Ladies. I’m obviously sad to see her leave Chelsea, though you won’t hear me complain about her joining my Wolves!
  • Lastly, the Wolves defeated PSV Eindhoven 2-0 in a preseason friendly.

Now go count the hours until we can watch Orlando City take on Portland tonight. I know I will be. Go City!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

Free Kicks

  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

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: 6/5/25

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

Published

4 days 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

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.

Published

5 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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