Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/6/19

What’s up, Mane Landers? It looks like we were able to dodge the hurricane for the most part and now we head into a weekend filled to the rim with soccer. Not only are all three of Orlando’s teams in action the next couple of days, but the United States Men’s National Team has a match with Mexico tonight as well. It should be a fun time so let’s kick off this Friday the right way with links from around the soccer world.
Lions Prepare for League Leading LAFC
Orlando City returns home after a crushing 3-0 road loss to the San Jose Earthquakes last weekend to now face LAFC in a crucial home match. With only five games left this season, the Lions will need to win practically all of them for a shot at the playoffs. It’s a tall order as they start by taking on the undisputed best team in the league this season, however, both sides will be without starters and Orlando has proven capable of using a deep roster to surprise opponents. While having key players out is far from ideal, it will be a good chance for some Lions to shine in front of the home fans.
“There are a lot of guys who don’t have as many minutes as they like who have been training well,” Uri Rosell said. “Saturday is going to be an opportunity for them to show up. Hopefully everybody will be set and ready to take that chance.”
In injury news, it looks like right back Ruan could make his return tomorrow while newest Lion Mauricio Pereyra is doubtful according to Head Coach James O’Connor after training. It’s not the best of news but hopefully this means he will become more available down the stretch.
I'm back at Orlando City training today after a few weeks of vacation.
Mauricio Pereyra is out here, but is only jogging around the field. James O'Connor says that he is "doubtful" for this weekends game against LAFC. pic.twitter.com/5xuELjEKGO
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) September 5, 2019
Lions Abroad
While injuries certainly play a part, the biggest reason the Lions will be shorthanded this week is due to the whopping five international players playing for their countries. Last night, Ecuador took on Peru in a friendly that saw Orlando midfielder Sebas Mendez play all 90 minutes to help Ecuador towards a 1-0 win. Carlos Ascues didn’t feature in the match, but it was a nice chance for him to train with the Peruvian National Team.
Final del partido en el Red Bull Arena de New Jersey. Nuestra @SeleccionPeru 🇵🇪 no pudo ante su par de Ecuador 🇪🇨 en amistoso internacional. ¡No dejemos de alentar!#ArribaPerú 💪 pic.twitter.com/z0FIcw3QVO
— Selección Peruana 🇵🇪 (@SeleccionPeru) September 6, 2019
Meanwhile, Canadian Lions Tesho Akindele, Will Johnson, and Kamal Miller prepare for Canada’s match against Cuba to start the Concacaf Nations League. With a Gold Cup qualifying spot on the line, Canada won’t be holding back to prove it belongs with the best in Concacaf. After tomorrow’s match in Toronto, the Orlando trio will travel to Cuba on Sept. 10 for the second part of the series.
USMNT Hosts Mexico in Gold Cup Final Rematch
The United States Men’s National Team will get another try at beating regional rival Mexico tonight in East Rutherford, NJ after losing 1-0 in the Gold Cup just two months ago. Ten of the available players for USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter played in that Gold Cup, but the team also welcomes some newer faces in defenders Sergino Dest and Miles Robinson, as well as the return of 29-year-old midfielder Alfredo Morales. Although it is just a friendly, there is still plenty to play for in the match as the U.S. prepares for the Nations League and it will be interesting to see what starting squad Berhalter rolls with tonight.
Orlando City B Welcomes North Texas SC
The only team eliminated from playoff contention in the USL League One, Orlando City B plays against first-place North Texas SC tonight in a match so lopsided that the league isn’t looking too closely at the meeting. North Texas can clinch a playoff spot with a win so the Young Lions have a chance to play spoiler in the game as they turn their attention towards next season. Although the team has struggled this season, any soccer is better than no soccer at all and the off-season will be here before we know it so I suggest heading out to the game if you can.
Free Kicks
- Here is a pretty inspirational feature from Nani about the importance of chasing your dreams.
Dream big. Never give up. @luisnani | #FaceOfCity pic.twitter.com/wzUI635LFn
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) September 5, 2019
- With so many players away, we may see a lot of Benji Michel and Santiago Patino this weekend. The pair have spent many years together and the two young players push each other to be their best.
CONFIRMED: @AlmightBenji and @SPatino_7 have a bromance. #FaceOfCity pic.twitter.com/eLT47cefds
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) September 5, 2019
- With the season approaching, learn more about Orlando SeaWolves star Osvaldo Rojas.
- Goalkeeper Damian Las had key saves throughout the night and Ricardo Pepi scored late to give the U-17 USMNT a 2-1 comeback win over Mexico in the Four Nations Tournament.
- A handful of Timbers Army supporters have been suspended for three matches for political signage at a game. They will be able to appeal their ban but time will tell if this is the last of the controversy we see regarding the league’s policy.
- Diego Maradona may be returning to a coaching rule in Argentina, although with a club rather than the national team.
That’s all from me, folks. I hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy every moment of it. Stay hydrated and try getting some good rest if you can. Vamos Orlando!
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.

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.
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.
Free Kicks
- 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.
- Congratulations to former USWNT player Becky Sauerbrunn who announced she is expecting a baby in October.
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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/20/25
Lions earn weekly recognition, preliminary Gold Cup rosters released, Americans in midweek action, and more.

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”.
Free Kicks
- Some of the takeaways from the recent round of MLS matches include Orlando City’s continued good play, Marco Reus stepping up, and the trio of strong teams atop the Eastern Conference.
- Kaká has said he is ready to join Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil staff if he’s asked to do so.
- Orlando City rose six spots to no.8 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- The Orlando Pride held fast at no. 2 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Enough said.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/19/25
Lions defeat Inter Miami, Pride fall to Kansas City Current, OCB wins, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. Over the weekend, I was catching up with my former coworkers during Chicago House AC’s home opener against Czarni Jaslo in Midwest Premier League action. Let’s wish Orlando Pride goalkeeper Kat Asman, who turns 26 today, a happy birthday. The Pride lost, but OCB and our Lions picked up wins over the weekend. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Defeats Inter Miami on the Road
Orlando City defeated Inter Miami 3-0 on the road Sunday at Chase Stadium and extended its unbeaten run to 11 league matches. Luis Muriel scored to put the Lions in front just before halftime. In the second half, Marco Pasalic scored and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson added the final goal for the Lions in stoppage time to seal the 3-0 win against their in-state rivals. Orlando moved ahead of Miami in the Eastern Conference standings into fifth with 24 points, while Miami drops to sixth, albeit with a game in hand. Miami has lost five out of its last seven matches. It will be a quick turnaround for Orlando City with a home match on Wednesday as Nashville SC visits Inter&Co Stadium.
Lions Sign Defender Zakaria Taifi to First Team Contract
Orlando City announced Saturday the club has signed Orlando City B defender Zakaria Taifi to a first-team contract as a Homegrown Player. The deal is through the 2026 season with club options for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 seasons. Taifi has made 44 appearances for OCB in MLS NEXT Pro. He has started 23 matches, scored one goal, and added three assists. Taifi was also part of the Orlando City Academy U-17 team that won the MLS NEXT Cup in 2021. Taifi made his first-team debut with Orlando City last month in a scoreless draw against CF Montreal. He also played in the Lions’ 5-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Round of 32 in the U.S. Open Cup.
Pride Fall to Kansas City Current at Home
The Orlando Pride fell 1-0 to the Kansas City Current Friday at Inter&Co Stadium. Temwa Chawinga scored the lone goal in the second half to seal the win for Kansas City. The Current have won two in a row, while the Pride have lost their second match at home this season. Orlando is on a three-match winless streak. The Current stayed atop the NWSL table with 21 points, while the Pride dropped to third with 16 points. The Pride will be on the road for their next match on Friday at the Utah Royals.
OCB Defeats Inter Miami II at Home
Orlando City B defeated Inter Miami II 3-0 Saturday at Osceola County Stadium. Gustavo Caraballo, Shak Mohammed, and Justin Ellis all got on the scoresheet for the Young Lions. Ellis also added two assists in this match. The win also snapped OCB’s five-match winless streak against Inter Miami II, and now the Young Lions are seventh in the Eastern Conference standings with 14 points. OCB will be on the road to take on Atlanta United 2 Friday.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City defender Alex Freeman has been in stellar form so far this season for Orlando, scoring three goals in 15 matches with one assist across all competitions.
- The U.S. Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer have reached an agreement on a 10-day transfer window beginning June 1. This window will only be for MLS clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0 Saturday to win the FA Cup and lift its first-ever major trophy in club history. Defender Chris Richards and goalkeeper Matt Turner became the first Americans to win the FA Cup since goalkeeper Tim Howard won it in 2004.
- Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-0 to win the Women’s FA Cup. USWNT midfielder Catarina Macario scored, and Sandy Baltimore netted two goals and added an assist to seal Chelsea’s domestic treble this season.
- Jamie Vardy scored his 200th goal for Leicester City in his final appearance for the club, helping his side beat Ipswich Town 2-0 in the final home match of the season.
- Angel City FC shared an update on social media, announcing defender Savy King was discharged from the hospital Saturday following her collapse on the pitch over a week ago during an NWSL match against the Utah Royals.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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