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Lion Links: 9/10/19

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6 years ago

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It was yet another frustrating weekend for Orlando soccer fans, as Orlando City’s draw with LAFC was the only result any of the three teams were able to manage. More frustrating for the Lions, specifically, was the nature of the draw, with a second-half lead slipping away and two points with it. No time to dwell on the past though, so let’s get to those links.

Every Game is a Final

Orlando City has four games left in the 2019 regular season and trails the New England Revolution by four points, with the Revs occupying the last playoff spot. That means that Saturday’s match is just about the definition of a must-win game for the Lions, with the other three games on the schedule falling under the same category. The remaining four games are against teams that Orlando has at least gotten a draw with this season, with the exception of the Houston Dynamo, who Orlando hasn’t played yet. A draw is no longer what Orlando needs though, and running the table over the last four games will almost certainly result in a first ever playoff berth. That means that Cristian Higuita and several other Lions are attacking the next month with the mentality that each of the team’s four remaining games are finals. Hopefully it’s a mentality that pays dividends.

Lions in MLS Team of the Week

Following Saturday’s hard-fought draw with LAFC on Saturday, a pair of Lions found themselves in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Week. After providing an assist for Benji Michel’s goal and returning to the starting XI with an all-around glittering performance, Ruan was named to the Team of the Week starters in the back line. Lamine Sané, meanwhile, was named to the bench for a performance that saw him make several key tackles and do an excellent job of marshaling the back line. Higuita can perhaps feel hard done by not to be included after turning in a top-notch performance, but two honorees isn’t bad at all. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

Cuban Players Reportedly Defect

The Cuban national team played a Concacaf Nations League game against Canada last Friday in Toronto. While Cuba lost the game, 6-0, there was another (semi) unexpected consequence of the team’s trip to the great white north. Three Cuban players who featured in the game were missing from the rest of the team after the game, and have reportedly departed the squad to defect. If true, this is not an altogether unexpected occurrence, as Cuban players have frequently defected following games on foreign soil, typically during tournaments in the United States. Yasmani Lopez defected following Cuba’s 2019 Gold Cup opener, and Minnesota United’s Osvaldo Alonso did so during the 2007 Gold Cup. If the three players did defect, they’ll only be the latest of a large number of Cuban players to do so.

Dan Flynn to Step Down From USSF

Dan Flynn will step down from his role as the CEO and secretary general of U.S. Soccer on Sept. 16, and the USSF has announced that the search for his replacement is ongoing. Chief Stakeholders Officer Brian Remedi has been named chief administrative officer in order to help the transition go smoothly and will handle some of Flynn’s old duties until his replacement is named. The USSF is hoping to replace Flynn by the end of 2019, although the hiring process could run on into January of 2020. At present there is no list of final candidates.

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  • MLS and Adidas have announced the launch of the MLS Youth Affiliate Network, which will allow MLS to “strengthen our ecosystem by casting a wider net at the youth level.”
  • Nani is giving away a signed Orlando City jersey.

  • The Orange County Library System has a pretty good incentive for kids to check out books this month.

  • Eintracht Frankfurt has announced a game against Hertha Berlin over in Tampa that will be played in the buildup to the 2020 Florida Cup.

  • A few Orlando City passes made the highlight reel of the weekend’s best passing action.

That’ll be all for me today. Don’t forget that the Orlando Pride have a home match against the Chicago Red Stars tomorrow and Orlando City faces the Revolution on Saturday at Exploria Stadium. Get your butts in seats for those games, and y’all stay safe out there.

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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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18 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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