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Lion Links: 9/11/19

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6 years ago

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Happy Wednesday morning, Mane Landers! Hope you’re all having a great week so far. I’ll be testing kindergarten and first grade students all day, so I’ll appreciate any good vibes. Enough about me, let’s jump to the links.

The Lions Embrace High Stakes

It’s no secret that every match is a must-win for Orlando City as it works to get close to a playoff spot. New England sits four points ahead in the East’s final playoff spot, and a win against the Revs this Saturday would be crucial. The Lions players were quick to mention the positive culture aiding in their resiliency this season.

“Everyone is staying positive. I think the culture drives that positivity. At this point, people might be getting at each other or giving up. The culture really is keeping us together in these most important games. It’s exciting. This is what we work all season long for, and now we’re right there and we have the chance to take it. We’re all very excited, I’m excited… I feel like if we just take care of our business, things will fall where they need to fall,” said Kyle Smith.

Head Coach James O’Connor doesn’t want the players to get ahead of themselves though, mentioning that the only match that matters in this moment is the one this Saturday against New England. In an injury update, O’Connor shared that João Moutinho is doubtful to return this week as he is still waiting on results from his hamstring injury and now a tweaked quad, while Mauricio Pereyra is close to playing and JOC is hopeful Pereyra could play limited minutes this weekend.

Toni Pressley Could be back Soon

In case you weren’t aware, the club announced back in early August that Orlando Pride defender Toni Pressley had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Julia Poe of ProSoccerUSA.com shared via Twitter that the Pride could see Pressley return to training as early as this week only about a month after having surgery. I’m glad we live in a world where the little girls I work with every day get to see bad ass women continue to follow their dreams right here in their backyards.

In the meantime, the Pride are dealing with a quick turnaround in tonight’s match-up against Chicago.

USMNT Comes from Behind to Draw Uruguay

Jordan Morris was the recipient of a fortunate deflection, allowing the Seattle Sounders man to nod home the tying goal in a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in St. Louis last night. Brian Rodriguez opened the scoring for the visitors five minutes after a scoreless game restarted for the second half. The U.S. should have received a penalty kick in first-half stoppage time after a Josh Sargent header clearly came off the upraised arm of Jose Gimenez right in front of goal. A draw is better than a loss, and the performance was better, but the USMNT is clearly still a work in progress.

USMNT Depth Analysis

It’s been eight months since Gregg Berhalter was appointed as head coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team in an attempt to save the failing program. ESPN broke down the current roster on Tuesday to show the depth of players in each position and where the team should be concerned as it prepares for the 2022 World Cup. The biggest concerns they lay out are Zack Steffen’s distribution if Berhalter continues to play out of the back and the left back position. The left back spot has been a continued weak area for the team with a lot of options, here’s hoping they can solve the problem.

Why the Bahamas vs. Bonaire Match Mattered

Unless you live under a rock, you’re well versed in just how devastating Hurricane Dorian was to the neighboring Bahamas. Only days after the storm made landfall and Thomas Robinson Stadium was being used as a backup shelter for local hospitals, the Bahamian national team rallied together to beat Bonaire, 2-1. The triumph in Concacaf Nations League play was the first victory in a major tournament since 1974 for the Bahamians. It wasn’t easy to prepare for, but the players wanted to do whatever they could to bring some joy back to the country they love.

“It was tough to prepare for this game. The power was out at our training facility and we had to cancel practice a few times. Finally we just decided to have practice, but to park our cars right next to field and turn our headlights on so we could see,” said Happy Hall.

For an easy way to help:

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  • It seems Orlando City fans aren’t the only people to think that Benji Michel’s 50/50 was fair and if it hadn’t been unnecessarily called, Uri’s goal could have meant the win for OCSC. I’m not still bitter, you are!

  • The Inter Miami rumors are only getting started as some sources say David Beckham has been in contact with French coach, Zinedine Zidane, while a Barcelona radio station claims he’s also reached out to Lionel Messi to play for the team.
  • A friendly reminder from Orlando City Defender Alex De John that you can help raise money to kick childhood cancer just by tweeting!

That’ll do it for me today, Mane Landers. It’s been 18 years, but spare a thought today for those who fell with the Twin Towers on this date in 2001. And be sure to check back throughout the day for all things Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars.

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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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23 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.

Published

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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