Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/4/19

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad that it’s Friday and we can start to say farewell to this week. Unfortunately, this weekend will also have us saying goodbye to Orlando City and Orlando City B soccer for a while as both teams finish out the season in the next few days. But for now, let’s get the day started off right with some links from around the soccer world.
Orlando City Ready for Fire
With only one game left in the season and the playoffs officially out of reach, the Lions will take on the Chicago Fire at home on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. While there isn’t anything worth playing for other than some conference position jockeying (the Lions could jump to eighth in the standings with the right results), it will be nice to have all three Designated Players on the field together while the offense shows how exciting 2020 could look. Nani will finish as the first Lion to lead the team in goals and assists in a season and rookie forward Benji Michel is doing well alongside the bigger names.
Nani Gets Cooking
I’m not sure why a chef challenged Nani to cook gourmet dishes in his restaurant, but I’m not complaining. The 32-year-old stopped by his favorite restaurant, Terra Mia in Lake Mary, FL to cook up some nice food and learn a thing or two from the restaurant’s chef. It’s a fun video and it’s always nice to see the players enjoying their hobbies outside of the soccer environment. Make sure to eat something before watching or else you will get real hungry, real quick.
Pride Hosting Spirit at Home
Tomorrow in Exploria Stadium, the Orlando Pride will welcome the Washington Spirit for their penultimate match of 2019. Like Orlando City’s game, there isn’t much to play for between these two teams as both are eliminated from the playoffs. However, the Pride do have a small chance to get out of last place if they win both of their last games, so hopefully they can get the job done. The team will be without Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, Marta, Alanna Kennedy, and Shelina Zadorsky as they will be on international duty. So expect some of the youngsters to fill in and maybe we will see more of Sydney Leroux after her return to the field last week. For her part, Leroux hopes so and is excited to get back to match fitness.
USWNT Shuts Out Korea Republic
As part of its Victory Tour, the United States Women’s National Team faced Korea Republic last night and won 2-0. Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris got the rare start in goal and led the team to a solid shutout with goals from Allie Long and Mallory Pugh lifting the Americans. Pride defender Ali Krieger didn’t play in the game but was honored at halftime to celebrate her 100th cap for her country.
Celebrating 💯 for @alikrieger‼️ 🙌 #USWNT
pic.twitter.com/LstdoH0LdR— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) October 4, 2019
The USWNT made sure that Krieger’s dad could be there to celebrate her accomplishments with the team.
The @USWNT organized transportation for my dad to make it to @alikrieger 100 cap celebration tonight! Still recovering, but he’s earnest in his effort to support Ali!! Can’t wait to see our fave! pic.twitter.com/g60blNhgj2
— Kyle Krieger (@kylekrieger) October 3, 2019
Free Kicks
- Check out Lamine Sané’s training routine for nailing key passes with Jenny Chiu playing the role of Ruan.
.@jennyachiu with the Ruan impression to break lines with @LamineSane06.
The @Audi Drive Progress Series pic.twitter.com/5hEoioxGsZ
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 3, 2019
- With 14 goals and 15 assists for the Orlando SeaWolves last season, Thiago Freitas is someone to keep an eye on when the Major Arena Soccer League season begins next month.
- Orlando City B defender Matheus Silva was signed by Miami FC of the National Independent Soccer Association. Silva will be missed on the OCB back line after starting in 18 matches this year.
- Rumors are surfacing that Liga MX club Monterrey is willing to pay a hefty release clause to snag Matias Almeyda away from the San Jose Earthquakes. However, San Jose released a statement stating that there is no release clause and that the two clubs have not been in contact.
- Here is a fantastic rundown on the upcoming MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. Between charter flights and an additional DP slot, there is going to be plenty worth discussing.
- As Jill Ellis closes out her time with the USWNT, make sure to check out this great feature on her head coaching philosophy and the obstacles she’s had to overcome.
- In USL League One news, North Texas SC will move to Globe Life Park for the 2020 season and Union Omaha unveiled its new branding as it prepares to join the league.
Know Your Crest. Learn more about the symbolism and story behind the badge. 🦉#UnionOmaha2020 #PeoplePlacePurpose #Omaha pic.twitter.com/9ZFdCu4fhg
— Union Omaha🦉 (@Union_Omaha) October 4, 2019
That’s going to do it for me, folks. I hope each and every one of you have a fantastic Friday and enjoy your weekend. After watching Nani cook, I think I’m going to take a crack at a few recipes I’ve been wanting to try. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/8/25
Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando City Academy Roundup
The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.
We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.
UEFA Champions League Preview
As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held fast at no.11 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- The sports powers that be in Orlando are optimistic about the possibility of hosting games during the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
- The Northern Super League, Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league, has announced a multi-year partnership with ESPN.
- The Vancouver Whitecaps are exploring building a new team-owned stadium in order to help keep the club in the city.
- Denver’s NWSL team has 10,000 season ticket deposits.
- Tammy Abraham says that he wants to head to the U.S. with Christian Pulisic if the American ever decides to move his playing career stateside.
- The Brazilian football federation has introduced a rule that will punish players who stand on the ball with both feet.
- Newcastle scored a pretty wild goal in its 3-0 victory over Leicester City.
That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/7/25
Lions draw on the road, OCB falls to Chattanooga FC, USWNT beats Brazil, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road
Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.
OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road
Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.
USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly
The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.
MLS Weekend Recap
The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.
- Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
- Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
- Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
- Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/4/25
Orlando City gets ready for the Philadelphia Union, OCSC partners with Footy Access, USWNT prepares for Brazil, and more.

Happy Friday! It may feel a bit like the calm before the storm today, as Orlando City, Orlando City B, and the United States Women’s National Team are all in action on Saturday. It all makes for a fun next few days and I’m looking forward to it and also watching some kart racing on Sunday. Let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Gets Ready For the Philadelphia Union
The Lions are back in action Saturday with an away game against the Philadelphia Union at 7:30 p.m. Orlando has won its past two games and leads the league with 15 goals this season. The Union remain near the top of the Eastern Conference, but have lost two of their past three games. Duncan McGuire detailed how healthy competition and a willingness to defend has the offense firing on all cylinders heading into this match.
This will also be a rematch of the season opener on Feb. 22 when the Union won 4-2 at Inter&Co Stadium. Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell spoke on how Orlando is a different team compared to that match due to changes on offense and center back Robin Jansson’s recovery from a knock.
Orlando City Partners With Footy Access
With the Generation Adidas Cup set to take place later this month, Orlando City has partnered with Footy Access, which is a media company focused on youth soccer. This collaboration means fans will be able to enjoy highlights and interviews from Orlando’s academy as it progresses through the tournament. I’m pretty excited about being able to see how well Orlando’s academy is doing.
MLS NEXT also announced that new rankings focused on development rather than results will be used for its U-13 and U-14 age groups. These rankings will use an analytical formula that measures game play and the caliber of offensive and defensive actions. There will also be encouragement for teams to have their own identities on how they want to play.
USWNT Prepares to Face Brazil in Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team will take on Brazil on Saturday in the first of two friendlies this international break, with the second match set for Tuesday. These friendlies will be rematches of last year’s Olympic gold medal match, which the U.S. won 1-0. Marta has retired from international soccer, but Pride midfielder Angelina was called up for these friendlies, along with former Pride forward Adriana. Lorena, who has only conceded one goal in three games for the Kansas City Current this season, will likely get the start in goal for Brazil behind a talented back line anchored by Tarciane. The USWNT will need to find ways to limit attacking threats like Kerolin and Gabi Portilho as well. These should be matches, with familiar faces on both sides for Orlando fans.
U.S. Set to Host 2031 Women’s World Cup
It looks like the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be held in the U.S., as FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the only bid came from the U.S. and potentially other Concacaf nations. The U.S., which withdrew from hosting the 2027 World Cup, would be the first country to host the tournament three times and last hosted it in 2007. The United Kingdom was also revealed as the lone valid bid to host the 2035 World Cup and it would be the first time the tournament is hosted there.
Free Kicks
- Shout out to Orlando City’s U-19 team for its title win and securing a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC and Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós have reached an agreement for a contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2029.
- The schedule for the third round of the U.S. Open Cup is out, with more USL Championship teams joining the fray. Only two MLS NEXT Pro teams remain, while El Farolito is the lone team from an open division still standing.
- Philadelphia Union forward Tai Baribo was named MLS Player of the Month for his performance in March and February. The 27-year-old scored six goals in five games, with five of those goals coming in the Union’s first two games of the season.
- As for the NWSL’s monthly awards, Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga won Player of the Month after scoring in all three of her games so far this season. Houston Dash midfielder Maggie Graham claimed Rookie of the Month for scoring in her first two appearances.
- Goalkeeper Tim Melia has announced his retirement from professional soccer after a 17-year career that included 10 years with Sporting Kansas City.
- Toronto FC added midfielder Maxime Dominguez on loan from Vasco da Gama in Brazil’s top flight.
- Arsenal’s injury woes this season continue, with defender Gabriel Magalhaes set to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
- We’ll end our links with the Lions celebrating Rodrigo Schlegel’s birthday in style.
That’s all for this fine Friday, I hope you all have a fantastic day and a relaxing weekend!
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