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Lion Links: 1/12/20

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6 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. Before I start my spiel, today is Cristian Higuita’s and Joao Moutinho’s birthday! You should probably go wish them a happy birthday on your social media of choice. Not probably, go do that after you make it through today’s Links. They deserve it.

Okay, to the spiel. I’m probably mid-match as you read this, as my club team Orlando United F.C. is having its final preseason match before the Central Florida Soccer Leagues (CFSL) spring season kicks off. I also helped my parents move into their new home yesterday (congratulations again, guys!), which means I’m already beyond exhausted. Hopefully I can power through, put in a good performance, and head into the week on a high. I hope you do, too. I have some pretty juicy Links for you today, so perhaps that’ll get your week started off on the right foot. Let’s do this.

Ashlyn and Ali: Grateful to Inspire

As you probably know, the Orlando Pride’s Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger are now married. The two tied the knot a couple of weeks ago, and have since become an inspiration to the LGBT community. As I’ve previously stated, I feel incredibly lucky to have these two in Orlando as role models, both on and off the pitch. The two, despite a private ceremony, have since spoken out about their beautiful wedding, relationship, and opportunity to show the world their life, love, and authentic selves. The two feared backlash, specifically on social media, but were brave in letting the world into their lives.

“I think for so long we were so worried about all the consequences and it took a lot of energy from us,” Harris said. “I think for so long, I had to make sure I was professional and this and that. I just felt I wasn’t doing myself justice or my relationship justice by hiding. It feels freeing and liberating just to be able to show up and truly be yourself. I feel like I finally can give my staff and my coaches and the players next to me all of me and not just a part of me.”

Kreiger also harbored fears.

“I really have opened myself up more,” Krieger said. “I feel more vulnerable than I used to — in a good way. I’m more of a private person. I like to keep a few things to myself and I like to share that just with Ash and our family at home. I’m surprised at how vulnerable I’ve become, but I think it’s healthy because people can relate more to you that way. I feel like I’m becoming my more true self.”

Cheers, again, to the both of these incredible women! We’re lucky you’re here, and even luckier that you are who you are.

Chicharito Set to Meet with LA Galaxy

The rich? They get richer. After falling short last season despite having one of the most iconic, and arguably best, strikers of all time in Zlatan Ibrahimović, the LA Galaxy are pursuing yet another marquee striker with word trickling out that the club is preparing to meet with Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. The 31-year-old striker (I’m 28, and saying that just made me feel old) is reportedly close to penning a deal that would bring him to the same city where his Mexican compatriots, Carlos Vela and Jonathan dos Santos, also ply their trade. Chicharito has reportedly given the green light to the move, and the Galaxy are expected to fork over around $10 million to secure his services. Like I said previously, the rich get richer.

Pulisic: USMNT should have Qualified for the 2018 World Cup

The key word that I left out of that header? “Definitely.” The American and Chelsea playmaker spoke out recently, declaring that the U.S. Men’s National Team should have qualified for the last World Cup – I must say, I agree (duh).

“I definitely feel that we had a good enough team and definitely should have qualified, so that was tough for me…I think we had quality to [make a deep run],” Pulisic said. “I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t have. Once you get to those knockout stages, I think anything’s possible, I think anything could happen.”

Former head coach Jürgen Klinsmann also had some choice words on the topic (again, duh).

“The team belonged [in] Russia,” Klinsmann said. “They belonged in the World Cup. The qualification was pretty much done and then it happened, the big disaster in Trinidad which no one could ever have imagined. I’d take that team in Russia to the final eight, maybe even the final four because there was a building block there and there was a plan for it and the plan got interrupted and it got even more interrupted when the U.S. didn’t qualify for Russia.”

It sure is easy to look back and make such claims, but again, I can’t argue with either of the two. The USMNT failed miserably in its attempt to qualify in 2018, but the quality in the side was certainly enough to make it to Russia. All we can do now is shrug it off and look towards the next one.

Alphonso Davies Finding Success in Munich

As an avid FC Bayern Munich supporter and massive fan of Alphonso Davies, this news seriously warms my heart. The young Canadian winger, who transferred to Bayern from the Vancouver Whitecaps, was named Bayern Munich’s Player of the Month for December 2019. The agile and pacey winger notched four assists in the club’s 13 matches during that month. He also played the entirety of every single one of the those 13 matches. The 19-year-old has been a revelation for the Bundesliga giants, and as an MLS fan, Bayern supporter, and “Phonzie” fanatic, I just can’t get enough of this one. Congratulations, Phonzie!

Random Phonzie Fun Fact: He was the first player born in the 2000s to play in an MLS match.

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  • New York City FC has inked a deal with Gedion Zelalem, formerly of Arsenal fame as a potential future star. There’s no doubt in my mind that the 22-year-old will make an impact for the Pigeons, and in my eyes, this was a brilliant move. I wonder if he was on the Lions’ radar?
  • Zlatan, you monster! (Insert four decades’ worth of praise here).

  • Spanish powerhouse Barcelona reportedly is in the market for a striker following Luis Suarez’s recent knee injury, which is expected to keep the Uruguayan sidelined for at least three months. The club is also preparing to appoint former midfield dynamo Xavi as the next head coach.
  • Look away, Tottenham supporters. Not only is your main man Harry Kane out for a few months, but he had to watch his side fall to table-topping Liverpool, 1-0, during his first day of recovery following his hamstring surgery. Ouch.

  • To end, let’s all give Mr. Miura the credit he deserves. The 52-year-old striker (yep, you read that correctly), has extended his career yet again, preparing himself for his 35th season. One word: unbelievable.

All right, I think that about wraps it up. Be sure to catch the Orlando SeaWolves in action today at 3:05 p.m. against the Florida Tropics and then kick some ass this week, Mane Landers. I expect nothing less from you.

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Lion Links: 5/8/26

Orlando City prepares for CF Montreal, Pride host North Carolina tonight, Johnny Cardoso injured, and more.

Published

4 hours ago

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May 8, 2026

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Image of goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! We have some exciting games ahead of us over the next few days, with three straight days of Orlando soccer to enjoy. It all starts with the Orlando Pride’s game tonight, with Orlando City playing Saturday afternoon, and Orlando City B wrapping things up on Sunday. Make sure to plan your weekend accordingly! Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Gets Ready for Road Match

The Lions are on the road this weekend for a game in Canada against CF Montreal on Saturday. Orlando is coming off of a dramatic 4-3 win over rival Inter Miami, with Martin Ojeda scoring a hat trick. Ojeda has had Montreal’s number in recent years, scoring at least once against the Canadian club each year for the past three years. Orlando hasn’t lost to Montreal since 2023, but it also hasn’t won on the road against Montreal since 2021. Saturday’s match will also be a reunion of sorts for goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who joined Montreal’s academy at age 15 and played there for nine years. He was excellent in Orlando’s win in Miami, so hopefully he can keep it up in his home country.

Orlando Pride Host North Carolina Courage Tonight

The Orlando Pride are back in action tonight with a home game against the North Carolina Courage. Both teams are coming off of losses last week, with the Pride falling 4-2 to the Washington Spirit. Tonight’s match will pit the league’s top two scorers against each other, with Barbra Banda scoring seven so far while Ashley Sanchez has scored five. The Pride will play three consecutive road games after tonight, putting an emphasis on a strong showing at home. It’s also Survivor Night at the stadium, so make sure to bring any immunity idols if you’ll be in attendance. The Pride could use any advantage they can get.

Johnny Cardoso Injured Ahead of World Cup

Atletico Madrid announced that American midfielder Johnny Cardoso was diagnosed with an ankle sprain he sustained in training, casting doubt on his availability for the World Cup next month. He’ll now work on rehabilitation before the club provides a timetable for his return. The 24-year-old started in the United States Men’s National Team’s game against Belgium in March, but he had to exit that camp due to injury as well. Hopefully he has a smooth and successful recovery from this.

English Clubs Reach European Finals

Aston Villa beat Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the Europa League, overcoming a loss in the first leg to secure a spot in the final. John McGinn scored twice to help his team reach its first major European final since 1982. Villa will play in the final on May 20 against SC Freiburg, which also bounced back from a loss in the first leg by beating Braga 3-1 in Germany. A red card to Mario Dorgeles in the sixth minute reduced Braga to 10 men early on and Lukas Kubler bagged a brace for Freiburg.

In the Europa Conference League, Crystal Palace won 2-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk to advance to the final on May 27 against Rayo Vallecano. As a result of this week’s semifinals across the continent, English clubs are in contention to win the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League.

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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

Lion Links: 5/7/26

Justin Ellis makes Team of the Round, Pride prepare for Courage, Orlando City will host World Cup events, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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May 7, 2026

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Image of Simone Jackson taking a shot against Racing Louisville.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s a bit strange not spending a Thursday morning celebrating an Orlando City win the night before after the last few Wednesdays, but I’m all in favor of the Lions getting some needed rest. I’ve been spending most of the week doing much of the same in preparation for a busy Mother’s Day weekend. If you needed a reminder that was coming up on Sunday, you’re welcome. But for now, let’s get to the links!

Justin Ellis Makes U.S. Open Cup Team of the Round

Orlando City forward Justin Ellis was named to the 2026 U.S. Open Cup Team of the Round following the round of 16. The 18-year-old had a goal and an assist in Orlando’s dramatic 4-3 victory over the New England Revolution. He nearly had a brace, but his second goal was disallowed due to a questionable offside call. Ellis is the only Lion to make the Team of the Round this time, but hopefully multiple Orlando players make the cut after the quarterfinal against Atlanta United on May 19.

Orlando Pride Prepare for North Carolina Courage

After a 4-2 loss to the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride will look to get back on track when they host the North Carolina Courage on Friday. Barbra Banda scored both of the Pride’s goals in that defeat and leads the NWSL in scoring this year, but the Pride have now conceded seven goals over their past two games. Hopefully the defense can right the ship against a Courage team that has scored nine goals in seven games this year. Pride forward Simone Jackson spoke on how the team is making changes to improve defensively ahead of Friday’s home game.

Orlando City Announces World Cup Watch Parties

A fan festival to enjoy this summer’s World Cup is coming to Pointe Orlando and will run from June through July 19. Hosted by Orlando City SC, the event will feature live showings for all 104 World Cup games, live entertainment, and player appearances. There will also be at least five larger-scale events for specific matchdays such as the United States Men’s National Team’s games against Paraguay and Australia, Brazil’s games against Morocco and Haiti, and of course the World Cup final on July 19. It sounds like a pretty fun time and I’m hoping to make it out for a match or two.

UEFA Champions League Final Set

Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the UEFA Champions League final on aggregate after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena. A goal in just the third minute of the match by PSG’s Ousmane Dembele gave the impression that it would be another barnburner between the two sides, but Bayern didn’t score until Harry Kane’s goal in stoppage time. The match wasn’t without controversy, as there were possible handballs that could’ve changed the course of the game. PSG is now only one game away from defending its title and will take on Arsenal in the final on May 30 in what will be a rematch of last year’s semifinals.

Free Kicks

  • Martin Ojeda finished second in MLS Goal of the Matchday voting for his superb strike to spark Orlando City’s comeback in a 4-3 win over Inter Miami, garnering 27.9% of the vote. Lionel Messi finished first with 42.6% to claim the honor.
  • Speaking of that Orlando victory, it has raised questions in Miami about the club’s performance and the lack of representation by its leaders to address the media regarding said performance.
  • D.C. United signed English midfielder Andre Dozzal as a free transfer who will join the team in July.
  • MLS unveiled its new office, a 126,000-square-foot space in Manhattan with two stories. I’ve heard that the vending machines only take Targeted Allocation Money, but that you have at least 10 years to make your cubicle soccer-specific since you’re in New York.
  • American forward Folarin Balogun was nominated for Ligue 1 Goal of the Season for his chip shot against Marseille on April 5.
  • In case you missed it, Toronto FC was eliminated in the preliminary round of the 2026 Canadian Championship after a 3-1 loss to Atletico Ottawa of the Canadian Premier League. Former CF Montreal midfielder Ballou Tabla scored a hat trick for the underdogs.
  • In his best impression of Lucille Bluth, FIFA President Gianni Infantino tried justifying World Cup ticket prices with a string of tone-deaf responses culminating in the claim that no one can watch college sports in the U.S. for under $300. It’s a football game between Tulane and Temple, Gianni. How much could it cost, $800?

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: 5/6/26

Griffin Dorsey up for Goal of the Round, Barbra Banda recognized, USMNT news, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 6, 2026

By

Image of Griffin Dorsey in his Orlando City debut vs. New York.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. If you celebrated Cinco de Mayo Tuesday, I hope you’re feeling well this morning. It’s always special when the Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday. I did not partake of any margaritas or tacos and I regret that a little. Then again, I don’t need a reason to enjoy either on any day of the week. With that in mind, let’s get to the links.

Recognition for Dorsey

You have until tomorrow to vote for Griffin Dorsey to win Goal of the Round for the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. I’m certain you remember his goal, but just in case, here is a reminder.

That was a lovely give and go with an outstanding finish. Definitely worthy of winning Goal of the Round. I hope he’s able to score more goals in all the rounds until Orlando City wins a second U.S. Open Cup. You can vote here.

Banda Named to NWSL April Best XI

It’s a mixed bag when it comes to the Orlando Pride these days. The team has lost two matches in a row, but Barbra Banda has a brace in each of those matches. Thanks in part to her league league leading seven goals, Banda made the NWSL Best XI of the Month for April.

Speaking of the Pride, if you’ve never had the opportunity to watch the team in action at Inter&Co Stadium — and you’re a Florida resident — you can get a complimentary ticket to your first match. If you don’t qualify, there are other offers and it would be a great way to introduce a friend to women’s soccer.

Be our guest 🏟️If you’ve never been to a Pride match, we’re providing two complimentary tickets to first-time fans across Central Florida.🎟️ orlsoccer.co/FMOU

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2026-05-05T14:19:45.884Z

USMNT News

As the World Cup edges ever closer we continue to check in with how the USMNT players are doing in the run up to the competition. Unfortunately, Christian Pulisic is in a bad run of form for AC Milan, and Stu Holden thinks he knows why. He still made the Fox Sports Top 100 Players in the 2026 World Cup. Holden and Alexi Lalas also had thoughts on how Folarin Balogun compares to Mexico’s Raul Jimenez (video). We also get more evidence that Matt Turner is making a case to be the number one choice for keeper.

U.S. Prepares for the World Cup

Host cities are getting ready to host the World Cup. Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank says that Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be ready. Likewise, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is beginning its transformation to a soccer venue. Despite all the preparations, the hotel industry is reporting that advanced bookings are either on par or lagging as compared to an ordinary summer rather than the increase expected due to the competition.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City, Orlando Pride, and OCB matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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