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Lion Links: 2/16/20

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5 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. It’s week two of the Central Florida Soccer League spring season, and likely I’m off playing as you read. I managed an assist in our club’s 2-1 loss last week — my first match and full 90 minutes in about six or seven months (torn ligaments in an ankle) — so while it was nice seeing the pitch again, the result sure did leave a sour taste in my mouth. Hopefully today’s bout will go much better. Hopefully.

Regardless, let’s just hop into Sunday’s Links, shall we?

Orlando City Falls to D.C. United in Tampa

The University of South Florida, based in the Tampa area, played host to Orlando City SC and D.C. United yesterday in a closed-door preseason match. The next preseason match will take place on Tuesday at Exploria Stadium vs. KR Reykjavik. The match against D.C. United ended with a 1-0 loss for the Lions. Here’s the game’s only goal:

But the real story, unfortunately, was the potential season-ending injury to D.C.’s Paul Arriola. A torn ACL is suspected, and I just can’t help but feel downright awful if that’s the case. Sending positive energy your way, Paul.

Oscar Pareja spoke about the match afterwards.

Brian Rowe Still Wants to Start

Despite the major acquisition of Peru’s No. 1 Pedro Gallese, Brian Rowe, last year’s starter, is still battling Gallese for the starting duties and hoping to impress the club’s coaching staff. Rowe, a seasoned veteran of MLS play, simply sees his new competition as another challenge to overcome.

“Entering my ninth season in this league, I can wholeheartedly say that I want to play every single game,” Rowe said. “That’s just the competitiveness in me. Coming off of a year like last year where I felt very good, I want to still improve and and build on that.”

Personally, I love it. The competition will only serve as a catalyst for both players to step up their game. Competition is natural, and while they’re teammates, they’re still fighting for that honor. The job is obviously Gallese’s for the taking, but who knows, maybe Rowe will surprise us all (but I doubt it).

2020 Olympics: MLS Players Who Could Gain Notoriety

With the Summer Olympics quickly descending upon us, there will be countless MLS players who have everything to gain from a strong outing. Most notably, Orlando City’s and Canada’s Kamal Miller made the list. Miller, still only 22 years old, could gain some valuable experience during the tournament. Miller’s quite versatile, having the skills necessary to help on the back line, in the midfield, and apparently in Canada’s eyes, on the flanks in attack. The young Canuck has a lot to prove at both the club and international level, so we can only hope he steps up to the plate and delivers. Other Canadian MLSers who have much to gain include Theo Blair (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ballou Tabla (Montreal Impact), and Liam Frasier (Toronto FC). Meanwhile, the American MLSers named included Mason Toye (Minnesota United FC), Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jonathan Lewis (Colorado Rapids), Brenden Aaronson (Philadelphia Union), and Derrick Jones (Nashville SC). Check the link for a few honorable mentions, too!

Chicharito Makes his Galaxy Debut

I hate to beat a dead horse, because that’s what covering Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s induction into MLS has felt like, but the Mexican striker made his first official appearance for the LA Galaxy yesterday against Toronto FC. The new striker wore the armband in this one, but failed to put one in the back of the net as the Galaxy fell to Toronto, 2-1. Cristian Pavón did score a nice goal for the Galaxy, but it wasn’t enough, as Ifunanyachi Achara and Alejando Pozuelo both netted for the Reds (despite the Galaxy’s graphic being incorrect) to down the Galaxy.

Free Kicks

  • I’m starting off our Free Kicks with this one because, well, Jozy makes one hell of a point.

  • The Reds…they just keep on marching. Yesterday, the inevitable Premier League champions beat Norwich, 1-0, bringing their season total of points to 76 of a possible 78. They’ve also already mathematically qualified for next year’s Champion’s League. You’ll Never Walk Alone! This outstanding save from Alisson speaks volumes about their season.

  • Meanwhile, Manchester City and their future is in major peril, and we could witness a max exodus this summer following their European ban. This will be a strange one with appeals and constant rumors and updates, so keep your ear close to the ground when it comes to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Pep Guardiola, and company.
  • In Spain, Eden Hazard is finally making his return to Real Madrid’s squad following his recovery from an ankle injury that’s held him out since November. Hopefully, for everyone’s sake, he can find his form and make an impact for the table-topping Madrid club.
  • In case anyone was wondering, NBA phenom and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is #TeamMadrid. ¡Hala Madrid!

  • Only one more on NBA players, I promise. Check out Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler with the tekkers before an NBA All-Star practice! Consider me impressed.

  • Just a reminder (not that you need one): GOAT.

  • And we’ll end with a spectacular showing of solidarity among some XFL fans. I mean, I’m beyond impressed with this dedication. The league isn’t looking too shabby itself, either. Hopefully it’ll stick around this time.

All right folks, that’s it from me for the day. Enjoy your Sunday and have an excellent week!

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Lion Links

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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8 hours 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.

Free Kicks

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

Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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1 day ago

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June 3, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/2/25

Lions fall to Chicago Fire, Pride players in action during international break, OCB beats Chattanooga FC, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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June 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work and will cover high school lacrosse and softball this week. Our beloved Lions lost, but OCB picked up a big win, while the Pride were off over the weekend. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Falls to Chicago Fire at Home

Orlando City fell 3-1 to the Chicago Fire Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions trailed 3-0 in the first half before Alex Freeman pulled one back for Orlando just before halftime. It was not enough to spark a late comeback, as the Lions have now lost back-to-back matches within the past week. The Lions played the match without Head Coach Oscar Pareja, who was serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card in the match against Atlanta United on Wednesday. Orlando City Assistant Coach Diego Torres was on the sidelines for this match. The Lions are off this weekend, with their next match on the road on June 14 against the Colorado Rapids.

Pride Players on International Duty

Multiple Orlando Pride players were in action over the weekend, representing their countries while away on international duty. Angelina captained the Brazil Women’s National Team, while Marta started on the bench and played in the second half as Brazil defeated Japan 3-1 in a friendly.

Barbra Banda scored for Zambia in a 1-1 friendly draw against Botswana. Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya also started in the match.

Pride defender Zara Chavoshi was on the bench for the Canadian Women’s National Team but did not play as Canada beat Haiti 4-1 in a friendly.

Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was on the bench as England defeated Portugal 6-0 in a UEFA Women’s Nations League matchup.

OCB Defeats Eastern Conference Leader Chattanooga FC

Orlando City B defeated Chattanooga FC 2-1 Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. Shak Mohammed scored the opening goal early in the first half for the Young Lions. Chattanooga FC found an equalizer just before halftime. In the second half, we had to wait all the way until stoppage time for another goal as Noah Levis scored the winner for OCB. The Young Lions are ninth in the Eastern Conference with 14 points. OCB will be on the road to take on Huntsville City FC Friday.

USWNT Beats China in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated China 3-0 Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in a friendly. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams came off the bench in the second half and played 21 minutes. Fellow Pride defender Kerry Abello was on the bench but did not play. Defender Naomi Girma made her first appearance for the USWNT this year after dealing with injuries. The USWNT dominated from the start as Catarina Macario scored the opening goal in the match. Sam Coffey made it 2-0 lead just before halftime. In the second half, Lindsey Heaps scored the final goal of the match. The USWNT will be back in action Tuesday night against Jamaica at Energizer Park in St. Louis.

LAFC Defeats Club America to Qualify for FIFA Club World Cup

LAFC overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Club America 2-1 in extra time in a play-in game Saturday at BMO Stadium and booked its spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. LAFC trailed 1-0 through much of the match, but late in the second half, Igor Jesus scored the equalizer just before stoppage time. In extra time, Denis Bouanga scored the winning goal. LAFC will join fellow MLS sides Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders in the FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament begins on June 14, and LAFC will face Chelsea, Flamengo, and ES Tunis in the group stage.

Paris Saint-Germain and Cruz Azul Win Continental Titles

Paris Saint-Germain finally won its first UEFA Champions League trophy, beating Inter Milan 5-0 Saturday in Munich. Desire Doue scored twice and added an assist. Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu also contributed goals. Paris Saint-Germain completed the treble, winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the Champions League this season. Luis Enrique became the second manager to win a treble with two different clubs, joining Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. Paris Saint-Germain also became only the second French club to win the Champions League title, with Marseille lifting the trophy back in 1993. For Inter Milan, it was the second time in three years the club lost the final, falling to Manchester City two years ago. Inter suffered the biggest defeat in UEFA Champions League final history.

Sunday in Mexico, Cruz Azul routed the Vancouver Whitecaps 5-0 Sunday at Estadio Olimpico Universitario to win the Concacaf Champions Cup. Angel Sepulveda scored two goals as Cruz Azul dominated the matchup. The Whitecaps were unable to record a shot on target. It’s the third straight final that an MLS side has lost to a Liga MX side since 2022, when the Seattle Sounders lifted the trophy. With the win, Cruz Azul has qualified for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport.com shared his insight on which MLS players to watch during the summer transfer window for potential moves. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was mentioned, as well as Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang and the Chicago Fire’s Brian Gutierrez.
  • Former Orlando Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni reflected on his time with the club. He provided insight into his journey from coaching the Pride as an expansion team, including the early challenges, Orlando’s first NWSL playoff appearance, mentoring young coaches such as Khano Smith and Seb Hines, and more.
  • Washington Spirit Head Coach Jonatan Giraldez is reportedly set to become the next manager at OL Lyonnes and will join the club in June. Assistant Coach Adrian Gonzalez will be promoted to head coach for the Spirit.
  • U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has added Walker Zimmerman, Nathan Harriel, and Paxten Aaronson to the roster to replace DeJuan Jones, Sean Zawadzki, and Folarin Balogun, who are all out due to injuries. The USMNT will play friendlies against Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10.
  • The LA Galaxy finally snapped their record 16-match winless streak on Saturday, defeating Real Salt Lake 2-0.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.

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