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Lion Links: 2/16/20

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7 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: 8/21/26

Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, MLS playoff changes reportedly coming, Hall of Fame finalists unveiled, and more.

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2 days ago

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August 21, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a rough month for all three of Orlando’s soccer teams, but hopefully they can turn things around this weekend. Things haven’t been great, but surely that just means things can only go up from here, right? Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are on the road this weekend for a match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. It’s been a cruel summer for the Pride, as they’ve lost four of their past five games and are currently 13th in the league standings. Despite being on a three-game winless streak, the Spirit are second in the standings and will be a tough opponent for the Pride to face on the road. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on where the team needs to improve in order to get a result away from home against one of the league’s top teams.

Changes Reportedly Coming to MLS Playoff Format

For the umpteenth time, MLS is reportedly planning on overhauling its playoff format. The changes would go into effect when the league changes its calendar and they include allowing 20 teams to qualify for the playoffs, with the overall league standings being used to determine those top 20 teams. After a play-in round, the remaining 16 teams will play in a double elimination format that also features reseeding between rounds. If these changes do come to pass, hopefully the league decides to stick with it rather than constantly fiddling it with it.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The finalists for the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2027 were announced, with nine candidates making the list in their first year of eligibility. Former Orlando Pride player Ali Krieger is one of those nine, along with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. Central Florida native Graham Zusi was also named as a finalist. The two players who receive the most votes and are on at least half the ballots will make the Hall of Fame, with a third player able to make it if they’re on 75% of ballots.

Storylines Ahead of English Premier League Season

The English Premier League season begins today with Arsenal starting its title defense at home against Coventry City. Arsenal has a talented team once again, but it will be interesting to see how much of a challenge Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City can pose with new managers at the helm. Managers seem to be a focal point this season, as other storylines include whether or not Michael Carrick and Unai Emery can keep succeeding at Manchester United and Aston Villa, respectively. I’m just hoping we have an exciting title race by the time spring rolls around.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann tied with Robert Lewandowski for the second-highest rating of all MLS players in EA Sports FC 27.

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: 8/20/26

Orlando City defeated at home, Simone Jackson loaned to FC Rosengard, U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup roster unveiled, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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August 20, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

I think we can confidently say Orlando City’s Wednesday night excellence has come to an end after last night’s loss. I’m not going to claim the new kits are cursed after just two games, but I’ve bought some sage just in case. Before we get to that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Orlando City Falls at Home

The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire and got burned in a 2-1 loss that included a lengthy weather delay that paused things right before halftime. The Fire struck first with an early goal, but Orlando leveled things after the lightning storm passed. However, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty kick from a needless foul in the box for the winner, with the Lions failing to claw their way back a second time. It’s a disappointing result at home and Orlando will need to figure things out before hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Simone Jackson Heads to Sweden on Loan

The Orlando Pride loaned forward Simone Jackson to FC Rosengard in Sweden through June of 2027. Jackson was signed by the Pride in 2025 after four years playing collegiately at the University of Southern California and she has since made 20 appearances for the club. Hopefully this move gives her some more minutes to develop her game abroad so that she can make an impact with the Pride when she returns next summer.

U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster Announced

United States U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Vicky Jepson called up 21 players for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, including eight from NWSL clubs. Goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Nyanya Touray, and forward Emeri Adames are a few of the U.S. players to keep an eye out for this tournament.

The team will be without notable eligible players like Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg though, as youth tournaments take place outside of official FIFA windows when teams are required to release players. United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes also spoke on the importance of tournaments like this one to develop talent while uncertainty looms over the event due to UEFA’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The U.S. is set to start its campaign on Sept. 6 against Italy.

Americans to Watch in the English Premier League

The English Premier League season kicks off this weekend and there are a number of Americans to root for across the league. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are all still in the league but have new managers at the helm of their respective teams. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United avoided relegation last season and will look to build on that, while Haji Wright and Coventry City will fight to stay after earning promotion last season. Unfortunately, Wright will miss multiple weeks at the start of the season due to a quad injury.

Free Kicks

  • Alhassan Yusuf scored a hat trick in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over D.C. United, with Jack Harrison recording three assists.
  • Americans Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both played every minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of its matchup against the Austrian club in UEFA Champions League qualifying
  • Bay FC announced that the club and midfielder Tess Boade mutually agreed to terminate her contract, which was set to end after this season. Boade had been with the club since being selected in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft and was the captain last season.
  • Aston Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a reported $40 million transfer fee. Suzuki played for Japan at the recent World Cup and it will be interesting to see what this move means for Emiliano Martinez’s future at the club.
  • Brighton is covering the cost of tickets for its fans who will be making the trip to the Arctic Circle for its UEFA Conference League playoff match against Tromso in Norway.

That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 8/19/26

Orlando City match day, Colin Guske reportedly being loaned to RSL, Banda is an MVP candidate, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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August 19, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City plays in a midweek match that thankfully isn’t a Leagues Cup match. There are those who will say they’re sad the Lions are out of Don Garber’s cash grab competition, but I’m not one of them. The U.S. Open Cup and the MLS regular season provide plenty of fixtures for now. The schedule congestion is real, as we can see this week. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Match Day

Orlando City hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire tonight in an Eastern Conference clash. Defending against Lewandowski and Philip Zinckernagel will be a tough task for the Lions’ defense. Orlando City will need its offense to keep pace with the Fire if the Lions are going to take any points from the match. It will be interesting to see both Antoine Griezmann and Lewandowski on the pitch at the same time. Here is your official match guide from the club. Our match preview will drop later this morning at 11 a.m. You can also listen to our thoughts on the match on The Mane Land PawedCast.

Go West, Young Guske

It appears that Orlando City is loaning midfielder/defender Colin Guske to Real Salt Lake, according to Tom Bogert. This is not entirely surprising given how crowded Orlando City’s defensive midfield is with Joran Gerbet and Wilder Cartagena healthy and Luis Otavio rounding into form, not to mention Eduard Atuesta and Braian Ojeda once they return. It’s a good opportunity for Guske to get some minutes, given he’s a bit down on the depth chart with the senior team — far enough down to see more minutes recently at center back with the first team than in the midfield.

MVP Candidate Banda

Despite being away for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and not scoring in her first game back, Barbra Banda maintains her slim lead in the Golden Boot competition and is still a League MVP candidate. If she hopes to win either of those accolades, she will need to resume scoring. The upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to extend that lead.

U.S. National Team News

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia Union and will occupy a Designated Player spot. Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo has been signed by Premier League club Crystal Palace. Of course, there are other USMNT players already playing in Europe, and some are making a quick return to form following the World Cup. USWNT players are also experiencing ups and downs in the NWSL.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is headed to CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda División in Spain.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

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