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Lion Links: 2/21/20

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5 years ago

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What’s up, Mane Landers? It’s another great Friday as we inch closer to the 2020 season. It may just be because I’ve had a hectic winter, but this off-season is flying by for me. It’s crazy to think that eight months of Orlando soccer are right around the corner, but here we are with less than 10 days to go. Let’s get today started with some links from around the soccer world.

Lions Ready for the Season to Begin

Orlando City plays its final preseason game tonight against San Antonio FC and Head Coach Oscar Pareja has been pleased with the team’s progress this preseason. With five wins and a productive trip to Cancun, the team has come together and is ready to turn preseason promise into regular season results. Earlier this week, Nani scored twice and the captain led the Lions to a comfortable win over KR Reykjavik. In his second season with Orlando, Nani believes the team is prepared for what lies ahead.

New Center Backs Settle In

With Lamine Sané no longer on the team, Orlando City added center backs Rodrigo Schlegel and Antonio Carlos on loan this off-season. After leaving Argentina for the first time, Schlegel struggled with the language barrier and not being with his family in his first few days with the team. But he has formed bonds with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Mauricio Pereyra and is eager to earn minutes and improve his game.

“I’m looking to get the most minutes that I can,” Schlegel said through a translator. “I want to learn and to enjoy the training, and to learn new things that the coaches are asking. The more minutes I get and the more games I see… I know I will get better.”

Carlos joins Orlando on loan from Palmeiras in Brazil. He spoke with the media about how he is settling in and getting comfortable as a Lion.

Five Pride Players Named to Allocation List

The National Women’s Soccer League named five Orlando Pride players as part of the 2020 Allocation List for the upcoming season. Alex Morgan, Shelina Zadorsky, Ashlyn Harris, Emily Sonnett, and Ali Krieger all made the list and all five should play a part in this summer’s Olympics. Krieger returns to the list for the first time since 2017 and has become an important part of the United States Women’s National Team’s defense over the past year.

Pride Players in Australia

As for the Pride players abroad this off-season, Claire Emslie converted a penalty and had an assist in Melbourne City’s 4-0 win against the Western Sydney Wanderers to clinch the W-League Premiership. Although Emily van Egmond didn’t score or have an assist, she kept up the offensive pressure with five shots, three crosses, and five chances created. As for the other teams fighting for a spot in the postseason, Alanna Kennedy and Sydney FC take on the Perth Glory while Carson Pickett and the Brisbane Roar face Canberra United.

Orlando SeaWolves’ Hit the Road

The Orlando SeaWolves have had a difficult February and will end its month-long road trip with back-to-back games tonight and tomorrow. First up is a tough match tonight against the Baltimore Blast, who previously shut out the SeaWolves 7-0 on Jan. 30. Tomorrow, the team will head to Pennsylvania to take on the Harrisburg Heat before a needed week of rest. Head Coach Tom Traxler believes the team can turn effort into results and the SeaWolves are coming off a tough loss in Mexico.

“This team is hungry, this team wants success,” Head Coach Tom Traxler said,” They’re working hard every week and they’re getting better every week. It’s hard to see in the results, but we can tell from the things that we’re doing that we’re getting better.”

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  • Check out some of the deleted scenes from the Bleed Purple series, with the second part set to come out next week.
  • The Concacaf Champions League continued last night with MLS clubs in action. Heber scored a hat trick as New York City FC won 5-3 over San Carlos. In the other game, Nicolas Lodeiro was out with tendinitis as the Seattle Sounders were held to a 2-2 draw against Olimpico. All five MLS clubs were on the road for the first leg, and only LAFC lost.
  • 2020 Leagues Cup details were released, including which teams will be participating and the schedule.
  • Robbie Rogers, Hope Solo, and Carlos Ruiz are just a few of the many names on the 2020 National Soccer Hall of Fame ballot.
  • Here’s everything you need to know about the Women’s U-20 Championship that starts this weekend in the Dominican Republic.
  • We end our links with pretty cool news from Sporting Kansas City. It looks like the club will teamed up with a whiskey company for some limited edition booze. It would be cool if Orlando City did something similar, but I think we’re more of a rum kind of club.

That’s going to do it for today, folks. I hope each and every one of you has a swell Friday and a great weekend. Fun fact, this will be the last weekend without Orlando City soccer until September.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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12 hours ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

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  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

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: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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1 day 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

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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