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Lion Links: 5/3/20

Published

6 years ago

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Happy Sunday, everyone. The weirdest spring ever is still underway and although optimism reigns supreme with governors across the country starting to loosen some of the restrictions, it’s probably best that we take a very patient wait-and-see approach rather than get our hopes up for a return to how things were just a few months ago (has it really only been a few months?). We all want soccer back, but we might have to settle for watching it on TV for a while before we can start going to games again.

How are you coping? My latest activities include a full rewatch of the Marvel Comics Universe movies (I started yesterday with the original Iron Man) and trying to figure out a solution for our daughter’s day care. She previously attended before- and after-school care at her elementary school but that’s closed and my job has called us all back to the office starting a week from tomorrow. My wife’s office will also be ramping back up so it seems like it’s going to be tricky to figure out how our child will be supervised during weekdays.

But I can’t solve that right now because I’ve got to bring you the soccer news of the day.

Moutinho a Rising Star

Chris Smith of World Football Index picked a rising star from each team in the MLS Eastern Conference and making the grade for Orlando City was 22-year-old left back Joao Moutinho.

Moutinho is intelligent with his position and generally strong in the tackle. He could play a key role in Orlando finally ending their wait for a play-off spot.

Despite also boasting young talent like Benji Michel and Ruan, it’s hard to argue that Moutinho isn’t Orlando City’s best young, up-and-coming player with his high soccer IQ, ability to read the play, and excellent left foot.

Orlando City’s Larin Among Most Efficient MLS Goal Scorers

A lot of people forget just how good Canadian striker Cyle Larin was for Orlando City. That’s partly to do with the team’s poor showing in the standings and partially because of the acrimonious split between the player and the club, for which there was sufficient blame to place on Larin, his agent, Besiktas, and even Orlando City. Jonathan Sigal of MLSsoccer.com dove into the data, paying attention to players who scored at least 40 goals throughout their career, with their conversion rate expressed as goals/shots on goal. Sigal’s findings show (unsurprisingly) that Josef Martinez is the most efficient, with a 55.8% conversion rate. Larin is sixth on the list, with his 45.74% conversion rate across his three MLS seasons — surprisingly ahead of such players as Zlatan Ibrahimovic (45.61%) and Robbie Keane (43.92%). It’s a shame we never got to see Larin with a stronger MLS side behind him.

Nani Named One of Most Skilled MLS Players

Sticking with the theme of Orlando City players appearing on lists recently, Greg Seltzer of MLSSoccer.com named his top 12 current MLS players with the most pure skill. While not able to base such a column on data the way Sigal did with his most efficient scorers, Seltzer relied on the eye test to determine the most technically adept players in the league and it’s no surprise that Orlando captain Nani made the cut.

The Orlando City winger has long been known as one of the world’s fanciest technical players. From his beginnings at Sporting CP and Manchester United to later days in MLS, Nani has constantly dazzled with his dribbling, crossing and shooting skills. Then, the veteran put an exclamation point on his reputation with a buzzer-beating crossbar ding from midfield to win last year’s All-Star Game Skills Challenge.

Weird Graduation for Pride’s Konya Plummer

I can’t imagine what life is like for this year’s graduating seniors — high school or college. I have vivid and happy memories of walking the stadium to get both my high school diploma and college degree. That’s not the case for new Orlando Pride defender Konya Plummer. Her graduation from UCF is a virtual one and that’s as sad as it is strange, but at least she accomplished her goal. The NWSL rookie has yet to play a match for the Pride, but you have to be encouraged to see a player who was once called “young Marta,” even if she is a center back. Julia Poe of ProSoccerUSA.com talked to Plummer and you can read more about her soccer background, including how she slept with the ball her mom gave her.

Free Kicks

  • In the midst of recent controversy and accusations, presidential candidate Joe Biden vowed to hold U.S. Soccer accountable for equal treatment of the USWNT. (Please note that there is nothing political in the preceding sentence. The existence of controversy and accusations is not in dispute, regardless of your opinion.)

  • RSL General Manager Elliot Fall discussed what upcoming individual workouts in MLS might consist of.
  • Houston’s Christian Ramirez says that an MLS-Liga MX Super League would “take over the world.” I think it could, but only if player spending limits were removed. The reason the world’s best players are mainly in Europe is because that’s where the money is.
  • Those born on this date include former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir (1898), Bing Crosby (1903), boxing’s Sugar Ray Robinson (1921), James Brown (1933), Frankie Valli (1934), baseball’s Davey Lopes (1945), sportscaster Greg Gumbel (1946), Christopher Cross (1951), REO Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall (1953), hockey’s Ron Hextall (1964), D.C. United manager Ben Olsen (1977), and Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins (1997).

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend and please be safe when integrating back into businesses that are reopening.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/22/26

Orlando City prepares for FC Cincinnati, Angelina receives an additional suspension, Orlando City B signs Albright Chikamso, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

May 22, 2026

By

Image of Angelina launching a long pass.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! There’s a smorgasbord of Orlando soccer waiting for us this weekend and I’m looking forward to it. Along with enjoying the games, I plan on spending the weekend tearing my way through the rest of Kristen Perrin’s murder mystery series after devouring “How to Solve Your Own Murder.” I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of whodunits. Now, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for FC Cincinnati

The Lions are back in action on Saturday with a road match against FC Cincinnati in the last match for both clubs before the World Cup break. Orlando enters this match with plenty of momentum after beating Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, but the team has struggled playing away this year and Cincinnati is a tough opponent. Both offenses are flying high as of late, and the only team in the league that has conceded more goals this season than Cincinnati is Orlando, so a high-scoring affair might be in the cards for us before the break.

Angelina Suspended for an Additional Game

The NWSL Disciplinary Committee handed Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina an additional one-game suspension for a violation of “Major Game Misconduct.” Angelina received a red card following video review in Orlando’s 3-1 loss to the Denver Summit after she pulled Delanie Sheehan’s hair. The Pride will now be without her for both Sunday’s game against the San Diego Wave and the game on May 29 against Bay FC, meaning she won’t be available for selection until after the summer break.

Orlando City B Signs Albright Chikamso

Defender Albright Chikamso has signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B that will last through 2028. The academy product has made four appearances with OCB already and scored in his first start with the team on Oct. 10 of last year. It’s nice to see the club’s youth program continue to develop players so that they can move up the pipeline. Hopefully Chikamso can continue to impress with the Young Lions this season.

Chris Richards Injury Update Before World Cup

American defender Chris Richards tore ligaments in his ankle according to Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who confirmed that he won’t be available for the team’s season finale on Sunday. There’s notably still a chance that he plays in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday. However, the World Cup is only a few weeks away and United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce the team’s roster on Monday. Richards has been a critical part of the U.S. defense under Pochettino and we wish him a speedy and smooth recovery.

Free Kicks

  • MLS players will wear personalized jerseys this weekend in recognition of the upcoming World Cup, with an auction to follow.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

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Lion Links: 5/21/26

Orlando City will face the Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup semis, USMNT roster predictions, Casemiro linked with Inter Miami, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

May 21, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m still riding high from Orlando City’s big win over Atlanta United and am hoping to keep carrying that momentum through these next couple of days before a busy weekend. It will be the last time all three of Orlando’s soccer teams are in action during the same weekend for a while due to the World Cup, so savor every minute of it. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Will Face Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup

We now know Orlando City’s opponent for the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, with the Columbus Crew advancing after a 1-0 win over New York City FC. After a scoreless first half, Max Arfsten scored the game’s only goal and the Crew held on for a big win at home just a few days after Henrik Rydstrom was fired as head coach. The Lions will be on the road for the semifinal against the Crew in September. Should Orlando win, it will host the final no matter which team from the other side of the bracket advances.

Predicting the USMNT World Cup Roster

We’re less than a week away from United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino announcing the 26-player roster for this year’s World Cup. Most of the team seems fairly locked in, but midfielders Giovanni Reyna, Aidan Morris, and Diego Luna are all on the bubble, with Tanner Tessmann possibly still in the mix despite an injury. SBI Soccer projects Aidan Morris making the cut, while former USMNT player Alejandro Bedoya has Luna and Jack McGlynn on his projected roster. As for the defense, we’ll see if the center back group is too crowded for Miles Robinson or Noahkai Banks to be included. I don’t expect any big surprises from Pochettino on May 26, but forwards Zavier Gozo and Julian Hall are young players who could bring a spark off the bench in a tournament setting.

Casemiro Linked With Inter Miami

Inter Miami is reportedly close to signing Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who announced he is leaving Manchester United once his contract expires this summer. One of the interesting wrinkles in this reported move is that the LA Galaxy hold Casemiro’s discovery rights and that issue is not yet resolved. Miami also does not have an open Designated Player slot, so I expect some more “creative” roster structuring to take place in order to fit him in if this comes to pass. The 34-year-old has scored nine goals for United this season and was named to Brazil’s World Cup roster.

Aston Villa Wins UEFA Europa League

Aston Villa beat SC Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final to win silverware for the first time since 1996. Emiliano Buendia had a goal and an assist in the match, with Villa scoring twice late in the first half and the defense doing its part for a shutout victory. This was Unai Emery’s fifth time winning the Europa League as a manager, lifting the trophy three years in a row with Sevilla and once with Villarreal before doing it again now with Villa. It’s wild that all three clubs have “villa” as part of their names.

Free Kicks

  • ESPN ranked the top 50 American men’s soccer players and former Orlando City defender Alex Freeman placed 15th on the list.
  • After playing in the USL Super League for two seasons, Spokane Zephyr FC announced that it will not be continuing operations.
  • MLS has spoken with the International Football Association Board to trial stopping the clock during matches for injuries, substitutions, and set pieces. I already get annoyed when the broadcast shrinks the game on the screen to try selling me cars and beer, so I don’t know if I could handle an actual commercial break.
  • Sporting Kansas City’s Stephen Afrifa won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his curling winner to lift his team to a 2-1 win over Austin FC.
  • Wyland, the artist whose mural was painted over for a World Cup display in Dallas, is taking legal action over the act.

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: 5/20/26

Orlando City defeats Atlanta United, Anna Moorhouse called up, Arsenal wins EPL championship, and more.

Published

5 days ago

on

May 20, 2026

By

Image of Griffin Dorsey preparing to shoot on a breakaway against Atlanta.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I love the U.S. Open Cup. I love the history, the cupsets, and the magical moments. I especially love it when my team wins and wins big like Orlando City did Tuesday night. It was unexpected result but a very welcome one. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Advances to USOC Semifinals

Orlando City defeated rival Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. The Lions unleashed an offensive firestorm in the first half against Atlanta United, scoring four goals before halftime. Frankly, it could have been more. The Lions were unable to add to the lead in the second half and conceded one goal to Atlanta, but it was more than enough to secure the victory.

Moorhouse Called Up

Anna Moorhouse has once again been called up by England for Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. It is always an honor for a player to represent their country. We are happy that Moorhouse will have the opportunity.

World Cup News

We are only weeks away from the start of the World Cup and we know who most of the players representing their countries will be. For example, Granit Xhaka will captain Switzerland in the tournament. Most of us are primarily concerned with the USMNT and which players are in form for club and, hopefully, country.

Premier League News

The 23-year wait is over as Arsenal won the English Premier League championship following a 1-1 draw between Bournemouth and Manchester City on Tuesday. It is all but certain that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer. It’s not the ending that Guardiola wanted for his time at Manchester City, but he leaves the club in a good position. While the Gunners celebrate, Tottenham Hostpur is fighting relegation.

Free Kicks

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

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