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Lion Links: 6/13/20

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5 years ago

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Good morning, Mane Landers! It’s Saturday and we are that much closer to Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and Orlando City B all playing again. It’s like when your birthday is getting close and you can feel the excitement start to build, but with soccer.

Speaking of birthdays, I would like to send a huge happy birthday to my father, Lou. I won’t say how old he is, but he is the one that instilled a love for soccer in me from as far back as I can remember, and it is something we still share today. Thanks, Dad!

Let’s also wish a happy birthday to Pride defender Morgan Reid, who turns 25 today. Now, on to the links!

Remembering the 49

Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting that took the lives of 49 people, and injured 53 more. It is etched in the hearts of the Orlando community, including those with Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, OCB, and those of us at The Mane Land. Typically, there are services and vigils in remembrance of the 49, however, with the coronavirus still around, more of those observances moved online. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation that June 12 will be “Pulse Remembrance Day” and that all flags be flown at half-staff.

The outpouring on social media was not the only thing that happened, as several Pride players visited the Pulse memorial earlier this week.

Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the victims, as well as the survivors of this terrible tragedy.

MLS Tournament Preparation

Several MLS clubs returned to full training this week, though Orlando City is not on that list as of yet. The moratorium was lifted on June 4 and clubs needed to submit plans for safe training to the league. The plans must be approved by the medical staff and a local infectious disease expert, and a strict testing schedule for the coronavirus must be in place.

Meanwhile, Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson got a little chippy about his club’s draw in the MLS is Back Tournament.

I’m not saying he’s wrong, but that is some serious passive aggressive tweeting. Of course, if you’d like to try your hand at picking the bracket for the tournament, you can sign up for the official MLS Bracket Challenge here.

Black Lives Matter in the Soccer Community

The English Premier League will put a Black Lives Matter badge on jerseys, alongside a badge thanking the National Health Service for its work during the pandemic. The EPL also confirmed players who wish to take a knee before or during matches will be allowed to do so with no repercussions.

In the Bundesliga, Borussia Mönchengladbach has over 150,000 members, but the club was disappointed to learn that many posted racist and bigoted comments after the German side released a statement supporting the BLM movement. The club wasted no time trying to clean up the comments, and told any members that don’t share their values to go ahead and terminate their memberships.

United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Zack Steffen started a fundraiser to help businesses damaged in the protests, raising over $40,000 already. Steffen also founded VOYCEnow, a platform designed to give a voice to black athletes and let others learn about black life and history in America. Steffen’s club, Fortuna Düsseldorf is supporting his efforts promoting the cause.

Robinson Returns

You may remember that USMNT left back Antonee Robinson was ready to move from Wigan Athletic to AC Milan on an $8 million transfer back in January. Unfortunately, he failed his medical exam due to an irregular heart rhythm. Over the last six months, Robinson underwent a heart procedure in March, and has worked his way back to full fitness. He is now set to play with Wigan Athletic when the English Football League Championship returns.

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  • With the help of his wife and two sons, former Lion Jamie Watson held a gender reveal for his third child.

  • While many USL teams are gearing up for the upcoming season, some affiliated with MLS teams may not participate.

  • Let’s give a big shout out to the Richmond Kickers after they raised over $4,000 to provide 16,000 meals for those in need in the community. That’s the kind of story we need right now.
  • I don’t usually like to point out good things done by Manchester United players, but Marcus Rashford really made it hard not to this time. In conjunction with the charity organization Fareshare UK, he provided three million meals to those in need in the UK. This is also the kind of story we need right now.
  • On the mask front, another Manchester United player is helping by donating all proceeds from the sale of his “Jlingz” masks to the National Health Service.

Have a great weekend, remember the 49 and stay united, Orlando.

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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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2 days 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.

Published

3 days 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

4 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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