Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/4/20

Happy Fourth of July, Mane Landers. I hope you all are staying safe and healthy this holiday weekend. If you plan to have a small get-together with fireworks, please be careful and make sure to look out for each other. I unfortunately will be busy working over the holiday weekend at Disney Springs, but will make an effort to grab a burger, hot dog, or maybe both. Now, let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Favored By Fans
We are only a few days away from Orlando City kicking off the tournament against Inter Miami CF on July 8. Orlando City is the slight favorite in the match according to fans and the win could be crucial for the Lions. On the other side of the ball, Miami midfielder Wil Trapp talked about what he expects to see from the Lions in the first meeting between the two clubs.
“I think they’re a team that with the ball is fairly direct,” Trapp said. “At first sight for the most part, it’s more of a direct style of play when they get pressed so it would be a little against their nature I think to try to just dominate possession based on what we’ve seen. But they’ve also had three or four months to change maybe their identity since the games they’ve played. For us, we’re always going to try to be on the ball.”
Lions Enjoying Free Time
Daryl Dike gave us a sneak peek inside the bubble at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. I have to say, this is a pretty cool player lounge with a ping-pong table and plenty of games to keep that competitive spirit burning.
Step inside the bubble. @DarylDike shows off the City lounge setup. @WaltDisneyWorld | #MLSisBack pic.twitter.com/XtR7rG6zX2
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 3, 2020
That’s not all the Lions have to entertain themselves though. The players have a resort pool on hand to not only beat the heat, but also each other in some volleyball.
Relaxation, recovery and of course a little competition. ☀️🌴@WaltDisneyWorld | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/bNT3pIb4kt
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 3, 2020
MLS Teams Delay Trips to Orlando
With teams waiting for test results for the coronavirus, the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC postponed their flights for Orlando for another day. Concerns continue about the tournament and the schedule may change considering FC Dallas plays on July 9 and has 10 players and staff members who tested positive.
Red Bulls postpone their flight, which was initially scheduled for Wednesday, due to a staff member having an "inconclusive" test result.
Toronto FC announced earlier that they postponed their flight to Orlando that was scheduled for today. https://t.co/HvF0Q2rprt
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) July 3, 2020
Sixteen teams are in Orlando as teams begin health and safety protocols before the tournament begins. Nashville SC was finally able to make it to Orlando after being stuck on the bus for an hour and a half and unable to fly a couple days ago.
NWSL Challenge Cup Action Continues
There are two NWSL Challenge Cup matches today as teams in the middle of the standings look to make a move to the top. Our first game today is at 12:30 p.m. and features Sky Blue FC against Utah Royals FC. A player to watch for in the match is Royals rookie midfielder Tziarra King, who scored in her debut.
The second game will see the Houston Dash take on OL Reign at 10 p.m. The Dash scored three goals in a draw with the Royals in their first match, but may have a tougher time against the Reign’s defense.
Although the Orlando Pride aren’t participating, they may still be having an impact on matches. For each game, fans choose a team for the club to support, but the chosen teams seemed to be cursed instead. We’ll see if the trend continues as the Pride will support the Royals and Dash today.
So do you believe in the #PrideStan curse?@ExploriaResorts | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/Vc37TUdLH3
— Challenge Cup Stan Account (@ORLPride) July 3, 2020
Free Kicks
- Former Orlando Pride and current Reign player Jasmyne Spencer is making an impact both on and off the field as she fights against racial injustice and battles back from a torn ACL.
- Former Orlando SeaWolves midfielder Gordy Gurson signed a contract with the San Diego Sockers for the upcoming MASL season. Meanwhile, former SeaWolves midfielder Armando Tello signed a three-year contract with the Baltimore Blast.
- Chelsea winger Willian said he would prefer a move to MLS instead of a return to his native Brazil once his days in Europe end.
- Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes limped away with injuries after a collision during training yesterday. The Manchester United duo are doubtful for today’s premier league match against AFC Bournemouth.
- In Serie A, Fiorentina is targeting AS Roma legend Daniele De Rossi as its next manager.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your holiday weekend, take care of yourselves, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/20/25
Orlando Pride take on Racing Louisville FC tonight, Orlando Pride players called up by Zambia, USMNT beats Saudi Arabia, and more.

Happy Friday! June continues to fly by as we enjoy the buffet of soccer here in the U.S. this month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but I am hoping to get some reading done after being gifted some books for my birthday. But enough about me, let’s jump right into today’s links!
Orlando Pride Face Racing Louisville Tonight
The Orlando Pride are on the road tonight for a match against Racing Louisville FC at 8 p.m. in the final game before a league break until August. Going into the break with four straight wins would be nice for the Pride, but they’ve struggled at Lynn Family Stadium over the years. Louisville enters this match following a 4-2 loss to the league-leading Kansas City Current and has scored eight goals over the past three games. Orlando’s defense has been phenomenal this year, conceding just eight goals this season and only one during this win streak. Midfielder Cori Dyke spoke on how the team is finding its groove and shutting out opponents.
Zambia Calls Up Orlando Pride Trio
Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were all called up for Zambia’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations roster ahead of this summer’s tournament. Banda has eight goals this season with the Pride and had four goals at last year’s Olympics, including a hat trick against Australia. The Copper Queens claimed third place in the 2022 edition of this tournament, and they’ll need to be at their best to win this summer against tough opponents like South Africa and Nigeria. Zambia’s tournament campaign will kick off on July 5 against the host nation, Morocco.
USMNT Beats Saudi Arabia to Qualify for Quarterfinals
The United States Men’s National Team won 1-0 against Saudi Arabia to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup. After a scoreless first half, the Yanks broke through in the 63rd minute thanks to a free kick. Sebastian Berhalter served the ball on a silver platter to Chris Richards, who buried it for the crucial goal. The defense did well to secure its second shutout of the tournament, with Orlando City’s Alex Freeman starting at right back yet again. The USMNT will play Haiti on Sunday and should be able to win the group for a smoother path in the knockout stage.
FIFA Club World Cup Roundup
An MLS club finally won a game during this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, with Inter Miami beating Porto 2-1 in Atlanta. Lionel Messi scored the winner from a free kick to complete the comeback after conceding an early goal. The Seattle Sounders had a rougher day, falling 3-1 to Atletico Madrid, with Pablo Barrios scoring a brace. Former Lion Facundo Torres started for Palmeiras in the Brazilian club’s 2-0 win over Egypt’s Al Ahly.
Today’s action features more soccer at Inter&Co Stadium, with Benfica and Auckland City squaring off in the City Beautiful. Our Michael Citro will be on hand to report on it. Elsewhere in the U.S., Chelsea will take on Flamengo, LAFC will face ES Tunis, and Bayern Munich will play Boca Juniors.
Free Kicks
- Canada Head Coach Jesse Marsch, who is already serving a suspension for misconduct during the Nations League, is under investigation by Concacaf for incidents during this Gold Cup. Reports detail that Marsch disregarded regulations and used offensive language toward match officials.
- Kylian Mbappe was discharged from the hospital after suffering from a case of gastroenteritis. It’s unclear if or when he’ll play for Real Madrid during the Club World Cup.
- Carlos Cuesta was hired as Parma’s next head coach after five years with Arsenal as an assistant coach. The 29-year-old becomes the second-youngest coach in Serie A history.
- Manchester City was fined over $1 million by the English Premier League for repeated delays regarding kickoff times.
That’s all I have for you all today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/19/25
Alex Freeman details his soccer journey, Orlando Pride players called up, Orlando City’s U-19 team advances to semifinals, and more.

Happy Juneteenth, Mane Landers! I hope everyone has a nice holiday as we commemorate the anniversary of the end of slavery in the U.S. There’s plenty of soccer going on, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the Club World Cup and Gold Cup here and there when not working. Let’s go ahead and dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Alex Freeman Details His Path to Pro Soccer
Orlando City right back Alex Freeman has been getting plenty of buzz during this breakout year, but an interview with Goal gave some great insight into how he reached this point. He made the bold decision to head to Orlando at 16 years old to chase his dream, and he detailed some of the difficulties of that move that may get overlooked as his career blooms.
“I remember my 16th birthday, it was the first birthday I ever spent without my family,” Freeman says. “It was the day after I moved to Orlando. I’ve never really talked about this, but, at first, it really took a toll on me. At 16, you really just want your family around for those important moments, and I felt like I was balancing so much without my family being there with me. I did so much of this in Orlando without my family. It’s hard for people to comprehend that.”
Freeman also talked about the pace of his development within Orlando’s organization, along with what it was like to play against Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz in his recent international debut. There are also some great quotes from Oscar Pareja and United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino worth checking out.
Orlando Pride Players Called Up by USWNT
Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up for the United States Women’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies against Ireland and Canada later this June. Both players were on the USWNT roster for recent friendlies, with Abello making her international debut on June 3 against Jamaica. The only player outside the NWSL who was called up for this roster is Naomi Girma. Rose Lavelle was called up for the first time this year, and 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune is also back in the fold. Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale, Izzy Rodriguez, and Sam Meza were all called up for the first time, as Head Coach Emma Hayes continues to grow the player pool.
Orlando City Makes MLS NEXT Cup Semifinals
Orlando City’s U-19 team continues to impress this year and advanced to the semifinals of this year’s MLS NEXT Cup. Forward Justin Ellis was named Player of the Day for scoring twice in a 3-3 draw against Toronto FC, with Orlando coming out on top in the ensuing penalty shootout.
The U-19 team is the last Orlando academy team still playing across the tournament’s age groups. It will take on Cedar Stars Academy in the semifinals on Friday with a spot in Sunday’s final on the line. Enjoy watching the youngsters celebrate clinching a spot in the next round.
Upcoming NWSL Action Before League Break
We have another weekend of NWSL soccer to look forward to before the league pauses until August due to various international tournaments. The Pride will look to make it four straight wins when they face Racing Louisville FC on the road Friday night. Louisville has allowed 22 goals this season, so hopefully Barbra Banda and the rest of Orlando’s offense can get things going after close wins in the past two games.
Elsewhere in the league, I think Saturday’s match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and Bay FC will be an interesting showdown. Gotham forward Esther González leads the league with nine goals this season, but it’s ultimately a close Golden Boot race at this point. Sunday’s match between the San Diego Wave and Washington Spirit pits two of the league’s top four teams against each other, making it a great way to close out the weekend before the break.
USMNT Takes On Saudi Arabia Tonight
The Yanks are back in action tonight for a Concacaf Gold Cup group game against Saudi Arabia, the guest nation of this year’s tournament. After a 5-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, the U.S. can claim the top spot in the group and all but guarantee a place in the next round with a win over Saudi Arabia. There are still some question marks regarding who will rise to the occasion in the midfield and at forward, but the USMNT has the talent to get the job done tonight at Q2 Stadium in Austin. The U.S. will then close out group play on Sunday against Haiti in Arlington, TX.
Free Kicks
- Sams, Banda, Anna Moorhouse, and Cori Dyke were all named to CBS Sports‘ NWSL Team of the Week after the Pride’s 1-0 win over Bay FC.
- Joao Klauss won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his lethal strike on the volley from a tight angle. The goal equalized things in stoppage time against the LA Galaxy and completed Klauss’ hat trick in the 3-3 draw.
- USWNT and Portland Thorns defender Meghan Klingenberg has officially retired from professional soccer. She won two NWSL Shields, two NWSL Championships, and the 2015 Women’s World Cup, while also making an impact off the field speaking up for equality.
- The San Jose Earthquakes have begun the process of selling a controlling interest in the club.
- Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid’s new manager began with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at the Club World Cup. Federico Valverde had a chance to win it in stoppage time from the penalty stop, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou came up with the critical save.
- Chris Wilder and Sheffield United have parted ways less than a month after the club fell 2-1 to Sunderland in the playoff final for promotion to the English Premier League. Ruben Selles, who was dismissed as Hull City’s manager last month, was named as Wilder’s replacement.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Juneteenth and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/18/25
Scouting Saudi Arabia, Club World Cup summary, MLS midseason superlatives, and more.

Happy Wednesday, everyone. I’m pretty worn out after doing some traveling for most of the last two weeks, and I’m happy to be back home in Tampa for a bit before heading out on the road again. The soccer world has not paused during my time out on the road, and if anything its only picked up in intensity. That means we have a lot to talk about, but before we get into today’s links, let’s wish Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle a happy birthday.
Scouting Saudi Arabia
The United States Men’s National Team will continue its 2025 Gold Cup campaign on Thursday when it takes on Saudi Arabia in Austin, TX. That means this is a good time to familiarize ourselves with Arabian Falcons. They’re coached by Herve Renard, who deployed the team in a 4-2-3-1 in a 1-0 victory over Haiti in the team’s first game of the tournament. He isn’t married to that formation though, and will use a variety of tactical setups depending on the situation. Across all of them, Saudi Arabia plays with an emphasis on pressing in specific areas and quickly breaking in transition once winning the ball. Like the USMNT, the Saudis are missing a few first-choice players, and the midfield battle should be a particularly interesting area to keep an eye on.
Club World Cup Roundup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continued on Wednesday, so let’s take a look at the action. Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund got things started as they battled to a scoreless draw at MetLife Stadium. The Brazilian team had the better of the game overall, but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made five saves to preserve a point for his team. The second game of the day was much livelier, as River Plate dispatched Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1 in Seattle. The Argentinians scored after just 12 minutes and never looked back despite Urawa making it a 2-1 game with a 58th-minute penalty. The third match took place at Inter&Co Stadium, and saw Mamelodi Sundowns beat Ulsan HD 1-0. While the scoreline didn’t reflect it, the South African team mostly dominated proceedings and finished with 68% possession and 718 passes to 325 for the South Korean side. However, it was a free-flowing game that offered both sides to take more from the match. Our Michael Citro was there to recap it for you at the link above.
Midseason MLS Superlatives
As much as it seems like the 2025 Major League Soccer season just started, we’re actually just past the halfway point of the campaign, and that means it’s a good time to look at some league superlatives. In a category that will be music to the ears of Orlando City fans, Bradley Wright-Phillips named fullback the most overlooked position and specifically took some time to praise Alex Freeman. BWP previously coached against Freeman with New York Red Bulls II when Alex was still with Orlando City B, so it’s interesting to hear his input from that additional aspect. It’s no surprise that the Vancouver Whitecaps got a lot of love, as they were named biggest surprise, and Jesper Sorensen was named best coach.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
Transfer season is in full swing, so here are some of the big rumors currently flying around. Manchester United is reportedly interesting in signing Callum Hudson-Odoi from Nottingham Forest, but the Red Devils face competition from Roma and Napoli. Arsenal might hit a snag in searching for a striker, as the Gunners are balking at paying the asking prices for either Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, because they consider those numbers to be too high. Three different teams from the Saudi Pro League have reportedly shown interest in signing Son Heung-Min from Tottenham Hotspur, as he only has 12 months left on his current contract.
Free Kicks
- Get a peek at the Orlando Pride putting in work on the training ground.
- FIFA has been criticized after quietly doing away with its anti-racism messaging during the Club World Cup.
- Negative press for the tournament doesn’t stop there, as La Liga president Javier Tebas has said it’s his mission to eliminate the competition from existence.
- Atlanta United is reportedly closing in on a center back signing.
- The Washington Spirit have signed Sofia Cantore from Juventus.
And that’s it for me today. Have a great rest of your week. Vamos, Orlando!
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