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Lion Links: 7/13/20

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5 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! I didn’t take the time to go see how long it has been since I wrote Lions Links following an Orlando City victory, but it’s been quite a while. It feels good, doesn’t it? It was a great distraction from all the other things going on in the world and in our state. Fortunately, we only have one more day to wait until the Lions play New York City FC tomorrow at 8 p.m. Let’s get to the links!

MLS Match Postponed After Positive Tests

Toronto FC and D.C. United were supposed to play in the MLS is Back Tournament yesterday morning, however the match was postponed and then rescheduled for this morning at 9 a.m. One D.C. United player tested positive for COVID-19 and a Toronto FC player tested inconclusive on Saturday. MLS protocol is to test each player every other day, and on the day before a match. This is the second time the match was rescheduled after Toronto’s delayed arrival in Orlando moved the match from Friday to Sunday.

As teams are withdrawn and matches postponed, there are concerns about the tournament’s future. However, MLS is keeping a close eye on the tournament and it will continue. Orlando City defender João Moutinho weighed in on how he is feeling regarding the postponed match and the tournament itself.

“I feel good, to be honest,” defender João Moutinho said Sunday afternoon. “We’re all here, we stay in our rooms, we go to training, we come back. So I know that the likelihood of one of us getting infected is really, really slim. I think we’re even more protected here than if we were to stay at home. So I feel good, I feel confident. That’s something that I really don’t think much about. I’m just happy to be here and I’m happy that we get to play the tournament.”

MLS is Back Tournament Weekend Results

In the matches that were played this weekend, Saturday featured the New York Red Bulls defeating Atlanta United 1-0. The defeat marked the first time in 27 matches that Atlanta failed to score a goal. As satisfying as that result might be, it wasn’t the wildest match of the day. That honor went to the 4-0 drubbing the Columbus Crew gave FC Cincinnati. Lucas Zelarayán started the scoring for the Crew, Gyasi Zardes added a brace, and Youness Mokhtar finished it off. Cincinnati was completely outclassed and that doesn’t bode well for the club going forward in the tournament.

Even though the early match on Sunday was postponed, the two late matches did proceed as planned. In its match against Minnesota United last night, Sporting Kansas City was without Andreu Fontas due to a quad strain, midfielder Felipe Gutierrez thanks to season-ending knee surgery, and an unidentified player, who tested positive Thursday and is in quarantine.

The actual match was a bit of a wild affair, with SKC going up at the end of the first half after a Khiry Shelton goal. SKC goalkeeper Tim Melia was shown red in the 74th minute and it took Minnesota until stoppage time to score. After an own goal by Shelton, Kevin Molino scored in the dying moments of the match for the Loons to win 2-1.

In the late night match, Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids squared off. Albert Rusnak scored in the 27th minute and Damir Kreilach doubled the lead in the 76th minute in a dominant 2-0 win for Real Salt Lake.

In addition to the rescheduled Toronto FC and D.C. United match, the tournament continues tonight with LAFC taking on the Houston Dynamo at 8 p.m., and the LA Galaxy against the Portland Timbers in the 10:30 p.m. match.

NWSL Challenge Cup Results

The NWSL Challenge Cup continued Sunday as the Washington Spirit defeated the Houston Dash 1-0 after an early goal by Bayley Feist. The win lifted the Spirit into second place, though there are still other matches that will determine the standings heading into the quarterfinals. The second match of the day saw the Chicago Red Stars defeat the Utah Royals 1-0, with Casey Short scoring late to give the Red Stars their first win of 2020.

The final two matches of the qualification round are today and will have the Portland Thorns and OL Reign squaring off at 12:30 p.m. and Sky Blue FC facing the North Carolina Courage at 10 p.m.

Players and Fans Adapting to Tournament

While not a surprise to us, it’s very hot in Orlando. Toronto forward Jozy Altidore even tweeted about it. I’m not sure what you call it when someone whines in a tweet, but he’s not enjoying the warm welcome to Florida.

Of course, it’s not just the heat that teams are adapting to. As Jozy mentioned, there are the 9 a.m. matches as well. As professional athletes, players have sleep and meal schedules, and particular ways to prepare before matches. All of that has been thrown out the window for these early matches. It hasn’t been easy on supporters either. While we don’t have to get up too early to watch here in Orlando, others across the country have to get up before breakfast just to watch their team play.

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  • If you somehow haven’t seen what getting tested for COVID-19 looks like, here’s a closer look from the Orlando Pride’s Ali Riley.

  • We bid a sad farewell to England and Leeds United legend Jack Charlton, who passed away at the age of 85 years old. Charlton had 35 caps for England, including a victory in the 1966 World Cup. He also made a club record 773 appearances for Leeds over his 23-year career.
  • In a bit of good news, Andrés Reyes should be ready to play in Inter Miami’s next game following the injury he sustained in the match against Orlando City.
  • The hits keep coming for Inter Miami CF, as Chelsea’s Willian declined a three-year offer to play in South Florida.
  • It’s tough being an Orlando Pride supporter while the rest of the NWSL plays in the Challenge Cup. It’s also tough being the teams the club is rallying behind in each match, as the support is becoming a curse of sorts in matches.

I must say, it’s a bit weird writing about all this soccer stuff. It’s also very nice, so let’s keep things going by everybody being safe and wearing masks. Go City!

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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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3 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: 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: 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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