Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/17/20

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a pretty good week as an Orlando City fan, so hopefully those good vibes continue through the weekend. Before we hop into today’s links, let’s wish a very happy birthday to Orlando Pride draft pick Abi Kim, who was selected in the third round earlier this year in the 2020 NWSL College Draft.
Analyzing Orlando City’s Victory
Orlando City clinched a spot in the knockout round of the MLS is Back Tournament after a strong 3-1 win over New York City FC earlier this week. The Lions performed well across every position and the statistics back it up. Forward Chris Mueller not only scored twice in 10 minutes, but excelled in passing in the final third during the match. The Lions also dominated in the midfield and Head Coach Oscar Pareja is making the most of fullbacks João Moutinho and Ruan by playing to their strengths.
Here's a look at the #OrlandoCity fullbacks against NYCFC. Joao Moutinho operates as a deep-lying playmaker on the left side, while Ruan uses his speed to get up and down the flank and cover tons of ground. Oscar Pareja using his players' natural strengths to his advantage. pic.twitter.com/CU5GNfiDNq
— Evan Weston (@EvanLWeston) July 16, 2020
Miguel Gallardo also broke down the key substitutions Pareja made to make sure the Lions hung on to their lead and grabbed all three points.
.@migallardo01 dives into Papi's second half subs against NYC changing the match. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/I9nerKk13C
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 16, 2020
Forward Tesho Akindele also scored in the win and he attributes a lot of the Lions’ success to the preparation taken before the tournament began.
Working hard and getting the job done. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/rP2GkCWWvq
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 16, 2020
Lions Affected By MLS Rulings
In other Lion news, the MLS Disciplinary Committee issued Nani an undisclosed fine for embellishment after Tuesday’s game. Defender Robin Jansson had his yellow card rescinded for an incident with NYCFC forward Valentin Castellanos, who was fined for embellishment as well. The Lions also won’t have to worry about Philadelphia Union midfielder Jose Martinez, who was suspended for violent conduct and will miss the match between the two clubs on July 20.
Orlando City B’s Home Opener Announced
With the USL League One season set to begin this weekend, the league announced each team’s home opener for the season. Orlando City B won’t play at home until Aug. 14, when it hosts Fort Lauderdale CF at Osceola Heritage Park. It’s unclear when the Young Lions will play their first game on the season or who they will play, but hopefully more details on OCB’s schedule will come out soon.
NWSL Challenge Cup Begins Knockout Round
With the teams warmed up after the preliminary round, the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup starts its knockout stage today. The North Carolina Courage are the heavy favorites to win it all and they take on the Portland Thorns at 12:30 p.m. today. The rest of the field is fairly even, making for exciting matches throughout the tournament. Utah Royals SC host the Houston Dash later tonight. Tomorrow, OL Reign faces the Chicago Red Stars and the Washington Spirit take on Sky Blue FC. Although the Orlando Pride aren’t participating, there is still plenty to of women’s soccer to enjoy this weekend.
MLS is Back Tournament Results
Atlanta United fell 1-0 to FC Cincinnati in the tournament’s morning game yesterday. After Atlanta went a man down due to a red card in the first half, Cincinnati midfielder Frankie Amaya scored a beauty for his first goal in MLS to lift his team to its first win of 2020.
HAVE A HIT
Take a bow, @frankie_amaya! 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/ZUkQeP2Pr2
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 16, 2020
Atlanta Head Coach Frank de Boer criticized the league having games at 9 a.m. and gave his thoughts on its impact not only on the players, but the fans watching at home. The Five Stripes have lost both of their games and have yet to score in the tournament.
In a Canadian showdown, Toronto FC defeated the Montreal Impact 4-3. Former Lion Richie Laryea got the scoring started and an Ayo Akinola hat trick sealed the deal to secure all three points for Toronto. The Columbus Crew clinched a spot in the knockout round after winning 2-0 over the New York Red Bulls.
Today’s games will all be played at night, with the New England Revolution’s trio of Designated Players leading the charge against D.C. United at 8 p.m. At that same time, the Colorado Rapids aim to bounce back in a tough match against Sporting Kansas City. Then later at 10:30 p.m., Minnesota United and Real Salt Lake face off with advancement going to the victor and both fans and RSL will have their eyes on former Lion Kevin Molino.
Free Kicks
- The Lions may have earned a spot in the next round, but there is still plenty to prepare for when they take on the Union for the top spot in Group A.
Back to work for that showdown with Philly. @orlandohealth | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/su3ZhcFueY
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 17, 2020
- The Swan and Dolphin Resort where MLS teams are staying for the tournament will open one of its wings to the public the day after the Round of 16 ends. A courtyard separates the wings of the resort, and additional barriers will keep the final eight teams from interacting with hotel guests.
- With a 2-1 win over Villarreal on Thursday, Real Madrid won the La Liga title for the first time since 2017.
- Christian Pulisic has had an incredible first year with Chelsea, but how does he compare to other Americans who have tried their luck in Europe?
- If you’re tired of scrolling through Netflix for something to watch, check out this documentary series that gives a unique look at young Orange County SC players and Rangers FC prospects. The episodes can be seen on ESPN2 Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. and they’ll be available to stream at the ESPNFC YouTube channel 48 hours after they air.
- Let’s end our links with some good news. After a heart attack forced him into retirement in 2019, goalkeeper Iker Casillas returned to the field to celebrate FC Porto’s league title.
Last year, Iker Casillas suffered a heart attack and hasn't played a game since.
Yesterday, he celebrated Porto's title win. Great to see him back on the pitch 💪🏆 pic.twitter.com/50CuR2JF1G
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 16, 2020
That’s going to be all from me today. I hope you all have a great Friday and rest of your weekend. It’s still kind of weird having both MLS and NWSL soccer to look forward to, but I’m hardly complaining.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/28/25
Orlando Pride prepare for the San Diego Wave, NWSL weekend matches, USMNT roster predictions, and more.

We made it to Friday! Celebrate however you see fit, whether that’s an indulgent breakfast or just your favorite cup of coffee. This week has flown by a bit for me and I’m looking forward to a weekend filled with soccer. I’ll be spending the next few days working, reading a new book or two, and working out the kinks of making a frozen coconut mojito. My blender hates me. Let’s get to today’s links!
Orlando Pride Prepare for the San Diego Wave
The Orlando Pride will look to extend their 2025 win streak to three games — and their overall win streak to seven — on Saturday when they host the San Diego Wave at noon. Orlando has looked the part of a defending champion so far, leading the league with eight goals without conceding a single one in two games. The Pride will take on a revamped San Diego team that is unbeaten under Head Coach Jonas Eidevall. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about how Orlando will need to set the tone early on at home against the Wave and keep up the momentum.
NWSL Provides Entertaining Slate of Weekend Matches
While it’s far too early to think about the NWSL Shield race, it never hurts to check out how the Pride’s competitors are doing while enjoying some great soccer. Tonight features a pair of matches at the same time, with the Washington Spirit hosting Bay FC and the Houston Dash playing on the road against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga will have a chance to tie her own record of scoring in eight straight games when her team plays the Utah Royals on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll get to see if the Seattle Reign’s solid start continues against an unbeaten Angel City FC team searching for its first win of the season.
USMNT Roster Predictions for Concacaf Gold Cup
The pressure is on United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino to turn things around after a rough showing in the final four of the Concacaf Nations League. This summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup will be an opportunity for the USMNT to impress in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, and Pro Soccer Wire dove into how the roster could look for the tournament. Injuries to Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun complicate things up top, but we could see Brenden Aaronson or Alex Zendejas could return to the attack. The Gold Cup will likely also determine which goalkeeper between Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Patrick Schulte emerges as the true starter. Players like Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso are other notable names to keep an eye out for leading into the tournament.
FA Cup Quarterfinals Kick Off This Weekend
Only eight teams remain in the FA Cup and the action returns with enticing quarterfinal matchups. Preston North End is the only team outside of the English Premier League still fighting, but Manchester City is the only traditional giant left in the field as well. City will face off against a Bournemouth side that beat it 2-1 back in November, while Preston will have to get past Aston Villa, which has only won two of its last eight games. Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood’s injury adds an obstacle to overcome when the team travels to play Brighton and Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace gets star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta back from injury for its clash with Fulham.
Free Kicks
- Time is running out for Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Peru to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after the latest CONMEBOL matches. Peru did well to beat Bolivia, but lost a crucial match against Venezuela.
- Angel City FC signed Brazilian midfielder Maiara Niehues from Sporting CP on a three-year contract. The 20-year-old recorded 18 goals and three assists in 57 matches across all competitions with the Portuguese club.
- MLS announced an expanded partnership with the media company Footballco to increase coverage of the league and its players. Hopefully this partnership results in a spotlight being put on smaller market teams and lesser known stars in the league, but only time will tell.
- Denver’s NWSL team announced its plans for a new training center and temporary stadium that will seat 12,000 fans for 2026 and 2027.
- The English Premier League’s transfer window will temporarily open on June 1 and close on June 10 to allow clubs participating in the Club World Cup to sign players before the tournament.
- After losing 2-0 in the first leg, Chelsea beat Manchester City 3-0 to advance to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals. The semifinals will have Chelsea take on Barcelona and Arsenal square off against Lyon.
- UEFA is investigating Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos for indecent conduct in the Champions League. If a ban is handed out, that player would miss the first leg of Madrid’s quarterfinal matchup with Arsenal.
- Barcelona beat Osasuna 3-0 to move three points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, but forward Dani Olmo sustained a leg injury that could see him miss time.
That’s all I have for you for today’s links. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/27/25
Marco Pasalic wins Goal of the Matchday, Orlando Pride members join U.S. U-23 camp, Orlando City B beats Crown Legacy FC, and more.

We’re another day closer to what should be an awesome Saturday, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride in action. All three of Orlando’s soccer teams have been doing well lately, which is not something we can say too often. Hopefully that trend continues this weekend and beyond. Let’s get to today’s links!
Marco Pasalic Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday
An Orlando City player has won MLS Goal of the Matchday for the first time this season, with Marco Pasalic claiming the award for his strike against D.C. United. The goal was a real team effort from the Lions, as all three Designated Players linked up to get the ball up the field in a hurry for a counter. Pasalic did well to create space and then curl the ball into the back of the net from distance. His goal garnered 64.7% of the vote, beating out goals from Daniel Rios, David Martinez, and Deandre Kerr. In his first year as a Lion, the Croatian winger has already recorded four goals and an assist so far.
Pride’s Zara Chavoshi and Yolanda Thomas Join U.S. U-23 Camp
Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi was called up for the first U-23 United States Women’s National Team training camp of the year, which will run alongside the senior team’s camp in California. The 22-year-old, who was signed by the Pride directly out of college after four years at Wake Forest, will develop her game at the camp alongside other promising young defenders like Savy King, Gisele Thompson, and Eva Gaetino. Orlando Pride Assistant Coach Yolanda Thomas will also be in attendance as an assistant coach at the camp, and it’s great to see her get this opportunity.
Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC on the Road
Orlando City B won its first road match of the 2025 season, beating Crown Legacy FC 1-0 to extend its unbeaten run to three games (2-0-1). The Young Lions didn’t make things easy on themselves by not converting some solid opportunities to extend their lead, but they ultimately held on to secure all three points. Orlando is now tied at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with New York City FC II with eight points from three matches. OCB’s next match will be a road game against Chattanooga FC on April 5.
Say Hello to Boston Legacy FC
Boston’s NWSL team has rebranded itself as Boston Legacy FC, which is leagues better than BOS Nation FC. The team initially went with that anagram of Bostonian as its name back in October as part of a brand launch that also included a widely criticized marketing campaign involving the slogan “Too Many Balls.” While I’m not crazy about the name, the team deserves credit for not defaulting to something too generic after whiffing on its first swing. The Boston Legacy will take the field for the first time next year as the NWSL’s 16th team.
Free kicks
- Pride midfielder Angelina was called up by Brazil for its friendlies against the United States in California on April 5 and April 8.
- The Pride were well represented in CBS Sports‘ NWSL Team of the Week, with Anna Moorhouse, Rafaelle, Ally Watt, and Barbra Banda all receiving praise for the team’s 2-0 win over NJ/NY Gotham FC.
- From the third round on, every single match of the U.S. Open Cup will be streamed on Paramount+.
- Federal Finance, a development group based in Orlando, proposed plans for a soccer-specific stadium in Winter Garden.
- Bayern Munich winger Alphonso Davies will undergo surgery after tearing his ACL in Canada’s third-place victory over the U.S. in the Concacaf Nations League.
- Alessia Russo had a brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. It was just enough for Arsenal to advance on aggregate to the semifinals, where the Gunners will square off against a Lyon side that beat Bayern 4-1 thanks to two goals and an assist from Kadidiatou Diani.
- Despite a 2-1 win against North Korea earlier this week in World Cup qualifying, the United Arab Emirates fired Paul Bento as head coach.
That’s all I have for you this fine Thursday. I hope you all have a terrific day and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/26/25
Orlando City rises in MLS power rankings, Emily Sams called up, Orlando City B faces Crown Legacy FC tonight, and more.

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been spending the week reading and eating my way through a pork shoulder after making way too much of it in my slow cooker this weekend. It wasn’t as tender as I was shooting for, but it’ll take some time before I can take another crack at it. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Orlando City Rises in MLS Power Rankings
The league’s latest power rankings are out and Orlando City has moved up two spots to 14th after its 4-1 victory over D.C. United. Orlando’s Designated Players are firing on all cylinders and no MLS team has scored more goals this year. The breakout of 20-year-old defender Alex Freeman, who was noted as one of the top young performers from this past weekend, is also worth recognition. The Lions have been in need of a young player to step up, and Freeman has done well so far. Orlando will be back in action on Saturday for a road match against an LA Galaxy side still searching for its first win of the season.
Emily Sams Called Up For USWNT Friendlies
Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was one of 24 players called up by United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes for the training camp prior to friendlies against Brazil next month. Forward Trinity Rodman, who hasn’t played for the U.S. since the Olympics, is back in the mix after missing time due to injury. Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce are other interesting players to keep an eye on. The U.S. will take on Brazil April 5 at SoFi Stadium before a rematch on April 8 at PayPal Park.
OCB Plays Crown Legacy FC Tonight
The Young Lions are back in action tonight for a road match against Crown Legacy FC at 7 p.m. It’s OCB’s first away match of the season after a pair of solid results at Osceola Heritage Park to start the season. Orlando will take on a Crown Legacy team that’s only played one game so far this season, losing a shootout to New York City FC II after a 1-1 draw back on March 7. Following tonight’s match, OCB will get some time off before taking on Chattanooga FC in Tennessee on April 5.
Takeaway From USMNT Defeats
After losing both Concacaf Nations League matches, there is plenty of concern surrounding the United States Men’s National Team as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fullback Joe Scally struggled in both matches, putting more of an emphasis on Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest being ready to roll next summer. Weston McKennie lost duels left and right and there are some real questions regarding where he fits in Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s system. There were bright spots as well though. Diego Luna and Patrick Agyemang likely boosted their stock after solid offensive efforts, and Tanner Tessmann was effective in his time on the field. Overall, the Yanks will have to be better in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Sacha Kljestan discussed some of the biggest surprises so far this year, including how Atlanta United and the LA Galaxy aren’t quite living up to expectations.
- Inter Miami added 20-year-old striker Allen Obando on loan through the 2025 season, with an option to buy. Obanda joins from Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador’s top flight, where he recorded four goals and three assists in 23 matches.
- American striker Folarin Balogun had a hat trick with AS Monaco’s reserve side in his first game of the year after missing time due to shoulder surgery.
- Nadia Nadim spoke on the importance of representing women without a voice when she takes part in Soccer Aid this year.
- The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals wrap up this week and here’s everything you need to know. Today’s action includes Lyon facing off with Bayern Munich before Arsenal takes on Real Madrid.
- Iran secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan, with Inter Milan’s Mehdi Taremi scoring a brace. Australia inched closer to qualifying following its 2-0 win over China, while South Korea stumbled in a 1-1 draw at home to Jordan.
- Argentina also booked its ticket to next year’s World Cup, becoming the first South American nation to do so.
That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Go Young Lions!
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