Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/17/20

Published

5 years ago

on

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.

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.

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.

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 Defender Robin Jansson had his yellow card rescinded for an incident with NYCFC forward Valentin Castellanos, who was fined for embellishment as well.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.

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.

  • 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.

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

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.

Published

9 hours ago

on

June 6, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

1 day ago

on

June 5, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

Continue Reading

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

2 days ago

on

June 4, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending