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Lion Links: 8/18/20

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5 years ago

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Happy Tuesday, everyone. We’re only a few short days away from getting more regular season action for Orlando City SC, and if the team continues its form from the MLS is Back Tournament, then it should be pretty enjoyable to watch. However, you won’t have to wait long for OCB which is back in action tonight, so you’ll want to be in front of ESPN+ at 7 p.m.

There’s quite a lot of news to cover today, so let’s get started.

Orlando City Schedule Adjustment

Orlando City has announced an adjustment to the schedule for one of the club’s upcoming regular-season games. Specifically, the Lions will now face Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5 rather than Sunday Sept. 6 as originally scheduled, with game time changing from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s an unfortunate change for OCSC that means the team will now only have two days of rest after its away game against Nashville SC before taking on Atlanta. The match against the Five Stripes will cap off a run of five games for the Lions in a 15-day span, after which the team will then have a week’s rest before capping off its Phase One schedule at home against Inter Miami CF. The move does help with television, however, as the Lions will now be shown nationally on FOX and FOX Deportes.

Orlando Pride Resume Training

The Orlando Pride returned to training yesterday as the team resumed individual/household training at the club’s training facility. It was the first time that team-sanctioned training has been held since June 21, back when the team was still preparing for the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Pride will continue training while awaiting news about a possible 2020 NWSL regular season, but several players have already joined foreign teams in order to get minutes under their belts. Ali Riley, Camila, and Erin McLeod have already been officially announced as having gone out on loan, and rumors have cropped up recently that others are also going on loan. The latest? Alanna Kennedy will be heading to Tottenham on loan while Emily Sonnet is reportedly heading to Sweden.

MLS Transfer Happenings

An absolute slew of notable transfer activity took place in Major League Soccer yesterday, with FC Cincinnati and the New England Revolution both heavily involved. Cincy sent midfielder Fatai Alashe to the Columbus Crew for a second-round pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, and also traded Kekuta Manneh to New England in exchange for an international roster slot. Alashe and Manneh both have a considerable amount of MLS experience and should be able to contribute well at their new clubs. Additionally, the Revs acquired Tommy McNamara from the Houston Dynamo as well as $150,000 in 2020 allocation money and $25,000 in 2021 allocation money, while sending Wilfried Zahibo and a 2020 international roster slot the other way.

MLS Ink Bleacher Report Deal

Major League Soccer have announced a multiyear deal with Bleacher Report to “develop and distribute content through B/R owned platforms.” The agreement runs through 2022 and is intended to help increase the amount of content that MLS is able to put out into the world, with Bleacher Report already starting to put out content during the MLS is Back Tournament. Other plans include providing USMNT and USWNT highlights, as well as some other currently undisclosed opportunities. More eyes on the league surely isn’t a bad thing, but hopefully Bleacher Report’s coverage of Major League Soccer is better than the job they did with the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, which was…uneven, to say the least.

Barca Sacks Setien

FC Barcelona has fired Quiqe Setien, bringing to fruition some pretty loud mutterings that began almost as soon as the final whistle blew on Barca’s 8-2 walloping at the hands of Bayern Munich over the weekend. Setien became the team’s coach back in January and was only in charge for 25 matches in all competitions. While that might not seem like much time to make a sound judgement of the guy, during his tenure Barcelona lost the grasp it had on La Liga and ultimately finished second to arch-rivals Real Madrid; was knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the quarterfinals by Athletic Bilbao; and exited the UCL in the quarterfinals, courtesy of the aforementioned 8-2 demolition job. With those results, combined with the team looking rather rudderless for some time now, and the skepticism surrounding his appointment earlier in the year, his firing isn’t particularly shocking. Ronald Koeman is being rumored to take the reins as his replacement.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City B has risen to no. 8 in the USL League One power rankings.
  • Confirming something that’s been suspected for awhile, the 2020 U.S. Open Cup has officially been cancelled. However, all teams from the Open Division that qualified for the 2020 competition and maintain eligibility through next year will automatically be invited to compete in the 2021 edition.
  • St. Louis City SC picked an interesting way to announce the club’s new sporting director, Lutz Pfannenstiel.

  • Eric Wynalda is no longer the coach of New Amsterdam FC after only three games in charge.

That’ll do it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.

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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 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.

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!

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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.

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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

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.

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!

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