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Lion Links: 9/7/20

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5 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Is it just me or is it weird being in September? I know that each month feels like a year, and that this year has already felt like a decade, but I’m still astounded each time we hit a new month. I’m also slightly annoyed we’re seeing pumpkin spice stuff and winter clothes in stores when it’s still topping 90 degrees each day. But I might be even more annoyed at the memes that point out that it’s too early for pumpkin spice stuff in Florida. I have complex feelings about it all, though I am happy that Oktoberfest beers (known as Märzen beers) are coming into season. I think that’s enough personal sharing for today, so let’s get to the links. 

The Impact of Orlando’s Draw

Evidently, giving up the goal to Atlanta United FC was deflating for the Orlando City faithful, and a wonderful result for Atlanta supporters. I would agree it’s disappointing, but given how the Lions were the better team on the pitch most of the night, I wouldn’t describe myself as “deflated.” How about you? One of the reasons why I’m doing as well as I am after dropping points at home is how much it meant for Atlanta to get that point. It’s quite the change from the past, and the MLS is a league with plenty of parity. While it wasn’t the preferred result, a point is a point and isn’t it telling that it doesn’t seem good enough now?

Daryl Dike is Getting Noticed

With three goals and three assists in five matches, Dike is making noise in his rookie season with Orlando City. Dike is one of those rare finds from the MLS SuperDraft that the Lions seem to be able to find every few years. Just like Cyle Larin and Chris Mueller, Dike is well worth the draft pick. Dike’s holdup play, decision making, and ability to play with his back to goal have been much better than one would have expected. His play has been a bright spot among bright spots since the MLS restart. His attitude is also exactly what one would hope for from a promising, young talent.

Excitement Building for NWSL Fall Series

Despite the fact that numerous players from the Orlando Pride and many other NWSL teams have been loaned out, there is still plenty to get excited about for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Fall Series. With the Pride’s first match being against the North Carolina Courage, one might not think it’s a big match, but given that the Pride haven’t played yet in 2020, it does hold some appeal. Add in whether the Pride’s stan account will make a reappearance, and there’s at least some interesting stories to be told. Of course, that’s just the Orlando stuff, and each club will be dealing with its own issues as the NWSL tries to put some sort of soccer on display. 

Orlando City B Loses on the Road

In the first of a three-game road trip, Orlando City B fell 1-0 to Union Omaha. Mason Stajduhar, Joey DeZart, and Jordan Bender all started in the away game, but Omaha scored in the 43rd minute to sink the Young Lions early on. It was only the second time OCB was shut out this season and hopefully the offense can make some noise in the next road game against Fort Lauderdale CF.

MLS Routs and Rivalry Games

There was a heavy slate of MLS action last night. In the Eastern Conference, D.C. United drew 0-0 with New York City FC despite not having a shot on goal. The Philadelphia Union leapfrogged back into second place with a 3-0 win over the New York Red Bulls. The New England Revolution won their first match against the Chicago Fire in the Windy City since 2013 by a score of 2-1. The Columbus Crew maintained their stranglehold on first place with a 3-0 win over FC Cincinnati in the Hell is Real Derby, and Inter Miami CF played Nashville FC to a scoreless draw.

In the Western Conference, Minnesota United dominated in a 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake, the LA Galaxy took down LAFC in a 3-0 home victory in El Trafico, and the Seattle Sounders fell 2-1 against the rival Portland Timbers.  

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  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized Sweden boss Janne Andersson for not starting midfielder Dejan Kulusevski in the 1-0 loss to France in the Nations League on Saturday. It’s odd since Zlatan is known for being so soft spoken. 
  • Just because Lionel Messi is staying put, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other transfer rumors in Europe, including what might become of Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann.
  • Speaking of rumors, should Bayern Munich take a look at American right back Sergino Dest? He’s one of five players the German giant could target.
  • With the match reaching its end, every outfield player did their part in Miami FC’s equalizer against the Charleston Battery on Saturday. 

That will do it for today. There’s actually the better part of a week until the Lions play Inter Miami, so enjoy the breather, and keep checking back for more news as it drops.

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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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23 hours 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.

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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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Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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