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Lion Links: 9/13/20

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6 years ago

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Happy Sunday, everyone! Your Lions are unbeaten in five games (3-0-2) and have established once again that Florida is Purple with last night’s win over Inter Miami. The Young Lions didn’t quite measure up against the Herons’ USL League One counterparts, but we’ll take the MLS win and be happy.

It’s a big weekend for me in terms of fixing our landscaping and I’m not stoked about being outside in the heat and humidity to plant flowers and shrubs and lay sod. That’s not my idea of fun, but it must be done. Hopefully we’ll get through it quickly and painlessly. Hey, at least I’ve already watched this week’s episode of Ted Lasso.

There’s plenty to talk about so let’s get to the news of the day.

Orlando City Wins Rubber Match vs. Inter Miami

After splitting the first two Tropic Thunder meetings, Orlando City seized the advantage with a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami last night at Exploria Stadium. Mauricio Pereyra played a role in both goals, delivering the free kick that led to an Andres Reyes own goal in the 34th minute and then scoring a nice game-winner in the 69th. Magic Mo was one of several Orlando players to have good outings against the Herons, who visited Exploria for the first time, only to leave with the bitter taste of defeat on their tongues.

Check back with The Mane Land later for our player grades and Man of the Match from Dave Rohe, our five takeaways from Scott Carnevale, and a photo gallery from Dan MacDonald.

Orlando Pride Release Fall Series Roster

The Orlando Pride announced the players who will be competing for the club during the 2020 NWSL Fall Series, which begins (for the Pride, anyway) on Sept. 19. There are a lot of new faces on short-term contracts. Defenders Julie King and Morgan Reid have still not been medically cleared to play.

One interesting nugget in the Pride’s release was the news that the club traded a second-round pick to the Chicago Red Stars earlier this year for an international slot, which expired on Sept. 1. Seems a high price to rent an international slot for such a short period and it’s a shame the team didn’t get to use it due to Orlando’s withdrawal from the NWSL Challenge Cup. Here’s the squad that will take the field for the Pride this fall:

Goalkeepers (2): Ashlyn Harris (FED-USA), Brittany Wilson.

Defenders (6): Ally Haran (STC), Ali Krieger (FED-USA), Carrie Lawrence (STC), Courtney Petersen, Konya Plummer (INTL-JAM), Toni Pressley.

Midfielders (7): Deneisha Blackwood (STC; INTL-JAM), Jordyn Listro (STC; INTL-CAN), Marta (INTL-BRA), Zandy Soree (STC), Savanah Uveges (STC), Marisa Viggiano, Chelsee Washington.

Forwards (4): Kristen Edmonds, Abby Elinsky, Kate Howarth (STC), Sydney Leroux.

FED: Federation Player
INTL: International Player
STC: Short-Term Contract Player

OCB Falls Again on Road

While Orlando City was beating Inter Miami, the Young Lions of OCB were in South Florida, where they lost 2-0 to Fort Lauderdale CF. The current road trip hasn’t been kind to OCB, who lost 1-0 at Omaha on Sept. 6 and followed that up with last night’s defeat at the hands (wings?) of the Young Herons. The Young Lions have one more match away from home against the Richmond Kickers next Saturday before returning to Kissimmee on Sept. 26 to play New England Revolution II.

Big Day for U.S. Players Abroad

Tyler Adams and Josh Sargent played big roles in their teams winning yesterday in DFP-Pokal first-round action in a day filled with U.S. players contributing overseas. Adams and Red Bull Leipzig won 3-0 over Nurnberg, while Sargent scored in Werder Bremen’s 2-0 victory against Carl Zeiss Jena. Both Adams and Sargent had Man of the Match outings. Here’s Sargent’s goal:

Meanwhile, Julian Green scored the game-winner in Greuther Furth’s 6-1 win over RSV Meinerzhagen. That sounds like a beatdown but Gruether Furth scored five (!) goals in stoppage time to bust open a tight game. Elsewhere, Tim Ream went 90 minutes for Fulham but Antonee Robinson didn’t make the match day roster in a 3-0 loss to Arsenal. Konrad de la Fuente featured for Barcelona in a friendly. Reggie Cannon scored a goal for Boavista FC in a 4-1 friendly win over Tondela.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Brek Shea was a bit salty after last night’s video review first gave Miami a penalty and a second yellow to Rodrigo Schlegel but then further review revealed that the visitors were offside before the foul. Shea said the review took “15 minutes” but in actuality it was three. Sorry, Brek. Tell your boy to stay onside.
  • If you’re one of those folks who plan ahead, here are some key dates for the USWNT in 2021:

  • If you like it when Atlanta United loses, well, you’re in luck. The Five Stripes dropped their second game of the week last night in a 4-2 defeat at Nashville.
  • New York City FC’s Maxi Moralez sustained another injury and had to be subbed out of his team’s 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati last night.
  • Those born on this date include Mission: Impossible and Space: 1999 actress Barbara Bain (1931), former Chicago vocalist/bassist Peter Cetera (1944), Gimme a Break! star Nell Carter (1948), actress Jean Smart (1951), music producer Don Was (1952), photographer/designer Anne Geddes (1956), Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine (1961), comedian Jeff Ross (1965), Olympic track gold medalist Michael Johnson (1967), actor/director Tyler Perry (1969), Fiona Apple (1977), and Germany/Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Thomas Müller (1989).

That’s my time for today, folks. Be sure to check back throughout the day for more coverage of last night’s Orlando City win and enjoy what’s left of your weekend.

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Lion Links: 10/23/26

Orlando City prepares for New York City FC, Antoine Griezmann’s impact in Orlando, U.S. will host FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, and more.

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20 hours ago

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October 23, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann taking a set piece against Monterrey in Leagues Cup action.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a pretty nice week for me, as I was able to watch all of Slow Horses and finish reading Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson, both of which were brilliant. Attention now turns to this weekend’s soccer, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride playing at home over the next couple of days. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for New York City FC

The Lions host New York City FC on Saturday in one of the marquee matchups in MLS as the regular season nears its conclusion. Plenty has changed since Orlando’s 5-0 loss to NYCFC on March 7. The Lions have clawed their way up the table while the Pigeons have only won once in their past 13 league games. NYCFC enters this match after a 1-1 draw with LAFC that included an equalizer by former Lion Andres Perea to give the team a valuable point amid the playoff race. Nicolas Fernandez Mercau, Luighi, and Benie Traore are all NYCFC players the Lions will need to keep in check, or else it could end up being another high-scoring affair in the City Beautiful.

Antoine Griezmann’s Impact on Orlando’s Offense

Orlando’s wait for Antoine Griezmann to join in the summer has proven to be well worth it, as he’s transformed Orlando’s attack into a force to be reckoned with just as the playoffs near. Although Griezmann wasn’t able to enjoy a fairytale ending with Atletico Madrid by lifting the Copa del Rey or Champions League trophies this year, he’s breathed life into an Orlando side that struggled mightily prior to his arrival. The 35-year-old has recorded 12 goals and seven assists in just 14 appearances this season. Not only has he excelled when it comes to getting the ball in the net, but he’s done well in terms of defensive metrics and intangibles as well.

U.S. Will Host Women’s Club World Cup

The inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will be held in the U.S. in January of 2028 with the host cities still to be determined. There will be 19 clubs taking part, with Gotham, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Club America having already qualified along with three other teams so far. This tournament is sandwiched between the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, so there’s plenty of exciting women’s soccer to look forward to in the coming years.

U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team Wins at World Cup

The United States U-17 Women’s National Team won 6-1 against Kenya in the group stage of the FIA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, clinching a spot in the round of 16. Maggie DiMaria scored four goals to bring her total to 10 across just two games. The U.S. will play its final group game on Sunday against China PR, which also won both of its games against Kenya and Samoa to secure a spot in the knockout stage. The winner of this group will get to avoid a match with Spain in the round of 16, so there’s still plenty to play for before the next round gets underway.

Free Kicks

  • The first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal between the United States Men’s National Team and Haiti has been moved from Kingston to Miami. Haiti has had to play games outside of the country due to unrest and submitted a request to Concacaf to play in the country of its opponent.
  • American center back Naomi Girma is now dealing with a calf injury that may sideline her for a few weeks according to Chelsea Head Coach Sonia Bompastor. She missed out on the team’s recent friendlies against Spain and may be absent for the Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal against El Salvador next month too.
  • The United States Women’s Cerebral Palsy National Team beat Ireland 15-0 to advance to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup final, which takes place today against Australia. Annie Wickett scored five goals with four other players scoring braces.
  • The San Diego Wave signed defender Mimi Van Zanten to a contract extension through the 2029 season. She’s made 27 appearances for San Diego during her rookie season, helping the club keep pace in the NWSL Shield race.
  • After being stretchered off the field due to a head injury in the U.S. Open Cup final, St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Burki is alert and in good spirits, according to the club.

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: 10/22/26

Martin Ojeda wins MLS Goal of the Matchday, MLS award contenders, sights and sounds from the Orlando Pride’s win, and more.

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2 days ago

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October 22, 2026

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Image of Maxime Crepeau taking a goal kick against Atlanta.
Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? The temperatures have gotten just cool enough here in Florida as of late for me to feel like it’s truly autumn. While it would be nice if our leaves changed colors to really sell the fall feeling, a pumpkin candle and apple cider have definitely helped. Let’s get to the links!

Martin Ojeda Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday

Orlando City Designated Player Martin Ojeda predictably won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his fantastic finish in the team’s 4-1 win over D.C. United, garnering 71.7% of the vote. Ojeda’s acrobatic backheel capped off a smooth series of passes by the Lions and it will likely be in the running for MLS Goal of the Year as well. It was Ojeda’s 15th goal of the season and he has scored in five of Orlando’s past six games.

MLS Year-End Award Voting Begins

The voting for this year’s MLS Year-End Awards has opened and the finalists for each award will be announced on Nov. 12. Former MLS star Bradley Wright-Phillips weighed in on who he thinks the contenders for each award are and there were a few Lions mentioned. Antoine Griezmann is in the running for Newcomer of the Year alongside Houston Dynamo attacker Guilherme, who has 16 goals and 10 assists this season. Maxime Crepeau may make the list of finalists for Goalkeeper of the Year for his incredible run of form since the World Cup, but it’s hard to see him winning it given just how many goals the Lions have conceded compared to other teams. Justin Ellis was also an honorable mention for the Young Player of the Year award for his breakout season.

Sights and Sounds From the Orlando Pride’s Victory

The Orlando Pride released a video showing the sights and sounds from their 2-1 win on the road against the Houston Dash. The video includes huddle talks from Marta and interim head coach Yolanda Thomas, as well as the goals by Luana and Solai Washington. It’s been a difficult year for the Pride and it’s nice to see some highlights as they aim to close out the season strongly after being eliminated from playoff contention.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The third round of matches in the UEFA Champions League’s league phase wrapped up and we’re getting a better sense of where the teams stand. Bayern Munich and Arsenal played to a 2-2 draw in Germany, with Declan Rice scoring a late equalizer for Arsenal. Elsewhere across Europe, Manchester United was beaten 4-1 by Como, Inter scored while down a man to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0, and Austrian club LASK won its first Champions League game by upsetting Sporting CP 3-2. Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Real Betis all won to remain perfect in the tournament as well.

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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: 10/21/26

Justin Ellis recognized, the Orlando Youth Soccer Network expands, the USMNT adds a friendly, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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October 21, 2026

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Image of Justin Ellis dribbling the ball trying to beat a Philadelphia Union defender.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. The weather is getting a bit nicer. I’m actually able to have the windows open at night, which is delightful. However, the temperatures are rising a bit this week, which I find sad. I know we live in Florida, but gosh darn it, we’re only 10 days from Halloween. I should be wearing sweaters rather than shorts. I appreciate you allowing me to rant, now let’s get to the links.

Justin Ellis Named No. 5 of MLS 22 Under 22

Justin Ellis was rightly named to Major League Soccer’s 2026 22 Under 22 list. The Orlando City striker came in at No. 5 on the list. It’s not surprising, given the year he’s had. He’s busted into the starting lineup for Orlando City, and he has 16 goal contributions so far. He also received his first call-up to the USMNT, scoring a goal in his first match and two goals in the four-game window. He’s joined on the list by fellow USMNT teammates Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall. This is his second accolade in the last week as he was also named 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year.

New Orlando Soccer School Announced

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are expanding the Orlando Youth Soccer Network with the addition of the Orlando Soccer School – Winter Haven. The organization is formerly known as the Winter Haven Soccer Club. The school will provide programming for boys and girls ages 3-19. This is an example of the top-to-bottom pipeline the organization is building to develop players for both the men’s and women’s clubs.

Orlando City B Season in Review

Like the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B did not make the post season in 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t a success in other ways. Orlando City B is a developmental squad, and the reserve side did its job in developing prospects this season. Some OCB players made it into the first team, there were a record number of academy debuts, and the team saw several international call-ups. Given how inconsistent the squad was because of all the shuffling around, it’s not surprising the team struggled on the pitch at times. Hopefully, all the younger players getting time will set the team up for success next season.

USMNT to Face Jamaica in December

The USMNT added a friendly against Jamaica on December 13 in Miami. The match takes place outside of the international window, so we can expect Mauricio Pochettino to call up MLS players whose clubs have been eliminated from the playoffs. There’s also a possibility for some European-based players, but clubs are not required to release them. Prior to that, the team will be in action in against Haiti in the two quarterfinal legs of the Concacaf Nations League.

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

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