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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

Lion Links: 4/23/26

Orlando City wins big against Charlotte FC, Javier Otero receives praise, Young Lions sign short-term contracts, and more.

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3 hours ago

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April 23, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We might have to start petitioning for all of Orlando City’s games to be moved to Wednesdays as the Lions have won a midweek game for the second consecutive week. This one was a much more exciting affair to boot, and it does feel a bit like a shot in the arm this morning. Let’s go ahead and get to the win and more in today’s links from around the soccer world.

Orlando City Crushes Charlotte FC

The Lions hosted Charlotte FC and claimed all three points in a 4-1 victory, snapping a four-game winless streak in league play. Luis Otavio scored his first goal as a Lion to give Orlando the lead, but Charlotte managed to equalize later in the first half. The second half belonged to Orlando though, as Martin Ojeda took over and Robin Jansson anchored the defense to prevent a comeback. It’s only the third time this year that the Lions have scored multiple goals in a match and hopefully they can keep that attacking momentum going when they travel to play D.C. United on Saturday.

Javier Otero Earns Praise After U.S. Open Cup Win

Orlando City goalkeeper Javier Otero came up with big saves to help the Lions win 1-0 against FC Naples in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 32 earlier this month and his performance earned him a spot on the bench of the Team of the Round. He was also nominated for Save of the Round for his diving save to parry away a low strike, and voting will remain open until 8:30 p.m. tonight, so be sure to vote! Tyrese Spicer’s impressive strike wasn’t nominated for Goal of the Round, but you can vote on that award as well.

Young Lions Sign Short-Term Contracts

Orlando City B players Ignacio Gomez and Bernardo Rhein were signed to short-term contracts with the first team and both came off the bench for the Lions Wednesday night. Gomez, who made his MLS debut on Saturday, capitalized on his time on the field by scoring his first goal as a Lion. The pair of Young Lions will be available for Saturday’s game against D.C. United too, as the Lions are dealing with a rash of injuries that have tested their depth. Gomez is with Orlando on loan from Velez Sarsfield II, while Rhein has made 24 appearances with OCB as he continues to develop his game.

USWNT Will Face El Salvador in Concacaf W Championship

The schedule and matchups for this year’s Concacaf W Championship were revealed and the United States Women’s National Team will take on El Salvador in the quarterfinals on Nov. 27. This tournament will also notably serve as qualifying for both the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the two finalists and third-place nation will secure an Olympic spot, though the U.S. already has as host. Orlando Pride forward Solai Washington and Jamaica will play against Costa Rica with a World Cup berth on the line, with the winner facing the victor between the U.S. and El Salvador in the semifinals.

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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: 4/22/26

Orlando City hosts Charlotte tonight, the Orlando Pride prep for Louisville trip, NWSL expansion coming to Columbus, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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April 22, 2026

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Image of Kaka celebrating a goal.
Nick Leyva, The Mane Land

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day for Orlando City. That’s as much a warning for your mental health as it is a notification if you decide to watch the match tonight. Perhaps you could catch up on Pluribus, or rewatch Ted Lasso. I’m simply saying you have options that might not raise your blood pressure. On a brighter note, join me in wishing Orlando City legend Kaká a very happy birthday. More on him below. Let’s get to the links.

Lions Host Charlotte Tonight

Orlando City is looking to rebound against Charlotte FC tonight at Inter&Co Stadium. It’s no secret that the Lions are having a rough time of it so far this season, and with Charlotte sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, it doesn’t get any easier. That doesn’t stop Martin Perelman and the players from thinking they are getting better and having a plan for the match tonight. What was it Mike Tyson said about everyone having a plan? Can the Lions turn things around on short rest?

Orlando Pride Return to NWSL Play Friday

The Orlando Pride return to action Friday against Racing Louisville FC. The match is at Louisville where the Pride have yet to win. Despite that, the players are ready to pick up where they left off before the international break. The break provided much-needed rest for many of the players. The Pride will play six matches during the month of May before the league takes a break for the World Cup.

Osceola Heritage Park Expansion Funding Moves Forward

Osceola County leaders have agreed to have Orlando City expand the club’s footprint at Osceola Heritage Park. Orlando Sports Enterprises (OSE a.k.a. the Wilf family) will match the $25 million that the county is putting up for the project. OSE will assume repair, maintenance, and operating costs for the facility. A hotel and free-standing restaurant are also in the plans. This is a good investment for the club’s future in the arms race that is professional sports.

NWSL Coming to Columbus

The owners of the Columbus Crew have been awarded an NWSL franchise. The Haslam Sports Group paid a record $205 million expansion fee to obtain the 18th NWSL club. The new club will renovate and play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field downtown. The organization will also build a training center at McCoy Park that had previously been slated to be renovated for local residents, including features that would enable physically disabled people to use the park.

The NWSL called and Columbus answered 📞 Columbus joins the league as team No. 18!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-04-21T19:44:42.987Z

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That will do it for today. Check back later today for our coverage of the Orlando City match this evening. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/21/26

Takeaways from MLS matchday eight, USWNT stock watch, transfer rumor roundup, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 21, 2026

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Image of Ignacio Gomez making his MLS debut with Orlando City vs. Houston.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. It was a frustrating weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as Orlando City lost a close game to the Houston Dynamo, and Orlando City B blew a two-goal lead against Carolina Core FC, and had to settle for the two points that come with a shootout victory after a draw. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint), OCSC will have a chance to get right back on the horse when Charlotte FC comes to town on Wednesday. We’ve got lots to talk about this morning, so let’s have a look at the links.

MLS Matchday Eight Takeaways

Major League Soccer’s eighth round of matches is in the books, and there are plenty of talking points to go over. The San Jose Earthquakes ended the weekend on an emphatic note by dismantling LAFC 4-1 on the road, adding to an impressive list of scalps that also includes the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC. They’re tied with Vancouver atop the Western Conference and continue to look like one of the league’s best teams. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC, Orlando City’s next opponent, kept things organized in a 4-4-2 block and scored from two of its three shots on goal to take down NYCFC 2-1. That result puts the club in third place in the Eastern Conference.

USWNT Stock Watch

The United States Women’s National Team wrapped up its three game slate against Japan over the weekend, so let’s check in on how the matches affected the standing of several players. Lindsey Heaps was name-dropped by Emma Hayes as having had a great run of three matches, while 20-year-old Claire Hutton wore the captain’s armband during the series and looked far more poised and ready than one would expect given her age. At the opposite end of the spectrum, winger Emma Sears struggled to make an impact in the final third, and while her speed makes her a tempting option to have in the squad, the depth at her position means she’s always going to face a battle for a place.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The summer transfer window will be here before we know it, and that means the rumors are already flying thick and fast. We begin with Arsenal, which is said to be interested in signing Julian Alvarez this summer, but will likely face competition from Barcelona. Speaking of Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta has reportedly held talks with Robert Lewandowski about extending his stay with the team, while the Chicago Fire also interested and reportedly having submitted a bid to the striker’s representatives. Liverpool is said to be ready to spend in excess of  €100 million to sign Red Bull Leipzig forward Yan Diomande as a replacement for the outgoing Mohamed Salah. Finally, center backs Hiroki Ito and Min-Jae-Kim could both reportedly leave Bayern Munich this summer if interested teams are willing to meet the German club’s valuations of them.

Jonathan Klinsmann Suffers Broken Neck

American goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a broken neck while playing for Serie B side Cesena on Saturday. The son of former United States Men’s National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann, the shot stopper was stretchered off the field after colliding with a Palermo player and was diagnosed with a fractured first cervical vertebra after being taken to the hospital. Klinsmann confirmed on social media that his season is over, which will leave him unavailable for Cesena’s promotion push. The team is currently eighth in the second division, which is the final playoff promotion spot.

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

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