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Lion Links: 11/21/20

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5 years ago

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Hello, Mane Landers. It’s playoff time as we have an Orlando City game day. The Lions will make their first appearance in the MLS playoffs today. If you’re going to the game, please stay safe. Like many of you right now, I’m pumped and noon can’t get here soon enough. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Ready for First Playoff Appearance

Today, the Lions will make their MLS postseason debut against New York City FC at noon in the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. All available tickets for the match have sold out, but you’ll be able to watch the game locally on Fox 35 Plus or UniMás/TUDN for the Spanish broadcast. Ironically, the Lions make their playoff debut against the same team they entered MLS expansion with back in 2015. Oscar Pareja has the team ready for the next challenge in this historic season for the Lions.

“We’re very proud to play our first [playoff] game in team history. The boys have done a terrific effort on taking the team to this stage and we want more. I think we’re capable, I think we have a team who has proved themselves, that we have the players and the idea of the game to compete with anyone in the league,” Head Coach Oscar Pareja said. “Now it’s a new story, it’s a new tournament, it’s everybody playing for that one game and we will try to do as much as we can at our training ground just to prepare ourselves to do that.”

This match will be the third meeting between these two clubs this season. NYCFC enters the game on a four-game winning streak. Valentín Castellanos finished the year as the leading scorer for NYCFC with six goals while Chris Mueller leads the Lions with 10 goals, followed by rookie Daryl Dike with eight. The winner of this game will move on to the semifinals, which start on Nov. 29.

Dike Discusses Past and Future

On the ExtraTime podcast, Dike shared about his time with Orlando City and his international future. The rookie weighed in on the impact soccer and the Nigerian national team have had on him and his family. Dike also spoke about the strikers he’s looked up to over the years, including Didier Drogba and Romelu Lukaku. He’s had a stellar year with the Lions and the interview is well worth checking out.

MLS Play-In Round Recap

The postseason got off to a great start as the New England Revolution defeated the Montreal Impact 2-1 at Gillette Stadium. Carles Gil scored the first goal in the 38th minute to give the Revs a 1-0 lead. In the second half, Romell Quioto equalized on a header but Gustavo Bou scored a laser strike from distance late in stoppage time to send the Revs through in dramatic fashion. The Revolution will play the Philadelphia Union on Nov. 24.

In the later game, Nashville SC won 3-0 over a shorthanded Inter Miami squad that was without Gonzalo Higuain, Federico Higuain, and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez after they tested positive for COVID-19. Randall Leal, Hany Mukhtar, and Dax McCarty all found the back of the net at home and Nashville will now take on Toronto FC on Nov. 24.

MLS Best XI Revealed

No Lions made the cut for the 2020 MLS Best XI. Big names like Diego Rossi, Jonathan Mensah, and Andre Blake highlight the list, with seven clubs represented for this shortened season. The other forwards include Jordan Morris and Raul Ruidiaz, while Brenden Aaronson, Alejandro Pozuelo, Diego Chara, and Nicolas Lodeiro make up the midfield. Joining Mensah on defense is Walker Zimmerman and Mark McKenzie after strong years from both.

U.S. to Play El Salvador in Fort Lauderdale

The United States Men’s National Team will play a friendly Dec. 9 against El Salvador at Inter Miami Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This will be a closed door friendly and the first international match held at the 18,000-seat stadium. The USMNT just finished a pair of international friendlies, getting a 0-0 draw against Wales and a 6-2 win against Panama. For El Salvador, this will be its first match in nearly 10 months since the coronavirus pandemic began. Presumably, Gregg Berhalter will use the match to evaluate MLS players since the last two friendlies featured European-based American players.

Americans Abroad

Speaking of Americans abroad, European soccer returns this weekend after the international break. Christian Pulisic is expected to be out for Chelsea when it faces Newcastle United this morning at 7:30 a.m. Over on ESPN+ in the Bundesliga, Josh Sargent’s Werder Bremen will travel to face FC Bayern Munich, John Brooks’ Wolfsburg side looks to stay unbeaten when it plays FC Schalke 04, and Tyler Adams’ RB Leipzig travels to face Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Giovanni Reyna’s Borussia Dortmund squad looks to bounce back from defeat as it travels to the capital to play Hertha Berlin.

In Serie A, Weston McKennie’s Juventus hosts Cagliari at 2:45 p.m. as it tries to get its season back on track. Tomorrow, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson could play as Fulham takes on an Everton team that has lost three straight matches.

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  • Former Lion Miguel Gallardo named his rookie of the year. Can you guess who it is?

  • Former Orlando City captain Kaká wished the Lions good luck for their first playoff match.

  • Iron Man athlete Chris Nikic also pumped up the Lions ahead of today’s game.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy the game today, take care of yourselves, and go Lions!

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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 days 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.

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  • 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: 6/5/25

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

Published

3 days 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

4 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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