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Lion Links: 12/25/20

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4 years ago

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Merry Christmas, Mane Landers. I hope today can bring you some happiness and joy during this challenging year. I will be working all day at Disney Springs but hope you all have a healthy and safe holiday weekend as we look forward to the New Year. We’ve got lots happening in the soccer landscape Today, so let’s get to the links.

Sonnett to Spirit Now Official

As first reported Wednesday, the Orlando Pride officially announced that the club has traded Emily Sonnett to the Washington Spirit. The Pride got back a treasure trove in return for the USWNT defender. The Pride received more than initially thought, including defensive midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, who is a good NWSL receiver. Orlando also gets a 2021 first-round draft choice (No. 9 overall) and another first rounder in either 2022 or 2023 in addition to a whopping $140,000 in allocation money. While Sonnett would have helped the Pride, that’s quite a haul.

LA Galaxy Midfielder Cristian Pavon Set for Boca Juniors Return?

According to reports out of South America, Cristian Pavon will be returning to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors by the new year after the Galaxy were unable to reach an agreement to keep the attacking player in Los Angeles. Pavon’s future with the Galaxy was in question after his loan from Boca Juniors had expired. The Galaxy reportedly would’ve had to pay a $20 million buyout fee attached to his loan in order for him to return but the Galaxy were unwilling to pay. Pavon has been a standout contributor since arriving in 2019. In his first year, Pavon had three goals and eight assists and helped the Galaxy clinch a playoff berth. Despite the Galaxy struggling in 2020, Pavon still performed well, with 10 goals and seven assists in 22 appearances. His departure will leave a big void in the Galaxy’s attack and replacing his production will have to be a top priority for the front office.

FIFA Cancels 2021 U-20 and U-17 World Cups

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, FIFA has announced it has canceled both the 2021 U-17 and U-20 Men’s World Cups. The U-17 World Cup was originally slated to be held in Peru while the U-20 World Cup was to take place in Indonesia. FIFA released the following statement:

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges for the hosting of international sporting events and to have a restrictive effect on international travel,” FIFA said in Thursday’s statement. ”FIFA has therefore regularly consulted the relevant stakeholders, including the host member associations as well as the confederations involved in both tournaments originally scheduled to take place in 2021.

“In doing so, it became clear that the global situation has failed to normalize to a sufficient level to address the challenges associated with hosting both tournaments, including the feasibility of the relevant qualification pathways.”

FIFA also announced that both Indonesia and Peru will remain as hosts for the tournaments in 2023.

Paris Saint-Germain Fires Manager Thomas Tuchel

PSG announced on Christmas Eve the club has dismissed manager Thomas Tuchel just four months after he led the club to the UEFA Champions League final, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in August. The club is reportedly expected to hire former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, who played with PSG for more than two seasons and is a former club captain. PSG had won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles, won the Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and claimed the Trophee des Champions twice. Tuchel had come under increasing pressure in recent weeks with the Ligue 1 champions currently sitting in third place. He reportedly had a fractious relationship with sporting director Leonardo and criticized PSG’s lack of moves during the last transfer window. Tuchel had a similar dismissal with Borussia Dortmund in May 2017 after criticizing the club hierarchy.

Soccer Films to Watch in the Off-Season

We’ve got Christmas Day NBA games today as well as a big NFL match-up in New Orleans this afternoon, but no soccer games stateside for awhile. Now that we’re in the MLS off-season and with the Concacaf Champions League all wrapped up, what shows or movies will you be catching up on? Since many of us will most likely be home during the holidays there are plenty of soccer documentaries to help get your soccer fix during the off-season. On the MLS website they put together a starting XI of soccer documentaries and they have some really good ones on their list. Some of the soccer films on the list I’ve watched personally are HBO’s documentary on the late Diego Maradona, Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story, and ESPN’s 30 for 30 film, The Two Escobars. They also have some classics on the list such as Bend It Like Beckham, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos, and Shaolin Soccer. What soccer films would you put in your starting XI? Let me know in the comments below.

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  • Orlando City captain Nani helped some families with food and other essentials near his hometown in Portugal.

  • Despite being chilly this morning in Florida, for the Orlando Pride’s Ali Riley it’s nothing compared to Sweden.

  • Budweiser is celebrating Lionel Messi’s record-breaking 644th goal for Barcelona by sending bottles to every goalkeeper he has scored a goal on.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your holiday weekend, take care of yourselves, and I’ll see you next year.

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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.

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.

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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