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Lion Links: 1/4/21

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! It’s the first Monday of the new year and hopefully it won’t be too bad. Despite being four days in, today is actually the last day of the month/year for me in the car business, so hopefully it will be a busy one for me.

I don’t know if you, dear reader, are the New Year’s resolution type, but if so what are you planning for 2021? I’m looking at doing several things, including interacting with you more than in the past. So if I’m not answering your comments here on the site, please call me out on Twitter. Let’s get to the links!

Zack Steffen Makes His English Premier League Debut

Like many clubs, Manchester City is dealing with COVID-19 related issues. With six players unavailable, Pep Guardiola gave United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Zack Steffen his first English Premier League start. Steffen had a bit of jitters, and picked up a back pass from Rodri resulting in a free kick for Chelsea, but nothing came of it. Fortunately for Steffen, goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne gave City a 3-1 win despite a late goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 92nd minute. Steffen made history in another respect, as well.

More Americans Move Abroad

Brenden Aaronson will officially make his move to Austrian Bundesliga leaders Red Bull Salzburg this month. The good news for Orlando City supporters is that Aaronson will no longer be helping the Philadelphia Union in MLS. Aaronson thinks that Salzburg will be a good fit.

“I can see myself being part of the philosophy of football here. Salzburg play fast, direct and attacking football. That’s what I like to do, and I think that this just fits my profile really well.”

Aaronson is fortunate to be playing for Jesse Marsch, an American coach who is also making waves abroad.

Elsewhere, FC Dallas Homegrown midfielder Tanner Tessmann will train with Bayern Munich as part of the two clubs’ Elite Player Development Partnership. This is a good opportunity for Tessmann and other clubs may come calling, depending on how he does.

Florida Tropics Win Twice in MASL Opening Weekend

The Florida Tropics started their Major Arena Soccer League season with two wins over the St. Louis Ambush. Saturday night, the Tropics won 4-1 to open the season and then won 7-5 over the Ambush on Sunday. After a quiet opener, Ian Bennett scored a hat trick in the second half of the Sunday game to lift the Tropics over the Ambush in Lakeland. Next, the Tropics will host the Kansas City Comets on Jan. 9.

COVID and Brexit Impacts English Football

As mentioned above, Zack Steffen got a start in part because Manchester City had six players out on positive COVID tests. Fulham’s match against Burnley was postponed due to positive tests. Unfortunately, there have been players at various clubs not taking the protocols seriously and putting themselves and their clubs in danger. Benjamin Mendy, Luka Milivojevic, and Aleksandar Mitrovic are some of the latest examples.

On top of that, English Premier League clubs are also dealing with Brexit ramifications. Sam Allardyce shared that West Bromwich Albion had to pull out of three transfers in January due to new work permit rules post Brexit. This won’t be the last we will hear about these types of difficulties.

New Year, Same Issues

I’ve had to write about racism in soccer far too many times during my tenure with The Mane Land. Unfortunately, 2021 hasn’t changed that despite clubs around the world trying to bring awareness to the issue. Saturday night, Junior Stanislas scored a match-winning goal in Bournemouth’s 1-0 win over Stoke. Later that night, he was subjected to racial slurs about his family on Twitter. The club is doing everything it can to identify the offender and to take the “strongest possible action” in regards to the incident. To be clear, this type of thing has no place in soccer, nor society in general.

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  • Former Lion Cam Lindley is following Chris Mueller’s cue and has gotten engaged to start off the new year. Congratulations, Cam!

  • Congratulations to Christine Sinclair on being named Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year. Sinclair became the world’s all-time leading international scorer in 2020.
  • Manchester United blocked Atalanta’s attempt to keep Amad Diallo at the Serie A club. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to bring the winger back to Old Trafford this season.
  • Give it up to Austin FC for doing a good job sticking with the “verde” theme in its new stadium.

  • Holy mackerel, what a golazo from Leon Flach. The American scored for St Pauli in Bundesliga 2.

I hate to end on a sad note, but I must out of respect. Gerry Marsden, lead singer of the 1960s British group Gerry and the Pacemakers has passed away at the age of 78. The band had many hits, but none so lasting as “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which is the anthem of a few soccer clubs including, most notably, Liverpool. Rest in peace, Gerry.

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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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