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Lion Links: 3/10/21

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6 years ago

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Hello, Mane Landers. I hope everyone’s week is off to a good start. I’ve been busy putting a sportscast project together for my portfolio class. Before we get to today’s links, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City midfielder Junior Urso as he turns 32 years old today.

Orlando Pride’s NWSL Challenge Cup Schedule Revealed

The Orlando Pride will begin the NWSL Challenge Cup on the road on April 10 against expansion team Racing Louisville FC. The Pride will then play at home on April 14 against Sky Blue FC and again on April 21 against the Washington Spirit. Their last match will be on the road against the North Carolina Courage on May 1. The top team from each four-team division will move on to take part in the tournament final on May 8. The Pride’s home match against Sky Blue and road game in North Carolina will both be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network while the other two games can be streamed on Paramount+.

For the pair of home games at Exploria Stadium, fans are permitted to attend at reduced capacity under the same club policies that have been in place since Major League Soccer returned to play in 2020. Season ticket members have an exclusive window to purchase tickets starting today at 2 p.m. and the tickets open up to the general public tomorrow at 2 p.m. Fans will also be able to attend the Pride’s home games during the regular season, which begins on May 15.

Pride Defenders Bonding Off the Field

Due to the Pride not getting much playing time together in 2020, defenders Ali Riley and Toni Pressley have strengthened their friendship outside of soccer. The duo bonded over a love for vegan cooking and are working on a cookbook as just one of many projects. Between learning about tarot cards and improving their video editing skills for social media content, the pair are working on ways to become better teammates. This also allows them to engage with fans more after a year that limited interactions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We haven’t been able to engage and interact with fans in person for a year,” Riley said. “I haven’t been able to meet any fans yet in person. So for me to kind of be able to show my personality a little bit and my teammates as well, it’s just so fun for me…Of course we want to do well on the field and we want to make our community, the club [and] Orlando proud, but I think it’s also cool to allow people to get to know us.”

MLS News From Around the League

BetMGM released the odds each MLS team has to win the MLS Cup in 2021 and LAFC is the early favorite at +500 odds. The Seattle Sounders are second at +800 odds while the current MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew are at +900 odds. Orlando City was given the eighth-best chance to win the MLS Cup at +1800 odds.

We may also find out Orlando’s first opponent of the season if the league’s slate of opening matches is announced today. Since joining MLS, the Lions have started each season at home so it will be interesting to see if the trend continues.

In other news, LAFC signed University of Central Florida alumnus Cal Jennings. The forward led Memphis 901 FC with nine goals last year in the USL Championship and joins a strong LAFC offense. The Vancouver Whitecaps acquired right back Bruno Gaspar on loan, the LA Galaxy agreed to a deal for AS Monaco winger Samuel Grandsir, and D.C. United added 19-year-old forward Jovanny Bolivar on loan from Deportivo La Guaira in Venezuela.

USWNT Will Head to Europe Next Month

The United States Women’s National Team will travel to Europe next month for a pair of friendlies. The first match is on April 10 against Sweden while the second match will be on April 13 against an opponent yet to be announced. This news means that the Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan, and possibly Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger, would miss the start of the NWSL Challenge Cup if called up. Morgan isn’t a fan of the Challenge Cup taking place during an international break as it would further delay her return to playing with Pride.

“I’m super bummed that the Challenge Cup is falling within a FIFA window,” Morgan said. “I think that NWSL could’ve had the opportunity to start the Challenge Cup outside of the FIFA window in order for each team to have their entire roster…But having to adjust is something that I think is gonna be a theme for this year if the Olympics are gonna happen, and you have to count on those happening.”

Free Kicks

  • Our condolences go out to Orlando right back Ruan and his family after his mother passed away Tuesday.

  • Have you ever wondered what Exploria Stadium would look like in Minecraft? Well, check it out.

  • After 15 years in charge, German national team head coach Joachim Low will step down from his managerial role after the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament this summer.
  • Despite a red card, FC Porto knocked out Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate result in the UEFA Champions League. Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland became the youngest player to reach 20 goals in the Champions League as Dortmund advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Sevilla 5-4 on aggregate.
  • Former Philadelphia Union midfielder Warren Creavalle shared why he decided to put his soccer career on hold and to develop his clothing line.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, stay safe, and I’ll see you next time.

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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.

Published

15 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.

Published

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

on

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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