Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/15/21

Published

4 years ago

on

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! There’s a lot going on right now between Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. No spoilers, but WandaVision was incredible and we get the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier this Friday.

I know many people might want to gather for St. Patrick’s Day this Wednesday, but I implore you to maintain mask wearing and social distancing. Being smart right now is how we can potentially reach a full Exploria Stadium. Let’s also wish a happy birthday to Orlando midfielder Mauricio Pereyra as he turns 31 today.

Pedro Gallese Listed as One of MLS’ Best

I’ve often said that Orlando’s Pedro Gallese is one of the top goalkeepers in MLS and it looks like Extratime host David Gass agrees. It only took one shortened season for El Pulpo to be recognized among other MLS greats like Andre Blake, Matt Turner, Stefan Frei, and Tim Melia. Although ranked fifth on that list, Gallese certainly has the skill to be the best goalkeeper in the league. It might just take a little more time for others around the league to notice.

Pride Win Preseason Matches

In their second preseason game, the Orlando Pride won 2-1 against the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday. The Pride were able to score goals in the 37th and 40th minutes to secure the lead before the Seminoles pulled one back. Alex Morgan scored the first off a corner delivered by Marta. The Brazilian then scored the second goal after Marisa Viggiano fed her the ball in the box. The Seminoles are one of the top college teams in the country and provided a good match for the Pride.

On Sunday, the Pride hosted Flagler College for their third preseason match. The Pride delivered on offense against the Division II team, defeating Flagler 4-0. Taylor Kornieck got things going for the Pride with a goal assisted by Meggie Dougherty Howard in the sixth minute. Ally Haran added a second in the 16th minute, and Chelsee Washington scored a brace in the second half.

The Pride’s next match is on March 20 on the road against the Washington Spirit as the Pride prepare for the upcoming season.

Sleepless in Orlando

For those of you who are not parents, you may not know that you don’t get much sleep when you have a newborn. It’s one of the first challenges for new parents. The Pride’s Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger are dealing with this challenge with their daughter Sloane as we speak. Of course, while this is difficult for any parent to deal with, the lack of sleep takes on a different meaning when someone is a professional soccer player. Fortunately, not only are Harris and Krieger getting help from family, but the club is also working with the co-captains to ensure training isn’t demanding too much of them.

“They’re not crushing me. They’re not asking me to do things that my body isn’t capable of doing right now on a little bit less sleep than I’m used to,” Harris said. “They’re just making sure that I’m healthy and Ali’s healthy…They’re constantly checking in and making sure we’re in a good place and if we need anything. It’s been a really good, open line of communication and understanding, and we couldn’t ask for more.”

Orlando’s Young Players Impress at Camp

Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja is well known for developing young talent, and he is continuing those efforts in Orlando. Pareja brought in five academy players to train with the senior squad during the training camp in Bradenton. Thomas Williams, Quembol Guadalupe, Moises Tablante, Wilfredo Rivera, and Raul Aguilera Jr. were all given the opportunity to see what it is like to train with an MLS club. The speed, skill, and most importantly the culture are all on display for these youngsters to take in and learn. It’s this type of thing that will pay dividends for Orlando City in the future.

“It’s a great experience for them to see it, especially because they are very young. Thomas Williams for example, Wilfredo, Tablante, Raul, Quembol, a kid who played in our Under-17s that is not even turning 17 yet. But he’s competing every day with Nani and with Mauricio. So I know that collection of experiences will mature those boys and make them feel the game differently when they come out of this camp.”

Free Kicks

  • In honor of National Good Samaritan Day, Nani delivered bags of food for those in the Orlando Area.

  • Daryl Dike might not have scored in Barnsley’s 3-2 win over AFC Bournemouth this weekend, but that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t plenty going on with the big man and other Americans playing abroad.
  • The MLS preseason is here, but Toronto FC hasn’t been able to participate yet as the club has nine reported cases of Covid-19 among players and staff. Toronto has a Concacaf Champions League round of 16 tie coming up on April 7 in Mexico. The club is following safety protocols and hopes to be ready for the season.

That will do it for today. Be safe, be smart, and I’ll see you later this week.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

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.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 6, 2025

By

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!

Continue Reading

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

on

June 5, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

Continue Reading

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

on

June 4, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending