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Lion Links: 3/26/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? Hopefully the work week hasn’t been too hard on you as we transition to the weekend. I don’t have many plans these next few days beyond working and catching up on some reading I’ve been putting off. Reading more was one of my resolutions for the new year, but has mostly fallen by the wayside. But enough about me, let’s get to these links from around the soccer world.

Daryl Dike’s Road to Success

While playing with Barnsley FC in the English Football League Championship, Dike has garnered plenty of interest from some of England’s biggest clubs. It’s been a busy 18 months for Dike, but his family has offered him plenty of support and advice over the course of his life to help him with whatever future awaits. Born in Oklahoma where he faced pressure to play American football rather than soccer in a state without a rich soccer history, Dike forged a path of his own despite the lack of academies in the region.

“I think every single player [from Oklahoma] may have this kind of thought, you’re going to have this little mental battle with yourself,” he said. “You look at the national team, you look at the youth national team and you look at all these other people and there’s no [non-academy players] on those teams. You look at them, and you’re sitting there thinking, ‘How can I be able to be with those players if I’m not in an academy? Will I be good enough? Will I have the opportunity?’”

Benji Michel Steps Into the Spotlight

Orlando City winger Benji Michel has made the most of his time coming off the bench for the Lions and is featuring more and more for both club and country. Along with teammate Andres Perea, Michel is with the U-23 United States National Team during Olympic qualifiers and has featured in all three group stage matches so far. Michel will have a chance to help the U.S qualify for the Olympics in a semifinal match against Honduras. Only 23 years old, Michel is becoming a better and more flexible attacker while playing in Mexico and hopefully that experience parlays into success with the Lions.

New and Old Ways to Watch the Lions This Season

As mentioned in our breakdown of Orlando City’s recently announced schedule, supporters in the Central Florida area can stream matches this season on LionNation TV. The streaming platform is exclusive to LionNation premium members, allowing them to watch or cast games while keeping up with stats and rewards through the app.

For those wanting a more traditional viewing experience, you’ll still be able to watch the Lions play on FOX 35 Plus as the club and network extended their partnership heading into this season. Evan Weston and Miguel Gallardo will commentate the 28 televised Orlando City matches and the pair will host a preview of the Lions’ season on April 11. As for Lions fans who aren’t local, you can still tune in on ESPN+.

Ally Haran Signed By the Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride inked defender Ally Haran to a one-year contract to help bolster the back line. Haran featured for the Pride during the 2020 NWSL Fall Series, scoring the equalizer in the team’s thrilling 3-3 comeback draw against the North Carolina Courage. A force in the air, the 24-year-old will help shore up the Pride’s defense over the course of the season as she improves her game. Haran and teammate Abi Kim weighed in on how training is going as the Pride prepare for the NWSL Challenge Cup.

USMNT Cruises to Victory in Friendly

In Austria, the United States Men’s National Team won 4-1 over Jamaica in a friendly. Sergino Dest did well on both sides of the ball and scored his first goal with the USMNT.

In the second half, Brenden Aaronson doubled the USMNT’s lead after good work by Josh Sargent to extend the play in the box and assist on the goal. Jamaica’s Jamal Lowe scored to ruin Zack Steffen’s clean sheet, but USMNT midfielder Sebastian Lletget bagged a brace late to ensure victory for the U.S.

While it was nice seeing the USMNT offense firing on all cylinders, there was still some disappointment as Dike was sidelined due to apparent injury. Hopefully he will recover in time for the USMNT’s next friendly against Northern Ireland on Sunday at noon.

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  • Former Lion Cyle Larin scored a hat trick in Canada’s 5-1 win over Bermuda in a Concacaf World Cup qualifying match in Exploria Stadium. Richie Laryea also scored for Canada while defender Kamal Miller started.
  • Congratulations to former Lion Lewis Neal for becoming a U.S. citizen!

  • D.C. United signed Dutch forward Nigel Robertha to help strengthen an offense that struggled in 2020.
  • The Seattle Sounders revealed a purple jersey inspired by Jimi Hendrix.

That’s going to do it for today, folks. I hope you all have a great Friday and rest of your weekend.

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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.

Published

3 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

4 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

5 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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