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Lion Links: 4/1/21

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4 years ago

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Greetings, Mane Landers. I hope you’re all doing well this April Fools’ Day. Buckle up and prepare for those unfunny people who are sure to pull some sort of gag today. While you’re waiting to see what kind of pranks your friends, family, and/or coworkers have in store today, let’s get right into the links.

Orlando vs. Cincinnati Scrimmage Washed Out

The Lions were poised to improve upon an already solid 3-1-0 preseason record last night against FC Cincinnati when Mother Nature stepped in and made a mess of everything. With Orlando City leading 1-0 on a goal by Homegrown fullback Michael Halliday, the weather turned nasty and the game was called. The Orlando City Academy U-23 team met the same fate, as the Young Lions had their game halted around the 13-minute mark with no score. It may be preseason, but the Florida weather is in mid-season form.

Orlando City, Pride Players to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines 

Orlando City and Orlando Pride players and staff are set to receive their first doses of the Coronavirus vaccine on Monday at Exploria Stadium. 

“Orlando City partner Orlando Health will assist in the distribution of the vaccine for the club. Once employees receive their shots, eligible family members of players and staff will be provided with vaccinations at the stadium Tuesday.”

“This means — dependent upon which version of the vaccine they receive — club employees could be fully inoculated against coronavirus by mid-May.”

If the players are not given the Johnson & Johnson shot, they may get their second shot during the early part of the NWSL Challenge Cup and MLS season. Most people report some type of side effects from the second round, so that could prove problematic. Time will tell what happens, but at least things seem to be improving in regard to the pandemic. Hopefully the players will get through this without any major side effects.

Orlando Pride Release Ad Astra Kit

The Orlando Pride have released an absolutely beautiful kit for the coming season. The heartthrob of a jersey, called their “Ad Astra” kit, will be the side’s primary one for the 2021 and 2022 NWSL campaigns. Additionally, the new shirt and a ball set to be used in a match were shot up into space to symbolize the ambition of the women’s game reaching new heights. The space ball will be used in a match.

Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride CEO Alex Leitao lauded the jersey itself, but above all, what it signifies more than anything.

“While this jersey itself is special, all that it represents is truly extraordinary, inspired by our very own Space Coast and some of history’s iconic women. As a Club that strives to break barriers each and everyday, we are proud to celebrate the women, both on our Orlando Pride squad and beyond, who do the same,” Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride CEO Alex Leitão said. “Thanks to the dedication of our team and support of our partners at Orlando Health, we are thrilled to really ‘shoot for the stars’ in our unveil of this kit and to continue investing in the women’s game, including the launch of this jersey. We hope our fans love it as much as we do.” 

Former Lion Recommended to Besiktas by Canadian Teammate

Former Orlando City midfielder-turned-Toronto-fullback Richie Laryea has been recommended to Besiktas by Canadian teammate Atiba Hutchinson. The 26-year-old impressed the veteran in the Canada camp so much the latter believes the Turkish club should try to sign him. 

“According to Turkish news outlet A Spor, the 38-year-old Hutchinson has recommended the fullback to his club Besiktas, although no offer has been formally extended to Toronto FC. Laryea is apparently being pushed as the replacement to right-back Valentin Rosier, who is currently on loan from Sporting CP.”

Laryea has been fantastic with Toronto since joining from Orlando and changing positions under former Reds coach Greg Vanney. It will be fascinating to see if the Canadian side considers selling the fan favorite.

Paul Arriola Ends Loan Spell with Swansea City Early 

A quadriceps injury has ended Paul Arriola’s loan spell with Swansea City early. The injury will have him out four to six weeks, which is the remainder of Swansea’s season. Given the severity of the issue, the only way the player would take part for the Welsh side again would be if if the club made a deep playoff run. 

“Arriola’s loan began on February 1, and he made his debut in a 3-1 FA Cup loss to Manchester City, playing 26 minutes and getting involved on Swansea’s lone goal. From there, though, he played just two more times, totaling 18 minutes in league play. Swansea initially were said to be in need of more competition and depth for their wingbacks — Arriola’s natural position — but the 26-year-old USMNT regular appears to have played most of his minutes there as part of a forward pairing.”

The defender’s time in the Championship did not go nearly as well as he would have hoped. The USMNT player could be eligible to play against Orlando City on May 16 if all goes to plan in his recovery. 

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  • Jozy Altidore fired shots at Taylor Twellman after his comments on the USMNT Olympic qualifying failure. 

That’s all for this Thursday’s set of links, folks. Thanks for reading. Have a good second half of your week.

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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

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

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.

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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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