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Lion Links: 4/6/21

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4 years ago

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Happy Tuesday, everybody! We’re a few days away from the Orlando Pride’s first game of 2021, and Orlando City will be hot on their heels, so life is good. There’s plenty to discuss today so let’s jump right in.

Lions Make Raul Aguilera Club’s 10th Homegrown Signing

Orlando City announced the signing of Raul Aguilera as a Homegrown Player on Monday. The 21 year-old becomes Orlando’s 10th Homegrown signing, and the second this year, after Wilfredo Rivera signed his deal a couple of weeks ago. Aguilera signed a one-year deal with options for the 2022-2024 seasons. The youngster played his collegiate soccer at the University of North Carolina, and appeared for Orlando City B in USL League One play last year. Rivera likely won’t log too many minutes this year, but he’ll have an opportunity to learn from the best, and its always good to see local youngsters be brought into the senior team.

Leroux Reveals Her Families Recent COVID Struggles

Sydney Leroux shared that her children had, and have subsequently recovered from contracting COVID-19.

Leroux said she woke up several weeks ago to the sound of Cassius screaming from his room. When she held him, she said her son felt like he was “burning from the inside out.”

Cassius tested positive for COVID-19 the following morning. Roux tested positive three days later. Leroux said both of their symptoms were severe — a high fever, vomiting, exhaustion and “an awful cough.”

Leroux took several weeks off training with the Pride to care for both children alongside her husband, former Orlando City striker Dom Dwyer. She returned to training Monday and will be back with the team this week ahead of the Pride’s first match of the Challenge Cup against Louisville on Monday.

Leroux, who said on Instagram that she stayed healthy throughout the recent ordeal, urged people to continue to take the pandemic seriously and to get vaccinated.

Pride Announce Roster for NWSL Challenge Cup

The Orlando Pride have announced the team’s updated roster ahead of beginning play in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup. With the team playing its first game of the year in the tournament on Saturday at Racing Louisville, the time was ripe to finalize who will be able to take part. Truthfully there aren’t really any surprises on the roster, with all of the usual suspects present and accounted for. A notable addition is that the team has signed goalkeeper Gabby English as a National Team Replacement player. A Winter Park native who played collegiately at Mississippi State, English had been training with the Pride the last several weeks. Her presence was deemed necessary when Erin McLeod was called up for national team duty with Canada. Other than that, the roster contains who you would expect, with Marta, Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris being the names that jump off the page.

MLS, NWSL, USL Implement Concussion Subs

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Monday that all professional leagues in the United States will take part in FIFA’s pilot program for concussion substitutes during the 2021 season. The National Women’s Soccer League, Major League Soccer, and the United Soccer Leagues all announced they will take part in the program. The initiative allows up to two substitutions per match to replace players either diagnosed with, or suspected of having suffered, a concussion — no matter how many substitutes have already been used. MLS will continue to allow the use five “normal substitutions” to be made no more than three times during a match, with up to two additional “concussion substitutions” not counting against those numbers. I cannot stress enough how big of a deal this is, and how wonderful it is to see head injuries being taken seriously within the context of the laws of the game.

Dike Continues Hot Streak

Daryl Dike continued his absolutely torrid run of form, scoring both goals in Barnsley FC’s 2-1 victory over Luton Town yesterday. His first tally displayed all of the big youngster’s best qualities — hard running, physical play, and a knack for finishing.

His second was a much more predatory “fox-in-the-box” type finish as he got on the end of a rebound and put it into the back of the net. Dike actually had a chance to complete his hat trick from the penalty spot late in the game, but his shot wasn’t the best and was saved. Regardless, it was another strong showing from the Lion-on-loan and he now has seven goals in 13 games while leading Barnsley on a charge for the playoff promotion places.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride and Orlando City players received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. This would put them in line for a second shot early in a week with no midweek games, minimizing the impact that some have experienced after getting their second dose.

  • Chris Mueller made a good point about what seems to happen whenever Benji Michel scores.

  • I assume most, if not all of you reading this are Orlando City fans, which makes this flowchart useless, but I found it amusing regardless.

  • UNC has the highest number of alumni on NWSL rosters.

That’ll do it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Published

16 hours ago

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April 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/31/25

Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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March 31, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work but will attend the Chicago Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field later this week. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Beats LA Galaxy on the Road

On Saturday, Orlando City fought back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy struck early in the first half to jump on top. In the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick after Eduard Atuesta was taken down in the box, and Martin Ojeda buried the spot kick to tie the match at one. In the 90th minute, Luis Muriel scored the winning goal on a long-range free kick to complete the comeback. Orlando is on a three-match unbeaten streak and beat the LA Galaxy for the third consecutive time. Orlando City’s next match will be on the road Saturday against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

Orlando Pride Defeat San Diego Wave at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium and extended their win streak to three matches to start the season. After a scoreless first half, Haley McCutcheon scored to give Orlando the lead. The Wave equalized before Marta converted a penalty kick goal to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride are off to a great start this season, outscoring their opponents 10-1, and are atop the NWSL standings ahead of the Kansas City Current on goal difference. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will be on the road in their next match against the Seattle Reign on April 12.

NWSL Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s third week of matches is in the books. On Friday, the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC match ended in a scoreless draw. The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, with Ashley Hatch scoring both goals. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Utah Royals 3-0, while the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage match ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, the Chicago Stars fell 1-0 to Racing Louisville and remain winless, while Angel City FC edged the Seattle Reign 2-1 to secure its first win of the season.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Recap

The FA Cup quarterfinals wrapped up with thrilling drama as four clubs booked a spot in the semifinals. Crystal Palace cruised to a 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Nottingham Forest edged Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw to advance. Aston Villa dominated Preston North End as Marcus Rashford scored twice to seal a 3-0 win, while Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1. The FA Cup semifinals are set for April 26 as Crystal Palace faces Aston Villa while Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester City.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City GM Luiz Muzzi provided some insight in an ESPN.com article on player transfers and highlighted the importance of building connections with different clubs to facilitate transfers.
  • Former Lion Benji Michel is going to play for HJK Helsinki.
  • That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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