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Lion Links: 5/18/21

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5 years ago

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Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was a good weekend to be an Orlando soccer fan. Both the Orlando Pride and Orlando City got results, which is always fantastic. On a personal note, I just started a new job, so there are exciting times all around. As usual, there’s a lot to talk about today, so let’s get to it.

Exploria Stadium Going Back to Full Capacity

Orlando City announced that Exploria Stadium will return to full capacity for both Orlando City and Orlando Pride games starting in June. Specifically, beginning with the Pride’s match against NJ/NY Gotham FC on June 20 and followed by the Lions’ match against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 22, the purple palace will be back open to hosting games at full capacity. The stadium would likely be returning to full capacity even sooner, following the lead of teams like Atlanta United, but the club had already sold tickets in a limited capacity to games through the end of May. Aside from seats near the team benches and the tunnel, all seats will be available.

Antonio Carlos Named to MLS Team of the Week

Antonio Carlos has received his due for his part in Orlando shutting out D.C. United on the road on Sunday. After another strong performance anchoring the Lions’ back line, Carlos was included in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Week. Carlos finished the game with 13 (!) clearances, and three interceptions on the defensive side, which in itself would be plenty impressive. He also chipped in offensively though, with his seven of 11 long balls completed standing out. The defender was rated highly by our own Sean Rollins as well, with a grade of 7/10 that was equal to Man of the Match Mauricio Pereyra. Well done AC!

Mueller Still Wants More

Chris Mueller has now made 100 appearances for Orlando City. Even though he’s been successful going into his fourth year as a Lion, he doesn’t plan to sit on his laurels. After a breakout third season the Money Badger wants to continue to improve on what he has been able to accomplish so far. He spoke about how much his success to this point has meant to him.

“You grow so much as a person away from the field, you grow so much as a player, you learn new things, you gain so many new experiences with so many people and different faces, different cultures. You can’t put a price tag on the experiences that I’ve had.”

Hopefully Cash continues to grow and meet the new goals that he keeps setting for himself.

Losada Critical of Orlando’s Tactics

Hernan Losada wasn’t too pleased with some of Orlando’s tactics during the Lions’ win on Sunday. He wasn’t super high on some of OCSC’s time-wasting tactics, but he was definitely not a fan of the defensive style that the team employed after taking the lead.

“If there is one way to lose, this is the way. A way where you dominate the whole game, a way where the opponent doesn’t know what else to do to neutralize the game, to make time, to park the bus,” he said. “It’s like they didn’t want to play after they scored the goal and that’s a lot for a team with the quality of Orlando, all their stars I didn’t see them on the field and that’s thanks to the effort and the game and the team, the way they worked and played today.”

D.C.’s head man is certainly entitled to his opinion, but I think its a bit left of center. While DCU had 55% of the possession, his side managed only 13 shots and only got one of those on target, so “dominate” is maybe a tad strong. Plus, with Orlando having some trouble playing through a very intense press, and wanting to protect Joao Moutinho — playing his first 90-minute match in nine months — Oscar Pareja simply decided to play defensively and protect what the team had by changing shape and bringing on Robin Jansson. Soccer is a tactical game, and tactical maneuvering during a match is par for the course. Regardless, all’s well that ends well!

Paramount+ Picks Up Brazilian, Argentinan Leagues

It has been announced that Paramount+ has picked up the rights to top flight soccer in Brazil and Argentina. The streaming service will have the exclusive English-language rights to Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileirão Série A, the country’s top flight league. It will also carry matches from Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Futbol. Full coverage of the Brazil’s Serie A starts on May 29. There are some big ticket matches to kick off the 2021 season too, with Flamengo taking on Palmeiras and Sao Paulo facing off against Fluminese. If you happen to already have Paramount+ it might be worth keeping an eye on the league, considering Orlando has a history of signing players from the Brazilian top flight. Oh, and Argentina too!

Free Kicks

  • This is very cool, and a massive congratulations to the young woman involved.

  • Orlando City’s Wilfredo Rivera has been called up for Puerto Rico’s second round of qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.

  • While it won’t help you now, this tweet made me laugh.

  • Harry Kane reportedly wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United among the clubs interested in him.
  • A couple of the NWSL’s big stars have returned stateside following the end of the WSL season.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/4/26

Orlando City reactions, an Orlando Pride scavenger hunt, U.S. National Team news, and more.

Published

23 hours ago

on

March 4, 2026

By

Image of Angelina preparing to take a shot against Gotham FC.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Did you know the NWSL season is almost upon us? I’d all but forgotten since we haven’t really heard much from the Orlando Pride, but that changes today — sort of. If recent soccer events have you feeling down, just remember that we’re supposed to get season four of Ted Lasso sometime this summer. That’s pretty cool, right? Until then, let’s get to the links, but not before we wish Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos a happy 22nd birthday.

Orlando City Reflects

I know you want to move on from Sunday’s match between our beloved Lions and Inter Miami. I also want to put it behind us, but it’s my job to share information on the club. We did learn some things from the post-match presser. The coaches and players are as disappointed with the result as we are, but Oscar Pareja rightly took some positives from the loss while acknowledging the challenges facing the team — injuries mostly — are still no excuse. I think Marco Pasalic summed it up nicely when he said, “Now we have to train more, do everything we can to win the next game, and stay positive. I’m not positive at all right now, but I will be.” I also hope to get to positive before the next match, but we’ll see.

Scarf the City is Back

We’re not far out from the start of the NWSL regular season and we finally got some news from the Orlando Pride. No new signings, or training updates, or anything like that. Instead, the club announced that the Scarf the City scavenger hunt is back. The event will kick off at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. There will be 3,000 scarves hidden throughout the city, including the return of some golden scarves. Those are worth four season tickets for the 2026 season. Good luck for those who are participating.

USMNT News

The 2026 World Cup is only months away, meaning it’s a good time to take a look at the state of the USMNT. There will be a lot of pressure to perform as hosts, and how far this team goes in the competition will be highly scrutinized. We know that the final roster will be announced at the end of May.

There are players like Yunus Musah who are still hoping to make the squad even though he hasn’t received a call up since Concacaf Nations League back in March 2025. Meanwhile, Noahkai Banks is still trying to decide if he will represent the U.S. or make the switch to represent Germany.

USWNT Notes

USWNT supporters were rightfully worried when Trinity Rodman was injured in second-half stoppage time on Sunday against Argentina. Rodman was holding her lower back after Milagro Martin fouled her. Fortunately, USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes said that Rodman is fine and fully training for the next SheBelieves match against Canada. That match is tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Columbus, OH.

Free Kicks

  • West Ham United’s Adama Traore has been banned from lifting weights at the training ground by manager Nuno Espirito Santo. If anyone doesn’t need to put on more muscle it’s Traore.
  • Former Orlando City center back Antonio Carlos was fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee after not leaving the field quickly enough after his red card.
  • Toronto FC is shoring up the center back position with Chile international Benjamin Kuscevic. Must be nice.
  • The Antione Griezmann drama continues. Take stuff like this with a big grain of salt, given that both clubs, the player, and his manager are all negotiating the particulars. In other words, don’t panic.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match against New York City FC this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 3/3/26

Recognition for Martin Ojeda, Orlando City B falls in opener, previewing Canada in the SheBelieves Cup, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

March 3, 2026

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Good morning, everyone. It was a rough end to the weekend for reasons I’m sure you’re well aware of, but this week is a busy one that holds plenty of possibility. The United States Women’s National Team will continue its SheBelieves Cup campaign, while Orlando City and Orlando City B will both be back in action on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. We’ve got plenty of things to talk about this morning, so let’s get right into the links.

Martin Ojeda Earns Recognition

Martin Ojeda grabbed his first goal of the 2026 season during Sunday’s match, and his first-half strike earned him a nomination for the MLS Goal of the Matchday. Ojeda received a layoff from Griffin Dorsey inside the box and hit a fantastic trivela with his left foot into the far corner that doubled Orlando City’s lead. While that lead ultimately wouldn’t last, it was still good to see him open his 2026 account, especially considering that he did so with such an inventive strike. Here’s hoping that it’s the first of many this season.

Young Lions Drop Opener

Orlando City B was not able to get its 2026 season off to a winning start, as it dropped its opening match to Hunstville City FC 3-1. Former Lion Shak Mohammed got the scoring started just inside of half an hour, and Jordan Knight deepened OCB’s misery just four minutes later. Harvey Sarajian got one back for the Young Lions in first-half stoppage time after receiving a pass from Gustavo Caraballo, cutting back onto his right foot and tucking the ball into the far corner. Javier Otero saved a penalty 10 minutes after the second half began to keep OCB in the game, but Mohammed bagged his brace in the 62nd minute off an Otero giveaway while outside the box, and despite the home side pushing for more goals as the game went on, that’s how things ended. The Young Lions will be back in action on Sunday evening when they host Chicago Fire II.

Previewing USWNT vs. Canada

The United States Women’s National Team has its second match of the SheBelieves Cup Wednesday when it takes on Canada in Columbus, OH. The Canadians are coached by former defender Casey Stoney, and she named a roster of 24 players that is missing a few names, including former Orlando Pride center back Shelina Zadorsky. Stoney lines her team up in a 4-3-3, with Kailen Sheriden backstopping things as the woman who the USWNT will need to beat in between the sticks. The Canadians try to be direct and aggressive when they have the ball, while also adopting a high press in defense and attempting to win the ball back quickly. Key players to watch include Vanessa Giles, the reigning and back-to-back player of the year for her country, and Evelyne Viens, who has been on a great run of form with Roma this season.

MLS All-Star Game Details

Major League Soccer has announced the details for this summer’s All-Star Game, which will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The game itself is slated for Wednesday, July 29, while the All-Star Skills Challenge will take place the day before at Truist Field. The opponent for the MLS All-Stars will once again be the LIGA MX All-Stars, with this marking the fifth overall meeting between the two teams and the third meeting in a row. The MLS team will be made up of 11 players picked by fan voting, 13 players picked by the head coach of the side, and two picked by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Finalissima Location in Doubt

The Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina is set to be played in Doha, Qatar on March 27, but UEFA is keeping a close eye on what is currently happening in the Middle East, and a venue change might not be out of the question. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has gone on the record that he thinks changing the location is a good idea, and games set to take place in the area have already been postponed. The Qatar football federation has postponed all matches and tournaments until further notice, and Al Nassr has also had its Asian Champions League games postponed indefinitely. UEFA put out a statement on Monday which read, “UEFA is monitoring and carefully assessing all developments of the situation in cooperation with CONMEBOL and the [local organizing committee]”, but have not made any specific statements about moving the location of the game.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City slipped a spot to no.25 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
  • Orlando City’s academy teams had a largely successful time in their games over the weekend.
  • OCB midfielder Dylan Judelson scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time as the Canadian U-20 Men’s National Team defeated Aruba 2-0 Monday night in Concacaf U-20 Championship qualifying.

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/2/26

Lions fall to Inter Miami, OCB signs Jaylen Yearwood and Issah Haruna, USWNT beats Argentina in SheBelieves Cup, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

March 2, 2026

By

Image of Martin Ojeda playing the ball against Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I can’t believe it’s March already, but I’m looking forward to a busy month covering high school soccer, lacrosse, water polo, and baseball. Our beloved Lions were in action last night, and the Young Lions kick off their season in MLS NEXT Pro tonight. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Fall to Inter Miami

Orlando City fell to Inter Miami 4-2 Sunday at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions got off to a great start with Marco Pasalic scoring the opener in the first half. Martin Ojeda added another goal to give the Lions a 2-0 lead just before halftime. However, early in the second half, Miami pulled one back with a goal from Mateo Silvetti. Lionel Messi scored the equalizer, and Miami added another late in the second half to take a 3-2 lead. Messi added an insurance goal to seal Miami’s first win at Inter&Co Stadium. Poor marking and turnovers in the defensive zone hurt Orlando in the second half, as the Lions blew a 2-0 lead at home and start the season 0-2-0 for the first time in club history in MLS. Orlando City will travel for its first road match of the season, taking on New York City FC Saturday at Yankee Stadium.

Orlando City B Signs Jaylen Yearwood and Issah Haruna

Orlando City B announced the club has signed defender Jaylen Yearwood to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for the 2026 season also added midfielder Issah Haruna to the squad over the weekend. Yearwood was the 14th overall pick by Orlando City in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft in December and led the North Florida Ospreys to a 2024 ASUN Championship title. Haruna was the 20th overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. He made 16 appearances, scored three goals and added two assists, leading the North Carolina-Greensboro Spartans to a share of the conference regular-season title during the 2024 season.

OCB’s Match Against Inter Miami II moved to Inter&Co Stadium

The Orlando City B home match against Inter Miami II, scheduled for Sunday, March 22, at Osceola County Stadium, will be moved to Inter&Co Stadium. Kickoff time for the match is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Young Lions will kick off their 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign tonight against Huntsville City FC at Osceola County Stadium.

USWNT Beats Argentina in SheBelieves Cup Opener

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Argentina 2-0 at GEODIS Park in Nashville to kick off the 2026 SheBelieves Cup Sunday. Lindsey Heaps scored the opening goal in the first half to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, Jaedyn Shaw added another, scoring her 10th international goal to seal the win. Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey earned her seventh shutout for the Americans. However, late in the match, Trinity Rodman went to the ground in pain after being shoved in the back by Argentina defender Milagros Martin and did not return to the pitch. The USWNT will face Canada, which defeated Colombia 4-1 Sunday, Wednesday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus.

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

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