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Lion Links: 6/4/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? MLS may be on an international break, but there is still plenty of soccer to look forward to this weekend thanks to the Orlando Pride and United States Men’s National Team. I’m on vacation these next few days and am looking forward to just relaxing a bit. Today is also National Donut Day so be sure to look into your favorite local place to see if they’re running any promotions. Now, let’s get this Friday started with some links from around the soccer world.

Keeping Up With the Lions

Although the Lions won’t be playing during this international break, they are still staying busy. The break actually comes at a great time for the Lions as multiple players heal up from injuries. Forward Alexandre Pato hasn’t played since the season opener back on April 17, but should be ready to return later this month. Fullbacks Ruan and João Moutinho should also get needed healing before Orlando takes to the field again on June 19 against Toronto FC.

There are also Lions on international duty to watch as Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Ecuadorian midfielder Sebas Mendez are taking part in World Cup qualifiers. Gallese had a rough night against Colombia in a 3-0 loss as Peru’s struggles continued. Mendez and Ecuador will take on Brazil tonight at 8:30 p.m. The two Lions will then face off against each other on June 8 in Ecuador.

Daryl Dike is with the USMNT and is expected to feature in its friendly with Costa Rica on June 9. Coincidentally, June 9 is also the day the summer transfer window opens up and there are sure to be offers for Dike once it does.

Alex Morgan Named NWSL Player of the Month

The Pride were dominant over the course of May, winning three of their four National Women’s Soccer League regular-season matches. Pride forward Alex Morgan led the offense and was named NWSL Player of the Month. With four goals so far this season, Morgan leads the league in scoring and also has an assist to her name.

The Pride also had the most players on May’s Team of the Month as Morgan, Sydney Leroux, and Phoebe McClernon were all selected. Leroux has two goals for the Pride, including the game-winner against the Portland Thorns. On defense, McClernon has played every minute for the Pride this season to help secure leads and see out games.

Learning More About Orlando City’s Academy

The first episode of a video series called Orlando City Next Gen was released. The episode provided a closer look at the club’s academy and its players and coaching staff. Academy Director Marcelo Neveleff detailed the academy’s efforts to help players reach the first team or further their education in college. The video is definitely worth checking out as Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi and Director of Scouting Ricardo Moreira also weighed in on the process.

The academy travelled to Atlanta this past weekend for the MLS Academy Cup, with both the U-17 and U-15 sides winning two of their three exhibition games. Ethan Subachan notably scored four goals across three games for the U-17 squad.

USMNT Advances to Concacaf Nations League Final

Jordan Siebatcheu scored his first goal for the USMNT and it was the difference maker in the USMNT’s 1-0 win over Honduras in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal. In the 88th minute, John Brooks did a fantastic job finding Weston McKennie in a pocket of space. McKennie headed the ball towards goal and it bounced right to Siebatcheu wide open in front of goal. The 25-year-old made a nice diving header to send the ball into the back of the net and give the USMNT the win. You can check out the goal below, including a cameo from Dike as Siebatcheu points him out to celebrate the goal.

The USMNT had a majority of possession and although it out-shot Honduras 10-7, both sides had four shots on target. The midfield lacked creativity at times and Zack Steffen stepped up to make great saves. Now the USMNT turns its attention to Sunday for the Nations League final against a Mexico team that beat Costa Rica in penalties in the other semifinal.

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  • Orlando Homegrown Player Wilfredo Rivera had an assist in Puerto Rico’s 7-0 win over the Bahamas. Puerto Rico’s next World Cup qualifying match will be on June 8 against Guyana.

  • Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez was named MLS Player of the Month. After an underwhelming 2020 season, the LA Galaxy forward scored five goals in his first two games this season. Although he’s cooled off a bit since then, Chicharito still leads the league with seven goals.
  • Former USMNT midfielder Jermaine Jones spoke about his efforts to become a coach in this next stage of his career. The 39-year-old discussed the importance of having more Black representation at the coaching level in soccer and how his role as a coach will vastly differ from his reputation as a player.
  • USMNT forward Bobby Wood landed in Utah and should be ready to roll for the rest of Real Salt Lake’s season. Orlando fans can rest easy though since the Lions won’t have to face off against RSL or Wood this season. Instead we can all sit back, enjoy the bad puns, and watch him take on the Western Conference.

That’s going to be it from me today! I hope you all have a nice Friday and even nicer 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.

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13 hours 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

2 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

3 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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