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Lion Links: 6/22/21

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4 years ago

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Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was a good weekend as Orlando soccer teams took four points from the available six and the Orlando Pride stayed undefeated. There’s plenty more soccer to come before the weekend though, with Orlando City playing tonight, the Pride playing tomorrow, and then OCSC playing again on Friday. As usual, we have more than enough to discuss today, so let’s jump on in.

Akindele Named to MLS Team of the Wek

Tesho Akindele had himself a game against Toronto on Saturday night. The Canadian opened the scoring just a minute into the game, and also had the assist on the second goal of the game. Our own Topher Adams named him as the Man of the Match with a grade of 8.5 out of 10. He was rightfully included as one of two starting strikers in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Week. He now has three goals and three assists in his last six games, and is in a fine run of form to say the least. The Canadian also became just the third player in MLS history to score goals in the first minute of two different games in the same season, joining Steve Rammel of D.C. United in 1996 and Allan Cruz of FC Cincinnati in 2019. Tesho’s first first-minute goal this year came on May 1 vs. Cincinnati. Congrats, Tesho, and keep it up!

Lions Relishing the Return of Full Capacity

Today will be the first full capacity Orlando City game at Exploria Stadium since last year’s home opener all the way back in February of 2020. Needless to say, the Lions are looking forward to it. The team doesn’t expect it to be easy, with Kyle Smith noting that the opposition has veteran players and a good attack, and the Lions want to get back to defensive excellence after conceding two goals against Toronto FC over the weekend. Brandon Austin made his OCSC debut in that game, and spoke about how important it will be to have the stadium at full capacity again.

It’s gonna mean a lot, especially to have full capacity of the fans and have them back in the stadium, which we haven’t had since COVID started. That’s just gonna give us the extra boost, the extra energy to get through the game and give our best performance.”

MLS Launches New League

Major League Soccer has announced the creation of a new professional league that will start play in 2022. The new league will serve as a stepping stone from MLS NEXT, the league’s youth development platform, to MLS itself. The league’s calendar will mimic that of MLS, beginning in March and concluding in December. 20 Major League Soccer clubs will field teams during the inaugural season, with independently owned teams potentially able to join as well. The league’s name and logo have yet to be released, as have the participating teams and the application process for expansion clubs.

USMNT Gold Cup Questions

The Gold Cup is a funny little competition. Pretty much all other continental championships carry significant weight, with the European Championships, Copa America, and African Cup of Nations all very important tournaments. The same can’t really be said for the Gold Cup though, with the region’s strongest teams often not sending first-choice rosters due to how uncompetitive it’s become — only one team has won it that isn’t the U.S. or Mexico in the last 15 iterations of the tournament. While the USMNT will not send its strongest roster to this summer’s competition, we should still be able to glean plenty of important info from the tournament. Foremost in Orlando City fans’ minds may well be who is the team’s best number nine, with Daryl Dike in contention for the spot. Another question is who the backup is to Tyler Adams, since no one has really emerged yet. With any luck, this summer will provide some clarity.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Transfer season never stops and there are no shortage of interesting rumors to sift through. For one, Manchester City is said to be preparing a £100 million offer in an effort to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham. It likely won’t be enough though, with Daniel Levy valuing the 27-year-old at £150 million and the fact that the Spurs boss doesn’t want to sell him to begin with.

Elsewhere, Manchester United wants to sign Villareal defender Pau Torres after getting a look at him up close during the Europa league final. The Red Devils want to strengthen their defense and were repelled by Real Madrid when asking after Raphael Varane.

Finally, Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly in pole position to sign Varane’s former Real Madrid teammate, Sergio Ramos, on a free transfer. The Parisians are apparently offering more money than other suitors and are also willing to give him a two-year contract.

Free Kicks

  • Sydney Leroux has an…interesting player card.

  • Pedro Gallese hit a milestone for Peru.

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

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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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10 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.

Free Kicks

  • 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

1 day 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

2 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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