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Lion Links: 7/8/21

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4 years ago

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Yesterday was a doozy. We had an Orlando City match, seven more Major League Soccer matches, huge Leagues Cup news, and seemingly tons of other news. This is a hefty one, so let’s just skip the pleasantries and jump right into it.

Orlando City Falls 3-1 On The Road Against The Chicago Fire

Orlando City has lost two games in a row for the first time this season, falling to the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. Orlando fielded a heavily rotated lineup with no Nani, Mauricio Pereyra, Chris Mueller, or Antonio Carlos. It was a lively, back-and-forth first half, with Andres Perea getting his first goal for the club in the 34th minute on a wonderful finish around the six-yard box following a good run and cross from Mikey Halliday — though a touch from a defender negated Halliday’s first assist. Orlando lost the advantage right before halftime after Kyle Smith lost Boris Sekulic at the far post and the Slovakian defender headed it across the goal and in. Orlando had plenty of opportunities and generally looked the better of the two teams, but it was level at half.

The second half was even more frustrating. Orlando had chances, including a great look for Benji Michel early in the half, but couldn’t find the winner before Chicago started pouring it on. Alvaro Medran played a good through ball that split the Orlando City back line before Robert Beric slotted home the chance. The Lions nearly got the game back, especially with Nani, Pereyra, and Mueller on the field, and had a few clear-cut opportunities, but couldn’t finish. To make matters worse, Chicago found space on a late breakaway following a poor Smith cross leading to a Chinonso Offor goal deep into second-half stoppage time. Orlando had over twice as many attempts on goal as Chicago, but lacked the quality offensively and defensively to get a result against the resurgent Chicago Fire.

Orlando To Host Santos Laguna in Leagues Cup

Leagues Cup is back and Orlando City’s opponent is finally set. The Lions will face the reigning runners up in Liga MX, Santos Laguna. The match is set for Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at Exploria Stadium, with live coverage on TUDN and ESPN+. Per the release, the qualifiers from Liga MX for the tournament were, “the top four teams from the overall standings from the 2020-2021 Liga MX season that are not scheduled to participate in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League,” the same qualifying as MLS. It’s a single-elimination tournament starting in the quarterfinals, with a neutral-site — yet to be determined — final set for Sept. 22. Santos Laguna have a solid history in continental competitions, finishing runners-up in the 2012 and 2013 Concacaf Champions League. This is Orlando City’s first ever appearance in a competitive international competition.

Orlando Pride Eyeing One More Addition, Krieger Injury Update

According to Orlando Head Coach Marc Skinner, the Pride are looking to bring in one more player in this transfer window.

“We’re looking at other potentials of ongoing conversations, so we do have a couple of options that we are looking into. Hopefully, we’re pretty close to one, so that will hopefully be something we can add in.”

Orlando already added defenders Amy Turner and Kylie Strom this summer.

Captain Ali Krieger went down injured against North Carolina on Sunday, but it looks to be a minor injury, with no tears or fractures detected. She could return to action as soon as Friday, but only if she’s able to participate in training today.

Midweek MLS Results

Outside of Orlando’s disappointing result, there was a full slate of MLS action on Wednesday. The Eastern Conference was madness, starting with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory for CF Montreal over New York City FC — the game was actually played at Exploria Stadium — before Toronto FC turned the league on its head, taking a 3-0 lead over conference leaders the New England Revolution. The Revs nearly got the game back, scoring two second-half goals and hunting an equalizer late, but Toronto held on for the huge upset.

There was a much fuller slate of games out west, with five Western Conference showdowns. LAFC went on the road and won 2-0 over Austin FC, Colorado beat Minnesota 2-0 at home, Seattle kept their undefeated season alive with a 2-0 victory in Houston, Real Salt Lake scored in the first minute and cruised to a 4-0 win, and the LA Galaxy won 3-1 over FC Dallas.

Free Kicks

  • Ashyln Harris was once again nominated for Save of The Week for her fantastic penalty stop against North Carolina.

  • Charlotte FC named its first ever head coach, Miguel Angel Ramirez. The Spaniard previously coached at Internacional in Brazil and led Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle to the Copa Sudamericana title in 2019. At 36, he is the youngest head coach in MLS.
  • Nashville SC announced the record signing of Ivorian striker Ake Loba from Liga MX giants Monterrey. The transfer cost $6.8 million and the 23-year-old forward will be a Designated Player.
  • The EURO 2020 final is set after England ousted Denmark in extra time, courtesy of Harry Kane’s decisive goal. England will face Italy this Sunday.

That’s what I’ve got for today. Thank you all so much for reading. Have an extraordinary day!

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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.

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

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

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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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