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Lion Links: 7/16/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? Thank gosh it’s Friday so we can start shifting gears from the work week to the weekend. I personally don’t have much planned this weekend, but it will be nice to relax and enjoy Orlando City and the Orlando Pride in action. The Olympics are also only a week away now, although the United States Women’s National Team will play before the opening ceremony as its first game is against Sweden on July 21. But for now, enjoy today’s links from around the soccer world.

Daryl Dike Scores Brace in U.S. Win Against Martinique

Orlando forward Daryl Dike scored twice in the United States Men’s National Team’s 5-1 win over Martinique in the Concacaf Gold Cup. In the 14th minute, Matthew Hoppe delivered a nice cross from the left side and Dike headed it in to give the U.S. an early lead.

Later, in the 23rd minute, Hoppe pounced on a loose ball in the box and made a nice backheel pass to a wide open Gianluca Busio, whose shot hit the crossbar. Dike got to the rebound first with his head and Martinique defender Samuel Camille couldn’t keep it out. There was some debate on if Dike would be credited with the goal, but it was ultimately decided to be an own goal. Regardless, Dike ended up getting his brace anyway in the 59th minute after a give-and-go with Cristian Roldan. While powering past defenders, Dike made three perfect touches on the ball to become the second-youngest USMNT player to score two goals in a Gold Cup game.

Center back Miles Robinson, forward Gyasi Zardes, and Nicholas Gioacchini scored the USMNT’s other three goals. Hoppe, Eryk Williamson, Roldan, and Gianluca Busio all earned their first assists with the USMNT as well. However, midfielder Kellyn Acosta conceded a penalty, which Martinique converted, and although the U.S. leveled Canada in goal difference, the Canadians still own the goals scored tiebreaker. The U.S. can only win the group with a win on Sunday but is through to the quarterfinals regardless.

Speaking of Canada, it secured its spot in the next round after winning 4-1 against Haiti. Former Lion Cyle Larin scored a brace and leads the tournament with three goals so far. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see a showdown between Dike and Larin.

In the quarterfinals, the U.S. and Canada will take on the top two teams from Group C. You can see those nations in action tonight at Exploria Stadium as Jamaica plays Guadeloupe at 6:30 p.m. and Costa Rica takes on Suriname at 8:30 p.m. The Mane Land will be out there providing coverage.

Orlando City Faces Toronto FC Tomorrow Night

For the first time since 2019, the Lions are headed to Canada for a game against Toronto FC tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. This is the third time the two sides meet this season, with Orlando winning both of the previous matches played at Exploria Stadium. Although the two teams are on opposite ends of the Eastern Conference standings, the Lions are on a two-game losing streak while Toronto is coming off of a big 3-2 win against the New England Revolution. Toronto is missing five players due to the Gold Cup, including forward Ayo Akinola and former Lion Richie Laryea. But the Canadian club will still have Designated Players Alejandro Pozuelo, Yeferson Soteldo, and Jozy Altidore available for tomorrow’s match.

Those players will certainly test an Orlando defense that has conceded five goals in its past two matches. The defense is focused on returning to the strong defensive play that Orlando started the season with.

“We need to work on it and try to just get back to the winning feeling,” center back Robin Jansson said. “It’s going back to the base of our way to play and keeping the team together and just starting from the ground and doing the basic stuff.”

Orlando will also benefit from the returns of defensive midfielder Sebas Mendez and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and fullbacks Joao Moutinho and Ruan could see some minutes tomorrow as well.

Orlando Pride Face the Portland Thorns This Sunday

The Lions aren’t the only ones taking a long-distance trip this weekend. The Pride will head west for a match-up against the Portland Thorns at 10:30 p.m. this Sunday night. Both teams are tied with the North Carolina Courage for first place in the NWSL standings so there is plenty to play for. The Pride came out on top in the most recent meeting between the two, winning 2-1 at Exploria Stadium. After starting the season with seven straight games without a loss, the Pride are winless in their last three and face a Thorns defense that has shut out its last two opponents. Like the Pride, the Thorns are without some of the better players due to the Olympics, as Crystal Dunn, Christine Sinclair, Lindsey Horan, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Adrianna Franch are all in Tokyo.

With Alex Morgan at the Olympics, the Pride’s other forwards will need to step up to take some of the load off of Sydney Leroux. Forward Jodie Taylor was signed by the Pride last week and discussed how she is settling in with the team.

Americans Are Becoming the Popular Kids

FC Dallas Homegrown Player Tanner Tessmann was signed by Serie A club Venezia FC. The 19-year-old midfielder is the latest young American player to head abroad as more European clubs look to the U.S. for potential talent. The Colorado Rapids are in the final stages of an agreement with Belgian club Royal Antwerp for left back Sam Vines, who is currently with the USMNT for the Gold Cup. D.C. United Homegrown Players Kevin Paredes and Moses Nyeman are reportedly generating some interest from Europe as well. In Orlando, Dike and Chris Mueller have both attracted attention from overseas this year. Gregg Berhalter weighed in on how a spotlight is starting to fall on young Americans in MLS.

“It seems like, from my experience in Europe, my experience in MLS,” said USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter in a Wednesday night media availability, “we’ve gotten to a point where there is critical mass. And what I mean by that is, we’ve had enough American players that have been successful overseas in Europe that now clubs are looking at the United States as a market.”

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  • Check out some footage of recently acquired left back Emmanuel Mas training with the squad.

That’s going to be all I have for you today. Make sure to stay safe and hydrated out there during this hot summer. Enjoy all of the soccer this 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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