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Lion Links: 7/16/21

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5 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.”

Free Kicks

  • 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: 6/10/26

Martin Perelman is staying, Matthew Belgodere recognized, England visits Inter&Co Stadium, and more.

Published

23 hours ago

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June 10, 2026

By

Image of Alex Freeman celebrating his first goal against Uruguay in the USMNT's 5-1 win in Tampa.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We are one day away from the start of the World Cup and only two days away from the USMNT’s first match against Paraguay. If you can’t wait for a day or two, England is playing Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium this very afternoon. Despite the MLS and NWSL breaks, there is so much soccer to watch, and I love it. Let’s get to the links.

Perelman is Staying…For Now

You might think that Orlando City’s record and goals allowed would mean the coach might not be back after the World Cup break, and you’d be correct to think that is what it should mean. However, despite Orlando City having good reasons to bring in another coach, Martin Perelman will remain interim head coach when the season resumes. Perhaps there is a coach who isn’t available until the end of the season. Or maybe the club is giving Perelman even more time to “earn” the permanent job. Ricardo Moreira is monitoring potential coaches, but there doesn’t seem to be an active search based on his comments.

OCB’s Belgodere Honored

Matthew Belgodere earned MLS NEXT Pro honors thanks to his monstrous goal in OCB’s comeback 3-2 victory over Carolina Core. He is the fourth Orlando City Academy player to win the Rising Star Acolade this sesaon. It was Belgodere’s first professional goal and it came at a great time for OCB. In case you missed it, here it is.

Former Lions in the News

You may not have heard of Canada’s Sigma FC youth development program, but you have heard of Cyle Larin and Richie Laryea. The two former Orlando City players were products of that system and are regulars with the Canadian National Team. Meanwhile, Alex Freeman is flaunting his style in the latest issue of Flaunt. The meteoric rise of Orlando City’s former defender continues. Finally, Pedro Gallese did not have a good time in goal in Peru’s 3-1 loss to Spain. That was especially true with this own goal.

Inter&Co Stadium Welcomes International Competition

England takes on Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium in a final World Cup tune-up for the Three Lions. England Coach Thomas Tuchel will have his full roster available for the friendly. Tickets should still available for the match if you are able to make the 4 p.m. kickoff. The England squad is preparing for the heat during the World Cup. Of course, we know that they may have to deal with rain and lightning like Orlando teams do all the time.

USWNT Defeats Brazil

The USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team picked up right where they left off after the last friendly — by not being very friendly. To say this match was chippy in the first half is a massive understatement. Players were dragged down left and right on both sides. The U.S. was able to finally break through in the second half on what was originally scored as a goal by Sophia Wilson but was ultimately given as an own goal by Isabela Chagas. Before the end, several of Brazil’s staff were sent off, as was Beatriz Joao and Tarciane. After the final whistle, two more red cards were shown to Brazil. Ultimately, the U.S. was able to earn a 1-0 victory in a very wild match to watch.

Free Kicks

  • Bad news for the Colorado Rapids. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen is likely out for the season due to shoulder surgery.
  • Former OCB player Joe Gallardo celebrated 100 appearances in USL League One. The latest was with his current club, Spokane Velocity FC.

That will do it for today. Are you excited for the World Cup to start? Are you planning on going to the watch parties? Let us know in the comments below. Vamos Orlando and Go USA!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/9/26

Emma Hayes wants more grit in Brazil rematch, USMNT health update, Jim Curtin takes Austin job, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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June 9, 2026

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a restful weekend, but there’s no time to gently ease into this week. The United States Women’s National Team plays tonight, the United States Men’s National Team plays its first group game of the World Cup on Friday, and Orlando City B returns to action on Saturday. We’ve understandably got lots to talk about today, so let’s have a look at the links.

Emma Hayes Wants More in Brazil Rematch

The USWNT will run it back against Brazil tonight, after losing the first of two friendlies against the South American nation 2-1 on Saturday. USWNT manager Emma Hayes said that her team needs to get a little more uncomfortable and accustomed to playing in conditions that aren’t perfect, and she sees the two matches against Brazil as the perfect opportunity to do just that. Hayes called on her team be tougher in tonight’s rematch and encouraged the players to accept difficult conditions or calls that are out of their control. She also declined to discuss tactics or lineups for the match, as she’s treating it as a psuedo-World Cup run and won’t be discussing those things during the tournament either.

USMNT Health Update

We got a positive update when it comes to the health of the United States Men’s National Team on Monday, as center back Chris Richards was a full participant in training for the first time since joining up with the team. Richards has been dealing with an ankle injury since May 17 that kept him from playing in the USMNT’s warm-up friendlies against Senegal and Germany. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino did not provide any clues as to whether or not he will be ready to start in the team’s World Cup opener on Friday, but this is a good step. Additionally, Tyler Adams did not participate in the training session, which was a “load management” decision, and probably a wise one considering he’s the glue holding the midfield together.

Jim Curtin Takes Austin Job

Jim Curtin will become the new head coach of Austin FC at the end of the 2026 MLS season, with Tom Bogert breaking the news on Monday afternoon before the club confirmed it shortly afterwards. Davy Arnaud will continue as interim coach until the end of the season, and the club is still looking for a new sporting director. Curtin had been out of a job since being fired by the Philadelphia Union at the end of the 2024 season, bringing to an end an 11-season spell with the team. Bogert provided some nice additional nuggets like the Portland Timbers reportedly being a team that had interviewed Curtin for its managerial vacancy.

Pre-World Cup Friendlies Continue

The World Cup is almost upon us, but there are still a few more tune-up friendlies taking place before the big dance arrives. France beat Northern Ireland 3-1 on Monday thanks to a Michael Olise hat trick, while The Netherlands used a Cody Gakpo brace to ease by Uzbekistan 2-1. Today will see Senegal face Saudi Arabia, while Argentina takes on Iceland. Things then wrap up on Wednesday with Portugal playing Nigeria, Algeria squaring off against Bolivia, and England playing Costa Rica.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando’s sports teams have launched a new shirt that honors the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the Orlando United program.

Inbox: Orlando City SC & Pride, with the #Magic and Solar Bears, launch a “10 Years of Orlando United” commemorative T‑shirt that honors the 10‑year anniversary of the #OrlandoUnited program created after the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Proceeds benefit The Center Orlando. More:

— Jason Beede (@jbeede.bsky.social) 2026-06-08T21:18:38.005Z

That’ll do it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/8/26

OCB beats Carolina Core, Barbra Banda named to NWSL May Best XI, USMNT and USWNT lose, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

June 8, 2026

By

Image of Matthew Belgodere celebrating his game-winning goal against Carolina Core FC.
Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work over the weekend, and like many of you, I’m looking forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off later this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Belgodere’s Late Winner Lifts OCB over Carolina Core FC

Orlando City B overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Carolina Core FC 3-2 at Osceola County Stadium Sunday. Arnaud Tattevin struck first for Carolina, giving the visitors and early lead. Carolina added another goal to go up 2-0 before defender Jair Caiza received a red card for violent conduct against Issah Haruna in the penalty area, and OCB was awarded a penalty kick. Pedro Leao converted from the spot to pull the Young Lions within one before halftime. In the second half, Leao added another goal to tie the match for OCB. Matthew Belgodere came off the bench and scored the late winner for the Young Lions, who earned all three points at home and extended their winning streak to three games. OCB will be on the road to take on Huntsville City FC Saturday at Wicks Family Field.

Barbra Banda Named to NWSL Best XI for May

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda was named to the National Women’s Soccer League Best XI for the month of May. It’s the third monthly Best XI of the year award for Banda this season. She recorded six goals and added one assist in May. Two of those goals were winners against the North Carolina Courage and Bay FC. Banda leads the NWSL Golden Boot race with 11 goals in 12 matches during the 2026 campaign.

OCB Transfers Jaylen Yearwood to FC Naples

Orlando City B announced Friday that the club has transferred defender Jaylen Yearwood to USL League One side FC Naples. OCB will retain a sell-on percentage if FC Naples transfers Yearwood to another club in the future. Yearwood, Orlando City’s No. 14 overall draft pick in the first round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, made 10 appearances for the Young Lions during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, starting six matches, and made two appearances for the Trinidad & Tobago Men’s National Team.

USMNT Falls 2-1 to Germany in World Cup Send-Off Match

The U.S. Men’s National Team fell 2-1 to Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, Saturday in an international friendly. Former Lion Alex Freeman started the match and played 72 minutes. Kai Havertz scored the opening goal two minutes into the match to give Germany the lead. Antonee Robinson scored the equalizer for the Yanks before halftime. In the second half, Leroy Sane added the winning goal for Germany. The USMNT will take on Paraguay Friday in its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.

USWNT Loses Road Friendly at Brazil

The U.S. Women’s National Team fell 2-1 to Brazil at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saturday in an international friendly. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina started the match for Brazil, playing 68 minutes, while defender Rafaelle came off the bench in the second half and played 10 minutes. Orlando Pride forward Marta was on Brazil’s bench but did not play. Sophia Wilson scored her first goal for the USWNT since 2024 early in the first half. However, Brazil scored two quick goals from Taina Maranhao and Bia Zaneratto to take a 2-1 lead and held on for the win. The USWNT will face Brazil on the road again on Tuesday at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza.

Free Kicks

  • In case you missed it Friday, check out this amazing save by Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau for the Canadian Men’s National Team in its friendly against Ireland.
  • Former Lion Cyle Larin is staying with EFL Championship side Southampton after the club announced his loan from Mallorca had been converted into a permanent transfer.
  • NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill, a limited partner in the ownership group for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride, was interviewed by Yahoo Sports and shared insights into his experience investing in soccer, growing up playing soccer in Northern Virginia, his thoughts on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and more.
  • Major League Soccer announced its First XI players named to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, which will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, on July 29. None were Lions.
  • EFL Championship side Derby County has reportedly reached an agreement with the Vancouver Whitecaps to sign midfielder Sebastian Berhalter.
  • The USL Super League will reportedly flip its calendar to begin play in the spring and end its season in the fall beginning in 2027 to align with the NWSL. The league will play a fall season in 2026 before transitioning to the new calendar.
  • The Iranian soccer federation has accused the United States of “vindictive behavior” after stating that visas were denied to key administrative and managerial officials. The Iranian Men’s National Team will only be allowed to travel to the U.S. on matchdays and must leave the country after each match.
  • Midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during the match for Denmark in an international friendly against Ukraine Sunday. The match was abandoned, and the national team shared an update. We here at The Mane Land wish Eriksen a speedy recovery.

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

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