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Lion Links: 7/19/21

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! There is so much soccer right now that I’m not even sure when I’ll get any sleep. To be clear, I’m not complaining, as my motto is that more soccer is always a good thing. In other good news, I’ll be at Orlando City’s next match on Thursday, so come join me. Before we get started with today’s links, let’s also all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride forward Abi Kim!

Orlando Pride Fall in Portland

The Pride headed all the way across the country to try to keep pace in the NWSL standings, but fell 2-1 to the Portland Thorns. The Pride were evidently suffering from travel sickness as they were very sloppy when passing and defending. The Thorns should have scored several goals in the first half, but Ashlyn Harris made some key saves, including yet another penalty kick save. Harris’ heroics were not enough as Sophia Smith scored in the 26th minute and then Marissa Everett doubled Portland’s later in the 58th. Marisa Viggiano scored a consolation goal in stoppage time for the Pride. Orlando will aim to snap its four-game winless streak when it hosts OL Reign this Saturday at 7 p.m. in Exploria Stadium.

Orlando City Continues to Adjust During the Summer

Orlando City’s 1-1 draw at Toronto FC stopped the team’s two-game losing skid, though it didn’t come easily. The Lions still have issues, but as players come back from injuries, the depth of the roster should help the club deal with any hiccups. Sebas Mendez’ injury will be one to keep an eye on, although Andres Perea did a good job playing a similar role in the midfield against Toronto. The fullback position has been of particular concern this season. Left back João Moutinho returned for the last match, but right back Ruan is still out with a dreaded lower body injury. As a result, Kyle Smith has played every minute of every match this season. Smith definitely put the work in against Toronto FC’s Yeferson Soteldo. As you can see, hard work pays off.

U.S. Defeats Canada to Win Group B

It only took 20 seconds for the United States Men’s National Team to score against Canada in its final Concacaf Gold Cup group match. Shaq Moore gave the USMNT an early lead after a great assist from Sebastian Lletget. It was a good thing the Yanks held on defensively since they were unable to find a second goal in the match. Orlando’s Daryl Dike started up top with Gyasi Zardes, but neither striker was able to find the back of the net. Dike also appeared to injure his shoulder late in the match, although the severity isn’t known yet. The 1-0 victory means the USMNT finished at the top of its group and will play either Jamaica or Costa Rica to start the knockout stage.

Mexico managed to win 1-0 against El Salvador and win its group, meaning the USMNT and Mexico can only face off in the Gold Cup final.

The Olympics Get Started This Week

Olympic soccer finally begins this week. It might be a year late, but you’re going to have to get up really early if you want to watch the United States Women’s National Team play Sweden this Wednesday at 4:30 a.m. EST. The two nations are very familiar with each other given this will be the ninth meeting between the two in world championship matches. The Pride’s Alex Morgan will be in Japan, and the striker says she has come back stronger and fitter following her pregnancy. I think her performances with the Pride have proven that to be true. Hopefully Morgan continues her good form in the Olympics. Matches will be available on NBC Sports, NBCOlympics.com, and the Peacock streaming service.

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  • Things aren’t going well over in Atlanta. Gabriel Heinze is out as head coach just days after he revealed Atlanta star Josef Martinez was training away from the team despite being fit to play. Atlanta hasn’t won in its last eight games, including a 1-0 loss at home to the New England Revolution this weekend.
  • Liga MX released its roster for next month’s MLS All-Star Game. The match will be played at LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium on Aug. 25 and will pit the best players in MLS against the best Liga MX has to offer.
  • Yet another young American is heading to Europe. Sporting Kansas City and USMNT midfielder Gianluca Busio is likely headed to Venezia FC in Serie A.

  • The Chicago Red Stars have set an NWSL record, as they forced five consecutive own goals in their last three matches. Chicago did finally score a goal of its own in a 3-1 win over OL Reign, but it was the Red Stars’ last goal of the match.

That’s all for today’s links. Vamos Orlando! Go USA!

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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.

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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: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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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.

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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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