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Lion Links: 7/27/21

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4 years ago

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Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a very rough weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams but that simply provides an opportunity to bounce back and get better. There’s lots to talk about today, but before we get into it, let’s wish Orlando Pride midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard a happy 26th birthday.

Ashlyn Harris Nominated for Save of the Week Again

The sun shines, the grass is green, and Ashlyn Harris has been nominated for the NWSL Save of the Week yet again. The Orlando Pride fell to OL Reign 2-0 over the weekend, but Harris did her part to try to get the team a result. She made what feels like her 100th penalty save this season with the Pride (it was her fifth, actually), while trailing OL Reign by two goals in the 62nd minute. She did very well to put off Jess Fishlock before the kick, and dove in the correct direction to keep the shot out. While the Pride weren’t able to go on and get a result from the match, Harris at least kept them in the game and gave them a fighting chance with another impressive save.

Interview With Tesho Akindele

Tesho Akindele was recently a guest on the Perfect Soccer Podcast, where he spoke about a number of different things, including moving to Colorado after being born in Canada. He also shed light on what it was like to make it into Major League Soccer after attending a Division II college. It was also fitting that he took the time to talk about what it means to him to represent Canada internationally, given that he was called in to Canada’s Gold Cup team as an injury replacement for Ayo Akinola. Take the time to go check it out.

USWNT, Australia Set Soccer Back 100 Years

If you got up early this morning ,or stayed up late last night, to watch the United States Women’s National Team’s final group stage match against Australia, well, I’m sorry. The two sides appeared to have an agreement to not try terribly hard to win, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw.

The U.S. didn’t pressure the ball all game, showed no desire to get numbers forward, and lacked both creativity and sharpness. Alex Morgan found the net in the first half with a header, but the flag came up. After a lengthy review, the call stood in what seemed the stingiest of offside decisions. While clearly Morgan’s feet were both well onside, that inch of elbow, which can’t legally score a goal, sure did give Alex an unfair advantage!

If you like defenders passing the ball back and forth from 10 yards apart (especially Australia in the final half hour), this was the game for you! What a snoozefest. The U.S. and Australia are both through to the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pride defender Ali Riley’s New Zealand side got knocked out after Sweden defeated the Football Ferns on the final match day in the group.

Takeaways from USMNT’s Gold Cup Victory

It was far from an easy win for the United States Men’s National Team in the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup. Jamaica proved to be a stern test, but the young squad eventually got the job done courtesy of a late goal from Matthew Hoppe. Once again, this was the kind of match that can prove beneficial to a young team further down the line. Not every game is going to be an easy one, and you can learn a lot from performances in the type of situation that the Americans found themselves in on Sunday. Speaking of Hoppe, his goal was well-taken and he showed some exciting flashes during his time on the field. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on, and one would expect him to start against Qatar in the semifinals.

MLS Transfer Roundup

Transfer season never stops and there are a number of rumors linking players to MLS teams. First up is a report that Argentinian striker Sebastian Driussi is headed to Austin FC after leaving Zenit St. Petersburg. If true, the 25-year-old would potentially provide help in attack for a team that has struggled offensively in its maiden MLS campaign.

The Philadelphia Union are apparently very busy, as they are reportedly signing forward Matheus Davo and midfielder Jesus Bueno. If true, Davo will join on loan until the end of the year while Bueno will be a permanent transfer.

Finally, Inter Miami is apparently on the verge of signing defender Ventura Alvarado. The team has reportedly already agreed to terms with Alvarado, who has seemingly been training with the team for a while now.

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

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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: 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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