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Lion Links: 7/30/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? Not only is today Friday, but it’s also an Orlando City game day! With so much soccer going on, I’m going to have a hard time adjusting once tournaments end and things slow down. Before we hop into today’s links, let’s wish a happy 31st birthday to former Lion Dom Dwyer, even if he’s playing for the enemy at Toronto FC this year.

Orlando City Hosts Atlanta United Tonight

After losing 5-0 on the road against New York City FC last week, Orlando City will aim to bounce back tonight at 8 p.m. against Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium. The Lions are unbeaten in their last five matches against the Five Stripes, with Head Coach Oscar Pareja managing to flip the script on what was a one-sided affair before his arrival. Atlanta hasn’t won in 10 games and is without notable players such as Brad Guzan, Ezequiel Barco, and Miles Robinson due to international duty. Former Lion and Orlando City B assistant coach Rob Valentino is Atlanta’s interim manager after the firing of Gabriel Heinze, so you’ll notice a familiar face on the sidelines.

As for the Lions, Nani and Chris Mueller are both tied with Kaká for the club’s assist record at 22. Mauricio Pereyra isn’t far behind at 18, so that will be a race to watch as we near the halfway point of the season. Orlando will certainly need some offensive impact from them due to a depletion in strikers on the roster for now. After that tough road result with a heavily rotated squad, Pareja is focused on ensuring the Lions are ready for this one.

“We’re here preparing again with another quick turnaround, preparing for our match against Atlanta,” Head Coach Oscar Pareja said ahead of Friday’s match. “We’re trying to bounce back and engage in the couple of training sessions that we have in order to be prepared for the game tactically, with our strategy too and prepare our players mentally, physically and to be ready for the game. That’s our duty right now.”

Becky Burleigh Prepares the Pride for Tomorrow

Orlando Pride interim head coach Becky Burleigh will make her professional coaching debut tomorrow at 7 p.m. when the Pride take on the North Carolina Courage in a difficult road match. Burleigh retired this past April after over 30 years of coaching collegiate soccer, but will now aim to steer the Pride out of a five-game winless skid that’s included four losses. As she continues to build connections with players during training, Burleigh is focused on giving the players a framework that brings out their best in the existing system rather than an overhaul to match her style.

“Ultimately, my goal would be to create a platform for the players to be able to coach themselves,” Burleigh said. “This is a soccer players’ game, not a coaches’ game. And we need to give them the tools so that they’re prepared for that but at the same time, most of these women have so much experience and are so competent. Now it’s just providing the structure for them.”

USMNT Advances to Gold Cup Final

The United States Men’s National Team won 1-0 against Qatar in the Concacaf Gold Cup. Heroic saves from New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner kept the Yanks alive throughout the match as Qatar threatened to score early and often. Qatar’s Hassan Al-Haydos missed a penalty in the 61st minute and the USMNT started to impose itself on the match more after that. Gyasi Zardes scored the game-winner in the 86th minute after a great pass from Nicholas Gioacchini in the box. Orlando’s Daryl Dike started in the match and was subbed off for Zardes in the 63rd minute.

Although it’s another close result, the match was yet another shutout from the Yanks. The only goal they’ve conceded this tournament was in a 6-1 win over Martinique. With the win, the USMNT advances to its third-straight Gold Cup final.

In the other semifinal, Hector Herrera scored in stoppage time to give Mexico the winner in a 2-1 victory against Canada. It was a close game and a good showing from Canada, with the Revolution’s Tajon Buchanan scoring an equalizer in the second half. Orlando’s Tesho Akindele started for Canada as well, doing a decent job winning the ball upfield. The USMNT and Mexico will square off Sunday night in Vegas at 8:30 p.m.

MLS Summer Transfer Window Heats Up

Austin FC signed Argentine forward Sebastian Driussi as its third Designated Player. The 25-year-old heads to MLS after four seasons with Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia, scoring 24 goals and adding 22 assists across 138 appearances. Driussi could be just what the doctor ordered for an Austin side that’s been shut out nine times and has only scored 10 goals in its inaugural season.

The Colorado Rapids continued their wheeling and dealing this transfer window by sending $50,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money to Nashville SC in exchange for forward Dominique Badji. The Philadelphia Union also made a move and signed Venezuelan midfielder Jesus Bueno, who has captained Deportivo Lara since 2017. The Portland Timbers added Colombian winger Santiago Moreno as a U-22 Initiative signing. The summer transfer window ends on Aug. 5 and here’s a breakdown of potential players who could join MLS after strong performances in the Gold Cup.

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That’s going to be it for today, Mane Landers. Stay hydrated and dry out there as you enjoy all of the soccer. Go Orlando!

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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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1 day 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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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.

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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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