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Lion Links: 8/12/21

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Good morning, friends! This is a big day for Orlando City and an exciting time of the year in soccer. Yesterday was an interesting one and there’s plenty to discuss, plus a huge match-up tonight at Exploria Stadium. I’m not one to dawdle, so let’s jump right in.

Orlando City Makes International Debut Tonight

We’ve been talking about it all week, but Orlando City will make their international debut tonight at home against Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the quarterfinal round of the Leagues Cup. The tournament has already had some controversy regarding how much teams are prioritizing the competition. On Tuesday, Sporting Kansas City fielded a heavily rotated side featuring several young players, and proceeded to get pumped 6-1 at home. SKC and Peter Vermes clearly didn’t place a serious emphasis on the tournament, instead prioritizing a potential shield or MLS Cup run.

As for Orlando City, it looks like the Lions will be fully committing to the relatively new competition.

“We have a full roster full of good players ready to compete,” Pareja said in a virtual press conference Wednesday afternoon. “We’re trying to select a strong team that faces the rival in turn and that’s pretty much what you do. This semester has been a good testimony of that. It has been a very busy semester where we have probably one to two players who have not had minutes. We have them all available and just try to get a win in the game is important to us.”

This game is actually a good opportunity to field a full strength team, as Orlando are five days removed from the last match and still six days out from a clash with Nashville. There is an opportunity to commit without worrying about fixture congestion, and the Lions are set to capitalize.

Last night, New York City FC bowed out of the competition after a penalty shootout loss to Pumas following a 1-1 draw.

MLS Midseason “Awards”

The good folks over at MLSSoccer.com handed out their midseason awards for the 2021 MLS season (so far). Awards were picked by a poll among the editorial staff, and they made some interesting choices. It starts with MVP, which unsurprisingly went to Carles Gil. The New England playmaker has stolen headlines and driven the Revs to the top of the East, but it is worth noting that nobody else even got a vote (not even Nani, who is the league leader in goal contributions). Seattle’s Yeimar Gómez Andrade was chosen as defensive player of the year. The Colombian was chosen over SKC’s Andreu Fontàs as well as Orlando City’s anchor Antonio Carlos.

The one bizarre pick in my eyes is the Red Bulls’ Fabio as Newcomer of the Year. A ton of players received votes in this category, but it feels odd that the young Brazilian got the nod. He’s not completely undeserving with three goals and six assists, but given how unspectacular the Red Bulls have been much of this year, it’s an odd choice. By season’s end, I’d be shocked if a player signed in this secondary window didn’t steal the award.

Kyle Smith Recognized Among League’s Most Underrated Players

The midway point of the season can be a content goldmine in sports, with lists and awards a plenty over at MLSSoccer.com. While the midseason awards weren’t particularly kind to Orlando City, one of the Lions’ top performers did get some love from Greg Seltzer, who listed the 11 most underrated players in the league. Kyle Smith has been one of Orlando’s most consistent performers, turning in quality defensive performances almost every week. He’s still top five in the league for successful challenges and is statistically similar to some of the highest rated fullbacks in the league.

Among the other players recognized are Vancouver forward Christian Dájome, New England fullback DeJuan Jones, and Minnesota United goalkeeper Tyler Miller.

New Allegations Against Former Washington Spirit Head Coach

Yesterday, Washington Spirit head coach Richie Burke stepped down from his role for alleged health reasons. However, in the day since, new reports and allegations have come to light about his leaving the team and his conduct during his time as head coach. Reports from The Athletic suggest that Burke was actually fired from his role, rather than resigning, and that the was unaware of any health issues.

Further adding to the controversy of the situation, a Washington Post report revealed that players were reportedly verbally abused by Burke. The Spirit released a statement on the issue, but this complicated situation is far from resolved.

There is also footage from their recent match against the Portland Thorns that shows Burke making inappropriate contact with a player, adding further controversy to the situation.

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  • Daryl Dike is still dealing with his shoulder injury from the Gold Cup, as well as an unspecified tendinitis issue.

  • Tom Bogert graded each MLS team’s secondary transfer window (Orlando received a B+).
  • Atlanta United could be set to hire Seattle Sounders’ assistant Gonzalo Pineda as its new head coach.
  • USMNT star Christian Pulisic scored his penalty in the shootout to help Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup.
  • The Philadelphia Union announced the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Davo on loan.

That’s all for a busy Thursday, have a great day, and let’s hope tonight is a historic one for the City Beautiful.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/30/25

Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Lions Called Up For International Duty

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.

Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.

A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.

Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson

The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.

USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China

The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.

Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager

Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.

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That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/29/25

Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Falls in Atlanta

The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.

MLS All-Star Voting Begins

The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.

Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery

Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.

Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League

Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.

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  • Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
  • Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.

That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/28/25

Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads North

Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.

Banda and Sams Recognized

A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.

Orlando Pride Power

The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.

Freeman and the USMNT

It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?

Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!

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