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Lion Links: 8/23/21

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Well, it was a mixed bag of a weekend, but since it’s my birthday tomorrow, I’m going to keep a great attitude. Thanks to the MLS All-Star match on Wednesday, we get a little extra soccer, and that is always a good thing. It is also a little weird to think we’re heading towards the end of August. This year is flying by, though if we’re not careful, we’re in for a repeat of some of 2020. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Fall to the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride traveled to Audi Field on Sunday to take on the Washington Spirit and were unable to come away with any points. The Pride had a slow start but took the lead in the 68th minute thanks to a brilliant goal from Marta. However, the Spirit evened the match a mere two minutes later when Kylie Strom gave the ball away in the box and Ashley Hatch scored. The Spirit then secured a home win with a golazo from Ashley Sanchez in the 89th minute. The loss snapped a three-game unbeaten run with Becky Burleigh as interim head coach. The Pride are sixth in the NWSL standings and are back in action on the road this Sunday against NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Injury Bug Bites the MLS All Stars

Orlando City’s Nani and Pedro Gallese were both selected to take part in MLS All-Star events set for this week. However, Gallese is battling back from injury and Nani had to exit Orlando’s game against the Chicago Fire in the first half due to injury. Because of this, it is not clear if they will participate in tomorrow’s MLS All-Star Skills Challenge or Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game. They’re not the only ailing All-Stars though as LAFC forward Carlos Vela may also miss the match due to a quad injury according to LAFC Head Coach Bob Bradley. The New England Revolution’s Carles Gil, who leads the league with 15 assists, is also recovering from a sports hernia and has not played for the Revs since July 31.

The MLS team will still have plenty of talented players at its disposal though when it takes on the best of Liga MX. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Raul Ruidiaz, and Lucas Zelarayan will represent MLS, and they are also notable players who have played in both MLS and Liga MX.

European Soccer Heats Up

With the European transfer window closing in just over a week, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly looking to move on from Juventus and did not start in the team’s Serie A opener. There are very few clubs that can afford the 36-year-old forward, with Real Madrid, Manchester City, and his former club Manchester United among them. Given Manchester City hasn’t secured Harry Kane quite yet, Ronaldo may make things interesting as the window closes. Ronaldo came on in the 59th minute in Juventus’ 2-2 draw with Udinese. He seemed to score the game-winner in the last moments of the match, but the goal was disallowed after video review determined he was offside.

Speaking of Kane, he is back in a Tottenham jersey, though it’s uncertain if he still will be on Sept. 1. One might wonder if Manchester City even needs an expensive striker given how the club is doing after a 5-0 win over Norwich City. Elsewhere in Europe, Memphis Depay stepped up for FC Barcelona to score an equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao while Romelu Lukaku scored his first goal since returning to Chelsea in a 2-0 win over Arsenal.

There was also ugliness in France’s Ligue 1 as Nice supporters threw bottles and hit Marseille’s Dimitri Payet while he was taking a corner kick. Payet decided to throw it back, and the end result was fans storming the pitch. None of this is good. The match was abandoned when Marseille refused to return to the pitch to finish the match.

Angel City FC Reportedly Finds Its First Head Coach

It appears that Angel City FC reportedly hired Freya Coombe as the team’s first head coach. Coombe is currently Gotham FC’s head coach and Angel City will join the NWSL next season. This could have some impact for the Pride as their next match is against a Gotham FC side that may be in a vulnerable state of mind. If Coombe does head to Los Angeles, she will become the fifth NWSL coaching change this season.

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  • Orlando City Director of Scouting Ricardo Moreira was able to see the Young Lions in action as they defeated Chicago 3-0.

  • United States Men’s National Team center back Matt Miazga was loaned to La Liga’s Deportivo Alavés by Chelsea. This is Miazga’s seventh club in his career, and we’ll have to see how it works for him.
  • The United States Women’s National Team was able to maintain the top spot in the FIFA world rankings despite a disappointing Olympic campaign. The gap between the USWNT and other powerhouses such as Sweden, France, and Canada has certainly shrunk.
  • The Portland Thorns defeated Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 to win the Women’s International Champions Cup. It is the Thorns’ second title this season, and a win for the NWSL on the international stage.
  • Minnesota United FC Head Coach Adrian Heath took exception to referees not doing a better job protecting Emanuel Reynoso from being fouled.

That will do it for me today. Please be careful out there. Get vaccinated, and wear your masks. We’re all in this together.

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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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13 minutes 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.

Free Kicks

  • 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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1 day 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.

Published

2 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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