Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/8/21

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you all are doing well out there as we enjoy plenty of soccer from around the world during this international window. I’ve been catching up on some reading and trying to cook a bit more to save some money before the holiday season gets here. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!
Emily van Egmond Returns to the Orlando Pride
The Orlando Pride signed Australian midfielder Emily van Egmond to a deal through the end of the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League season. Van Egmond signed with the Pride back in 2018 and then went on loan to West Ham United during the pandemic last year to play in the Women’s Super League. She then signed with West Ham earlier this year and played every minute of Australia’s Olympic campaign this summer, helping the team reach the bronze medal match. Her addition will certainly strengthen the Pride’s midfield, but it may be some time before she takes the field as her visa process has been delayed.
The Pride also signed goalkeeper Kaylie Collins, who was selected by the Pride in the 2021 NWSL Draft and was a National Team Replacement Player. Collins will continue to develop as a goalkeeper with the Pride and adds some depth that may be important if Ashlyn Harris and Erin McLeod are both away on international duty, with Brittany Wilson likely to start in that scenario.
Orlando Pride Prepare for Crucial Match
Only three points separate fourth and eight place in the NWSL standings as teams fight for one of the six playoff spots. The Pride sit in sixth and will take on eighth-place NJ/NY Gotham FC tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in an important match for both sides. Gotham is riding a three-game unbeaten streak as it heads to Exploria Stadium, where it has yet to win against the Pride. It may be the last time Orlando supporters will see Carli Lloyd in action considering her retirement at the end of this season. Forwards Ifeoma Onumonu and Midge Purce are the other players to keep an eye out for when Gotham is on the attack.
Gotham is coming off of a scoreless draw with the Washington Spirit this past Wednesday while the Pride have not played since a 3-0 loss to OL Reign on Sept. 26. The Pride’s match against the Chicago Red Stars on Oct. 2 was rescheduled to Oct. 13 after last weekend’s NWSL matches were postponed. McLeod spoke about the necessary change still needed in the NWSL after the reports of abuse and harassment throughout the league. Interim head coach Becky Burleigh also made it clear that the league hasn’t returned to normalcy just because games are resuming.
“This isn’t over by any stretch,” Burleigh said. “Even though there were games [Wednesday] night, I think there’s still going to be more things that come through with this. We can’t just assume that we’re back to normal now.”
USMNT Beats Jamaica in Austin, TX
FC Dallas forward Ricardo Pepi had a brace in the United States Men’s National Team’s 2-0 win over Jamaica in World Cup qualifying. The first half featured two instances of Jamaica fouling to deny the USMNT clear scoring opportunities, but the referee did not hand out a red card for either. Pepi then scored twice in the second half, making clean contact on good balls into the box by Sergino Dest and Brenden Aaronson. The 18-year-old has been in terrific form for club and country and is developing into the USMNT’s best option at forward. Unbeaten through four games, the USMNT will now turn its attention to a road game against Panama this Sunday.
In other Concacaf results, Mexico and Canada battled to a 1-1 draw in Mexico City, Costa Rica and Honduras played to a 0-0 result, and El Salvador won 1-0 over Panama. The USMNT is at the top of the table with eight points, sitting ahead of Mexico on goal differential.
Lions Win in World Cup Qualifying
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese helped Peru win 2-0 against Chile for an important three points to help close the gap in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Peru is seventh in the standings and will take on Bolivia this Sunday. Sebas Mendez came on as a substitute for Ecuador in a 3-0 win over Bolivia. He may see more minutes when Ecuador plays Sunday against Venezuela, which lost 3-1 to Brazil.
Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying, Japan lost 1-0 to Saudi Arabia and is now third in its group with a crucial match against Australia on Tuesday. On the road in Lagos, Central African Republic scored late to stun Nigeria and take all three points in a 1-0 win. UEFA qualifying returns today and here’s a great breakdown of where each group stands heading into these matches.
Free Kicks
- Relive the Orlando City U-17 side’s tournament run to win the MLS Next Cup for its age group, complete with interviews from players and coaches about the experience.
"We had a group that we thought was very special"
We are back with the finale of our Academy series! 🏆 @Audi | #NextGenOC pic.twitter.com/hvki2QUWlZ
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 7, 2021
- The Lions are still hard at work in training to prepare for their road match against FC Cincinnati on Oct. 16.
Oops All Bass 🔊 @DrinkBODYARMOR | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/HTtafL8Z2s
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 7, 2021
- There’s MLS action today, with Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls playing to keep their playoff hopes alive.
- The NWSL’s sponsors haven’t left, but are keeping a close eye on the investigations into the league.
- France scored three goals in the second half to come back and win 3-2 against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League and will now face Spain in the final on Sunday.
- Public Investment Fund, a Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, completed its takeover of Newcastle United. The move fills the English Premier League club’s pockets at a needed time as it tries to climb out of the relegation zone.
There’s plenty of soccer to enjoy this weekend and I hope you all have a wonderful Friday. Go Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/4/25
Orlando City gets ready for the Philadelphia Union, OCSC partners with Footy Access, USWNT prepares for Brazil, and more.

Happy Friday! It may feel a bit like the calm before the storm today, as Orlando City, Orlando City B, and the United States Women’s National Team are all in action on Saturday. It all makes for a fun next few days and I’m looking forward to it and also watching some kart racing on Sunday. Let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Gets Ready For the Philadelphia Union
The Lions are back in action Saturday with an away game against the Philadelphia Union at 7:30 p.m. Orlando has won its past two games and leads the league with 15 goals this season. The Union remain near the top of the Eastern Conference, but have lost two of their past three games. Duncan McGuire detailed how healthy competition and a willingness to defend has the offense firing on all cylinders heading into this match.
This will also be a rematch of the season opener on Feb. 22 when the Union won 4-2 at Inter&Co Stadium. Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell spoke on how Orlando is a different team compared to that match due to changes on offense and center back Robin Jansson’s recovery from a knock.
Orlando City Partners With Footy Access
With the Generation Adidas Cup set to take place later this month, Orlando City has partnered with Footy Access, which is a media company focused on youth soccer. This collaboration means fans will be able to enjoy highlights and interviews from Orlando’s academy as it progresses through the tournament. I’m pretty excited about being able to see how well Orlando’s academy is doing.
MLS NEXT also announced that new rankings focused on development rather than results will be used for its U-13 and U-14 age groups. These rankings will use an analytical formula that measures game play and the caliber of offensive and defensive actions. There will also be encouragement for teams to have their own identities on how they want to play.
USWNT Prepares to Face Brazil in Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team will take on Brazil on Saturday in the first of two friendlies this international break, with the second match set for Tuesday. These friendlies will be rematches of last year’s Olympic gold medal match, which the U.S. won 1-0. Marta has retired from international soccer, but Pride midfielder Angelina was called up for these friendlies, along with former Pride forward Adriana. Lorena, who has only conceded one goal in three games for the Kansas City Current this season, will likely get the start in goal for Brazil behind a talented back line anchored by Tarciane. The USWNT will need to find ways to limit attacking threats like Kerolin and Gabi Portilho as well. These should be matches, with familiar faces on both sides for Orlando fans.
U.S. Set to Host 2031 Women’s World Cup
It looks like the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be held in the U.S., as FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the only bid came from the U.S. and potentially other Concacaf nations. The U.S., which withdrew from hosting the 2027 World Cup, would be the first country to host the tournament three times and last hosted it in 2007. The United Kingdom was also revealed as the lone valid bid to host the 2035 World Cup and it would be the first time the tournament is hosted there.
Free Kicks
- Shout out to Orlando City’s U-19 team for its title win and securing a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC and Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós have reached an agreement for a contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2029.
- The schedule for the third round of the U.S. Open Cup is out, with more USL Championship teams joining the fray. Only two MLS NEXT Pro teams remain, while El Farolito is the lone team from an open division still standing.
- Philadelphia Union forward Tai Baribo was named MLS Player of the Month for his performance in March and February. The 27-year-old scored six goals in five games, with five of those goals coming in the Union’s first two games of the season.
- As for the NWSL’s monthly awards, Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga won Player of the Month after scoring in all three of her games so far this season. Houston Dash midfielder Maggie Graham claimed Rookie of the Month for scoring in her first two appearances.
- Goalkeeper Tim Melia has announced his retirement from professional soccer after a 17-year career that included 10 years with Sporting Kansas City.
- Toronto FC added midfielder Maxime Dominguez on loan from Vasco da Gama in Brazil’s top flight.
- Arsenal’s injury woes this season continue, with defender Gabriel Magalhaes set to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
- We’ll end our links with the Lions celebrating Rodrigo Schlegel’s birthday in style.
That’s all for this fine Friday, I hope you all have a fantastic day and a relaxing weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/3/25
Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!
Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials
Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.
Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty
Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.
Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda
NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.
USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season
American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
- San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
- New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
- El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
- Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/2/25
Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.
International Duty, Pride Edition
Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.
Pride Still on Top
It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.
Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties
You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.
On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.
USWNT Youth Movement
Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.
Free Kicks
- The NWSL is looking to expand its media rights deals to include Sunday nights beginning next year. It’s a growth league and a growth market, and I’m all for Sunday night matches.
- Power rankings have now made their way down to MLS NEXT Pro. Spoiler alert, Orlando City B comes in at fifth. Still, it’s nice to see a little love given to the development league. Maybe I should write a power rankings for the various power rankings.
- I’m always for more soccer, and we now know the USL Women’s Super League eight-team playoff dates and format.
- I know it can be hard to feel bad for people who make quite a bit money playing soccer, but I still side with them over the billionaire owners that pay them. Or don’t pay them in the case of Sheffield Wednesday’s owner, Dejphon Chansiri.
- Barcelona is trying to bring the NFL to Spain. If successful, it might be the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes who make an appearance at Camp Nou. This will allow a bunch of Barcelona supporters the opportunity to ask if Taylor Swift will make an appearance.
- If you’re not watching the German Cup — and to be fair, I haven’t been either — you are missing some massive cupsets, including third-tier Arminia Bielefeld taking down Bundesliga champs Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 to advance to the German Cup final.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!
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