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Lion Links: 10/11/21

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. You’ll notice there was no exclamation point at the end of that greeting, which is due to losses by the Orlando Pride and the United States Men’s National Team this weekend. We should definitely all try to be goldfish as we head into this week.

The Mind Behind Orlando City’s Set Piece Success

Orlando City assistant coach Josema Bazan handles the Lions’ offensive strategy, including on set pieces. While Bazan is responsible for the short corners that Orlando City has taken this season (#BanShortCorners), he’s also helped the team score in recent matches from the corner flag. Both goals in Orlando’s 2-1 win over D.C. United were from corners and Bazan dove into how the team prepares to make the most of set pieces in matches.

Bazan scouts opposing teams by studying how they defend against set pieces to uncover the areas Orlando can exploit in matches and then spending an hour each week in training to prepare the Lions. I find it interesting that, like Ted Lasso, Bazan names the different set piece plays, and can be tight-lipped about which ones are which. While there is plenty of random chance involved in set pieces, Bazan works hard to limit that uncertainty for Orlando in dead ball situations.

“You have to be lucky,” he said. “You’re going to receive 200 crosses, you’re going to touch only five. Maybe one or two are going to be goals. You must believe that this is one of those one or two. … They are random moments. It’s our job to make that [randomness] smaller and smaller.”

Pride Players Continue to Push for Change in the NWSL

Orlando Pride players Alex Morgan and Ali Krieger are allocated players through the U.S. Soccer Federation, meaning their salaries come from U.S. Soccer rather than the club. Regardless, the two are in complete lockstep with their fellow players in advocating for systemic change in the NWSL to better protect players. Krieger praised how the Pride provides her and her teammates with needed support. There are, of course, the resources and facilities, but the Pride’s front office actively engages with players to address any concerns.

“I hope that a lot of teams look at how we as a club here in Orlando handle our players and our staff,” Krieger said. “I feel very proud to be a part of a club that gives us this support and gives us all these resources. Day by day we’re getting better and we’re fighting for more, and they’re listening. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to make us happy. … I really hope that other clubs will use a similar model because I’m proud to be in a club that treats us the way they do.”

USMNT Loses to Panama

The U.S. stumbled in Panama City, losing 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier against Panama with a heavily rotated roster compared to the one that won 2-0 over Jamaica. The Yanks seemed reluctant to build up through the midfield, and instead sent balls over the top. Unfortunately, nothing came of that strategy as the USMNT only had five shots, with none on target. Ricardo Pepi, who scored a brace against Jamaica, came on as a substitute in the 67th minute but wasn’t able to get the U.S. on the scoreboard.

The USMNT now sits second in the Octagon with eight points, placing above third-place Panama due to goal differential. Mexico is at the top of the table after a 3-0 win against Panama while Canada is in fourth and drew 0-0 with Jamaica. The USMNT will try to get back on track when it faces Costa Rica this Wednesday in Columbus.

Keeping Up With Qualifying Around the World

In CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Peru fell 1-0 to Bolivia while Sebas Mendez didn’t play in Ecuador’s 2-1 loss to Venezuela. Brazil’s nine-game win streak in qualifying came to an end after a scoreless draw with Colombia and Lionel Messi scored Argentina’s first goal in a 3-0 win over Uruguay. The next matches will take place this Thursday.

Elsewhere, Nigeria, Mali, and Tanzania all came up with big wins in African qualifiers. The matches continue today and tomorrow with the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, and more nations in action. Belgium, Denmark, and Germany can officially qualify for the World Cup depending on today and tomorrow’s results. In AFC qualifying, Japan has a critical game against Australia tomorrow to salvage its campaign after losing two of its first three matches.

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  • Orlando forward Derek Dodson had an assist in Hartford Athletic’s 2-1 loss against the Charleston Battery. The defeat eliminated Hartford from playoff contention with five games left on its schedule. Hartford’s last game of the season is on Oct. 30, meaning Dodson will return from his loan before the MLS regular season ends.
  • After former Pride and Australia national team player Lisa De Vanna made claims of sexual abuse and harassment while playing for the Matildas, Australian players such as Orlando Pride midfielder Emily van Egmond and Sam Kerr made statements regarding the team’s culture.
  • The Seattle Sounders clinched a spot in the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season after winning 4-1 over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
  • Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe scored to lift France to a 2-1 victory against Spain in the UEFA Nations League final.
  • The 2022 FIFA World Cup may be Neymar’s last as the Brazilian forward discussed the mental toll of playing.

That will be it for today’s links. Check back for our coverage throughout the week as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride make playoff pushes.

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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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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.

Published

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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