Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/15/21

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you’ve enjoyed all of the international soccer this past week as players now head back to their clubs for this weekend’s action. It’s a weekend filled with milestones for Orlando City supporters as today marks four years since Kaká last played for the Lions and tomorrow will be seven years since the groundbreaking at what is now known as Exploria Stadium. But before you walk too far down memory lane, enjoy these links from around the soccer world.
Orlando City Takes On FC Cincinnati Tomorrow
The Lions are well rested as they travel to take on FC Cincinnati tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. Orlando is coming off of a dramatic 2-1 win over D.C. United on Oct. 2 and will aim to keep that momentum going against one of the weakest teams in the league. Cincinnati is on a six-game losing streak and on pace to finish last in MLS for the third consecutive year. The Lions have yet to lose to Cincy, but their last trip to TQL Stadium resulted in a 1-1 draw on Aug. 7. Miguel Gallardo and Evan Weston gave a breakdown of what to watch for in this match-up as Orlando enters the final stretch of the regular season.
Talkin' #InTheHunt in today's Orlando City Roundtable presented by @Ford 🎥 #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/uTTYQt42oK
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 14, 2021
Orlando Pride Must Rebound Following Loss
There’s not much turnaround for the Pride after a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Red Stars as they must now shift gears to focus on tomorrow’s road game against Racing Louisville FC at 7:30 p.m. The loss highlighted issues that have frustrated the Pride during this three-game skid as they conceded early and weren’t able to create consistent chances on offense. That may change this weekend though as Emily van Egmond will be available for the Pride after meeting the team in Louisville ahead of the match.
Confirmed with the club. Emily van Egmond met the team in Louisville and is available for Saturday’s game. https://t.co/VeLTdB2XMF
— Julia Poe 🎃👻 (@byjuliapoe) October 14, 2021
Ashlyn Harris’ heroics in goal should keep the Pride within striking distance during their final two games of the regular season, but the Pride’s playoff hopes are out of their hands. Even if they win out, the Pride will need multiple teams to lose in order to make the postseason.
USMNT Adapting to Concacaf Qualifying
With six Concacaf World Cup qualifiers under its belt, the USMNT sits near the top of the table with 11 points. It’s been far from smooth sailing for the USMNT, but players are becoming accustomed to the physically demanding nature of Concacaf qualifying. This is right back Sergino Dest’s first taste of World Cup qualifying after growing up in Holland and he spoke about how the team is improving.
“It was an eye-opener for us,” said Dest when asked about the lessons of the September window after Wednesday’s victory. “Because for me it was the first time, for some of the guys it was the first time. It was an eye-opener and yeah, I think this window we got one more point, so we’re making improvements, but we still have a long way to go.”
The USMNT has played every team so far except for first-place Mexico, which it will face on Nov. 12. Until then, players will continue to improve at the club level in an effort to earn selection next month. Orlando’s Daryl Dike, who has scored in the Lions’ past three games, could rejoin the conversation for a call-up if he keeps up his run of form. Ricardo Pepi, Gyasi Zardes, Josh Sargent, Jordan Pefok, Matthew Hoppe, and Nicholas Gioacchini are the other American forwards to keep an eye on between now and then.
Steve Baldwin Will Sell the Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit majority owner Steve Baldwin told investors that he will begin the process of selling the club according to an email obtained by The Washington Post. The decision comes after Spirit’s players demanded he sell to co-owner Michele Kang following the firing of head coach Richie Burke and an investigation into the club’s workplace. Baldwin did not name a specific buyer, but expects the selling process to be finished by the end of the year.
Free Kicks
- Harris won NWSL Save of the Week for her diving stop in stoppage time against NJ/NY Gotham FC to deny Brianna Pinto and keep the Pride alive in the match.
She's done it again 💥@Ashlyn_Harris takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for this stop 🛑 pic.twitter.com/0uU6BZTrR1
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 14, 2021
- Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Peru fell 1-0 to Argentina while Sebas Mendez did not play in Ecuador’s scoreless draw with Colombia.
- Kyle Smith detailed how he, Rio-Hope Gund, Wilfredo Rivera, and Alexandre Pato used some mental warfare to win at footvolley in training.
The mental game is very important, in every game. 🧠 @RealKyleSmith24 | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/efLPXQT5F9
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 14, 2021
- Orlando City right back Michael Halliday was named as an honorable mention on this list of young MLS players who could make a splash next season.
- Jordan Morris could play this weekend for the Seattle Sounders as he nears his return after tearing his ACL this February. Carlos Vela is also nearing a return from injury and would certainly boost LAFC’s playoff hopes.
- United States Women’s National Team forward Tobin Heath scored her first goal with Arsenal in a 4-0 win over Hoffenheim in the Women’s Champions League. The USWNT’s Catarina Macario also scored in the Champions League, converting a penalty for Lyon in a 5-0 victory against Benfica.
- With the international window over, Americans are back in action with their clubs this weekend and here’s a guide to who is playing and when.
- 18-year-old midfielder Pedri signed a new contract with FC Barcelona that lasts through 2026 and includes a record $1.16 billion release clause.
That’s all I have for you today. Have a wonderful Friday and rest of your weekend. 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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