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Lion Links: 11/26/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? Hopefully you all had a great Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and food. I have enough leftovers to last the next few days, which should help save some money as I finish up my holiday shopping. Now, let’s get to today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City SC Celebrates Thanksgiving

Orlando City players Daryl Dike, Tesho Akindele, Silvester van der Water, Joey DeZart, Derek Dodson, and Raul Aguilera all came together to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. It’s always nice to see the Lions link up off the field and I love the dad energy radiating off of Akindele with his kid and some of Orlando’s youngsters.

The Orlando City Foundation also held its annual turkey giveaway at Exploria Stadium to provide the local community with turkeys and groceries for the holiday.

Portland Timbers Advance on Thanksgiving

In the first MLS game ever played on Thanksgiving, the Portland Timbers went on the road and beat the Colorado Rapids 1-0 to book their ticket to the Western Conference final. Portland defender Larrys Mabiala found the back of the net in the 90th minute, following a corner kick, to eliminate the Rapids from the playoffs. However, the win came with some costs for the Timbers as Sebastian Blanco left the game due to an injury in the first half and Dairon Asprilla was shown a red card in stoppage time. The Timbers will take on the winner of Sunday’s game between Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake. Sunday’s action will also include an Eastern Conference showdown between the Philadelphia Union and Nashville SC, while the New England Revolution’s playoff campaign won’t begin until Tuesday against New York City FC.

USWNT Plays Against Australia Tonight

In the first of two friendlies, the United States Women’s National Team will take on Australia late tonight at 11 p.m. in Sydney. The two sides met twice earlier this year in the Tokyo Olympics, playing to a scoreless draw in the group stage before the USWNT beat Australia 4-3 to claim the bronze medal. The USWNT’s roster for this pair of friendlies in Australia includes just 10 players from that Olympic squad as Vlatko Andonovski opted for a younger team. While no Orlando Pride players will be in action for the USWNT, midfielder Emily van Egmond should play for the Matildas. Van Egmond and other notable players, such as Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, should test a USWNT defense that didn’t concede any goals in friendlies against Paraguay and South Korea since the Olympics. The two will play again at 4 a.m. on Tuesday in the final game of 2021 for the USWNT.

Ralf Rangnick Reportedly Set Join Manchester United

Manchester United will reportedly name Lokomotiv Moscow Head of Soccer and Development Ralf Rangnick as its interim manager for the next six months while the club continues its search for a permanent manager. The 63-year-old has decades of experience managing German clubs such as RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, and Hannover. Rangnick will also reportedly be a consultant for United for two years following the six-month contract at the helm. Michael Carrick will still be at the helm for United’s English Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

Europa League Action Heats Up

West Ham traveled to Austria and clinched its spot in the Europa League’s round of 16 after a 2-0 win against Rapid Vienna. Fellow EPL club Leicester City also came up with a win after a 3-1 result against Legia Warsaw. Leicester now sits atop its group ahead of its match with Napoli, which lost 2-1 to Spartak Moscow FC. There were a number of Americans in action as Timothy Chandler had an assist for Eintracht Frankfurt in a 2-2 draw with Sam Vines and Royal Antwerp. Deandre Yedlin and Galatasaray won 4-2 to eliminate Konrad de la Fuente and Marseille. Cameron Carter-Vickers’ Celtic lost 3-2 to Bayer Leverkusen and will drop down to the Europa Conference League’s preliminary stage.

In the Europa Conference League, Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-1 to Slovenian club NS Mura. After a red card reduced Tottenham to 10 men in the first half, Harry Kane scored an equalizer but Mura found a winner in stoppage time. Meanwhile, AS Roma cruised to an important 4-0 win against FC Zorya Luhansk as Tammy Abraham completed his brace in style.

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  • Pride midfielder Gunnhildur “Gunny” Jonsdottir started in Iceland’s impressive 2-0 win over Japan in a friendly.
  • MLSsoccer.com‘s Sam Jones had a lighthearted take on what each MLS club would bring to Thanksgiving. It was determined that Orlando City would bring a Publix sub, but make sure to check out the full article as there are some friendly jabs at Orlando’s rivals and other MLS teams.
  • The United States Men’s National Team’s World Cup qualifying match against Canada on Jan. 30 will be played in Hamilton, Ontario.
  • Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest, and Weston McKennie are just a few of the Americans to keep an eye out for during this weekend’s action across Europe.
  • The temporary rule that allows teams to use five substitutions in a match is expected to become permanent in the International Football Association Board’s annual meeting in March.

That’s going to be all for today. I wish you the best of luck during your Black Friday shopping, but don’t forget about your favorite local shops and during this weekend. Have a wonderful Friday and rest of your weekend!

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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.

Published

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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