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Lion Links: 2/23/22

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3 years ago

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Hello, Mane Landers! We’re only a few more days away from kickoff at Exploria Stadium this Sunday with Orlando City hosting CF Montreal and I can’t wait! Let’s also wish a happy birthday to Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. There’s plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Assessing Orlando’s Midfielders and Forwards

As the Lions prepare for Sunday’s match against Montreal, broadcaster Evan Weston shared his insights on the team’s midfielders. César Araújo is the new face among Orlando’s midfielders after joining the Lions this off-season through the U22 Initiative. The Uruguayan joins Sebas Méndez and Joey DeZart as the team’s defensive midfielders this season. Junior Urso and Andres Perea provide versatility as the team’s box-to-box midfielders and Mauricio Pereyra will serve as the team’s maestro pulling the strings on offense. Pereyra needs four more assists to pass former Lion Nani for the all-time club record.

He will have talented attacking players at his disposal this year, despite the departures of Nani, Daryl Dike, and Chris Mueller this off-season. The front office was able to bring winger Facundo Torres from Peñarol in Uruguay to Orlando as a Young Designated Player. The club also added striker Ercan Kara from Austrian club Rapid Vienna as a Designated Player to give the team some firepower up front. Alexandre Pato returns this year after missing a majority of last season due to injury and could take Orlando’s offense to the next level. Tesho Akindele, Silvester van der Water, Benji Michel, and Wilfredo Rivera are all back in purple this year and are joined by rookie Jack Lynn.

Previewing the Orlando Pride’s Upcoming Season

The Orlando Pride will look much different when they take the field in 2022 compared to last season. Veterans Alex Morgan, Ashlyn Harris, and Ali Krieger were all traded away from the team this off-season, along with other notable players such as Ali Riley, Taylor Kornieck, and Emily van Egmond. The Pride are in the midst of a rebuild, with new head coach Amanda Cromwell at the helm. Defender Megan Montefusco will bring some stability and leadership to a back line that will be without two of its starters from last season as well as Phoebe McClernon, who logged a lot of minutes before departing in the off-season.

On offense, Sydney Leroux and Marta return and are joined by young players such as Viviana Villacorta, Mikayla Cluff, and Julie Doyle. Forward Darian Jenkins could also make an impact for the Pride this year as she reunites with Cromwell after Orlando traded for her this off-season. The Pride’s first match of 2022 will be on March 9 against the Washington Spirit in their first match of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup.

USWNT and U.S. Soccer Settle Equal Pay Lawsuit

The United States Women’s National Team and the U.S. Soccer Federation released a joint statement as both parties have reached an agreement to settle the equal pay lawsuit for $24 million.

As part of the settlement, the players will receive a lump sum payment of $22 million, with an additional $2 million paid to benefit the players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to girl’s and women’s soccer. The U.S. Soccer Federation has also committed to providing an equal rate of pay going forward for both the women’s and men’s national teams in all friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup. The settlement is contingent on a new collective bargaining agreement being ratified by the USWNT players.

Americans in Action in the UEFA Champions League

United States Men’s National Team forward Christian Pulisic scored in the 63rd minute for Chelsea as the English club defeated Lille 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League. In case you missed it, here’s another look at Pulisic’s goal.

In the other Champions League match-up, Juventus got off to a strong start with Dusan Vlahovic scoring the quickest Champions League goal by a debutant starter. Dani Parejo equalized for Villarreal in the 66th minute and the game finished 1-1. Unfortunately in the 80th minute, Juventus and USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie took a hard challenge from Villarreal’s Pervis Estupinan that forced him to leave the match. The 23-year-old reportedly broke his left foot and will be sidelined for at least eight weeks.

In today’s matches, Atletico Madrid will host Manchester United while Benfica and Ajax square off in Lisbon.

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  • Orlando Pride midfielder Chelsee Washington scored her third goal in four games while on loan with Canberra United in Australia.

  • The first MLS power rankings of 2022 were released, with the Lions starting the season in 12th.
  • Orlando City had one of the most compelling off-seasons in MLS according to MLSsoccer.com’s Tom Bogert.
  • Orlando City Development Academy goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo was called up to the U.S. U-15 Men’s Youth National Team’s training camp this week.
  • Here are five things you need to know about Iceland ahead of the USWNT’s match tonight at 9 p.m. in the SheBelieves Cup.
  • Atlanta United officially signed former Lion Dom Dwyer to a two-year deal.

That will do it for me, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.

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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.

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.

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

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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