Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/10/22

Published

3 years ago

on

Salutations on a beautiful Sunday morning, Mane Landers! A win always makes getting up the next day much better, and with an expected U.S. victory, it feels like the best Sunday morning in quite a while. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Extinguish the Fire

The Lions welcomed the Chicago Fire to Exploria Stadium on one of the nicest days in weeks, and managed to earn all three points in a 1-0 win. Orlando City’s pressing style of play did a very good job of getting into the attack and recovering the ball when lost. Chicago’s Brian Gutiérrez earned two yellow cards and was sent off in the 43rd minute, giving Orlando City a man advantage the remainder of the match. Ercan Kara scored his first goal in purple and the Lions got their first set piece goal in the 59th minute.

Check back for our player grades and five takeaways later today.

USWNT Wins Easily vs. Uzbekistan

The U.S. hosted Uzbekistan in Columbus for the first of two friendlies, defeating the visitors, 9-1. It took 26 minutes for Andi Sullivan to get the U.S. on the board, but the Yanks scored an additional three before the half with a goal from Mallory Pugh, and two from Sophia Smith. The team went on to score five more, with Smith completing the hat trick, and goals from Jaelin Howell, Catarina Macario, Ashley Hatch, and Ashley Sanchez. Uzbekistan’s Aziza Norboeva scored a consolation goal in the 70th minute. The two teams will meet Tuesday night at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania.

Results from Around MLS

Inter Miami CF finally won a match, defeating the New England Revolution, 3-2. Of course, this was a competition between the two last-place teams in the Eastern Conference. In Philadelphia, the Union benefited from an own goal by the Columbus Crew’s Eloy Room in the second minute. That was the extent of the scoring, as the Union won, 1-0. In the last of the early matches, CF Montréal completed a comeback win over the New York Red Bulls, 2-1, thanks to second-half goals from Rudy Camacho and Romell Quioto. In El Trafico, the LA Galaxy nearly blew a 2-0 lead before holding on in desperation for a 2-1 win. LAFC appeared to score the second of its goals deep in stoppage time through Latif Blessing but Chris Penso overturned it on video review. Toronto FC went to Rio Tinto and went down a man but returned home with a 2-2 draw. FC Dallas won 3-1 at home over the Colorado Rapids, while the Houston Dynamo won a wild, back-and-forth 4-3 match over San Jose. Nashville SC claimed a 2-1 road victory at Sporting Kansas City. In a Cascadia rivalry match, the Portland Timbers went on the road and defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-2. The Caps missed a penalty in the match.

Around the EPL

It was a wild day in the English Premier League on Saturday starting with Everton defeating Manchester United, 1-0. The Toffees are trying to stay out of the relegation zone, and Manchester United is trying to climb back into the top four. Everton’s home win keeps it afloat, but Manchester United’s hopes for a top-four finish are fading.

It’s been a little over a month since Jesse Marsch took the reins at Leeds United, and on Saturday United took care of business , drubbing Watford 3-0 at Vicarage Road. Watford boss Roy Hodgson is also trying to avoid relegation. If he can’t turn Watford around, it will be the first time one of his clubs has dropped.

Chelsea might still be 10 points behind Liverpool and Manchester City, but the Blues decimated Southampton by a score of 6-0 on Saturday to shore up third place. Mason Mount and Timo Werner contributed two goals apiece, with Marcos Alonso and Kai Havertz each with a goal of their own.

Arsenal’s very bad, not-good week culminated with a 2-1 loss to visiting Brighton & Hove Albion FC. Brighton’s first half goal from Leandro Trossard gave the Seagulls the lead and they never gave it up. Enock Mwepu put Brighton up by two and only a late goal from Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard kept the visitors from registering a clean sheet. The loss just made it tougher for the Gunners to break into the top four, and a Champions League spot.

Tottenham kept hold of fourth place with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa. An early goal from Son Heung-min put Spurs up in the third minute. Dejan Kulusevski added the second goal five minutes into the second half, and Son added two more for a hat trick on the day. Steven Gerrard will have plenty of film for his squad to study after this one.

Free Kicks

  • If you’re like me, you’ll be tuning in to watch what could be the match that decides whether Liverpool or Manchester City wins the EPL this season. The two titans meet with City sitting one point over the Reds in the standings. Here are three key battles between the sides to look for in the match.
  • If you’re looking for a gift idea for the soccer/Ted Lasso person in your life (or say your favorite Mane Land PawedCast co-host/senior columnist), you could do worse than these excellent candles.

  • Pato is just a good dude.

That will do it for today. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Watch TML later today for a recap on OCB’s trip to South Florida.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

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.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 6, 2025

By

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!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

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

on

June 5, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

Continue Reading

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

on

June 4, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending