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Lion Links: 4/30/22

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3 years ago

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What’s up, Mane Landers? I hope you are all wrapping up a great week. Personally, I was able to get a bit of clearance from my surgeon to finally make my return to soccer and debut in my local league here. I’m no Ercan Kara, but I did put a solid header towards goal in my first minutes back. Who knows — maybe someone will find me playing amateur soccer and call me up in a fairy tale Robin Jansson-esque way. Until then though, I’ll be catching all the Orlando City matches and linking for you here. Let’s get to it!

First Charlotte FC Visit to Orlando

Exploria Stadium will be rocking tonight at 7:30 p.m. as Orlando City takes on Charlotte FC. The visitors will look to build off their road performance from last weekend. The club was able to draw at the Colorado Rapids and secure its first away point of the season. The second half of the match was considered to be the most commanding performance Charlotte has had away from home this season.

Charlotte FC goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina said the match against the Rapids “was important to get some points to increase our confidence.” With earning their first away points against the Rapids, Charlotte has a confidence boost heading into their away trip to Orlando.

The Lions give Charlotte good reason to be confident, too. Having played themselves to a pair of wins at home, the Lions have also lost three matches at Exploria Stadium already in this young season — the most recent coming last week against the New York Red Bulls in a three-goal, shutout loss that we have all been trying to put out of our memory.

Pride Open 2022 NWSL Season on Sunday

The Orlando Pride and Gotham FC meet for the second consecutive week after they drew 1-1 last Saturday in their final 2022 Challenge Cup fixture. This time, more is on the line as it will be the season opener of the 2022 NWSL campaign. The Pride have won just one of their last seven meetings in all competitions with Gotham.

With the official start of the season, Orlando has a clean slate and will be looking to get the ball rolling after finishing as the only team in the Challenge Cup to have not won a single group stage game. The Pride had draws against the Spirit and Gotham, but they took four matches to find the back of the net. Gotham has scored exactly one goal in each of its last five matches and has failed to score multiple goals in any of its last 10 matches in all competitions.

Daryl Dike to Miss USMNT Summer Fixtures

Former Lion and fan favorite Daryl Dike will miss the USMNT’s four summer matches. Dike has been on the sideline since January for West Bromwich Albion as he continues to recover from a leg injury. While this summer would have been a great time for Gregg Berhalter to evaluate the striker, he will not feature for the USMNT’s two friendlies and two Concacaf Nations League games in June.

It appears this is more of West Brom manager Steve Bruce’s decision than anyone else's.

Manager Steve Bruce confirmed he spoke with USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter to explain the situation. “I spoke to Gregg this week,” said Bruce, who previously managed Berhalter as a player during his stint at Crystal Palace in the 2001/02 season.

“They have been very very sensible and they understand the situation. Daryl will not be involved in the internationals. There’s another one in September so that is what he is focusing on. It’s good for Daryl too, so it’s good to clear that up. He can concentrate on what we have put in place to make sure he has a really good summer before he comes back for preseason.

Seattle to Break CCL Final Attendance Record

A record-breaking crowd is set to cheer on the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field Wednesday night when they attempt to make history as the first MLS winners of the Concacaf Champions League against Liga MX’s Pumas UNAM. The club has already sold more than 61,000 tickets for the second-leg match. The first leg was a 2-2 draw in Mexico City that finished with a stoppage time penalty for the Sounders.

They’ll surpass the 61,004 fans that watched CF Montréal face Club América at Stade Olympique in 2015’s second leg. Wednesday’s match could also become the largest-ever crowd on-hand in CCL history, with 66,208 fans attending the 2015 semifinal second leg between Club América and Herediano at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Seattle boasts an unbeaten record when passing the 60,000 attendance mark (7-0-1). It last surpassed the mark during MLS Cup 2019, when 69,274 fans watched the club defeat Toronto FC, 3-1.

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  • Orlando City has partnered with Duvin Design Co. for all of your beach-going swimwear needs.

Today marks another match day. Head on down to Exploria Stadium and get loud. Show the new boys in town what a real MLS fan base looks like! Vamos Orlando!

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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

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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