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Lion Links: 6/11/22

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3 years ago

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Happy Saturday, Mane Landers. The lulls of summer have fully kicked in. It seems that as the days get longer and the nights get shorter that I just get more and more tired. I thought summer was supposed to be about rest and relaxation? Maybe I should have skipped the USMNT match last night to catch up on sleep. Who am I kidding — I never miss a match! Nevertheless, there is always work to be done and links to be collected. Here is your collection of today’s links from around the soccer world!

Mason Stajduhar Undergoes Successful Jaw Surgery

File this news under “couldn’t have come at a worse time.” With Pedro Gallese’s Peru scheduled to play for a World Cup berth on Monday, El Pulpo is unlikely to be back and ready to go in the net at New England on Wednesday. So, it’s a particularly bitter blow that backup goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar sustained a jaw injury in training that was severe enough to require surgery. The club reported in a late Friday afternoon news dump that the surgery was a success in a short press release.

Orlando City SC goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar has undergone successful surgery to repair a fracture of his lower mandible, which was sustained in training this week. The procedure was performed by Dr. Daniel Crofton, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with Orlando Health.

Stajduhar, who recently signed a new three-year contract with the Club, is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

With Stajduhar on the shelf and Gallese — at best — fighting fatigue and jet lag, it’s likely that Adam Grinwis will return to MLS action on Wednesday. Perhaps Gallese can arrive in time to back him up, otherwise, the best backup option might be Rodrigo Schlegel.

Halliday Makes U-20 USMNT Concacaf Championship Roster

U-20 U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Mikey Varas called up 20 players for the 2022 Concacaf Under-20 Championship. The squad features 17 players from MLS clubs, with Orlando City defender Michael Halliday making the roster. The United States will be playing in Group E and will be looking to win a third straight Concacaf title. The Concacaf U-20 Championship’s top three finishers in the four groups will advance to the Round of 16 and join four teams already qualified for the knockout round. Teams will then play a single-elimination tournament, with the four semifinalists qualifying for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the two finalists qualifying for the 2024 Olympics. The United States has not qualified for the Olympics since 2008.

Pride Seek Revenge at Chicago

When the Pride head to Chicago tomorrow, it is the Red Stars who will be the heavy favorite. Chicago enters the match unbeaten in five games dating back to the middle of May. Orlando, on the other hand, is coming off a 5-0 loss against Houston. Chicago beat Orlando earlier this season and has done so in three regular season games in a row going back to last October. There will be new management at the helm for this fixture though, as former Orlando City Lion Seb Hines will be standing in for Amanda Cromwell, who remains on administrative leave. The key match-up will be Chicago’s stingy defense at home. The team has kept seven clean sheets and only allowed seven goals in its last 12 home matches in all NWSL competitions.

USMNT Starts Nations League Strong

The USMNT earned its first win of the Concacaf Nations League Friday night, defeating Grenada 5-0 in Austin, TX. In a match where the United States was expected to score a slew of goals, it was never a question of “if” the USMNT would score, but “when.” Players like Luca de la Torre, Paul Arriola, and Jesús Ferreira shined in the first half as the team dominated possession. Ferreira made a strong case to be Head Coach Gregg Berhalter’s starting striker as he put his fourth international goal in the net right before half time. He went on to complete his hat trick by the 56th minute and finished with four goals on the night. The United States will head to Estadio Cuscatlán next to take on El Salvador Tuesday at 10 p.m.

Inaugural Soccer Champions Tour Coming to America

This summer, Las Vegas will see Real Madrid and Barcelona as the marquee match-up of the inaugural Soccer Champions Tour. The series of five exhibitions, set to run from July 22-30, will also include Italian Serie A club Juventus, alongside Liga MX sides Club America and Club Deportivo Guadalajara.

“Following several years without seeing some of these teams in the United States, we are thrilled to provide the opportunity for soccer fans in the U.S. to once again watch their favorite European and Mexican clubs play in person,” AEG senior vice president of soccer & business operations and business development Tom Braun said.

Other matches will be played at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, and the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles. Let us know in the comments below which match-up you would have liked to have seen at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

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If you stayed up late last night to watch all of the USMNT match, I hope you have a relaxing Saturday to rest back up. Be sure to tune in later tonight and catch the Young Lions as they take on New England II. 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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16 hours 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.

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2 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

3 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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