Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/23/22

Published

3 years ago

on

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Make sure to drink plenty of water today as this summer heat isn’t playing around. Even trips out to my mailbox and back feel like an expedition through a desert. I’ve been cooling off most nights with tiki drinks and just finished “Only Murders in the Building,” which was phenomenal. If you haven’t seen it yet and are a fan of mysteries, give it a try, as the second season drops next week. But for now, enjoy these links from around the soccer world.

Orlando City Hits the Road

After a win at home last weekend, the Lions will now head to Ohio for a match tomorrow night against FC Cincinnati. This is the second meeting between the two clubs this season, with Cincinnati winning 2-1 in Exploria Stadium on March 12. Cincy forward Brandon Vazquez had a brace in that match and has been on a tear this season. The other Cincy player to keep an eye on is Nigerian defensive midfielder Obinna Nwobodo. Cincy added Nwobodo as a Designated Player last month and he was impressive in a 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union.

Orlando’s defense will certainly have its hands full, especially considering center back Robin Jansson won’t be available due to yellow card accumulation. However, there seems to be some good news on the horizon as Antonio Carlos continues to recover from his injury.

Erin McLeod Up for NWSL Save of the Week

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod was nominated for the NWSL Save of the Week for her amazing save against Becky Sauerbrunn this past weekend. Sauerbrunn was left unmarked in the box on a corner kick, but McLeod was able to stretch and the swat the ball away to keep the game level for the time being. McLeod faces stiff competition for the award as Alyssa Naeher, Bella Bixby, and DiDi Haracic also came up with impressive saves this past weekend.

MLS NEXT Cup Begins This Weekend

Orlando City’s U-15 and U-17 academy teams will both be in action this weekend as the MLS NEXT Cup kicks off in Frisco, TX. Over 20 matches across the four tournaments will be streamed on Twitch and YouTube, including the U-15 final on July 2 and the U-17 semifinal on July 3. Orlando’s U-17 side won the MLS NEXT Cup last year and will start this year’s edition against Inter Miami on Sunday at 10 a.m. If it wins, Orlando would then face either the Barca Residency Program or the Earthquakes on Monday. As for the U-15 team, it will take on the New York Red Bulls this Saturday at 10 a.m. in the first round. The winner of that match will then play on Sunday against the winner between New York City FC and the San Jose Earthquakes for a chance to reach the quarterfinals. I’m a sucker for anything involving a massive bracket, so I’m pretty excited to see how far the Young Lions can go.

Getting Ready for the Concacaf Women’s Championship

The 2022 Concacaf Women’s Championship will start on the Fourth of July when the United States Women’s National Team plays against Haiti at 7 p.m. in Monterrey. You’ll be able to watch every match on Paramount+ and can check out the broadcast schedule below.

The tournament doubles as qualification for both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and 2024 Olympics and USWNT Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski called up a mix of young and veteran talent for this tournament. Former Pride player Taylor Kornieck is the only player on the roster who has yet to make an appearance with the USWNT. While her height is helpful on offense, it was her vision that helped catch Andonovski’s attention.

“I know she’s flashy when it comes down to her aerial challenges or physicality but what stood out to us is her ability to read the game and creativity,” Andonovski told reporters.

Whereas Kornieck is on the hunt for her first cap, OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe has 187 and is also headed to Mexico for the tournament. While injuries have limited her this NWSL season, Rapinoe will bring plenty of experience and a clinical touch to help the USWNT and be a mentor for younger players. The USWNT has a pair of friendlies against Colombia between now and the tournament, with the first taking place on Saturday.

Free Kicks

  • Voting is underway for the MLS All-Star Game and here is a list of which players have received the most votes after the first day, sorted by position. Center back Robin Jansson, left back Joao Moutinho, and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese are the only Lions listed at this time.
  • The Red Bulls beat NYCFC 3-0 and will face the winner between Orlando and Nashville SC in the Open Cup semifinals. Sporting Kansas City won 6-0 to end Union Omaha’s Cinderella run and will face Sacramento Republic FC in the other semifinal.
  • Ayo Akinola scored a brace as Toronto FC cruised to a 4-0 win over CF Montreal to reach the Canadian Championship final.
  • Atlanta United traded away $350,000 of 2023 General Allocation Money and a third-round 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick for a pair of international roster slots. Those will be handy for Atlanta after recently adding Mexican players Juan Jose Purata and Raul Gudino.
  • After a stellar season with Super Lig club Antalyaspor, American forward Haji Wright may stay in Turkey with a different club. Trabzonspor won the league last year and is reportedly interested in Wright. If this move comes to pass, Wright would get to take part in the Champions League right before the World Cup.
  • American midfielder Lynden Gooch helped Sunderland earn promotion to the EFL Championship and is sticking around after signing a two-year contract.
  • USWNT goalkeeping legend Brianna Scurry fielded questions about her upcoming memoir that delves into her career, brain injury, and family.
  • The Ukrainian Women’s National Team will play two World Cup qualifying matches in Poland over the next few days after the games were originally set for April.

That’s all I have for you today. It hurts a bit watching all of these Open Cup quarterfinals take place while having to wait for Orlando to take the field on Wednesday. Thankfully, there’s plenty of soccer to look forward to this weekend. Have a great Thursday!

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

1 day 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

2 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

3 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