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Lion Links: 6/25/22

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3 years ago

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Well, last night did not go as planned. But, I hope you all at least enjoyed watching Antonio Carlos rejoin the Lions in the second half against FC Cincinnati. I was lucky enough to attend the game at TQL Stadium with my wife for a short and much-needed vacation.

If you have yet to make it up that way, I highly recommend doing so and stopping into Rhinegeist Brewery or Northern Row Brewery & Distillery before the match. The great beers and walkability to the stadium make it a perfect away day for City fans to catch an Eastern Conference match. Before we leave town, we are going to try out some indoor skydiving for the first time. I’m looking forward to that and exploring more of the city.

Now, enough about me and more about what you really came here for — today’s links!

Orlando City Falls to FC Cincinnati

Last night, the Lions lost on the road to FC Cincinnati due to a Brenner goal in the 65th minute. While the team did look to connect passes well at times and hold the lion’s share of possession, City only took half as many shots as the home team.

The bright spot of the night for Orlando was the return of Antonio Carlos, who came on at halftime to replace Thomas Williams. The teenager gained the unexpected start at left back due to a late scratch of Joao Moutinho, who was injured during warmups. Kyle Smith, who was once again called upon as a center back for the suspended Robin Jansson, was able to slide out wide at halftime into his more natural role thanks to Carlos entering the match. Unfortunately, even with what would be considered a more stable back line, the Lions could not find the back of the net nor hold on for a draw.

Our Michael Citro has your match recap of City’s 1-0 loss. And, be sure to check back for the player grades and Man of the Match, as well as our five takeaways.

Orlando City and Pride Issue Joint Statement on Roe v. Wade

The Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride have made a joint statement regarding Friday’s reversal of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. The clubs and players undoubtedly will use their platforms and voices to join together to take action in the local community. Other teams and organizations, such as the NWSL, have also made similar statements.

USWNT Set for Colombia Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team begins its final preparations for the Concacaf Championship as the Yanks host Colombia tonight at 7:30 p.m. The first of the pair of friendlies will be played in Denver, with the second to follow on Tuesday in Rio Tinto Stadium. This pair of matches should benefit both teams, as the USWNT is looking to solidify a lineup in an attempt to qualify for the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. Likewise, Colombia is preparing to host the Copa America Femenina and will use these matches to see what a top-ranked team will play like against their squad.

As the USWNT will be the favorite to win both matches, it would be wise of Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski to use some rotation and the full depth of the squad. Colombia plays a physical style of soccer, and it would be a crushing blow to the team to lose a crucial player due to a reckless challenge in a friendly prior to the tournament. The USWNT attackers should look to be clinical in front of goal and end the game early by taking all momentum out of Colombia’s hands.

Women’s Summer of Soccer

All around the globe, you can find a region with a women’s tournament this summer. Beginning in July, the world’s best players in the women’s game will collide with major stakes on the line. For some, a spot in the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is up for grabs. In Europe, a €16 million prize pool is there for the taking in the European Championship.

The UEFA Women’s Euros will be played from July 6-31, featuring 16 teams across England. The reigning World Cup champion USWNT will be the outright favorite for the Concacaf Championship taking place July 4-18. This tournament will serve as both the qualifiers for the World Cup and the Olympics. Competing July 2-29, the Africa Women Cup of Nations is that continent’s premier women’s soccer competition, with four semifinalists advancing automatically to the 2023 World Cup. The losing quarterfinalists get a final chance with a win-or-go-home playoff. Colombia will host the Women’s Copa America from July 8-30, in which three South American nations can qualify for the World Cup, with another two going into playoffs. Finally, July 13-30 will bring us a first-time winner of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup as New Zealand will not be competing since they are guaranteed qualification for the World Cup as a co-host nation.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City defender Michael Halliday and the U.S. U-20 National Team are successfully through to the knockout rounds after topping their group at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championships. 
  • As eyes turn towards the MLS Next Cup, Orlando City U-15 player Zackory Campagnolo is listed as a footballer you need to know. Campagnolo’s presence in goal offers security at the back and USYNT experience.
  • Orlando City captain Mauricio Pereyra pleads his case for your MLS All Star votes.

That’s all I have for today, Mane Landers. Be sure to catch the Young Lions taking on FC Cincinnati 2 today at 1 p.m. as they look to bounce back from a tough loss in Columbus.

If you find yourself traveling this weekend, please drive carefully, as summer tourism is now in full swing. Leave an extra car length in front of you, take your foot off the gas when the stop light turns yellow, and keep an eye out for children at play in the neighborhood. But above all, be a good human. 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.

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

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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