Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/13/22

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’m sure you’re fired up for tonight’s match-up against the Colorado Rapids, and hopefully, the Lions can get another win before they face Atlanta United later this weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
The Lions Take on the Colorado Rapids
Orlando City SC will hit the road tonight for a midweek match-up as they face the Colorado Rapids at 9 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The last time these two sides faced each other was on March 7, 2020, when the Rapids defeated the Lions 2-1. Orlando City comes into the match after a 1-0 win against rival Inter Miami CF, while the Rapids overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw on the road against Real Salt Lake. Lions goalkeeper Pedro Gallese has seven clean sheets this season and is one away from breaking his own single-season club record for shutouts. Gallese also holds the franchise career record for clean sheets, with 18 across all competitions. Another potential milestone to watch for is that Mauricio Pereyra will be the first player in club history to post multiple double-digit assist seasons in MLS if he gets another one. Sebas Méndez could also make his 60th appearance for the club tonight, and Ercan Kara is three goals away from hitting double digits for the season.
USWNT Prepares for Costa Rica
The United States Women’s National Team will face Costa Rica tomorrow night in the 2022 Concacaf W Championship semifinals. The USWNT defeated Mexico 1-0 on Monday to win Group A. Costa Rica lost 2-0 to Canada in its final match in Group B but finished as runner-up in its group to qualify for the semifinals. Costa Rica thrives on converting crosses, staying composed, and having excellent placement on finishes. Goalkeeper Daniela Solera can cover the width of the net and isn’t afraid to sacrifice her body when charging a crowd. Fullback Daniela Cruz has a high level of technical ability on the wings and can pick out any of her teammates on the field. Portland Thorns midfielder Raquel “Rocky” Rodríguez plays behind the striker and likes to push deep into the final third and serve as a target in the box for crosses. This will be the 17th meeting between these two sides, with the USWNT winning all the previous 16 match-ups against Costa Rica. The match kicks off tomorrow at 7 p.m., and you can watch it on CBS Sports Network or stream it on Paramount+.
2022 MLS All-Star Roster Announced
While no Orlando City SC players were selected for this year's 2022 MLS All-Star team, you’ll still see a couple of familiar faces when it takes on the Liga MX All-Stars on Aug. 10 at Allianz Field. Former Orlando City defender Kamal Miller was one of Don Garber’s commissioner’s picks and former Orlando head coach Adrian Heath will coach the team. FC Dallas forward Jesús Ferreira, Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman, New York City FC’s Valentin Castellanos, and the New England Revolution's Carles Gil are some of the players that were voted in for this year’s 26-man roster. You’ll also have big stars such as the LA Galaxy’s Chicharito, LAFC’s Carlos Vela, Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar, and Dallas’s Paul Arriola in action. The goalkeepers who were selected are the Philadelphia Union’s Andre Blake, NYCFC’s Sean Johnson, and Minnesota United’s Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United.
D.C. United Announces Wayne Rooney as Head Coach
After reports earlier this week indicated that Wayne Rooney agreed to be the new head coach for D.C. United, the club made the official announcement on Tuesday. Rooney had played for D.C. United back in 2018 and 2019, serving as the club’s captain. He had a very successful spell in the nation's capital after a stellar career with Manchester United and Everton, recording 23 goals and 15 assists in 48 matches for the Black and Red. The 36-year-old was previously the manager at Derby County for two years in the EFL Championship before being relegated. Interim head coach Chad Ashton will remain in charge of the club until Wayne Rooney has received his work visa.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Action
There were two match-ups in Group B in the UEFA Women’s Euro as the tournament continues. After dropping its opener 4-0 to Germany, Denmark bounced back with a strong performance in the second half as Pernille Harder scored the lone goal to defeat Finland 1-0 and keep its hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive. The other match saw eight-time champion Germany shut down Spain 2-0, with first-half goals from Klara Buhl and Alexandra Popp. With those results, Germany has clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, while Finland is eliminated. The second spot in the group is up for grabs with a battle at Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday between Denmark and Spain. Today’s action features Group C, with Sweden facing Switzerland at noon while Portugal takes on the Netherlands at 2 p.m.
Free Kicks
- The latest MLS power rankings have been released. Orlando City remains in 15th after its 1-0 win against Miami this past Saturday.
- Atlanta United signed Colombian winger Edwin Mosquera from Deportivo Independiente Medellín to a four-year deal.
- Toronto FC and Mexican international defender Carlos Salcedo have mutually agreed to terminate his MLS contract as he returns to Mexico.
- MLS announced new changes to the league's diversity hiring policy. The policy will require more robust consideration of minority candidates for open club positions, and the league will administer specific sanctions against clubs that fail to abide by the new rules.
- Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly rejected the possibility of signing Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Nashville announced that the club plans to launch an MLS NEXT Pro team in Huntsville, AL, in 2023 and will play its home matches at Joe Davis Stadium.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/30/25
Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.
Lions Called Up For International Duty
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.
Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.
A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.
Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson
The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.
USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China
The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.
Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager
Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.
Free Kicks
- Racing Louisville forward Kayla Fischer was suspended for an additional two games for pulling Madison Hammond down to the ground by her hair. As a result, she’ll miss Louisville’s game against the Pride on June 20.
- Washington Spirit Head Coach Jonatan Giraldez is reportedly in talks to manage OL Lyonnes.
- The Independent Review Panel rescinded the second yellow card Chicago Fire midfielder Dje D’Avilla received on May 25, meaning he’ll be available for the Fire’s game against Orlando on Saturday.
- AC Milan fired Sergio Conceicao after finishing eighth in the Serie A standings and losing in the Italian Cup final. The club has reportedly reached an agreement with Massimiliano Allegri for him to take over as manager.
- Angel Di Maria will return to his boyhood club of Rosario Central in Argentina’s top flight. The 37-year-old started his career at Rosario in 2005. He’ll still play for Benfica in the Club World Cup this summer.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/29/25
Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Falls in Atlanta
The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.
MLS All-Star Voting Begins
The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.
Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery
Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.
Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League
Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.
Free Kicks
- Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
- Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.
- Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal is reportedly interested in signing Victor Osimhen from Napoli ahead of the Club World Cup.
- Lamine Yamal signed a contract extension with Barcelona through 2031. The 17-year-old has already made 106 appearances for the club and led La Liga with 13 assists this season.
That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/28/25
Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Heads North
Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.
Banda and Sams Recognized
A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.
Orlando Pride Power
The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.
Freeman and the USMNT
It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?
Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.
Free Kicks
- Goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football, meaning the Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse will potentially have more opportunity for minutes.
- Kansas City Current owners Angie and Chris Long have acquired Danish club HB Køge. Good for them. I’m very content with the Wilfs focusing their attention on their Orlando clubs.
- Orlando City won’t have to face Brian Gutiérrez in the Chicago Fire FC match, as he will be serving a red card suspension. He was also fined for violent conduct in the match against New York City FC.
- St. Louis City SC parted ways with head coach Olof Mellberg after only 15 matches. St Louis City 2 coach David Critchley will take over as interim head coach.
- LAFC’s Carlos Vela announced his retirement from professional football, though he will remain with LAFC as the club’s first Black & Gold Ambassador.
- Wrexham is reportedly interested in CF Montreal striker Sunusi Ibrahim as the club heads into the EFL Championship.
- If I’m being honest, I don’t much care which Italian club the Pope supports, but I’m certain it’s a big deal in Vatican City. Besides, he’s probably all in for Chicago Fire FC. Oh well.
That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!
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