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Lion Links: 7/30/22

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4 years ago

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Good Saturday morning, Mane Landers. Today, we look at the calendar and find zero Orlando matches. It is always bittersweet when that happens. On one hand, you could have had a match on both weekend days, but on the other, you get a double dosage day. Hopefully, you can use today off to catch up on some rest, chores, yard work, and time with family before a double header tomorrow. Orlando City travels to D.C. United to try to find revenge over its previous 5-3 defeat. Later, the Orlando Pride will look to gain another result under Interim Head Coach Seb Hines in Kansas City. Before we head to the links, let’s all wish Orlando Pride midfielder Parker Roberts a happy 25th birthday!

Orlando City Set for Match at D.C. United

The Orlando City and Wayne Rooney saga unfolds yet again tomorrow night. This chapter will be written with Rooney at the helm of D.C. United. The Black and Red are currently in last place of MLS having only claimed victory once in their last 11, although that victory did come in Orlando at the start of this month. The match is set to begin at 5 p.m. at Audi Field.

The Lions enter the weekend off a historic 5-1 victory on Wednesday night over the New York Red Bulls in the semifinal of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. It was a season-high night for the club with five goals scored — and four different Orlando City players finding the back of the net. Notably, César Araújo scored twice for the club in the match in what also served as his first finishes throughout the entirety of his professional career. The Lions have taken two of the last three matches against D.C. United; however, D.C. United own the most recent result with a 5-3 victory this past Fourth of July.

Midfielder Wilder Cartagena Linked to OCSC

Orlando City has been linked to an incoming transfer for a midfielder. Peruvian international Wilder Cartagena of Al-Ittihad Kalba SC is rumored to be making the jump to MLS from the UAE Pro-League. If this happens, Cartagena would be joining Pedro Gallese, his Peruvian international and former club teammate if he were to make a move to the Lions.

Cartagena has been a journeyman of late, with six clubs in the past 10 years. Most recently, Cartagena and Gallese were both at Alianza Lima for the 2019 season. In 2020, Cartagena transferred to Godoy Cruz of Argentina and then he was signed by Ittihad Kalba SC of the Arab League. With the recent departure of the Sebas Méndez to LAFC, this move has the looks of one to add depth to the defensive central midfield.

Luiz Muzzi on Nicholas Gioacchini

Orlando City made a key late-season addition last week by adding USMNT forward Nicholas Gioacchini from French second-division side Caen on a free transfer. Gioacchini debuted Wednesday night for the Lions in the last five minutes of their 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. For diehard USMNT fans, there is always pushback for players who choose to leave Europe for MLS. Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said it’s a move that others should consider when deciding their career path.

“I honestly think a lot of the young guys – there are so many good players, American players who end up going to Europe when they’re not ready to go. Then they get lost in the shuffle. It’s something every young player in America should be thinking about and analyzing because sometimes you want to go to the top of the ladder and skip steps. Then when you fall it’s a much bigger fall. If you just take your steps as you should, you’re going to reach the top. I think MLS has proven, time and time again, that this is a great league and you play a great quality of soccer here. All the Eurosnobs out there, this is a great league. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Gioacchini will have ample time to develop a bit more under Head Coach Oscar Pareja and is not called upon to be Orlando’s savior for this campaign. With Designated Players like Facundo Torres and Ercan Kara already in the attack and garnering most starts, Gioacchini will find minutes as the schedule ramps up.

“We’re playing a game every three days, so if you have only two or three guys you’re in trouble,” Muzzi said. “You’re going to need everybody to play and contribute and be ready.

“When you have a guy of that quality that you can get for a salary-cap number that makes sense and a deal that makes sense, we’re helping ourselves, we’re helping him as well. You’re right, everybody needs to play and contribute if you’re going to be successful on the fronts as we want to.”

Pride Travel to Kansas City

The Orlando Pride travel to Children’s Mercy Park to battle the Kansas City Current. Only five points separate the two sides going into the match set to kick off tomorrow at 7 p.m. The Current are in great form entering the match and currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak and three-game winning streak.

The Pride will be sure to keep eyes on Kansas City’s newest signing, French international midfielder Claire Lavogez, who is available for selection. Additionally, Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta has found the back of the net twice in the club’s last three games. Earlier in the regular season on May 14, the teams played to a 2-2 draw at Exploria Stadium.

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Well, that’s a wrap on today’s links. I wish you all the best as we take the day off from Orlando soccer. Hey, maybe get out there yourself today and knock the ball around with some friends and family. Yes, that sounds like the right idea. Get after it. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/29/26

Orlando City plays New England tonight, the Orlando Pride are recognized, USMNT news, and more.

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7 hours ago

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April 29, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day with Orlando City taking on the New England Revolution in the U.S. Open Cup tonight. The fixture congestion is real as this is the third match for the Lions in just eight days. I’m sure that it will be fine since Orlando City doesn’t have any injury or depth issues…err…let’s get to the links.

Orlando City’s Open Cup Continues

Orlando City is in Rhode Island to take on the New England Revolution in the next round of the U.S. Open Cup. As always, it will be interesting to see which regular starters play and which youngsters get the start, though the difference between those two is not as stark as in the past. The Lions also have a trip to play Inter Miami this weekend to consider. I don’t think it will happen, but I say go all in on the Open Cup and play Orlando City B against Miami.

Orlando Pride Earns Recognition

Zara Chavoshi is the Orlando Pride’s nominee for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award for 2026. Chavoshi’s chosen community partner is Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka. Each of the 16 NWSL teams are represented with a panel of judges, including Holiday, determining the winner. In other news, the Pride are still in the top three of SI.com’s NWSL power rankings. Shockingly — I say with tongue planted firmly in cheek — Barbra Banda didn’t make CBSsports.com’s NWSL Team of the Week despite scoring a brace.

Griezmann Continues Champions League Chase

Orlando City’s next Designated Player, Antoine Griezmann, has unfinished business with current club Atletico Madrid. Griezmann and Atletico face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semifinals this afternoon. As much as I’m looking forward to Griezmann’s arrival in Orlando, I am also all for him winning hardware before he leaves Atletico.

USMNT News

The World Cup is just around the corner, and there are many players in MLS who will be representing their respective countries. Matt Turner is making an excellent case that he should be the first-choice keeper for the USMNT. Stepping outside of MLS, is Weston McKennie the player who the U.S. can least afford to lose heading into the World Cup? McKennie has been playing well this year for club and country. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic has been in a bit of a slump. Hopefully, he can turn it around before the World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Rodrigo Schlegel visited Orlando City’s training this week. I’m not saying I want him to start, but a short-term contract for depth might be nice.

🚨 Jose Mourinho preferred candidate of Florentino Perez to become next Real Madrid head coach. Support not universal inside #RMFC but president driving process so 63yo strong contender. Time-sensitive ~€3m break clause in Benfica contract 🚨@theathleticfc.bsky.socialwww.nytimes.com/athletic/723…

— David Ornstein (@david-ornstein.bsky.social) 2026-04-28T11:49:11.588Z
  • Sometimes there’s a light of hope in the dark forest that we’re travelling through. Believe.

That will do it for today. Check back for our coverage of Orlando City’s match tonight. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/28/26

Takeaways from MLS matchday 10, Americans in midweek action, Vancouver Whitecaps may be relocated, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 28, 2026

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Image of Martin Ojeda with the ball against Nashville.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s soccer teams over the weekend, as Orlando City B was the only one of the three sides to get a result. We’ve got another busy week ahead of us as Orlando City will be in action twice, the Orlando Pride face the Washington Spirit on Saturday, and OCB takes on Crown Legacy to round off the week on Sunday. We’ve got plenty to discuss today, so let’s jump into the links.

MLS Matchday 10 Lessons

Matchday 10 is officially in the books for Major League Soccer, so what did we learn from the weekend’s action? For one thing, the Vancouver Whitecaps seem to have done a very good job of reloading from the off-season losses of Ali Ahmed and Jayden Nelson. New faces Cheikh Sabaly and Bruno Caicedo have been finding their feet and both had goal involvements in Vancouver’s 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids. Matt Turner looks to be rediscovering some of his best form as he made nine saves in the New England Revolution’s 1-1 draw with Inter Miami. New York City FC’s Matt Freese has been the frontrunner to start in goal for the United States Men’s National Team at the World Cup this summer, but based on his league performances, Turner could make a late charge.

Americans in Midweek Action

Plenty of Americans will be taking part in games during the working week, so let’s have a look at the schedule. Things get started Wednesday, when Tim Ream, Luca de la Torre, and Charlotte FC play Atlanta United in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. Wednesday has Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid hosting Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. On Thursday, Chris Richards and Crystal Palace will travel to Shakhtar Donetsk for the first leg of a UEFA Conference League semifinal. The action wraps up on Friday when Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United host Burnley in a Premier League tilt.

Relocation Possible for Vancouver Whitecaps

A special committee of MLS owners reportedly met earlier in April to discuss the potential relocation of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Specifically, Las Vegas is said to have been the primary relocation option discussed at the meeting. It’s been two decades since a team was relocated, as the last franchise to move were the San Jose Earthquakes, who went to Houston and became the Dynamo before being replaced with another San Jose expansion team two years later. Other cities said to be interested in landing a team include Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Sacramento, with Phoenix reportedly one of the main candidates being considered for relocation alongside Vegas. In the meantime, the Whitecaps remain up for sale while the team tries to find an in-market stadium solution, as the team’s lease with BC Place expires at the end of the year.

High Profile Injuries Continue

The 2025-2026 European season has seen a number of high profile injuries, and that’s a trend that unfortunately continued over the weekend. Xavi Simons suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, and he will undergo surgery that will sideline him for a significant amount of time. Real Madrid confirmed on Monday that Kylian Mbappe has a left hamstring injury, and he could reportedly miss the May 10 Clasico match against Barcelona as well as the rest of the La Liga season. AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric fractured his left cheekbone in the team’s 0-0 draw with Juventus on Sunday and had surgery to repair the damage. His club season is over, but Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic is confident that he will be healthy in time for the World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • FIFA will reportedly increase the number of times that yellow cards are wiped away at this summer’s World Cup.

That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/27/26

Lions and Pride lose, OCB draws Chicago Fire II, FA Cup semifinals recap, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 27, 2026

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Image of the OCB squad before the team's game March 8, 2026 vs. Chicago Fire II.
Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work and looking forward to covering some high school soccer and lacrosse this week. Let’s wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando Pride forward Seven Castain, who turned 22 Sunday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Blow Late Lead in Defeat to D.C. United

Orlando City fell 3-2 to D.C. United Saturday at Audi Field. Jackson Hopkins scored the opener for D.C. United early in the first half. In the second half, Justin Ellis equalized for the Lions, and Tyrese Spicer added another goal to give Orlando a 2-1 lead. However, the Lions couldn’t hang on to the lead as D.C. United scored two late goals in six minutes to pull out a win at the death. It will be another busy week for the Lions with a road trip to New England to face the Revolution in a round-of-16 U.S. Open Cup match Wednesday, followed by another road match Saturday against Inter Miami at Nu Stadium.

Pride Fall to Racing Louisville on the Road

The Orlando Pride fell 3-2 to Racing Louisville FC Friday at Lynn Family Stadium, continuing their winless streak in Kentucky. Louisville struck first with a goal from Lauren Milliet to take a 1-0 lead, but Barbra Banda buried the equalizer for the Pride to level the match before halftime. However, Louisville scored two early second-half goals to take a 3-1 lead before Banda pulled one back to make it 3-2 late in stoppage time, but Louisville held on to pick up its first win of the season. With that result, the Orlando Pride’s four-match unbeaten streak came to an end. The Pride will look to bounce back Saturday, taking on the Washington Spirit at Inter&Co Stadium.

OCB Wins Penalty Shootout After 2-2 Draw vs. Chicago Fire II

Orlando City B came from behind to draw 2-2 against Chicago Fire II at SeatGeek Stadium Sunday. The Young Lions trailed 2-0 at halftime, but in the second half, OCB got a break as Chicago goalkeeper Owen Pratt scored an own goal to pull the Young Lions within one. Late in stoppage time, Nicolas Lasheras scored the equalizer for OCB. The Young Lions won the penalty shootout 4-2 to earn a second point. OCB’s next match will be at home against Crown Legacy Sunday.

FA Cup Semifinals Recap

The FA Cup final is set after the semifinals concluded over the weekend at Wembley Stadium. On Saturday, after a scoreless first half, all the goals came in the second half as Finn Azaz scored the opener to give Southampton the lead, but Manchester City was able to overturn the deficit on goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez to seal a 2-1 win against Southampton to advance to the FA Cup final for the fourth consecutive time. On Sunday, Enzo Fernandez’s lone goal in the first half was enough to pull Chelsea to a 1-0 win against Leeds United to book a spot in the final to face Manchester City. The FA Cup final will take place on May 16 at Wembley Stadium.

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That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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