Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/6/22

Published

3 years ago

on

Happy match day, Mane Landers! It is sure to be a soccer-filled weekend as all three of our Orlando clubs have matches. We also welcome back the English Premier League, which I am personally excited for after having attended a London derby of West Ham at Tottenham in March. Am I a Spurs fan now? I’m not sure if I was officially converted, but my wife sure was after witnessing a stellar Son Heung-Min brace. The rest of European soccer is also back full tilt, so it makes sitting on the couch during these hot and humid weekends a bit more enjoyable. But now, let’s get to what you all came here for — the links!

Orlando City Returns to Exploria Stadium

Orlando City will be at home for the first time since the 5-1 routing of the New York Red Bulls in the semifinal of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This match will be the second meeting of the regular season against the New England Revolution. The first match was played to a 1-1 draw in Gillette Stadium on June 15. New England will look slightly different this time time as two attackers have moved on during the summer transfer window. Sebastian Lletget and Jozy Altidore have both found new clubs; however, Head Coach Bruce Arena made a big move in bringing in forward Giacomo Vrioni. The 23-year-old striker enters MLS coming off a successful loan to WGS Tirol in the Austrian Bundesliga, where he had 19 goals in 28 league games. Earlier this season, Bruce Arena became the winningest coach in MLS history. Hopefully, he doesn’t add to that tally against the Lions. Tonight’s match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m.

Orlando Pride In Rare Form

For the first time in club history, the Pride have finished out the month of July without a single loss. With three draws and a win, the club is unbeaten in its past four matches under Interim Head Coach Seb Hines. The Pride will host Angel City FC tomorrow night at 7 p.m. With just three points separating the two teams on the table, a win would jump Orlando into seventh place due to the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Orlando fans will see some familiar faces on the other side of the ball in Sydney Leroux and Claire Emslie. Leroux had been with the Pride since 2018 and playing in 63 games and scoring 18 goals across all competitions. Angel City also scooped up Emslie who was their second pick in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft. Emslie previously played for the Pride in 2019.

While most fans will surely be there to watch some soccer, Exploria Stadium will also be themed around the Pride’s Y2K Night for those looking to enjoy the full night of festivities. Supporters are encouraged to sport their Pride gear in some of their favorite 2000s fashion trends. In addition, there will be a Britney Spears impersonator and special 2000s halftime karaoke show.

Orlando City Transfer Grade

According to MLSsoccer.com, Orlando City’s use of the summer transfer window would be considered a loss. Orlando was praised for adding depth and refreshing competition in numerous positional groups. USMNT forward Nicholas Gioacchini was signed on a free transfer from France’s SM Caen and can play center forward or on the wing. Ivan Angulo also adds further options in the attack after the 23-year-old Colombian youth international winger arrives on loan. Orlando rounded out the window by adding Wilder Cartagena, a Peruvian international and central midfielder to add depth behind César Araújo.

While only losing Sebas Mendez and Silvester van der Water, it seems most of the transfers were to replace or try and upgrade these two positions rather than adding to positions that are clearly already thin. Matt Doyle gives his reasoning for a loss as criticism in not dealing with Orlando’s need of depth at left back and center back.

Former Lion Returns to MLS

Former Orlando City winger Richie Laryea will be returning to MLS and Toronto FC. He rejoins on loan from English Premier League side Nottingham Forrest through the summer of 2023. Laryea originally joined Toronto in 2019 after playing for Orlando City. While in Toronto, he found himself being used more defensively than ever before and became one of the best wingbacks in the league.

“It’s great to bring Richie back to the club,” Toronto head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley said in a release. “As everyone knows by now, Richie established himself as one of the best outside backs in the league. He’s a dynamic player, a fantastic dribbler, and a real competitor. To have Richie back in his hometown to play for TFC ahead of Canada’s trip to the World Cup is exciting.”

Following his time with Toronto, he was transferred to Nottingham Forest this past January for a reported $1 million fee. He helped them earn promotion from the Championship, though he played in only five matches.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to be back with TFC and play in front of our fans at BMO Field,” said Laryea. “I know it’s an important time for the club as we push for the playoffs, and I want to help the team achieve success.”

Free Kicks

Well, that should get you started for your Saturday morning scroll. As I always say, pull on that purple jersey and head over to Exploria Stadium and be loud. Enjoy your weekend, give yourself extra time in traffic, text a loved one, and remember to always be a good human. Vamos Orlando!

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

3 days 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

4 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

5 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