Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/12/22

Published

3 years ago

on

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s Friday, which means we get to dress as casual as our jobs will allow and look forward to a weekend filled with soccer. So long as the weather plays nice, it should be a nice next couple of days. Let’s get this Friday started with today’s links!

Joao Moutinho Linked With More European Clubs

According to The Washington Post’s Steven Goff, Dutch clubs AZ Alkmaar and Twente, along with Czech club Slovan Liberec, are interested in adding Orlando City left back Joao Moutinho. The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries across four seasons with Orlando, but has started in 19 games this season and is fifth in the league with 40 tackles. His contract ends at the end of the year and he was also linked last month with a move to Toulouse in France.

Nicholas Gioacchini Discusses His Move to Orlando

American forward Niko Gioacchini became a Lion during the summer transfer window and spoke about what led him to leave Europe to play in MLS. Gioacchini struggled to find his footing while on loan with Montpellier in France’s top flight and Orlando presents an opportunity for him to develop under Oscar Pareja, who helped develop fellow American forward Daryl Dike. While making the USMNT’s roster for the World Cup is a possibility, it was not the main reason behind Gioacchini’s move to Florida.

“I had backing, even more reason to consider the proposition and the project,” Gioacchini said. “Through the phone calls, I didn’t get the feeling that this was not something we would consider. It was really positivity. … I heard what I needed to hear, and that’s how my decision was made.”

The 22-year-old will need some time to adapt to his new teammates and Florida weather, but Orlando could certainly use the boost to its offense for a playoff push.

Orlando City Hits the Road This Weekend

The Lions have lost their past two games but will look to right the ship when they take on the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena tomorrow at 6 p.m. The Red Bulls will have revenge on their minds after Orlando beat them 5-1 in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. The Red Bulls have struggled since that match as well, losing 5-4 at home to the Colorado Rapids before playing D.C. United to a scoreless draw on the road. While the Red Bulls sit in fourth in the Eastern Conference, they have also only won three of their 11 home games this season.

Orlando Pride Will Play Familiar Faces Tomorrow

After a 2-2 draw with Angel City FC last weekend, Orlando will take on another expansion team with many former Pride players. The Pride will play on the road late tomorrow night at 10:30 p.m. against a San Diego Wave FC team that features Alex Morgan, Taylor Kornieck, Emily van Egmond, and Jodie Taylor. Morgan has 11 goals this season — tied for the most in the league — but hasn’t found the back of the net for the Wave since June 19. San Diego is coming off of its first loss at home after falling 2-1 against the Kansas City Current last weekend. While the Pride will be familiar with some of the Wave’s attacking players, this will be the first meeting between the clubs.

Orlando City B Takes on NYCFC II Tonight

Tonight at 8 p.m., Orlando City B will play on the road against New York City FC II in an Eastern Conference showdown. This match will feature two of MLS NEXT Pro’s best scorers as Orlando’s Jack Lynn has 12 goals while New York’s John Denis has scored 13. NYCFC II boasts a strong offense that’s scored 42 goals this season, but it was shut out by Columbus Crew 2 this past Sunday. OCB has lost four of its last five matches and has struggled mightily on the road, losing seven away matches. The playoffs may be out of reach at this point for the Young Lions, but hopefully they can get a result on the road for momentum to finish the season strong.

Central Florida Crusaders Announce Coach and First Players

Tom Traxler was named as the Central Florida Crusaders’ head coach for the club’s inaugural season in the National Indoor Soccer League. Traxler previously coached the Orlando SeaWolves in the Major Arena Soccer League and has been at the helm of the Central Florida Panthers in the National Premier Soccer League. The Crusaders also announced the first four players signed, including former Lion Will Johnson. Indoor soccer veterans Rodolfo Lopez, Eduardo Cruz, and Maycon França will also play for the Crusaders.

U.S. Beats Ghana in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team started its World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win against Ghana. Captain Michelle Cooper got the scoring started for the U.S. in the 11th minute, with 18-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson doubling the team’s lead later in the first half and Ally Sentnor adding a third in the second half. On Sunday, the U.S. will take on the Netherlands, which fell 1-0 to Japan.

Free Kicks

  • Daryl Dike will miss at least two months due to his thigh injury, according to West Brom manager Steve Bruce.
  • Orlando received a “C-” grade in ESPN’s All-Star break report card. Personally, I think the grade is a bit low for a team that has a chance at silverware next month.
  • Scott Parkinson is no longer the head coach for NJ/NY Gotham FC, as the two sides have parted ways. Despite bringing in Kristie Mewis and former Pride players Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger, it’s been a rough year for Gotham as it sits in 11th in the NWSL standings.

That’s all I have for you for now. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and rest of your weekend!

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

4 hours 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

1 day 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

2 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