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Lion Links: 8/13/22

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4 years ago

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Happy double match day, Mane Landers! Last Saturday, I welcomed you all back to the official global soccer season with the return of the Premier League and the rest of European soccer. Personally, I just love this time of year. We get to wake up, turn on the TV, and — bam! — soccer is on with your bacon and waffles. Later today, we get to follow it up with a match between Orlando City and the New York Red Bulls, plus the Orlando Pride at the San Diego Wave. There aren’t many other ways that I would prefer spending a Saturday. But before we get sucked into the soccer void today, let’s get down to the links!

Orlando City B Wins on the Road

Orlando City B defeated New York City FC II last night 2-0 on the road to grab all three points. Entering the match, OCB had lost four of its last five matches and most thought the team would need more than Jack Lynn’s heroics to claim three points at Belson Stadium. However, that is exactly all that they needed. Jack Lynn finished with a brace on the night. The Young Lions made it interesting in stoppage time as Ian Silva went in the books with a straight red card; however, Javier Otero was able to complete his shutout despite the Lions finishing with 10 men.

Revenge for the Red Bulls?

Orlando City heads to Harrison, NJ tonight at 6 p.m. to prove that the last time these two clubs met was not a fluke. The New York Red Bulls are left with a bitter taste in their mouths and without a spot in the U.S. Open Cup final thanks to a 5-1 drubbing. The Red Bulls were on a five-match home winning streak across all competitions, but went winless at Red Bull Arena in the month of July. They have not won at home since June 30 against Atlanta United.

Orlando has not had a great run of form lately. With three consecutive losses in MLS play, the Lions have dropped out of a playoff spot and into eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The losing streak is part of an eight-match league stretch in which Orlando City has won only once. Orlando is winless in its last five MLS matches, having earned just two draws prior to a three-match losing streak. Overall, the Red Bulls hold a 9-6-2 record over Orlando City since they joined MLS in 2015.

Pride’s First Visit to San Diego

The Orlando Pride will be at Torero Stadium tonight at 10:30 p.m. to face off against the San Diego Wave for the first time in club history. Interim Head Coach Seb Hines is optimistic about his team’s chances against the second-place team in the league.

“San Diego are a team on form. Last game they didn’t win, but they are at the top of the table and going to be difficult to play against away from home,” said acting head coach Seb Hines. “We have some good momentum and we have been playing some really good football and we have to continue that into the next game.”

The Pride’s most recent result comes from a 2-2 draw against the other 2022 expansion side, Angel City FC. With the draw, the Orlando Pride extended their unbeaten streak to a season-high five games dating back to July 3. During the run, all but one of the matches have been a draw. Their only victory was a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash over a month ago on July 8.

USMNT World Cup Odds

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is officially only 100 days away, so here are 100 things to know with 100 days to go. At this point, every soccer fan that has a country with a stake in the tournament is starting to go through a whirlwind of emotions. Will they win? Will they lose? ESPN.com has assessed each team in the tournament with their outlook on how things shape up.

For the USMNT, the team’s success on the international stage usually comes down to outstanding play from its goalkeepers. While both first-choice goalkeepers look to make a name for themselves in Europe, it still seems likely that either will start despite one riding the bench and the other letting in three goals last weekend. While the back line positions are still up for grabs, the USMNT actually has several good attacking options for the first time in a very long time. Only time will tell over the next 100 days how the pool thins out, but for now there is still plenty to be optimistic about. Check out the breakdown of the rest of the countries here.

Preliminary Approval for USWNT Equal Pay

The U.S. Soccer Federation and USWNT players are almost set to conclude the equal pay lawsuit, with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granting preliminary approval to the settlement negotiated between the two sides back in February. Despite once having dismissed the players’ claims, Judge R. Gary Klausner stated in court documents that the settlement was “fair, adequate and reasonable for the purposes of preliminary approval.” A final approval hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5.

The players’ spokesperson, Molly Levinson, tweeted, “We are pleased that the Court granted preliminary approval for the Historic Equal Pay Resolution today. We look forward to celebrating this hard fought victory for women and girls at the final hearing in December. Our work has only just begun, because there are too many workplaces in the world where women are valued and paid less than men for doing the same work. We won’t stop fighting for what is fair, right, and equal.”

The two sides reached agreement on the terms of the settlement back in February, with the USSF agreeing to pay the players a lump sum payment of $22 million. The amount will be distributed in a manner proposed by the USWNT players and approved by the court. An additional $2 million will be put into an account by U.S. Soccer to benefit the USWNT players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to women’s and girls’ soccer. Each player will be able to apply for up to $50,000 from this fund.

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  • Manchester United has issued a hands-off warning after it emerged Marcus Rashford’s representatives met PSG chiefs in Paris last week.

Now, enjoy your breakfast and turn on the TV. It is time to get down to business and watch some soccer. Also, be sure to get a nap in before our two Orlando games later today. The 10:30 p.m. start for the Orlando Pride will surely test us. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/13/26

Pride and OCB win, Maxime Crepeau to compete in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, Latest MLS transfer roundup, and more.

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23 hours ago

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July 13, 2026

By

Image of Marta blasting a goal from long range against Kansas City.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work, but I look forward to watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals and final this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Pride Shut Out Kansas City Current at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium Friday night, bouncing back from a tough outing at Angel City the previous week. After a scoreless first half, Marta scored the opener from long distance to give Orlando the lead. Hannah Anderson and Barbra Banda added a goal apiece as the Pride have won three out of their last four league matches. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse earned a clean sheet in her 100th appearance for the club. Orlando remains eighth in the NWSL table with 20 points. The Pride will be back in action at home Wednesday, taking on Boston Legacy at Inter&Co Stadium.

OCB Wins at FC Cincinnati 2

Orlando City B beat FC Cincinnati 2 by a 2-1 scoreline at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, KY on Sunday. Issah Haruna’s goal gave the Young Lions the lead in the first half. In the second half, Cincinnati leveled the match, but Matthew Belgodere scored the winner on the road. That result pulls the Young Lions into third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 33 points, just one point off leaders Chattanooga FC. OCB will be away for another road test Saturday against Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium.

Orlando City Reportedly Submits Transfer Offer for Alex Moreno

Orlando City has reportedly submitted a transfer offer to sign Girona defender Alex Moreno. No agreement has been reached between the two sides, and conversations remain ongoing, according to reports. Moreno made 31 appearances for Girona last season in La Liga and recorded three assists. The 33-year-old left back remains under contract with Girona through 2027, but the club was relegated from La Liga to La Liga 2 last season. Several European clubs have also expressed interest in signing Moreno, including La Liga sides Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano.

Crepeau to Compete in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge

Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau will compete in the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Truist Field in Charlotte on July 28, the club announced Friday. The competition will feature top players from Major League Soccer and Liga MX competing to test their soccer skills on the pitch. Five skills challenge competitions are featured, including the All-Star Goalie Wars, All-Star Crossbar Challenge, and the MLS vs. Liga MX Relay Challenge. Each competition will crown its own champion this year, switching from the traditional MLS-versus-opponent format used in previous years.

Latest MLS Transfer Roundup

According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Sporting Kansas City has emerged as a potential option to sign former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.

🚨🇪🇬 Sources: Sporting KC has emerged as top MLS suitor for Liverpool legend Mo Salah.Still a longshot of course, as sources believe he prefers Europe + Saudi very interested, but SKC the top MLS option now.More here with @paultenorio.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/743…

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-07-10T19:35:14.046Z

D.C. United has reportedly acquired forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC.

🇸🇻 BREAKING: D.C. United to acquire El Salvador international forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC, per sources.Ordaz, 22, is a product of LAFC's academy. Made 98 first team apps. 9g/4a in 2,163 mins over last two years.Gets chance to earn more mins at D.C.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-07-12T13:55:49.973Z

Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders have reportedly traded defender Cody Baker to the New England Revolution.

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  • Former Lion Silvester van der Water has signed with Cambodian Premier League side Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC.
  • Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, who plays Dani Rojas in the show, made his professional debut for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive over the weekend.

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

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Lion Links: 7/10/26

Duncan McGuire reportedly being traded, Orlando Pride host Kansas City tonight, Steve Cherundolo named U.S. U-23 men’s coach, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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July 10, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! The Orlando Pride are in action tonight and we also have an Orlando City B game on Sunday to look forward to. It’s been a bit of a hectic week on my end, but it’s at least helped make the U.S.’s World Cup loss feel like old news. Orlando City putting the Tampa Bay Rowdies to the sword in a friendly didn’t hurt either. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Reportedly Trading Duncan McGuire

Forward Duncan McGuire is reportedly being traded by Orlando City to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for $1.25 million in General Allocation Money, with another $1.15 million heading Orlando’s way if performance metrics are reached per Tom Bogert of The Athletic.

🇺🇸🟠 BREAKING: The Houston Dynamo to acquire forward Duncan McGuire from Orlando City, per sources.Orlando acquires $1.25m GAM + $1.15m GAM add-ons. ORL retains sell-on clause.Houston acquires new goal scorer, will fit seamlessly in Dynamo attack. www.nytimes.com/athletic/743…

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-07-09T15:25:31.373Z

Selected by Orlando with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, McGuire has scored 29 goals across four seasons with the Lions. Injuries have plagued him in recent years, but let’s hope he can have a renaissance of sorts with Houston and hit those performance requirements if this move comes to pass. Orlando would be even lighter on options up top, but the money could help the club improve at a few positions.

Orlando Pride Host the Kansas City Current Tonight

Following a 2-0 loss to Angel City FC, the Orlando Pride will look to bounce back tonight when they host the Kansas City Current in the first meeting this season between the past two NWSL Shield winners. The Current are on a three-game win streak, with Michelle Cooper scoring twice in a 3-0 win over the Denver Summit last week. Temwa Chawinga also scored in that match to bring her tally to eight as she closes the distance on Pride forward Barbra Banda in the Golden Boot race. Hopefully the Pride can keep Kansas City’s offense in check and get back on track with a win at home.

Steve Cherendulo Named U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team Coach

U.S. Soccer appointed Steve Cherendulo as the head coach of the United States U-23 Men’s National Team as preparations begin for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Cherundulo is no stranger to success in the City of Angels, leading LAFC to a league title and MLS Cup victory in 2022 before winning the 2024 U.S. Open Cup as well. He represented the U.S. as a player starting at age 18 and played in three World Cups, which should be valuable experience to get these younger players ready to make an impact with the senior team. Tahir Reid-Brown, Justin Ellis, and Colin Guske are a few Orlando City players to keep an eye out for as possible Olympic roster candidates as they develop their games.

France Advances to World Cup Semifinals

France became the first team to secure its spot in the World Cup semifinals, beating Morocco 2-0. After a scoreless first half, Kylian Mbappe scored his eighth goal of the tournament to give France the lead and then provided the assist on Ousmane Dembele’s goal a few minutes later. While the offense is understandably grabbing headlines, the defense has now had a clean sheet in three straight games during this knockout phase. In the semifinals, France will take on whichever nation advances from today’s match between Spain and Belgium.

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  • Less than 24 hours after scoring for Orlando City in a friendly, Antoine Griezmann was in Boston for France’s World Cup match.
  • Crystal Dunn, who set records at Florida State University before her storied professional career, joined the Tallahassee Reckoning’s ownership group. The organization aims to provide more opportunities for youth soccer players and improve the pathway towards playing professionally.
  • English defender Jarell Quanash was given a two-game suspension for the serious foul play that earned him a red card against Mexico. He’ll miss Saturday’s quarterfinal against Norway and also England’s semifinal if it advances.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Pride!

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Lion Links: 7/9/26

Orlando City crushes the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Maxime Crepeau becomes an MLS All-Star, Anna Moorhouse recognized, and more.

Published

5 days ago

on

July 9, 2026

By

Image of Justin Ellis after he scored a goal against Chicago Fire II.
Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Justin Glatt

How’s it going, Mane Landers? After nearly a full month of daily World Cup soccer, it felt a bit weird not having a game to watch on Wednesday. Only eight games remain in this year’s tournament, and each one should be a doozy as some of the top nations square off. We also have plenty of Orlando soccer to get excited about as the summer rolls on. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Dominates Tampa Bay in Friendly

The Lions returned to action with a friendly against the Tampa Bay Rowdies and cruised to a 6-0 victory at home. It was Antoine Griezmann’s first game as a Lion and he showed Orlando supporters and Season Ticket Members what he’s capable of with a goal and an assist in the match. The team’s younger players picked up where the starters left off once subbed on in the second half, with Justin Ellis providing three assists to help pile on more goals. Friendlies should always be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s hard not to feel excited for the second half of the season. The Lions will play another friendly on the road against FC Dallas on Wednesday before league play resumes, and that match might give us a more accurate picture than Wednesday’s game.

Maxime Crepeau Named to MLS All-Star Roster

Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was chosen to be a part of the 2026 MLS All-Star roster as a coach’s selection by Charlotte FC Head Coach Dean Smith. Crepeau started in all five of Canada’s World Cup games this summer and has recorded 63 saves as a Lion so far. While Orlando’s defense has done him few favors this season, it’s still a bit surprising to see Crepeau included, considering the Lions have conceded a league-high 44 goals this season. The All-Star Game will take place in Charlotte on July 29 and will once again pit the MLS against the top players from Liga MX.

Anna Moorhouse Nominated for Save of the Week

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was up for NWSL Save of the Week for catching a hard shot from Jun Endo at fairly close range in the team’s 2-0 loss to Angel City FC. She ended up finishing fourth in the voting, but it’s still nice to see a Pride player recognized in at least some capacity after a rough result.

The honor ultimately went to the Houston Dash’s Jane Campbell, who made a nice diving save to deny a glancing header following a corner kick. Moorhouse and the Pride will look to turn things around in a home match against the Kansas City Current on Friday.

Gabriel Pec Transferred to Cruzeiro

The LA Galaxy have transferred Brazilian winger Gabriel Pec to Cruzeiro for a club-record transfer fee reported to be around $13.5 million. The 25-year-old joined the Galaxy prior to the 2024 season and was named MLS Newcomer of the Year that year, helping LA win the league title. He’s recorded 42 goals and 28 assists in 101 appearances with the Galaxy, and he now returns to Brazil’s top flight. Along with that hefty transfer fee, Pec’s exit notably opens up a Designated Player spot for the Galaxy as well.

Predicting the USMNT’s 2030 World Cup Roster

The United States Men’s National Team’s 2026 World Cup campaign came to a close a few days ago and the focus has now shifted on what the team will do to improve by 2030. While Mauricio Pochettino’s inclusion is arguably the biggest question mark looming over the team, Ben Wright from SixOneFive Soccer examined what the roster could look like for the next World Cup. Former Lion Alex Freeman was the youngest player on the USMNT this time around and was predicted to return in 2030, while aforementioned Orlando City forward Justin Ellis is in the mix of young attackers on the rise like Julian Hall, Zavier Gozo, and Cole Campbell. Plenty can change between now and then, and it will be interesting to see just how different the two rosters will be.

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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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