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Lion Links: 8/13/22

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3 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: 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.

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1 day ago

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June 6, 2025

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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.

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  • 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!

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 5, 2025

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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.

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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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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.

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3 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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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.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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