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Lion Links: 9/24/22

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3 years ago

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Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. With an international break upon us, there is not much in the way of MLS action this weekend as only one match is on the schedule today. On the women’s side of domestic soccer, our Orlando Pride will be hosting the San Diego Wave tomorrow night at 7 p.m in their final home match of the season.

And in case you missed it, The Mane Land turned eight years old yesterday. It’s such a big milestone that I think it is worth noting twice. Congrats to everyone past and present who has been part of this awesome crew. Now, on to today’s links!

Jack Lynn Earns MLS NEXT Pro Honors

MLS NEXT Pro has announced the winners of its regular-season awards for its inaugural season of play. Orlando City forward Jack Lynn has been named to the league’s Best XI, which is comprised of the top players at each position, representing eight clubs in total. All awards were voted on by the head coaches and chief soccer officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs, as well as league broadcast and content teams.

Lynn was prolific in front of goal for Orlando City B this season — and has since been loaned to San Antonio FC for the remainder of the 2022 USL Championship season.

Orlando Pride Pepare for Final 2022 Home Match

The Orlando Pride have only two matches left on the schedule for this season. If you have yet to make it to a match, the club wraps up its home schedule Sunday night when the San Diego Wave come to Exploria Stadium. The Wave are currently in contention for a first-round bye in the playoffs if the results go their way. San Diego Head Coach Casey Stoney is not taking anything for granted though.

“We know we’ve got a tough away trip to Orlando,” said Stoney. “They’re a good side, they’ve given us problems before, so we will need to make sure we are at our very best.”

The last time the two teams met was on Aug. 13 at Torero Stadium when Orlando walked away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty kick conversion in the 23rd minute by midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard. The Wave have since bounced back from that defeat by winning three out of the next four. Recently, the club has found success in forward Jaedyn Shaw, who the Pride will surely want to keep eyes on.

“Obviously, we are very lucky to have Jaedyn (Shaw) on our roster,” Stoney added. “Seventeen years old, extreme maturity for such a young age, never gets phased by anything, super talent. What she can do with the ball is frightening.”

USMNT Unimpressive in Japan Friendly

The USMNT left much to be desired as it fell 2-0 to Japan Friday morning. With only four shots and zero of those on target, the USMNT never looked like it would find a way back into the match. After a brutal first half in the usual 4-3-3 formation, Head Coach Gregg Berhalter stuck to a series of planned substitutions — including a quadruple change at halftime and a shift to a three-man defense with a 3-2-2-3 shape in possession after intermission.

“It was a really competitive match. I think we ended up hurting ourselves a little bit too much in the game with silly giveaways,” said Berhalter in a short interview with ESPN. “And we want a little more personality in the match. Give Japan a lot of credit: Good team, competitive team, they pressed well, but we can do better.

While the substitutions were pre-determined, they did not equate to goals or change much in the way of creating chances. The Japan back line remained largely untroubled and the United States finished the match with a mere 0.49 expected goals.

Christian Pulisic Held Out of USMNT Friendly

The USMNT was missing its captain in Christian Pulisic entering the friendly with Japan. However, Head Coach Gregg Berhalter doesn’t expect Pulisic to be out long term and is optimistic he will return for Tuesday’s final World Cup tune-up match in Spain against Saudi Arabia.

“He just took a knock in training and it’s precautionary,” Berhalter told noted pregame. “We spoke to the club, we got it checked and day-to-day. Hopefully he can take part on Tuesday.”

With Pulisic out, the USMNT started FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira in the No. 9 role alongside Brenden Aaronson from Leeds United and Giovanni Reyna from Borussia Dortmund in the attack. By missing one of its most key playmakers, there was clearly a void in the USMNT attacking third and link-up play — especially in the space normally occupied by Pulisic.

With the USMNT, Pulisic has 21 goals in 51 appearances since debuting back in 2016 as a 17-year-old. The captain memorably had a hat trick in a 5-1 World Cup qualifying rout of Panama last March, which secured qualification through the Concacaf Octagonal.

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That’s a wrap on today’s edition of Lion Links. I hope you all enjoy a restful weekend, complete your errands and chores, and can make it out to the home finale for the Orlando Pride. While this season has not been the best we have seen, the women still deserve our support. As always — 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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