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Lion Links: 10/20/22

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3 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m still not quite used to the fact that there won’t be any more games from Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, or Orlando City B this year. I don’t know what to do with my hands. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of soccer all over the world for us to sink our teeth into and the World Cup is just a month away. Let’s dive right into today’s links!

MLS Playoffs Resume Tonight

The top seeds in the MLS playoffs join the fray tonight in a pair of exciting conference semifinals. Of the two matches, I’m honestly more excited for the match between the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati at 8 p.m. Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright and Head Coach Pat Noonan both came to Ohio from the Union this past off-season. They helped turn the team around and now face their former club in Cincy’s biggest match since joining the league. The Union are one of the favorites to win it all, while Cincy is bringing plenty of energy and a potent offense into this match. It has the potential to be one of the best playoff games in recent memory.

That match will be followed by a postseason edition of El Trafico as the LA Galaxy make a short trip to take on LAFC at 10 p.m. A Supporters’ Shield winner hasn’t won the MLS Cup since 2017, but LAFC has a roster filled with enough talent to do it. There are big names on both teams and it will be interesting to see how LAFC utilizes Gareth Bale, who came to MLS partly because of these playoffs right before the World Cup. There are also some former Lions to keep an eye out for as LAFC’s Sebas Mendez and the Galaxy’s Sacha Kljestan could receive some minutes in the midfield.

Pair of Union Players Win MLS Awards

Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, becoming the first player to win the award three times. The 31-year-old’s 15 clean sheets were the most in MLS as he helped the Union only allow 26 goals in 34 games this season. Blake ran away with the vote, beating out Inter Miami’s Drake Callender and the New England Revolution’s Djordje Petrovic.

Of course, Blake wasn’t the only reason Philadelphia’s defense was so dominant this year. Center back Jakob Glesnes became the first Union player to win MLS Defender of the Year. The 28-year-old played every minute for the Union this season, recording 57 interceptions and three assists while only picking up two yellow cards. He won the award over teammate Kai Wagner and New York City FC’s Alexander Callens.

Americans Earn Important Minutes Abroad

The World Cup is only a month away and every game until then is crucial for the players who hope to be in Qatar come late November. American striker Ricardo Pepi is making the most of his move to the Netherlands, scoring his fifth goal for FC Groningen in a 3-0 win over FC Dordrecht. Christian Pulisic came off the bench and nearly scored in Chelsea’s scoreless draw against Brentford. He could take on a larger role as the World Cup nears and Chelsea manager Graham Potter had some praise for his performance. Elsewhere in England, Zack Steffen came up with four saves in Middlesbrough’s 4-1 win against Wigan Athletic. Giovanni Reyna, Malik Tillman, and Cameron Carter-Vickers were also in action to help their teams win tournament games.

Looking Ahead to the Women’s World Cup Draw

This Saturday, the United States Women’s National Team will learn which nations it will be grouped up with in next summer’s World Cup. An interesting wrinkle to this draw compared to those of the past is that it will determine which teams will be playing their group games in Australia and which will play in New Zealand. The USWNT is in Pot 1, meaning it can’t be drawn against the hosts or the other top teams: Sweden, Germany, England, France, and Spain. Three spots in the tournament are still unclaimed as of now, with a 10-team playoff set to take place in February. With an expanded field of 32 teams, each group will have four teams this time around.

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  • Orlando center back Rodrigo Schlegel gave a nice boost to everyone’s spirits on Twitter.

  • After finishing last in the league, D.C. United parted ways with its general manager ​​and head of technical recruitment and analysis, Lucy Rushton. First team performance director Victor Lonchuk is also no longer with the club.
  • In the Women’s Champions League, Arsenal went on the road and crushed Lyon 5-1 in a convincing victory. Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona, and Juventus also picked up wins to start their campaigns.
  • A new USL Championship team is coming to Milwaukee, with an 8,000-seat stadium planned as well.
  • Manchester United came up with a big win at home by beating Tottenham 2-0. Cristiano Ronaldo was an unused substitute and left the match early, but it shouldn’t overshadow a strong performance from United.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.

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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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10 hours 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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1 day 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

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

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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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