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Lion Links: 11/14/22

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3 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! We’re getting closer to the World Cup, and how exciting it is. Hopefully, you have figured out how to watch the matches if you have to go to work like me. If not, there’s still time to formulate a plan. In the meanwhile, let’s check out today’s links, but not before we wish Orlando City midfielder Andres Perea a happy 22nd birthday. It’s easy to forget how young he is sometimes because he’s already been with the club for a few years. Now, the news of the day…

USWNT Defeats Germany

Alex Morgan earned her 200th cap with the United States Women’s National Team’s in the friendly against Germany at Red Bull Arena.

While Morgan was unable to get a goal in the match, the U.S. was able to come from behind to win the match 2-1 on goals from Sophia Smith and Mallory Pugh. The win broke the USWNT’s three-match losing streak. Now, the Yanks will look ahead to the Women’s World Cup next summer in Australia and New Zealand. Unlike his players, Vlatko Andonovski will travel to Qatar to assist the USMNT in the World Cup. What role he will play has not been disclosed.

Santiago Patino Shines in USL Championship Final

San Antonio FC beat Louisville City FC 3-1 to win its first USL Championship title. Familiar faces were on San Antonio’s side as Orlando City’s Jack Lynn is on loan there alongside former Lions Santiago Patiño, Victor “PC” Giro, and David Loera. Patiño was named MVP of the final after scoring a brace and winning a penalty. The 25-year-old gave San Antonio the lead on a penalty kick in first-half stoppage time and then put the game out of reach in the second half during a nice counter attack.

Louisville battled back late in the match with a goal of its own, but San Antonio was able to hold on for the win. Patino made great plays all match long and finished this postseason with five goals across the team’s three matches.

Gearing Up for the World Cup

Most of us are not going to Qatar, but there are watch parties across the country, including in Orlando. The first two U.S. matches can be watched at Wall Street Plaza, and the third match and the World Cup final will be shown at the Ace Cafe.

World Cup host Qatar is in Group A with Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands. The Dutch are the favorites to advance, though Senegal is dangerous with Sadio Mane on the roster. It will be interesting to see how Qatar is able to fare.

Both England and Canada have announced their rosters for the World Cup. Canada’s roster includes former Lions Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller, and Cyle Larin. Canada is playing in Group F with Morocco, Croatia, and Belgium. England is in Group B with the U.S., Iran, and Wales. The Three Lions will be the favorite to win the group with big name players like Mason Mount, Harry Kane, and Jack Grealish, and others.

Ronaldo Drama Continues at Manchester United

The ongoing saga of an unhappy Cristiano Ronaldo is well known at this point. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo expressed his frustration with not being able to leave during the summer transfer window, despite stating that Erik ten Hag and others at the club want him out. If that sounds contradictory to you, you’re not alone. At this point, Ronaldo has six months left on his contract and may not play for Manchester United again after speaking out so publicly about his manager.

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  • Orlando will host NBC’s Premier League Fan Fest on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 at Universal CityWalk.
  • Ricardo Pepi did not make the USMNT World Cup roster. Of course, he then scored a goal for Groningen in his first match since.
  • Christian Pulisic published a memoir. It might seem strange that someone so young would do so, but to be fair, he titled it Christian Pulisic: My Journey So Far. The most interesting parts are his comments on his time at Chelsea and dealing with Thomas Tuchel.
  • FIFA is introducing stronger tobacco and smoke-free regulations at the World Cup in conjunction with the World Health Organization.
  • Former Brazil Head Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is retiring from club coaching following Athletico’s 3-0 win over Botafogo. He will most likely return to the club in an executive position.
  • Rutgers defeated Indiana 3-1 to win the Big 10 title. The winning goal was an Olimpico from Ola Maeland early in the second half.

  • I’ll leave you with more of Alex Morgan’s 200th cap celebration.

That will do it for me today. Enjoy your week, and check back for more news as the off-season continues.

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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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3 days 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.

Published

4 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

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

5 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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