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Lion Links: 1/21/23

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2 years ago

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Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. It is a somber morning around SBNation’s MLS blogs as a lot of writers wake up wondering what’s next for our community. If you’re anything like me, checking for TML tweets in your timeline or scrolling the blog is a daily habit and one that would be hard to let go. While the future is currently uncertain, we at The Mane Land will continue to dish up your Orlando soccer news and links here for as long as we can and the show will go on in some capacity. There is a lot to cover this morning, so let’s just get right to it — the links!

Orlando City Learns 2023 Leagues Cup Opponents

Orlando City is set to take on Santos Laguna from LIGA MX and the Houston Dynamo of MLS in Leagues Cup 2023. The tournament will take place from July 21 to Aug. 19 and is an official Concacaf competition in which all MLS and LIGA MX clubs will participate. The tournament will follow a World Cup-style format, including a group stage followed by knockout rounds. In total, 77 games will be hosted at MLS stadiums throughout the U.S. and Canada. The group stage will see each club play a minimum of two matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing based on group points.

The three teams have been drawn into Group South 2. The Lions qualified to host both of their group stage matches by finishing in the top 15 of MLS regular-season standings in 2022. Santos Laguna finished fourth among LIGA MX clubs in combined points between the Clausura 2022 and Apertura 2022. Houston Dynamo FC was sorted into the group after finishing 24th in MLS regular-season standings.

While we know who Orlando will be playing against, the actual Leagues Cup 2023 bracket and schedule will be announced in the coming months.

Orlando City Rookie Luis Grassow Retires

It has been a very short stint in professional soccer for Orlando City center back Luis Grassow. The 2023 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick has announced his retirement for personal reasons. The 6-foot-1 defender was signed to add depth behind starters Antonio Carlos and Robin Jansson and first-choice backup Rodrigo Schlegel. While Grassow likely would have spent the season developing with OCB, the club clearly could use emergency depth at the position that saw both Kyle Smith and Joao Moutinho both fill in on occasion. It is unknown what Grassow’s personal reasons were for leaving the game.

El Pulpo Reports for Duty

Orlando City’s stalwart between the posts has officially returned to training. Pedro Gallese has re-signed a new contact that will keep him in Orlando through 2024, and the star goalkeeper joined his Orlando City teammates Friday for his first on-field workout of preseason training. Orlando City’s Twitter shared a short clip of Gallese moving well and making a couple routine saves. The video also shows the goalkeeper sporting a new ice-white haircut. Like the old adage says, “out with the old, in with the new.”

MLS Eliminates Allocation Order

The Major League Soccer Board of Governors approved an update to the MLS Roster Rules and Regulations involving the elimination of the Allocation Ranking List. Effective immediately, any players previously on the Allocation Ranking List will be assigned through the MLS Discovery Process. In lieu of holding the first position in the 2023 Allocation Ranking Order, St. Louis City SC has been provided the opportunity to retain the right of first refusal over one player of the club’s choosing who was on the Allocation Ranking List at the time of its dissolution.

Future players transferred out of MLS will become discoverable one week from when the player’s International Transfer Certificate is permanently transferred, and the league has notified all clubs.

Sanford-Based Seminole Ice Coming to WPSL in 2023

The Women’s Premier Soccer League announced that Seminole Ice will compete in 2023 as the league’s latest expansion side. The Ice will serve as the official WPSL side for the Seminole Soccer Club, which has been a staple of youth soccer in Florida since 1981. The club consists of over 2,000 players and encompasses a full spectrum of soccer programs ranging from youth recreational systems to competitive programs with its junior and senior academies.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the WPSL, the pinnacle platform for advancing player development in the United States at the amateur level,” Paul Shaw, Orlando City Soccer School Seminole and Seminole Ice general manager, said. “We now have the complete path from youth level to the professional level. The WPSL is an important step for the amateur pathway to allow our athletes to advance and continue player development before, during, and after their collegiate career. Seminole Ice’s goal is to deliver a full-service training model that helps more athletes compete at the highest levels.”

The club will base itself out of Seminole Soccer Complex. The 40-acre facility includes a 1,200-spectator stadium field that is expected to be the Seminole Ice’s home venue.

USWNT Sweeps New Zealand

The United States Women’s National Team completed a two-game sweep of road friendlies in New Zealand with a 5-0 win in Auckland on Friday night (our time). Whereas Tuesday night’s match was a sloppy and frustrating affair, the Yanks made things easy on themselves in the rematch. Rose Lavelle bagged a brace and the U.S. also got goals from Ashley Hatch, Mallory Swanson, and Taylor Kornieck. Alex Morgan was supposed to start but she was a late scratch due to muscle tightness.

Brian McBride Out as USMNT General Manager

Brian McBride became the general manager of the USMNT in 2020, but according to a report by ESPN’s Sam Borden, McBride will not return as the team’s GM. This is another change to the USMNT following its 2022 World Cup campaign. Currently, the review of USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter continues while he remains under investigation for a 1991 domestic violence incident. Earnie Stewart will now be responsible for overseeing the review of Berhalter’s performance, the USMNT program at large, and for hiring the next coach to lead the program. Anthony Hudson is currently leading the team during its January Camp, but it is unclear who will coach or be the general manager for the team moving forward.

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  • Former Orlando City forward Benji Michel added his name to the scoresheet in the 78th minute against Portimonense on Friday — his first goal for his new club. The goal initially was ruled offside but was quickly overturned after video review.

That’s a lot of content out there for your scrolling needs today. I wish you all a restful and soccer-filled viewing weekend. It sure does feel extra good to see all the training videos of the boys in purple back out on the grounds lately. I’m really getting pumped up for the new season. 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.

Published

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: 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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