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Lion Links: 1/27/23

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2 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I knocked out my fifth book of January this week, finishing up The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake. Next month I plan on tackling Stephen King’s Fairy Tale, along with some romance books still left on my reading list. Reading always makes time fly by for me, which is nice while waiting for the MLS and NWSL seasons to start. I don’t have many weekend plans beyond working, so I’m hoping to kick back and relax a bit. For now, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world.

Ramiro Enrique Officially Joins Orlando City

In a move that’s been reported on throughout this month, Orlando City officially signed Argentine forward Ramiro Enrique to a three-year deal, with options for 2026 and 2027 as well. The 21-year-old is now the club’s third U22 Initiative player, filling the vacancy left after Andres Perea was traded to the Philadelphia Union. Enrique joins Orlando from Club Atlético Banfield in Argentina’s top flight, contributing 12 goals and three assists in 73 appearances across all competitions. Able to play as a center forward or as a winger, his versatility should help during the congested parts of Orlando’s schedule. I’m excited to see him and the rest of the offense in action this season. Multiple players are capable of playing at different positions, which should lead to a dynamic attack that can break down defenses.

Cory Price Named Pride’s Director of Medical and Performance

The Orlando Pride announced that Cory Price will become the director of medical and performance. Price worked as a contract physical therapist for the Pride over the past three seasons and was also a sports rehabilitation clinical specialist for Orlando Health. In this new position, he will now lead the Pride’s operations regarding nutrition, sports science, and other areas.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be part of building a winning culture with the Orlando Pride, and thank the club for choosing me to be a part of this project. I’ve enjoyed my time working with the players and staff over the last few years and am looking forward to having a larger, more impactful opportunity in this new position,” Price said. “My goal is to provide a safe environment where player health and safety is at the forefront. I believe if we can accomplish that, then everything else will fall into place. I can’t wait to get started.”

Earnie Stewart Steps Down as USSF Sporting Director

The shakeup within the United States Soccer Federation continues as Earnie Stewart will no longer serve as its sporting director. Stewart will remain at his post until Feb. 15 before heading to the Netherlands to join PSV Eindhoven. The former USMNT player was named general manager of the USMNT back in 2018 and was promoted to sporting director the following year. With Brian McBride also departing, the USSF is now without a sporting director, a USMNT general manager, or a USMNT head coach. A search will now begin for a new sporting director and that eventual hire will oversee the hiring of the new head coach, with Anthony Hudson serving as the interim head coach in the meantime. There is plenty of change happening, but it’s also an opportunity to bring in the right people for the right positions before the 2024 Olympics and 2026 World Cup.

Analyzing Colombia Ahead of Friendly

After losing to Serbia earlier this week, the United States Men’s National Team will take on Colombia tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in Carson, CA. Like the U.S., Colombia’s roster features many players who are rather new to the international scene. Of the 20 players called up, veteran left back Frank Fabra is the only one with more than five appearances for the senior team. There are six MLS players on Colombia’s roster as well, including LAFC forward Cristian Arango, Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez, and New York Red Bulls center back Andres Reyes. This match will test the USMNT’s fullbacks as Colombia likes to play out wide and isn’t hesitant to switch the point of attack.

Free Kicks

  • Jack Lynn used a nice flick in front of goal to get the best of Mason Stajduhar in training. The goal was nice, but I might enjoy Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s celebration a bit more.

  • According to FIFA’s 2022 global transfer report, Orlando City spent the third-most of any Concacaf club. Orlando’s first Concacaf Champions League opponent, Tigres UANL, spent the most of any Liga MX club.
  • The Philadelphia Union traded away $250,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $250,000 in 2024 GAM to CF Montreal in exchange for midfielder Joaquin Torres. An additional $300,000 of GAM could head Montreal’s way if certain conditions are met.
  • The United States Postal Service created a stamp to commemorate next month’s SheBelieves Cup. The tournament gets started at Exploria Stadium on Feb. 16.

  • Claudio Reyna resigned as Austin FC’s sporting director, but will still serve as a technical advisor at the club. Austin Head Coach Josh Wolff will also fill in as chief soccer officer on an interim basis.
  • We end our links with a big smile from Kaká. The former Lion was in the City Beautiful for the Orlando Magic’s Brazilian night,

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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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.

Free Kicks

  • 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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