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Lion Links: 3/15/23

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3 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s a pretty big day. Not only does Orlando City play Tigres in one of the biggest matches in club history, but season three of Ted Lasso is out! I hope you plan on enjoying today’s links alongside some biscuits with your boss, because today is going to be a doozy. Today is also Orlando captain Mauricio Pereyra’s birthday! We’ll have to wait for tonight to see if the birthday boy can lead the Lions to victory. Until then, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Takes on Tigres Tonight

After a scoreless draw in Mexico during the first leg, Orlando City hosts Tigres tonight at 8:15 p.m. in the Concacaf Champions League. Although the Lions will have the home crowd on their side, the Liga MX club is no stranger to Exploria Stadium. Tigres won three Champions League games there during the team’s championship campaign in 2020. Orlando will need another strong game from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who came up with nine saves in the first match. Due to the away-goals rule, if Tigres scores just once, then Orlando will need to win outright in order to advance. Make sure to check back later today for our preview of tonight’s important match.

Orlando Pride Sign Mikayla Cluff to New Contract

Midfielder Mikayla Cluff has signed a new three-year deal with the Orlando Pride that lasts through the 2025 NWSL season. She was already under contract for the upcoming season, but now the club won’t have to worry about re-signing her later this year. The 24-year-old appeared in 18 of the Pride’s 22 matches last season, scoring twice. Drafted by the Pride in the second round of the 2021 NWSL Draft, Cluff is a young player with plenty of upside as Orlando continues to rebuild.

Orlando City B 2023 Schedule Revealed

The schedule for the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro season is out and the action kicks off next weekend. Orlando City B will open its season on the road against Philadelphia Union II on March 26 at 3 p.m. The first home match for OCB will take place just five days later, when Huntsville City FC (Nashville SC’s affiliate) comes to town on March 31. The 28-match season will end on Sept. 24, with OCB hosting FC Cincinnati 2.

There are also changes to the playoff format this year. Seven teams from each conference will make the postseason, with the top seed of each conference receiving a bye. The second and third seeds of each conference will then choose which opponent it wants to face in the conference quarterfinals. I’m a pretty big fan of that idea. It should give the top teams some more agency in their playoff path, while also putting a chip on the shoulder of the teams chosen.

Austin FC Eliminated From Champions League

In its second leg against Haiti’s Violette AC, Austin FC came up short at home in a 2-0 win. Austin needed at least three goals after losing 3-0 in the first leg, and the return of Sebastian Driussi certainly helped. Driussi scored twice in the second half, but Violette stopped the bleeding at Q2 Stadium to reach the quarterfinals. It’s one of the biggest upsets in tournament history and part of what makes Concacaf special. The Haitian club will take on whichever team advances between Tauro FC and Club Leon.

While Austin fell short, the Philadelphia Union soared. After a scoreless first leg, the Union put El Salvador’s Alianza FC to the sword. The Union won 4-0 at Subaru Park, with former Lion Andres Perea scoring a brace late in the match. A red card to Alexis Renderos in the 40th minute reduced Alianza to 10 men and the Union took full advantage.

U.S. Will Play Mexico in New Event

The United States Men’s National Team will face Mexico on April 19 in Glendale, AZ in the inaugural Continental Clásico. The new annual event will pit the U.S. against a top team from the Americas, starting with its biggest rival. The U.S. will aim for its fourth straight win against Mexico on home soil after beating Mexico three times in 2021. Since this match takes place outside of an international window, it will be interesting to see which Americans will be called up.

2026 World Cup Will Feature Groups of Four

FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup will have 12 groups of four rather than 16 groups of three. The decision was made to mitigate the chance of collusion while guaranteeing each team got to play at least three games. However, now there will be a whopping 104 matches over the course of nearly 40 days. The top two teams from each will still qualify for the knockout stage, but this time alongside eight third-placed teams. While I’m glad about the size of the groups, I’m not a huge fan of 32 teams in the knockout stage. Sure, it makes for an easy bracket, but I’d rather just see the top eight group winners get a bye than see third-place teams advance.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City left back Luca Petrasso could get called up by Canada for the Concacaf Nations League later this month.
  • The Lions fell four spots to 14th in the MLS power rankings after a 1-1 draw on the road to D.C. United. Orlando is just one of seven teams still undefeated this season.
  • Erling Haaland scored five goals in Manchester City’s 7-0 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League. The Norwegian had a hat trick by the end of the first half as Manchester City cruised into the quarterfinals.
  • Former Pride player Carson Pickett signed a three-year deal with Racing Louisville. Pickett was traded to Louisville from the North Carolina Courage earlier this year.
  • Club America winger Alex Zendejas officially chose to represent the U.S. instead of Mexico.
  • Toronto FC confirmed that Lorenzo Insigne will miss three to four MLS games due to his groin injury.
  • We’ll end today’s links with a look at the Portland Thorns’ new jersey. I wish the design stretched below the sponsor logo, because it currently looks like a shirt an uncle who likes Guns N’ Roses would wear to a cookout.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/20/26

Orlando City defeats Atlanta United, Anna Moorhouse called up, Arsenal wins EPL championship, and more.

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51 minutes ago

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May 20, 2026

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Image of Griffin Dorsey preparing to shoot on a breakaway against Atlanta.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I love the U.S. Open Cup. I love the history, the cupsets, and the magical moments. I especially love it when my team wins and wins big like Orlando City did Tuesday night. It was unexpected result but a very welcome one. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Advances to USOC Semifinals

Orlando City defeated rival Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. The Lions unleashed an offensive firestorm in the first half against Atlanta United, scoring four goals before halftime. Frankly, it could have been more. The Lions were unable to add to the lead in the second half and conceded one goal to Atlanta, but it was more than enough to secure the victory.

Moorhouse Called Up

Anna Moorhouse has once again been called up by England for Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. It is always an honor for a player to represent their country. We are happy that Moorhouse will have the opportunity.

World Cup News

We are only weeks away from the start of the World Cup and we know who most of the players representing their countries will be. For example, Granit Xhaka will captain Switzerland in the tournament. Most of us are primarily concerned with the USMNT and which players are in form for club and, hopefully, country.

Premier League News

The 23-year wait is over as Arsenal won the English Premier League championship following a 1-1 draw between Bournemouth and Manchester City on Tuesday. It is all but certain that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer. It’s not the ending that Guardiola wanted for his time at Manchester City, but he leaves the club in a good position. While the Gunners celebrate, Tottenham Hostpur is fighting relegation.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back later this week as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 5/19/26

Lions set for international duty, lessons from MLS matchday 14, Austin FC makes changes at the top, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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May 19, 2026

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Image of Marco Pasalic saluting the fans.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone! It wasn’t a particularly successful weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, but we don’t have time to dwell on the past. Orlando City is set for a big U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match against Atlanta United tonight, and all three teams will be back in action over the weekend. We’ve got a whole host of things to talk about today, so let’s jump straight into the links.

Lions Called Up for International Duty

A busy summer break from MLS is almost upon us, and that means that the international call-ups are starting to roll in. Gustavo Caraballo will be joining Venezuela’s U-20 outfit as it gets ready for an upcoming youth tournament.

In addition, Marco Pasalic has been named to Croatia’s World Cup squad, so Orlando City will be represented on the biggest stage.

Congrats to both players!

Lessons from Matchday 14

Matchday 14 is officially in the books for Major League Soccer, so let’s take a look at what we learned from the weekend’s action. For one thing, despite a slightly slow start to the season by his high standards, Hany Mukhtar’s hat trick against LAFC proved that he should still be considered among the league’s elite. Marco Reus flashed his versatility in the LA Galaxy’s 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders, as he played striker and got an assist on LA’s first goal. Finally, while its too early to say things are definitely turned around for Sporting Kansas City, back-to-back wins means that there’s at least something to get excited about, and that’s very welcome in a season that’s been difficult for the most part. The spine of Sporting’s midfield looked improved on Saturday, and having Dejan Jovelic up top is never going to hurt a team’s chances.

Austin FC Makes Personnel Changes

Austin FC followed in the footsteps of the Columbus Crew by announcing the firing of head coach Nico Estevez on Monday. Where Austin went a step further was by also firing sporting director Rodolfo Borrell. The team has begun searches for permanent appointments to both positions immediately, while naming Davy Arnaud as interim manager in what will be his second stint in that role with the club. Austin has endured a difficult start to the season and is currently 13th in the Western Conference with a record of 3-6-5 and 14 points from 14 matches. The 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday seems to have been the final straw, and Austin will now be seeking its third permanent head coach since becoming an MLS club.

Americans in Midweek Action

Most major European seasons have already wrapped up or will be doing so shortly, but there’s still a number of Americans who will be competing during the working week. Things get started later today when Tyler Adams and Bournemouth play host to Manchester City in Premier League action. The stakes ratchet up considerably on Thursday when Kevin Paredes and Wolfsburg play Paderborn in the first leg of the Bundesliga’s promotion/relegation tie. Things then finish up on Friday when Yunus Musah and Atalanta travel to take on Fiorentina in Serie A.

Free Kicks

That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 5/18/26

Lions draw Atlanta United, Pride and OCB lose, Americans abroad, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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Image of Griffin Dorsey playing against Nashville.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve had a busy week covering high school playoff water polo and soccer. Our beloved Lions, Pride, and OCB were all in action over the weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Atlanta United

Orlando City drew Atlanta United 1-1 Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. Griffin Dorsey scored the opener for the Lions in the first half. Orlando was moments away from securing back-to-back wins. However, the Lions could not hold onto the lead, as Jay Fortune scored a late equalizer for Atlanta, and both teams ended up with a point. It will be a busy week for Orlando City, facing Atlanta United again Tuesday in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup at home, followed by a road trip to take on FC Cincinnati Saturday at TQL Stadium.

Pride Fall to Denver Summit

The Orlando Pride fell 3-1 in their first road match against Denver Summit FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday. It’s the second consecutive match in a week the Pride have lost to a 2026 NWSL expansion team on the road, following a defeat to Boston Legacy FC on Tuesday. Orlando conceded the first goal and trailed 1-0 at halftime. In the second half, Janine Sonis scored a penalty kick goal to give Denver a 2-0 lead. Angelina was sent off with a red card before Barbra Banda pulled one back, but Sonis added her second goal immediately after the Pride scored to put away Denver’s first-ever home win. The Pride will look to bounce back on the road, taking on the San Diego Wave Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium.

OCB Concedes Late in 1-0 Road Loss to New England Revolution II

Orlando City B fell 1-0 to New England Revolution II on the road Sunday at Beirne Stadium in Smithfield, RI. Both teams struggled to score throughout the match, and it looked like the match was heading to a 0-0 draw and a shootout. However, Judah Siqueira scored a winner for New England in the dying moments of the match for the hosts. The result ends the Young Lions’ four-match points streak. OCB will return home to face Inter Miami II Sunday at Osceola County Stadium.

Americans Abroad

Auston Trusty played a full 90 minutes and helped Celtic overturn a 1-0 deficit to complete the comeback and defeat Hearts 3-1 to secure the club’s fifth straight Scottish Premiership title. Antonee Robinson scored his first Premier League goal for Fulham in a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chris Richards came off the bench and played 29 minutes for Crystal Palace in a 2-2 draw against Brentford but suffered an ankle injury toward the end of the match. Christian Pulisic made his return to AC Milan after being sidelined with a lower back injury and came off the bench in the second half in a 2-1 win against Genoa. Ricardo Pepi scored for PSV Eindhoven in a 5-1 win against FC Twente. George Bello and Sam Adeniran helped LASK capture its first Austrian Bundesliga title since 1965, defeating Austria Vienna 3-0 and booking a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League playoff round.

Manchester City Defeats Chelsea to Win FA Cup

Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium Saturday to win the English FA Cup. After a scoreless first half, Antoine Semenyo’s lone goal in the second half was enough to pull Manchester City to victory and keep the club’s domestic treble hopes alive. It’s Manchester City’s second FA Cup trophy in four years.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City midfielder Gustavo Caraballo has been called up to the Venezuela U-20 Men’s National Team for the upcoming Maurice Revello Tournament in France.
  • Orlando Pride defender Kylie Nadaner gave birth to her first child over the weekend.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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