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Lion Links: 3/23/23

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2 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we look forward to a weekend filled to the brim with Orlando soccer. I don’t have many plans over the next few days beyond working, but I have been enjoying some walks in the afternoons now that it doesn’t get dark so early. For now though, let’s dive into today’s links.

Orlando Pride Reveal Highway Woman Kit

Ahead of their season opener this weekend, the Orlando Pride unveiled their primary kit for the upcoming 2023 season. The Highway Woman Kit has both the top and shorts in a deep purple color, with a lighter purple sweeping across the top as if applied by a paintbrush. It honors Mary Ann Carroll, who was the only woman in a group of Black artists known as the Highwaymen. Operating in the 1950s, the Highwaymen had to sell paintings out of their car trunks as galleries wouldn’t allow works from Black artists. I love the new kit, particularly the tag in the bottom right that features a Royal Poinciana tree in the Pride’s colors and Carroll’s signature.

Mason Stajduhar Ready to Step Up

With Pedro Gallese on international duty with Peru, Mason Stajduhar will serve as Orlando City’s goalkeeper Saturday night against the Philadelphia Union. It will be the Homegrown Player’s first appearance of the season. The 25-year-old has been with the club for the past eight years, learning the tricks of the trade from many different Orlando goalkeepers over the years. Stajduhar spoke on the importance of preparation ahead of this weekend’s match.

“You always have to be ready no matter what, whether you don’t think you’re gonna play, you think you’re gonna play, you always got to be ready, always being prepared and treating every game like you’re going to be the one playing,” Stajduhar said. “I think it’s also taught me patience. No situation is permanent and things can change like that. So, I’d say patience and preparedness for sure.”

USMNT Faces Grenada Tomorrow

In its first competitive match of 2023, the United States Men’s National Team will take on Grenada tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the Concacaf Nations League. The U.S. has won all four of its previous meetings with Grenada and has more than enough talent on the roster to do so again. Grenada’s offense will likely revolve around Regan Charles-Cook and Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong creating chances for striker Jamal Charles to put away. As for the USMNT’s offense, there will be plenty of focus on which player will spearhead the attack. These games are a great opportunity for Ricardo Pepi or former Lion Daryl Dike to make a statement after missing the World Cup.

The Power of Meat in MLS

Orlando City Assistant Coach Josema Bazan discussed the importance of asado, which brings people together to enjoy good company and great grilled meats. A fixture in South American culture, particularly in Argentina, asado has become a part of MLS clubs all over the country. Former San Jose Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda used it to rally his team in 2019 and FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta worked with a local chef to introduce his teammates to it during the off-season. Even after Bazan left FC Dallas with Oscar Pareja, the club continues the practice. Now in Orlando, Bazan helps unify a team of players from many different backgrounds.

“You try the meat, and you keep having conversations that are maybe a bit more intimate,” Bazan said. “They’re not superficial: they’re deeper than you’d have at a restaurant or just have normally. You leave your comfort zone, but go into an even more comfortable zone.”

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City defender Thomas Williams started in the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team’s 4-0 loss to France’s U-20 side. Michael Halliday came on as a substitute in the 59th minute.

  • The Orlando Pride’s Ally Watt was highlighted as one of several NWSL players to watch this season.
  • Lake Nona FC’s goal in the second minute by former OCB player William Eyang was enough to beat Club de Lyon in the U.S. Open Cup’s first round. The team will take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the next round.

  • Minnesota United signed South Korean forward Sang Bin Jeong from Wolverhampton. The 20-year-old will be an MLS U22 Initiative player and signed a contract through the 2025 season.
  • Mesut Ozil is retiring after nearly 17 years of playing professional soccer. The 34-year-old won the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and excelled at the club level with Arsenal and Real Madrid.
  • Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez could be out for three to five weeks according to Head Coach Wilfried Nancy.

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: 7/2/25

Big names leave Toronto FC, hot conditions in Club World Cup match, FIFPRO makes ACL recommendations, and more.

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23 hours ago

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July 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Wednesday, everyone. It already feels like it’s been a long week, as I just got home from being out of town traveling up and down the East Coast for the last few days. The soccer world hasn’t stopped in my absence though, and as usual we have a lot to cover today. Let’s wish a happy birthday to OCB defender Tahir Reid-Brown, and jump into today’s links!

Italians Leave Toronto FC

It’s the end of an era at Toronto FC, as the club has parted ways with both Federico Bernardeschi, and Lorenzo Insigne. The Reds used both of their two buyouts of guaranteed contracts this season in order to get the transactions done, so the club was pretty keen to get them out the door. It’s hard to blame the Reds, as Insigne was the second-highest paid player in the league while Bernardeschi was the fifth highest. They didn’t have much to show for it though, as Bernardeschi had 26 goals and 22 assists in 99 games across all competitions, while Insigne had 19 goals and 17 assists in 76 matches. TFC never made the playoffs while the duo was on the team, and the decision to turn the page is an understandable one.

Difficult Conditions in Juventus vs. Real Madrid

The Club World Cup Round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, with Real Madrid knocking off Juventus 1-0 in afternoon match. Kylian Mbappe made his tournament debut for Madrid as a substitute, but it was Gonzalo Garcia’s 54th-minute goal that made the difference in the game. Juve boss Igor Tudor highlighted the difficult conditions in Miami, saying in his postgame press conference that 10 different players asked to come off the field during the game. Tudor didn’t outright blame the loss on the high heat and humidity during the 3 p.m. kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium, but noted that they were among several factors that made the game a very difficult one for his side.

FIFPRO Makes Recommendations to Curb ACL Tears

Amid a rash of ACL injuries to women’s soccer players, FIFPRO has made some recommendations to cut down on the rate at which they occur. Rather than focusing on things that can’t be controlled, the federation has suggested modifying the calendar, number of games, and the playing surfaces. FIFPRO member Alex Culvin is calling for minimum standards in the women’s game relating to pitch conditions and access to physiotherapists. More research around risk factors is also necessary, as is implementing preventative exercises at the youth levels of the game.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Summer transfer business is in full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the hot rumors currently flying around. First up, Arsenal is said to be in the final stages of signing Viktor Gyokeres to a five-year deal. Staying in the Premier League, Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Paris Saint-Germain. Juventus reportedly is close to signing Jonathan David after his contract with Lille expired. Finally, Bayern Munich is reportedly preparing a formal offer for Liverpool for Colombian winger Luis Diaz.

Free Kicks

Apparently a non -#usmnt drone has crashed the training session. US Soccer staff aiming to identify it.

— Jeff Carlisle (@jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social) 2025-07-01T17:25:12.954Z

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/1/25

Pride signings, OCB draws, both U.S. national teams in action Wednesday, and more.

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2 days ago

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July 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to July, Mane Landers. If you’re like me, you balanced the excitement and dread of the USMNT advancing on penalty kicks the other night. It was one thing watching Guatemala take out Canada but a whole other level of heart palpitating stress while watching the U.S. avoid a similar fate. There’s no time to relax with plenty of soccer to watch as we head towards Independence Day. Before we get to the links, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride/USWNT defender Emily Sams and OCB defender Clovis Archange each a happy birthday.

Orlando Pride Signings

The Orlando Pride announced a pair of transactions Monday. Midfielder Viviana Villacorta and the club have agreed to exercise the midfielder’s mutual option for the 2026 season. Villacorta was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. The Pride also signed midfielder Ally Lemos to a new contract through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028. The Pride selected Lemos with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2024 NWSL Draft. Orlando continues to lock down current players ahead of time. Now, we wait to see if any new players will be added.

OCB Earns a Point on the Road

Orlando City B played Philadelphia Union II to a 1-1 draw in a Monday afternoon match. Unfortunately, the Young Lions lost the end-of-regulation shootout 4-2 and did not get the additional point. Gustavo Caraballo assisted Jackson Platts on the early goal for OCB. Philadelphia equalized early in the second half. Carlos Mercado was the difference maker in the match, recording a career-high 12 saves.

USMNT’s Gold Cup Run Continues vs. Guatemala

The USMNT will face Guatemala Wednesday night in a 2025 Gold Cup semifinal match. The U.S. advanced past Costa Rica on penalties thanks to a stellar performance from goalkeeper Matt Freese. Guatemala stunned Canada with a second-half equalizer and advanced on penalty kicks. Guatemala has been the overachieving underdog of the competition so far. This will be the USMNT’s 17th Gold Cup semifinal appearance.

USWNT Hosts Canada

The USWNT will host Canada in a third friendly of this international window Wednesday at Washington, D.C.’s Audi Field. The U.S. is coming off two 4-0 victories over the Republic of Ireland. Canada should prove a tougher opponent for Emma Hayes’ squad. There is a possibility that the match will feature two Orlando Pride players — Emily Sams for the U.S. and Zara Chavoshi for Canada. Kerry Abello has returned to her club team after picking up a knock.

Free Kicks

Sources: Bayer Leverkusen are finalizing a deal to sign USMNT attacker Malik Tillman from PSV.Deal in region of $40m.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-06-30T20:36:24.359Z
  • Former Orlando Pride midfielder Erika Tymrak has retired from professional soccer.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match against Charlotte FC this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/30/25

Lions fall to FC Cincinnati, USWNT beats Ireland, USMNT defeats Costa Rica in penalties, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 30, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work but got to catch up with friends at a Chicago White Sox game. Let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City midfielder Joran Gerbet, who turns 25 today. Our Lions were the only team in action over the weekend while the Pride and OCB were off. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Fall at Home to FC Cincinnati

Orlando City fell 2-1 to FC Cincinnati Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium, seeing its two-match winning streak end. The Lions trailed 2-0, with Evander scoring both goals for FC Cincinnati. Marco Pasalic pulled one back for Orlando, but it was not enough as FC Cincinnati claimed the three points and remain second in the Eastern Conference standings with 39 points. Orlando City is fifth with 33 points. The Lions will travel to face Charlotte FC Saturday at Bank of America Stadium.

Pride and Grace Chanda Exercise Mutual Option for 2026 Season

On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced the club and Grace Chanda reached an agreement to exercise their mutual option for the 2026 season. Chanda joined Orlando last summer but was placed on the Season-Ending Injury list after sustaining an injury while playing for Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chanda made her debut earlier this season for the Pride on March 19 and came off the bench against the Washington Spirit in the second half. Chanda has made three appearances for the Pride during the 2025 season.

Pride Sign Zara Chavoshi to New Contract

The Orlando Pride also announced Friday the club has reached an agreement with defender Zara Chavoshi on a new contract. The deal is through the 2027 season, with a mutual option for 2028. Chavoshi joined the club ahead of the 2025 season and became the first player Orlando signed directly out of college, following the NWSL’s abolition of the draft as a mechanism for player acquisition last year. Chavoshi made her debut for the Pride on March 23 against NJ/NY Gotham FC and came off the bench. She made her first professional start on May 3 on the road against the Portland Thorns and played 90 minutes. Chavoshi has made four appearances for the Pride during the 2025 season. Also over the weekend, Chavoshi scored her first goal for the Canadian Women’s National Team in a 4-1 win over Costa Rica in an international friendly.

USWNT Defeats Ireland Again in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team beat Ireland 4-0 Sunday at TQL Stadium in an international friendly. It was the second win in a week over Ireland for the USWNT. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams started the match and played 90 minutes. Lynn Biyendolo scored the opener, while Izzy Rodriguez scored her first goal for the USWNT to extend the lead to 2-0 going into halftime. In the second half, Yazmeen Ryan and Alyssa Thompson each added a goal to seal another win for the USWNT. The USWNT has won four in a row, and the team’s next match will be against Canada Wednesday at Audi Field. Meanwhile, Gisele Thompson and Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello have left the U.S. women’s national team training camp due to hamstring injuries. Abello last played for the USWNT on June 3 against Jamaica in a friendly.

USMNT Defeats Costa Rica in Penalties in the Gold Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Costa Rica 4-3 in penalties after a 2-2 draw in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman started the match and played 90 minutes. The USMNT trailed 1-0 early in the first half, and Malik Tillman missed a penalty that would have tied the match. However, Diego Luna scored the equalizer just before halftime. In the second half, the USMNT struck quickly with a goal from Max Arfsten to take a 2-1 lead. Costa Rica equalized late in the second half, and after 90 minutes, the game went to penalties. After three rounds, Orlando City fullback Alex Freeman buried his penalty past goalkeeper Keylor Navas to tie it 3-3. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made three saves, and in the sixth round, Damion Downs scored the winning goal to secure a spot for the USMNT in the semifinals. The USMNT will face Guatemala Wednesday at Energizer Park.

FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 Weekend Recap

The Round of 16 kicked off in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup over the weekend. On Saturday, Palmeiras beat Botafogo 1-0 after extra time, with Paulinho scoring the winning goal. Former Lion Facundo Torres came off the bench late in the second half and played 35 minutes. In another match that needed extra time, Chelsea beat 10-man Benfica 4-1 to advance. On Sunday, Joao Neves scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain crushed Inter Miami 4-0. Miami was the last MLS team remaining in the tournament and saw its run come to an end in the Round of 16. Bayern Munich defeated Flamengo 4-2 to advance, joining Palmeiras, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals. We have two more matches today, as Inter Milan faces Fluminense, while Manchester City takes on Al-Hilal in Orlando at Camping World Stadium.

Free Kicks

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

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