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Lion Links: 4/13/23

Gaston Gonzalez adapts to MLS, MIkayla Cluff settles in with the Pride, Kamal Miller traded to Miami, and more.

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

It’s Thursday, which means we’re officially more than halfway through the work week. I’ve had a fairly busy week, but it hasn’t been too bad and I’m looking forward to some soccer and relaxation this weekend. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 23rd birthday to Facundo Torres!

Gaston Gonzalez’s Road to Recovery

It’s nearly been a full year since winger Gaston Gonzalez tore his ACL in his final match for Club Atlético Unión in Argentina before joining Orlando City. The injury meant he couldn’t take the field for the Lions last season, but the club set up a recovery plan to prepare him for this 2023 season.

“They specifically helped me with the confidence of going into [the recovery],” he said, “I’ve never had anything like that [injury] before and the medical staff here was there for me. They told me ahead of time, ‘This is gonna be a long and difficult process, but we’re here for you and we’re going to continue working with you to make sure that we get you back up to where you were before.’

“I think without the help and support of my teammates, the whole technical staff here, and the support staff, I don’t think I would have come out on the other side of that as well as I have. It’s just thanks to everyone here for that.”

The 21-year-old made his debut in a scoreless draw against FC Cincinnati on March 4 and has appeared in seven games this year for the Lions. Gonzalez also spoke on the difference between playing in MLS compared to his native Argentina, namely the amount of running involved. It’s nice to see him nearing full strength and getting used to the league.

Mikayla Cluff Settles Into Second Season in Orlando

Following her rookie season last year, Orlando Pride midfielder Mikayla Cluff spoke on how she’s playing with confidence this season. The 24-year-old has started in both of the Pride’s games so far, playing as a box-to-box midfielder to contribute on both sides of the ball. She was drafted 14th overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft and signed a new three-year contract with the Pride before this season started. Cluff has also helped the team’s current rookies get accustomed to playing at the professional level in Orlando.

“Now that I’ve had a year it’s kind of nice to know where they’re coming from and what they might be experiencing,” she said. “Last year, I felt like I didn’t have as much as that. Obviously, me being the new one, I felt like I was kind of alone, or if anyone else knew what I was experiencing. But it’s nice to be able to relate to them and just talk to them through their first year, knowing where they might be coming from, and just try and help show them what they can do and know what to expect.”

Kamal Miller Traded to Inter Miami

CF Montreal traded former Lion Kamal Miller and $1.3 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Inter Miami in exchange for 22-year-old midfielder Bryce Duke and Costa Rican forward Ariel Lassiter. Miller was an MLS All-Star last season and played for Canada in the 2022 World Cup. He should help the back line for Miami after the club traded Damion Lowe to the Philadelphia Union this off-season. The hefty amount of GAM should also help Miami add some firepower to its offense this summer.

As for Montreal, the Canadian club could use some fresh blood in its attack considering it’s only scored three goals in six games this season. This move also comes as the club announced that forward Mason Toye is out for the next six to eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Still, it’s quite a bit to give up.

USMNT Roster Announced for Continental Clasico

The United States Men’s National Team will feature mostly MLS players when it faces off with Mexico on April 19 in the inaugural Continental Clásico in Arizona. Of the 23 players called up, Sergino Dest, Alan Soñora, and Joshua Wynder are the only ones who do not play in MLS. FC Cincinnati has three players on the roster, including forward Brandon Vazquez. Wynder, who plays for Louisville City in the USL Championship, is the youngest player on the roster at 17 years old, and this is his first call-up to a senior team camp. Defender Caleb Wiley and goalkeepers Drake Callender and Roman Celentano will also be aiming for their first USMNT appearance.

Real Madrid and AC Milan Win in Champions League

The first legs of this year’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are over and the trend of shutouts continued. Of the 20 games played so far in the knockout stage, only three have not ended with at least one team earning a clean sheet. In Spain, goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio helped Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0. Chelsea will have to bounce back for the second leg on April 18, but will be without Ben Chilwell since he was sent off during the loss. The Italian match-up between AC Milan and Napoli ended up with Milan winning 1-0, thanks to a goal from Ismael Bennacer. Napoli was without forward Victor Osimhen due to injury, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa was shown a second yellow card in the 74th minute. The second leg will take place in Naples and should be a good match.

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  • Enjoy these photos from the Pride’s training as the team gets ready to take on NJ/NY Gotham FC on Saturday at Exploria Stadium.
  • Seattle Sounders midfielder Josh Atencio won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his strike from distance that screamed past St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Bürki and into the net.

We may be dealing with some rainy weather this week here in Florida, but don’t forget to stay hydrated out there.

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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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2 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.

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3 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.

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4 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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