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Lion Links: 5/4/23

Orlando City-Charlotte FC will air on CBS Golazo Network, Alex Freeman’s hard work pays off, Orlando Pride announce theme nights, and much more.

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May the fourth be with you, Mane Landers. Don’t worry, I won’t beat you over the head with too many Star Wars references today as I’m sure you will deal with plenty of them today. I’ll actually confess that, while I enjoy the franchise, I didn’t watch my first Star Wars movie until catching Revenge of the Sith on TV one summer. It pretty much ruined my first viewing of A New Hope a couple years later in college. Since then, I’ve seen every movie and series in the franchise, except for The Empire Strikes Back. I know, I know. But before you all toss me into a Sarlacc pit, let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Starts U.S. Open Cup Will Air on CBS Golazo Network

The Lions will begin their U.S Open Cup title defense the road against Charlotte FC on Tuesday at 7 p.m. It will be the first of four matches streamed on CBS Sports Golazo Network for the tournament’s round of 32. Launched last month, CBS Sports Golazo Network is a 24-hour soccer streaming network and available for free through the CBS Sports App, Pluto TV, CBSSports.com, and Paramount+. This will be Orlando City’s first match of this year’s tournament after lifting the trophy last year in a championship run that included six wins at home.

Lions Ride Momentum Into Montreal

Before that U.S. Open Cup match, the Lions will face off against CF Montreal on Saturday. It will be the Lions’ first trip to Canada since losing 2-0 to Montreal in the playoffs last season. After a rough start this season, Montreal has won its past three games in all competitions without conceding a goal. The Lions also enter this match with some momentum behind them, beating the LA Galaxy 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Designated Players Ercan Kara and Facundo Torres. Cesar Araujo’s 27 fouls won are the second most in the league and he will make his 50th appearance across all competitions as a Lion if he suits up on Saturday. The club will have a watch part at Kiwi’s Pub & Grill in Altamonte Springs for this weekend’s match.

Alex Freeman’s Memorable Weekend

Orlando City Homegrown Player Alex Freeman made his debut for the first team this past weekend, coming off the bench to play in front of a packed Exploria Stadium. While he was only on the field for a few minutes, it was the culmination of his hard work to reach that point after training with the first team for over a year.

“I did plan to have more minutes for him today,” Lions head coach Oscar Pareja said, “We want these guys from the academy to come and be part of that. I know what it means for the player to play two minutes in his debut and just put the feet on the pound. We say that in Spanish, and it’s a saying that means you are already there.”

The 18-year-old defender then played for Orlando City B on Sunday, scoring his third goal of the season in the team’s 3-2 win over Toronto FC II. Freeman now leads the Young Lions in goals as OCB sits near the top of the Eastern Conference. Hopefully more opportunities are headed Freeman’s way as he and other young players continue to develop.

Orlando Pride Announce Theme Nights

The Orlando Pride announced six theme nights at Exploria Stadium for this NWSL season. These events will take place once a month and include the chance to purchase specialty merchandise. The first theme night will take place on May 20 for Pups of Pride, which will allow fans to bring their dogs to the match. Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando will also be in attendance with adoptable animals. Pride in Our City will be on June 11 as the club celebrates Orlando’s LGBTQIA+ community and remembers the 49 lives lost in the Pulse shooting seven years ago. The Pride’s final game of the season on Oct. 15 will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well. This season will also include the first Star Wars Night on Aug. 25, and fans can purchase tickets to that match for $5.04 in honor of today’s date.

Lionel Messi Will Reportedly Become a Free Agent This Summer

According to Fabrizio Romano, Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires this summer. There were rumors he’d stay, but Messi’s father reportedly told the French club about the decision a month ago.

This news come after he was fined and suspended by PSG for two weeks after he made an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia and failed to report to training earlier this week. Once again, Messi will become one of the most sought after free agents in soccer, with Barcelona, Miami, and Saudi Arabia as possible destinations where he could wind up.

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  • Here’s a fantastic look behind the scenes of the Pride’s road win over the San Diego Wave. It’s pretty cinematic, and includes pep talks from Head Coach Seb Hines and his assistant, Giles Barnes.
  • You can also enjoy the sights and sounds from Orlando’s huge win at home against the Galaxy.
  • Despite winning their first game of the year, the Pride are still last in CBS SportsNWSL power rankings.
  • A drone toured Exploria Stadium to give a unique perspective of the Lions’ and Pride’s home.
  • D.C. United’s Christian Benteke won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his bicycle kick against Charlotte FC.
  • The New York Red Bulls signed 18-year-old midfielder Ronald Donkor to a contract through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027 as well. Donkor joins the Red Bulls after playing with Guidars FC in Mali and he will take up an international roster spot.
  • The North Carolina Courage and NJ/NY Gotham FC battled to a 1-1 draw in the NWSL Challenge Cup.
  • Erling Haaland scored his 35th goal of the season in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over West Ham to break the English Premier League’s single-season scoring record.
  • Eintracht Frankfurt scored three goals in the second half to beat VfB Stuttgart 3-2 and advance to the DfB Pokal final against RB Leipzig on June 3.
  • Real Madrid is reportedly closing in on a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign English midfielder Jude Bellingham.

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

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/31/25

Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

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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 very busy at work but will attend the Chicago Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field later this week. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Beats LA Galaxy on the Road

On Saturday, Orlando City fought back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy struck early in the first half to jump on top. In the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick after Eduard Atuesta was taken down in the box, and Martin Ojeda buried the spot kick to tie the match at one. In the 90th minute, Luis Muriel scored the winning goal on a long-range free kick to complete the comeback. Orlando is on a three-match unbeaten streak and beat the LA Galaxy for the third consecutive time. Orlando City’s next match will be on the road Saturday against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

Orlando Pride Defeat San Diego Wave at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium and extended their win streak to three matches to start the season. After a scoreless first half, Haley McCutcheon scored to give Orlando the lead. The Wave equalized before Marta converted a penalty kick goal to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride are off to a great start this season, outscoring their opponents 10-1, and are atop the NWSL standings ahead of the Kansas City Current on goal difference. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will be on the road in their next match against the Seattle Reign on April 12.

NWSL Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s third week of matches is in the books. On Friday, the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC match ended in a scoreless draw. The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, with Ashley Hatch scoring both goals. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Utah Royals 3-0, while the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage match ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, the Chicago Stars fell 1-0 to Racing Louisville and remain winless, while Angel City FC edged the Seattle Reign 2-1 to secure its first win of the season.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Recap

The FA Cup quarterfinals wrapped up with thrilling drama as four clubs booked a spot in the semifinals. Crystal Palace cruised to a 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Nottingham Forest edged Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw to advance. Aston Villa dominated Preston North End as Marcus Rashford scored twice to seal a 3-0 win, while Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1. The FA Cup semifinals are set for April 26 as Crystal Palace faces Aston Villa while Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester City.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City GM Luiz Muzzi provided some insight in an ESPN.com article on player transfers and highlighted the importance of building connections with different clubs to facilitate transfers.
  • Former Lion Benji Michel is going to play for HJK Helsinki.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/28/25

Orlando Pride prepare for the San Diego Wave, NWSL weekend matches, USMNT roster predictions, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We made it to Friday! Celebrate however you see fit, whether that’s an indulgent breakfast or just your favorite cup of coffee. This week has flown by a bit for me and I’m looking forward to a weekend filled with soccer. I’ll be spending the next few days working, reading a new book or two, and working out the kinks of making a frozen coconut mojito. My blender hates me. Let’s get to today’s links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the San Diego Wave

The Orlando Pride will look to extend their 2025 win streak to three games — and their overall win streak to seven — on Saturday when they host the San Diego Wave at noon. Orlando has looked the part of a defending champion so far, leading the league with eight goals without conceding a single one in two games. The Pride will take on a revamped San Diego team that is unbeaten under Head Coach Jonas Eidevall. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke about how Orlando will need to set the tone early on at home against the Wave and keep up the momentum.

NWSL Provides Entertaining Slate of Weekend Matches

While it’s far too early to think about the NWSL Shield race, it never hurts to check out how the Pride’s competitors are doing while enjoying some great soccer. Tonight features a pair of matches at the same time, with the Washington Spirit hosting Bay FC and the Houston Dash playing on the road against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga will have a chance to tie her own record of scoring in eight straight games when her team plays the Utah Royals on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll get to see if the Seattle Reign’s solid start continues against an unbeaten Angel City FC team searching for its first win of the season.

USMNT Roster Predictions for Concacaf Gold Cup

The pressure is on United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino to turn things around after a rough showing in the final four of the Concacaf Nations League. This summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup will be an opportunity for the USMNT to impress in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, and Pro Soccer Wire dove into how the roster could look for the tournament. Injuries to Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun complicate things up top, but we could see Brenden Aaronson or Alex Zendejas could return to the attack. The Gold Cup will likely also determine which goalkeeper between Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Patrick Schulte emerges as the true starter. Players like Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso are other notable names to keep an eye out for leading into the tournament.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Kick Off This Weekend

Only eight teams remain in the FA Cup and the action returns with enticing quarterfinal matchups. Preston North End is the only team outside of the English Premier League still fighting, but Manchester City is the only traditional giant left in the field as well. City will face off against a Bournemouth side that beat it 2-1 back in November, while Preston will have to get past Aston Villa, which has only won two of its last eight games. Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood’s injury adds an obstacle to overcome when the team travels to play Brighton and Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace gets star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta back from injury for its clash with Fulham.

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

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