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Lion Links: 6/24/23

The Lions are ready for the Sounders, the Pride host Kansas City, The Beautiful Game invaded, and more.

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2 years ago

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

It’s matchday, Mane Landers! I hope you slept in this morning. If not, you might want to catch a nap this afternoon since Orlando City doesn’t kick off until 10:30 p.m., as the Lions are all the way out west for a match against the Seattle Sounders. Fortunately, that gives us time to watch the Orlando Pride match earlier in the evening. I know that I’m looking forward to staying up super late — well, late for an old guy like me. Until then, let’s get to the links!

Lions Prepared for Seattle

Orlando City is ready to take on the Seattle Sounders this evening, and you can get prepared to watch and support. Everything you need to know about where the Lions stand and what to expect from the opponents is available here and our Michael Citro will have a match preview for you later today. The last time the two teams met, Orlando City pulled out a come-from-behind victory thanks to goals from Facundo Torres, Ercan Kara, and Kyle Smith. All three will be in the Emerald City for the match. It has been confirmed that Raúl Ruidíaz will not be at tonight’s match as he will be attending his father’s funeral. Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones.

Pride Ready to Host the Current

It’s been a rollercoaster ride recently for the Orlando Pride with a big win over the Portland Thorns, but losses to the Houston Dash and North Carolina Courage. As such, Seb Hines is making sure his team doesn’t take the Kansas City Current for granted. The Current are near the bottom of the table, but that doesn’t mean the Pride can relax. There are some things to watch as the Pride host the Current. Orlando is on a three-match winning streak at home and is undefeated against the Current in Exploria Stadium in the series. Let’s hope that continues.

Marta May Be Used as a Super Sub by Brazil

The Women’s World Cup is less than a month away, and the Orlando Pride’s Marta will be representing Brazil for the sixth time in her career. The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 115 goals — 17 in Women’s World Cup competitions — but at 37 years old she may be coming off the bench this go around. Marta is still recovering from a left knee injury. Regardless of whether Marta starts or not, Brazil coach Pia Sundhage said, “I am sure she will give everything.”

The Beautiful Pitch Invasion

Exploria Stadium hosted (most of) The Beautiful Game Friday night. Team Ronaldinho took on Team Roberto Carlos in a star-studded match of legends. Orlando City’s former captain Nani returned for the exhibition match. There was plenty of scoring — which is not uncommon in these types of matches — and the match ended 4-3 in favor of Team Ronaldinho. When I say ended, I mean that the game was abandoned due to the numerous pitch invasions and a heavy rainstorm. For all the details check out our story here.

USMNT Gold Cup Competition Begins

The USMNT will kick off its defense of the Concacaf Gold Cup tonight, with coverage starting at 9:30 p.m. — 10 p.m. kickoff — against Jamaica. The roster is very MLS-heavy to allow the European-based players we saw in the Nations League competition to get some rest. In addition to veterans like Aaron Long, DeAndre Yedlin, and Matt Turner you have a slew of youngsters who are looking to prove themselves. Cade Cowell, James Sands, Aidan Morris and others will try to make the most of their playing time in hopes of making the 2026 World Cup squad.

U.S. to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The United States will host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament will be the first to be expanded to a 32 team field. The Seattle Sounders — who have one of the four Concacaf spots — will be joined by clubs like Chelsea FC, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. The announcement means the United States will host large international competitions in back-to-back years, with the shared hosting of the 2026 World Cup the following year. FIFA officials also delayed voting on the 2030 World Cup hosts until the latter part of 2024.

Free Kicks

  • I don’t actually recommend watching it again, but José Martinez‘ goal against Orlando City was named MLS Goal of the Matchday. It’s kind of tough to argue against it, though I still didn’t enjoy it.
  • Concacaf announced the suspensions for the four players shown red cards in the U.S. versus Mexico Nations League match.
  • Inter Miami is apparently getting the band back together, announcing Sergio Busquets on social media. He can’t actually sign just yet, but a deal can be in place. It should be interesting to see how the Herons clear cap space and which players depart to create that space.
  • Players from MLS and other leagues will have an easier time signing with clubs in England as the English Football Association has changed the regulations on bringing in players from “lower-profile leagues.”
  • Faruk Hadžibegić agreed to resign as Bosnia-Herzegovina coach after only four games in charge. One win and three consecutive losses was enough for the Federation to ask him to resign.
  • Jose Mourinho has asked to step down from his role on the UEFA football board after he was banned for four European matches following a verbal altercation with referee Anthony Taylor in the Europa League final.
  • Check out the stunning 2023 Community Pride Pitch at the Ground in New York City. Sophia Yeshi is one talented artist in my opinion.

That will do it for today. Vamos Orlando!

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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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1 day 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

Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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June 5, 2025

By

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

3 days ago

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June 4, 2025

By

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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