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Lion Links: 7/14/23

Orlando City heads to Atlanta, getting to know Anna Moorhouse, areas of improvement for the USWNT, and more.

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week has treated you well as we get ready for another weekend of Orlando soccer. I’m looking forward to being able to watch Orlando City after missing out on last week’s match. We also have Orlando City B in action on Sunday, so it should be a nice couple of days. Let’s get this Friday started with today’s links!

Orlando City Hits the Road for Clash With Atlanta

Orlando City is on the road this weekend for its match against Atlanta United tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. While the Lions have done better against Atlanta in recent years compared to before Oscar Pareja took over, they’ve only beaten the Five Stripes on the road once in their last four tries. Atlanta has made Mercedes-Benz Stadium a fortress yet again, with the club only losing once in its 11 home games this season. However, Atlanta is on short rest heading into this match after a 2-1 loss on the road to the New England Revolution on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Orlando has a full week of rest under its belt following a 4-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake. It was only the third time the Lions have lost by at least four goals with Pareja at the helm, so hopefully they can shrug off the result and return to Orlando with three points.

Learning More About Anna Moorhouse

As part of the club’s video series of player profiles, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse fielded questions regarding her soccer career. Moorhouse spoke about her commitment to becoming a professional soccer player that started from a young age. She’s been with many English clubs over the years, but starting for West Ham United in the FA Cup final was one of the most memorable moments of her career. She joined Orlando in January of 2022 and praised the city for its inclusivity. Moorhouse also stated that the most famous person in her contact list is English forward Beth Mead, although she noted that does have Marta’s number as well.

Analyzing the USWNT’s Keys to World Cup Success

The United States Women’s National Team will once again be one of the favorites in this year’s Women’s World Cup, although the competition has only gotten stiffer since the Yanks lifted the trophy in 2019. Claire Watkins of Just Women’s Sports dove into how the USWNT will need to play to its strengths to win. Wales played physically in the team’s recent match, and World Cup opponents may do the same to disrupt Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s system and prevent players from dribbling. The USWNT’s creative players will need to play with freedom and patience to start and then finish chances. Although there is plenty of depth up front, the lack of options at center back will be worth monitoring throughout the tournament. The World Cup is less than a week away, with the USWNT’s first game coming on July 21 against Vietnam.

BJ Callaghan Accepts Blame for USMNT’s Gold Cup Exit

BJ Callaghan, who has filled in as the United States Men’s National Team’s head coach for the Concacaf Gold Cup and Nations League, took responsibility for the team’s rough start against Panama in the Gold Cup semifinals.

“The first half is my fault. I didn’t set the team up the way they should have been set up,” he said. “We were able to make the adjustments at halftime and I was so proud of the group, the way they came out in the second half and the way they responded. So I don’t have anything but positive things to say about how the group handled this match.”

Personally, I wouldn’t put too much blame on the interim coach. The U.S. was outplayed by Panama for a majority of the match, needing a late goal from Jesus Ferreira to send the game to penalties. Panama also deserves credit and had many chances to score against a disorganized American back line and sloppy midfield. Head Coach Gregg Berhalter will likely be back at the helm for the USMNT’s friendlies this fall, and Callaghan may stay with the team as an assistant despite doing a decent job in an interim capacity.

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  • Brazilian defender Rafaelle, who signed with the Pride earlier this month, scored in Brazil’s training match against China to prepare for the World Cup.
  • Orlando City is sixth on the list of what each U.S. team was paid by FIFA for players who participated in last year’s World Cup was unveiled. Facundo Torres, who was called up by Uruguay, was the lone Lion at the tournament.
  • No NWSL team has more followers on Instagram than the Pride.
  • The New England Revolution traded away Ghanaian midfielder Latif Blessing and an international roster slot to Toronto FC in exchange for Mark-Anthony Kaye.
  • Charlotte FC added Belgian midfielder Brecht Dejaegere on a free transfer. The 32-year-old served as Toulouse’s captain in Ligue 1 this past season.
  • Voting is open for MLS Goal of the Matchday after a round of midweek matches. To me, it’s a tough decision between Xherdan Shaqiri and Miguel Trauco.

That’s all I have for you today. 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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19 hours 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: 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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2 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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Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

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

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