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Lion Links: 7/20/23

Junior Urso returns to Orlando City, Bryan Reynolds linked with the Lions, Orlando Pride get ready for NJ/NY Gotham FC, and much more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? If you’re a fan of soccer tournaments, it’s an exciting time to be alive. The Women’s World Cup is underway, the Leagues Cup kicks off this weekend, and the NWSL Challenge Cup gives us even more to enjoy over the next few weeks. Even though the time zones may destroy my sleep schedule, I’m really looking forward to the next month. Now, let’s dive right into today’s links with some of the best news of the year!

The Bear is Back

Less than a year since he left for personal reasons, midfielder Junior Urso has returned to Orlando City on a deal through the rest of this season, with an option for 2024 as well. The 34-year-old will become available once his paperwork clears and should be a great addition to the team as he won’t need much time to get up to speed in Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s system. On the field, Urso will provide versatility, depth, and a needed scoring threat to Orlando’s midfield. It’s also just great to have him back, as he’s been a fan favorite since joining the team in 2020 and brings a fun energy to the Lions. He’ll wear No. 21 this time around and the video announcing his return is definitely worth the watch.

Bryan Reynolds Linked With Orlando City

According to Will Forbes, Orlando City is interested in bringing American right back Bryan Reynolds to the City Beautiful on loan. Reynolds joined AS Roma from FC Dallas back in February of 2021, but has not received much playing time with the Italian club and spent time with Westerlo and Kortrijk in Belgium on loan. Orlando could use the 22-year-old, considering Michael Halliday’s injuries and Kyle Smith’s inconsistency at the right back position. Of course, this is just a rumor and it would be somewhat odd for Reynolds to return to MLS and not play in Dallas. Still, it will be interesting to keep an eye on him as this transfer window progresses.

Orlando Pride Prepare For NWSL Challenge Cup Match

In the first of the club’s four consecutive upcoming NWSL Challenge Cup matches, the Orlando Pride will take on NJ/NY Gotham FC at Exploria Stadium this Sunday. The Pride have not played in the Challenge Cup since a 4-2 defeat to the Washington Spirit and sit last in the group with just one point. However, a victory over Gotham on Sunday will get the Pride in the conversation to win the group. This match was originally scheduled for June 28, but had to be postponed due to weather. Both teams will be without some of their best attackers due to the World Cup, so it will be interesting to see which players step up. Pride forward Messiah Bright spoke on how the Pride is preparing to bring the intensity for Sunday’s match.

Tahir Reid-Brown Features in MLS NEXT All-Star Game

Orlando City B defender Tahir Reid-Brown played in the second half of the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, which was won by the West in a penalty shootout. Reid-Brown was the lone OCB representative and nearly scored a late winner if not for a good save by Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Mo Shour, who was named the game’s MVP. Nashville’s Adem Sipic bagged a brace in the first half, but the lineups changed for the second half and the West clawed back into the match with goals from the LA Galaxy’s Paulo Rudisill and LAFC’s Adrian Wibowo.

MLS All-Stars Wrecked By Arsenal

Arsenal and the MLS All-Stars were level for just five minutes in this year’s MLS All-Star Game in the nation’s capital, as the English Premier League club won, 5-0. Gabriel Jesus banked his shot off the post and in to give Arsenal an early lead, which Leandro Trossard then doubled in the 23rd minute with a nice strike from outside the box. Jorginho converted a penalty shortly after halftime, and late goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put the game to bed. Maybe it was a good thing no Lions were selected for this game, although I’d like to think Pedro Gallese would’ve kept the score from getting out of hand.

Learning About Vietnam Ahead of USWNT’s World Cup Opener

The United States Women’s National Team will kick off its 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign against Vietnam tomorrow night at 9 p.m. Not only will it be the first match between these two nations, but it will also be Vietnam’s World Cup debut. The Asian nation qualified for the tournament by beating Chinese Taipei and Thailand in a playoff following an exit in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup. Of the 23 players Vietnam Head Coach Mai Duc Chung called up for the tournament, Huynh Nhu is the only one who doesn’t play for a Vietnamese club, as she joined Portuguese side Länk Vilaverdense last year. Nhu is the star of Vietnam’s attack, scoring 71 times for her country.

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  • Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja was honored for becoming just the sixth head coach to win 150 MLS regular season games. He reached that mark in the team’s dominant 4-0 win over Toronto FC on the Fourth of July.
  • Charlotte FC transferred Nuno Santos to Vitória de Guimarães in Portugal’s top flight for an undisclosed fee. The midfielder joined Charlotte from Benfica less than a year ago, scoring once in just nine appearances.
  • Inter Miami signed Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez as a U22 Initiative player. The 20-year-old joins Miami from Club Libertad, where he scored six goals in 51 appearances. I’m surprised Miami was aware there are soccer players who aren’t in their mid-30s.
  • Here is a list of 10 Liga MX players who could make an impact in the Leagues Cup. Santos Laguna center back Doria was featured, so he will be a player to watch when the Lions face the Mexican side on July 29 at Exploria Stadium.
  • Office hours are shifting in Brazil to accommodate the Women’s World Cup matches taking place in the morning.

Enjoy the gauntlet of soccer that’s upon us! I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.

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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/27/25

Marco Pasalic wins Goal of the Matchday, Orlando Pride members join U.S. U-23 camp, Orlando City B beats Crown Legacy FC, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We’re another day closer to what should be an awesome Saturday, with both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride in action. All three of Orlando’s soccer teams have been doing well lately, which is not something we can say too often. Hopefully that trend continues this weekend and beyond. Let’s get to today’s links!

Marco Pasalic Wins MLS Goal of the Matchday

An Orlando City player has won MLS Goal of the Matchday for the first time this season, with Marco Pasalic claiming the award for his strike against D.C. United. The goal was a real team effort from the Lions, as all three Designated Players linked up to get the ball up the field in a hurry for a counter. Pasalic did well to create space and then curl the ball into the back of the net from distance. His goal garnered 64.7% of the vote, beating out goals from Daniel Rios, David Martinez, and Deandre Kerr. In his first year as a Lion, the Croatian winger has already recorded four goals and an assist so far.

Pride’s Zara Chavoshi and Yolanda Thomas Join U.S. U-23 Camp

Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi was called up for the first U-23 United States Women’s National Team training camp of the year, which will run alongside the senior team’s camp in California. The 22-year-old, who was signed by the Pride directly out of college after four years at Wake Forest, will develop her game at the camp alongside other promising young defenders like Savy King, Gisele Thompson, and Eva Gaetino. Orlando Pride Assistant Coach Yolanda Thomas will also be in attendance as an assistant coach at the camp, and it’s great to see her get this opportunity.

Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC on the Road

Orlando City B won its first road match of the 2025 season, beating Crown Legacy FC 1-0 to extend its unbeaten run to three games (2-0-1). The Young Lions didn’t make things easy on themselves by not converting some solid opportunities to extend their lead, but they ultimately held on to secure all three points. Orlando is now tied at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with New York City FC II with eight points from three matches. OCB’s next match will be a road game against Chattanooga FC on April 5.

Say Hello to Boston Legacy FC

Boston’s NWSL team has rebranded itself as Boston Legacy FC, which is leagues better than BOS Nation FC. The team initially went with that anagram of Bostonian as its name back in October as part of a brand launch that also included a widely criticized marketing campaign involving the slogan “Too Many Balls.” While I’m not crazy about the name, the team deserves credit for not defaulting to something too generic after whiffing on its first swing. The Boston Legacy will take the field for the first time next year as the NWSL’s 16th team.

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  • Pride midfielder Angelina was called up by Brazil for its friendlies against the United States in California on April 5 and April 8.

That’s all I have for you this fine Thursday. I hope you all have a terrific day and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/26/25

Orlando City rises in MLS power rankings, Emily Sams called up, Orlando City B faces Crown Legacy FC tonight, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been spending the week reading and eating my way through a pork shoulder after making way too much of it in my slow cooker this weekend. It wasn’t as tender as I was shooting for, but it’ll take some time before I can take another crack at it. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Rises in MLS Power Rankings

The league’s latest power rankings are out and Orlando City has moved up two spots to 14th after its 4-1 victory over D.C. United. Orlando’s Designated Players are firing on all cylinders and no MLS team has scored more goals this year. The breakout of 20-year-old defender Alex Freeman, who was noted as one of the top young performers from this past weekend, is also worth recognition. The Lions have been in need of a young player to step up, and Freeman has done well so far. Orlando will be back in action on Saturday for a road match against an LA Galaxy side still searching for its first win of the season.

Emily Sams Called Up For USWNT Friendlies

Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was one of 24 players called up by United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes for the training camp prior to friendlies against Brazil next month. Forward Trinity Rodman, who hasn’t played for the U.S. since the Olympics, is back in the mix after missing time due to injury. Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce are other interesting players to keep an eye on. The U.S. will take on Brazil April 5 at SoFi Stadium before a rematch on April 8 at PayPal Park.

OCB Plays Crown Legacy FC Tonight

The Young Lions are back in action tonight for a road match against Crown Legacy FC at 7 p.m. It’s OCB’s first away match of the season after a pair of solid results at Osceola Heritage Park to start the season. Orlando will take on a Crown Legacy team that’s only played one game so far this season, losing a shootout to New York City FC II after a 1-1 draw back on March 7. Following tonight’s match, OCB will get some time off before taking on Chattanooga FC in Tennessee on April 5.

Takeaway From USMNT Defeats

After losing both Concacaf Nations League matches, there is plenty of concern surrounding the United States Men’s National Team as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fullback Joe Scally struggled in both matches, putting more of an emphasis on Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest being ready to roll next summer. Weston McKennie lost duels left and right and there are some real questions regarding where he fits in Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s system. There were bright spots as well though. Diego Luna and Patrick Agyemang likely boosted their stock after solid offensive efforts, and Tanner Tessmann was effective in his time on the field. Overall, the Yanks will have to be better in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup.

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That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Go Young Lions!

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