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Lion Links: 10/13/23

Keys for Orlando’s postseason hopes, McGuire starts for U-23s, Pride’s backs are against the wall, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Good Friday morning, Mane Landers. I am tapping in on my day off for our normal Friday writer before heading to the golf course with a coworker to capitalize on some fair weather. Lately, I have been playing well, so it would be great to shoot a new low-round score at one of my favorite local country clubs today.

In Orlando club news, we find ourselves with an international break for the Lions, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t Lions abroad at the moment. As for the Pride, it is all hands on deck in a must-win match if the team wants to make the NWSL playoffs. We have all that covered for you and more in today’s links.

Cup Runs on Duncan

If you look back at Orlando City’s season, I’m sure you will think of some of the same players and memories I do that got the club to where it is. For example, Facundo Torres has scored 14 goals total with nine non-penalty goals. For MLSsoccer.com, the website credits rookie forward Duncan McGuire, who also happens to be the only Lion with 10-plus non-penalty goals. The article states he will also be the reason they could make a deep MLS Cup run. McGuire has only played around 1,400 minutes this season and averaged 0.93 goal contributions every 90 minutes.

McGuire Features in U.S. U-23 Match

The United States Under-23 Men’s National Team began its preparations for the 2024 Olympics with a 2-1 win over Mexico on Wednesday night. Oddly, the match against the nation’s biggest rival was not streamed due to “red tape” legal issues. Orlando City’s Duncan McGuire wore the No. 9 and earned the start in the position. McGuire is one of the few players in the camp earning his first international call-up at any level and earned positive remarks for his performance.

“Duncan played with high energy today,” Mitrovic said. “I know that maybe he has some demands that are maybe different with the club, but I think he adjusted very well. He had some very good plays on the ball. I am positive about his performance.”

Decision Day for Orlando Pride

The NWSL regular season comes to its conclusion on Sunday with eight teams vying for the four remaining playoff spots. The Orlando Pride currently are one point below the playoff line and only two points separate six teams still in contention for the final four spots. Orlando will host the Houston Dash on Decision Day at Exploria Stadium at 5 p.m. The most direct way to advance is for the Pride to win, although they’ll still need some help from other teams along the way. The match has captain Marta ready for the season finale.

“We feel good. We know it’s not going to be an easy game, but it’s a huge opportunity for us to go to the playoffs. People don’t give credit to Orlando Pride a lot. I like that situation just shows how the NWSL is and everybody still has a chance. It’s still so exciting, and everything can happen.”

USMNT Preparing for 2026 World Cup

It might still be years away, but for the USMNT, it is never too soon to begin preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The USMNT’s players will test themselves against four-time World Cup champion Germany in an international friendly on Saturday at 3 p.m. The Yanks are No. 11 in the latest FIFA rankings and enter the fixture on a 13-match unbeaten run dating back to a 2-1 defeat to Serbia on Jan. 25. Over the course of history, the United States holds a 4-7-0 record against Germany in several memorable results. In recent times, Germany has struggled to a 2-4-1 mark in seven friendlies this year, even with six home matches. The Germans lost 4-1 to Japan in Wolfsburg on Sept. 9.

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  • Here’s a reminder that Orlando City once had an award winner in 2016 when Cyle Larin was the top name in the “24 Under 24” rankings. (Of course, he also won MLS Rookie of the Year in 2015.)
  • The Houston Dynamo signed veteran midfielder Artur to a contract extension through the 2025 MLS season with club options for 2026 and 2027.
  • Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya is reportedly on his way out. Bedoya is 36. Teammate Kai Wagner reportedly is also looking at a Union exit.

That’s all for this Friday. I hope you all finish out your week strong and find some time for a little rest and relaxation. Vamos Orlando!

Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/30/25

Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Lions Called Up For International Duty

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.

Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.

A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.

Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson

The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.

USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China

The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.

Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager

Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.

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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

Lion Links: 5/29/25

Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Falls in Atlanta

The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.

MLS All-Star Voting Begins

The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.

Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery

Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.

Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League

Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.

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  • Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
  • Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.

That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/28/25

Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads North

Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.

Banda and Sams Recognized

A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.

Orlando Pride Power

The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.

Freeman and the USMNT

It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?

Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!

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