Lion Links
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.

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.
Free Kicks
- 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.
- The Colorado Rapids interviewed Arsenal’s youth team coach and former midfielder Jack Wilshere for the club’s vacant head coach position.
- USMNT forward Josh Sargent extended his contract with Norwich City until 2028.
- USMNT forward Folarin Balogun claims the decision over whether he remained at Arsenal last summer was “out of his control.”
- Liverpool’s new upper tier in the Anfield Road stand will remain closed until the end of the year after another delay.
- More troubles came to the forefront in Italy’s camp as Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo were sent back to their clubs after being notified by police of involvement in a betting investigation days after Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli acknowledged that he is being investigated.
- Former Spanish National Team manager Jorge Vilda has been hired to manage Morocco’s Women’s National Team despite numerous complaints against him in his former role.
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: 5/6/25
Pedro Gallese earns recognition, Zara Chavoshi up for Save of the Week, Americans in midweek action, and more.

Well it wasn’t the greatest weekend that Orlando’s soccer teams have ever had. The three squads picked up just one of the nine points on offer, and it was very much a trio of matches to forget. Luckily we won’t have to linger on them for very long, because the action continues almost immediately with Orlando City facing the Tampa Bay Rowdies Wednesday night in the U.S. Open Cup. We have plenty of news to talk through today, so let’s jump into the links.
Pedro Gallese Earns Recognition
Pedro Gallese was outstanding while backstopping OCSC in its 0-0 draw with the Chicago Fire over the weekend, and his performance earned him a place in the starting XI of the most recent edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday. Orlando’s octopus made eight saves on the night, including two double saves, and if not for him the Fire would have run away with the game long before they were eventually reduced to 10 men. He’s now just the fourth goalkeeper since 2020 to earn five straight clean sheets, His efforts earned him the Man of the Match award by a country mile in Andrew DeSalvo’s Player Grades piece, and it’s nice to see him getting some love on the larger stage as well.
Zara Chavoshi Nominated for Save of the Week
In a piece of news that you don’t necessarily see every day, Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi has been nominated for the NWSL Save of the Week. You can’t say she doesn’t deserve it either, as Chavoshi made a goal-line clearance with the net empty in the 38th minute to keep the deficit at 1-0 against the Portland Thorns. While the Pride weren’t able take advantage of her efforts by making a comeback, it was still an outstanding hustle play. Hopefully she won’t need to make too many more of those as the season progresses, but congratulations are in order all the same!
Americans in Midweek Action
A number of Americans will be playing games during the working week, so let’s run down some games to keep an eye on. Diego Kochen will likely be on the bench for the second leg of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League semifinal tie against Inter Milan later today. Wednesday has Alejandro Zendejas and Club America facing Pumas in the Liga MX Clausura playoff quarterfinal. Thursday has Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis traveling to Fiorentina in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League semifinals, in which they hold a 2-1 lead after the first leg. Things then wrap up on Friday with Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan hosting Bologna in Serie A.
Leon’s Club World Cup Verdict is Expected Today
The Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected to deliver a verdict today on whether or not Leon will be able to participate in the upcoming Club World Cup this summer. As things currently stand, FIFA will not allow the Mexican side’s participation, and is preparing a one-off game between LAFC and Club America to determine which team will take Leon’s place. FIFA’s rules for the tournament prohibit more than one team having the same owners, but Leon and Pachuca are both owned by Grupo Pachuca. Leon were even drawn into a group with Chelsea, Esperance, and Flamengo at the end of last year, but FIFA excluded them during a ruling in March, which prompted Leon to appeal their case to the CAS.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride remained at the no.1 spot in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Orlando City rose one spot to no.13 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool when his contract expires in the summer and is widely expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
- Ary Borges has been suspended an additional three games for making contact with an official.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/5/25
Lions draw Chicago Fire, Pride lose to the Portland Thorns, OCB falls to Chicago Fire II, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy covering high school sports to help finish the spring season. Let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, who turned 24 on Sunday, Orlando Pride defender Oihane Hernandez, who turned 25 on Sunday, and Orlando City B midfielder Juan Quevedo, who turns 20 today. It was a rough weekend for our teams, as the Lions could only get a draw, while the Pride and OCB lost. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Draw Chicago Fire on the Road
Orlando City and the Chicago Fire split the points in a scoreless draw Saturday at Soldier Field. Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady received a red card and was sent off after he came off his line and slammed into Duncan McGuire in the first half, denying a goal-scoring opportunity for the Lions. However, Orlando City couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. Lions goalkeeper Pedro Gallese had a solid performance in goal, making eight saves as Orlando escaped with its fourth scoreless draw in its last five matches. Orlando City extended its unbeaten run to eight matches and is eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Lions will be busy this week with two matches, visiting the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Round of 32 of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, followed by a home match against the New England Revolution on Saturday.
Pride Lose in Portland
The Orlando Pride fell 1-0 to the Portland Thorns on Saturday at Providence Park. Reyna Reyes scored the lone goal for the Thorns. The Pride didn’t create many chances throughout the match and couldn’t get an equalizer. The Pride’s struggles at Providence Park continue as they have been winless in their last six meetings on the road in Portland. Despite the defeat, Orlando remains tied for first in the NWSL standings with the Kansas City Current. The Pride will be on the road on Saturday to face the North Carolina Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park.
OCB Crushed by Chicago Fire II
Orlando City B fell 5-1 to Chicago Fire FC II on Friday at Flames Field on the campus of the University of Illinois-Chicago. The Young Lions got off to a good start as Shak Mohammed scored the opener in the first half. However, Chicago scored two goals to take a 2-1 lead going into halftime. In the second half, Chicago added three more goals to seal a 5-1 win and snap its three-match winless streak. The Young Lions are now winless in their last three matches and are in fifth in MLS NEXT Pro’s Eastern Conference standings. OCB’s next match will be on May 17 at home against Inter Miami II.
Americans Abroad
Let’s catch up on how some Americans did abroad over the weekend as the European season nears its conclusion. Former Lion Daryl Dike scored his first goal in 485 days for West Brom in Saturday in a 5-3 win over Luton Town to close out the EFL championship season. Dike was also named the SBI Soccer Americans Abroad Player of the Week. Americans Haji Wright and Aidan Morris faced off on Saturday. Wright played 90 minutes as his Coventry City side beat Middlesbrough 2-0 and booked a spot in the EFL Championship promotion playoffs. Meanwhile, Brenden Aaronson and Leeds defeated Plymouth Argyle 2-1 and edged Burnley on goal difference to win the EFL Championship title. Weston McKennie played 90 minutes, but his Juventus side settled for a 1-1 draw against Bologna. Finally, Folarin Balogun scored his first goal since October as Monaco defeated Saint-Etienne 3-1.
Free Kicks
- Yesterday was May the Fourth and Orlando City and the Pride got in on the action to celebrate Star Wars Day.
- Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy blew the whistle to stop play so referee David Webb could get medical treatment. Webb suffered a head injury after a collision with Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew, and the match against Southampton was delayed for 11 minutes.
- Harry Kane finally ended his trophy drought as Bayern Munich was crowned champion of the Bundesliga on Sunday after Bayer Leverkusen and Freiburg fought for a 2-2 draw.
- The Chicago Stars are reportedly exploring moving home matches to the Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, IL, next season. The Stars’ lease at SeatGeek Stadium expires at the end of this year.
- Sporting Kansas City defeated the LA Galaxy 1-0 on Sunday and became the first MLS club to win a match without attempting a single shot on goal.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/2/25
Alex Freeman earns recognition, Orlando City prepares for the Chicago Fire, Jarrod Dillon named 2024 Downtowner of the Year, and more.

Happy Friday! We’ve made it through the week and have plenty of Orlando soccer ahead of us to enjoy. I don’t have many plans this weekend beyond working, but it should still be a nice couple of days. Before we get to today’s links, we have a trio of birthdays to celebrate. Let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City’s Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Orlando Pride midfielder Luana, and Orlando City B defender Hayden Sargis!
Alex Freeman’s Breakout Season Highlighted
The folks over at Stars and Stripes FC have shined their spotlight on Orlando City right back Alex Freeman, who is enjoying a breakout season this year with the Lions. The 20-year-old has started in nine of the team’s 10 games this season and has three goals and an assist under his belt so far. He helped the United States U-19 Men’s National Team win the Slovenia Nations Cup in 2022 and could factor into the 2026 World Cup plans for the USMNT if he continues to improve as a player.
Orlando City Faces the Chicago Fire on Saturday
Orlando City will take a seven-game unbeaten streak to Soldier Field for a match on Saturday against the Chicago Fire. The Lions are coming off an April that included three scoreless draws and an emphatic 3-0 rivalry win over Atlanta United. The Fire have not won at home yet this season and have conceded 22 goals, which is tied with D.C. United for the most in the league. Orlando Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on the team’s preparations, as well as how players returning to full fitness should help give depth as the team gets ready to balance the U.S. Open Cup with the regular season.
Jarrod Dillon Receives Downtowner of the Year Award
OCSC President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon was named 2024 Downtowner of the Year by the Downtown Orlando Partnership for his contributions to the success of downtown Orlando. Amid historically successful seasons by both the Lions and Pride last season, Dillon secured a new naming rights partner for the club’s stadium and has helped bring events like the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa America to the City Beautiful. Dillon joined the club in 2022, and it’s great to see that he’s already had an impact in the community.
Analyzing the Longevity of NWSL Parity
Jeff Kassouf of ESPN took an interesting dive into how future expansion in the NWSL can affect parity in the league going forward. The league’s parity has certainly been a positive aspect of the NWSL compared to leagues in Europe that are dominated by the same teams year in and year out. However, expansion could thin the depth of talent throughout the NWSL, and other variables like the elimination of the college draft may make it harder for teams at the bottom to climb out. While I don’t think the league’s competitive balance will be in jeopardy any time soon, I agree that it will be an interesting thing to keep an eye on in the coming years, especially if the NWSL expands too fast too soon.
Free Kicks
- The game ball for Orlando’s win over Atlanta went to the recently promoted Ricardo Moreira, as it was his first win as the club’s general manager and sporting director.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Esther González was named NWSL Player of the Month after scoring an impressive seven goals in April.
- Seattle Sounders star Jordan Morris will be out for an estimated six weeks due to a hamstring injury according to Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. Jesus Ferreira is also nursing an adductor injury and is questionable to play on Saturday.
- Both of the English clubs dominated in the first legs of the Europa League semifinals. Manchester United beat Athletic Club 3-0 on the road, while Tottenham won 3-1 at home against Bodo/Glimt.
- There’s plenty to tune in for in this weekend’s final matchday of the EFL Championship regular season. There are five teams in contention for the two open playoff spots, including Haji Wright’s Coventry City and Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough. The Americans will collide in a crucial match between the two sides Saturday morning.
- Bayern Munich’s women’s team, which secured the Bundesliga title this past weekend, completed its domestic double after beating Werder Bremen 4-2 in the German Cup final. It’s a nice way to go out for Head Coach Alexander Straus, who is set to become Angel City FC’s head coach in June.
- Barcelona defender Jules Kounde could miss time due to a hamstring injury, which would make things difficult for Barcelona in the La Liga title race and Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!
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