Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/10/23
NWSL announces new broadcasting partners, CF Montreal and Hernan Losada part ways, MLS and NWSL award winners, and much more.

It’s Friday, which means it’s practically already the weekend. I’m starting to get a little more accustomed to things after daylight savings time came to a close, but I do miss being able to walk outside in the sun after work. Thankfully, it’s not as severe here in Florida compared to the sunsets up north though. I plan on taking full advantage this weekend with some plant shopping while knocking out a few errands. But enough about me. Let’s get to the links.
NWSL Unveils New Broadcasting Deal
There will be new ways to watch the Orlando Pride in 2024 after the NWSL announced a four-year contract with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video, and Scripps Sports to broadcast 118 of next year’s games. There will now be a game on Prime Video on Friday nights to kick off each weekend’s slate of matches, while Scripps’ ION network will be home to a double-header each Saturday night. CBS will have a minimum of 18 games throughout the regular season, along with a quarterfinal, semifinal, and the NWSL Championship match. ESPN will have 17 regular-season games, two quarterfinals, and a semifinal shown across its networks, with each match also streaming live on ESPN+. There is also mention of a domestic direct-to-consumer package distributed by the league for the remaining games.
All in all, I’m not a huge fan of the Frankenstein-like coverage split across the four partners, although I do like the idea of a weekly Friday night game and Saturday night double-header to help sell the consistent feel of primetime matches. Other notable things from the league’s announcement are that the partners committed to cross-marketing each other’s broadcasts, the playoffs will expand thanks to the addition of the Utah Royals and Bay FC, and ION will air the NWSL Draft in January.
Hernan Losada and CF Montreal Go Their Separate Ways
The MLS coaching carousel continues to turn, as CF Montreal parted ways with Hernan Losada. Montreal finished 10th in the Eastern Conference standings in Losada’s first and only year with the club after joining last December. Assistant coach Sebastián Setti will not be with the team moving forward either. While I wouldn’t call Montreal’s season successful by any means, the Canadian club won 10 home games this year and was only two points away from sneaking into the playoffs. Considering the amount of turnover during the off-season, injuries to Romell Quioto and Mason Toye, and how Victor Wanyama was the only Designated Player on the roster, I think Losada did a decent job with the cards he was dealt. I’m curious to see if another MLS team takes a chance on him heading into 2024.
Roman Burki Named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
St. Louis City’s Roman Burki received the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, beating out Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and FC Cincinnati’s Roman Celentano. Burki is the first player to win the award while with an expansion side since Zach Thornton did it with the Chicago Fire 25 years ago. In his first year in the league, Burki recorded 123 saves, eight clean sheets, and 17 wins to help his team finish atop the Western Conference. Gallese and Celentano tied for second in the voting, each garnering 4.8% of the votes.
Cincinnati Duo Claim MLS Save and Goal of the Year
This year’s MLS Goal of the Year and Save of the Year went to a pair of teammates, as Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta and the aforementioned Celentano received the honors, respectively. While it stings a bit that Duncan McGuire didn’t win Goal of the Year for his Decision Day strike from distance, it’s easy to see why Acosta’s solo effort won the fan voting. The MVP candidate weaved his way past defenders from the midfield into Charlotte FC’s box and comfortably beat Kristijan Kahlina.
Celentano won Save of the Year for swatting away Steven Moreira’s header at point-blank range on a set piece in stoppage time, preserving Cincinnati’s lead in a 3-2 win over the rival Columbus Crew. It was a heroic moment at home for the 23-year-old and one of his many highlights during a stellar season.
Jenna Nighswonger Wins NWSL Rookie of the Year
NJ/NY Gotham FC’s Jenna Nighswonger was named NWSL Rookie of the Year, winning the award over Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright and Angel City FC’s Alyssa Thompson. Nighswonger impressed on both sides of the ball, contributing three goals, 35 won tackles, and 18 interceptions across 20 appearances. The former Florida State Seminole was drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and was also named to the 2023 Best XI Second Team earlier this week.
USMNT Roster Announced for Nations League Quarterfinals
United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter called up 24 players for the training camp in preparation of the team’s pair of games against Trinidad & Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League. Only four of the players called up were not part of the team’s in last month’s camp. Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah are notable absentees due to injuries. Atlanta United center back Miles Robinson was the only MLS player called up, with all other players coming to camp from Europe. The USMNT will host Trinidad & Tobago in Austin on Nov. 16 before the away leg on Nov. 20. The winner of this series will qualify for both the Concacaf Nations League semifinals and the 2024 Copa America.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy these sights and sounds from the watch party for Orlando City’s playoff win over Nashville SC earlier this week.
- Crystal Dunn announced that she will not be returning to the Portland Thorns next season, making her a notable player to keep an eye out for during this off-season’s free agency.
- In the Europa League, Liverpool fell 3-2 to Toulouse, Slavia Prague beat AS Roma 2-0, and Brighton beat Ajax 2-0 on the road.
- Here’s a great article that delves into how former Pride defender Ali Krieger’s journey has led to her final match this Sunday in the NWSL Championship match.
- Diego Simeone signed a three-year contract extension with Atletico Madrid that will keep him managing the Spanish club through 2027.
- We end our links with some great news as Liverpool forward Luis Diaz’s father was released 12 days after being kidnapped by the National Liberation Army in Colombia.
That’s all I have for you today. If looking for a new book, Fourth Wing was pretty great and the sequel just dropped this week, so I’ll be sinking my teeth into that if I can get my hands on a copy while out and about. Have a fantastic Friday!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/23/25
Pride fall to Racing Louisville, Seb Hines and Giles Barnes share insight on path to success in Orlando, USMNT defeats Haiti, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy working and catching up with friends over the past week. Before we get started, let’s wish a belated happy birthday to Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter, who turned 41 on Saturday. The Pride was the lone team in action over the weekend, while the Lions and OCB were off. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Pride Fall at Racing Louisville
The Orlando Pride fell to Racing Louisville 2-0 Friday at Lynn Family Stadium. Arin Wright scored the opening goal in the first half, and former Pride midfielder Taylor Flint converted a penalty kick for Racing Louisville. The Pride struggled offensively and failed to capitalize on their scoring chances. Orlando’s struggles in Louisville continue, as the club is winless in five matches at Lynn Family Stadium. The Pride will be on a long break, and their next match will be Aug. 3, taking on the Utah Royals at Inter&Co Stadium.
Seb Hines, Giles Barnes Share Insight on Path to Success in Orlando
Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines and Assistant Coach Giles Barnes were featured in an interview in The Guardian. Both Hines and Barnes shared insight into their longtime friendship, which began with playing in English youth international camps, their different paths to playing in Major League Soccer, and how they became involved in coaching. Hines discussed his time as interim manager of the Pride in 2022 and how he brought in Barnes to help change the club’s culture. Hines and Barnes helped change the perception of the club and led the Pride to winning both the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship last season.
USMNT Defeats Haiti to Win Group D in Gold Cup
The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Haiti 2-1 Sunday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, in their final match in the group stage of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. The USMNT finished atop its group with three wins and nine points. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman made his third consecutive start and played 90 minutes.
Malik Tillman scored the opening goal 10 minutes into the match to give the USMNT the early lead. Haiti tied the match not long after Tillman’s goal. In the second half, Patrick Agyemang pulled the USMNT back in front. The USMNT advances to the quarterfinals as the group winner and will play its next match Sunday against the Group A runner-up which was the late game Sunday night and had yet to conclude as of this writing.
Club World Cup Weekend Recap
Another weekend of matches from the FIFA Club World Cup is in the books. On Friday, Benfica crushed Auckland City FC 6-0, while Flamengo beat Chelsea 3-1. LAFC was eliminated from advancing to the knockout round after a 1-0 defeat to ES Tunis. Bayern Munich edged Boca Juniors 2-1. On Saturday, Borussia Dortmund defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3. Inter Milan needed a late stoppage-time winning goal from Valentin Carboni to edge Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1. Fluminense beat Ulsan HD 4-2, and River Plate and Monterrey ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, Juventus cruised to a 4-1 win over Wydad Casablanca. Xabi Alonso secured his first win as manager of Real Madrid with a 3-1 victory against Pachuca. Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Hilal played to a scoreless draw, with Manchester City playing Al-Ain in the late match Sunday. Today’s matches feature Atletico Madrid facing Botafogo, the Seattle Sounders hosting Paris Saint-Germain, FC Porto vs. Al Ahly, and Inter Miami taking on Palmeiras.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos and forward Simone Jackson have been called-up to the U-23 U.S. Women’s National Team. The U-23 camp will be led by Orlando Pride Assistant Coach Yolanda Thomas.
USL Championship side San Antonio FC has signed former Orlando City defender Abdi Salim to a 25-day contract.
San Diego Wave winger Maria Sanchez has reportedly reach an agreement to return to her former club, Tigres of Liga MX Femenil, on a four-year contract.
Paul Pogba is reportedly set to return to playing soccer and has signed a two-year contract with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/20/25
Orlando Pride take on Racing Louisville FC tonight, Orlando Pride players called up by Zambia, USMNT beats Saudi Arabia, and more.

Happy Friday! June continues to fly by as we enjoy the buffet of soccer here in the U.S. this month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but I am hoping to get some reading done after being gifted some books for my birthday. But enough about me, let’s jump right into today’s links!
Orlando Pride Face Racing Louisville Tonight
The Orlando Pride are on the road tonight for a match against Racing Louisville FC at 8 p.m. in the final game before a league break until August. Going into the break with four straight wins would be nice for the Pride, but they’ve struggled at Lynn Family Stadium over the years. Louisville enters this match following a 4-2 loss to the league-leading Kansas City Current and has scored eight goals over the past three games. Orlando’s defense has been phenomenal this year, conceding just eight goals this season and only one during this win streak. Midfielder Cori Dyke spoke on how the team is finding its groove and shutting out opponents.
Zambia Calls Up Orlando Pride Trio
Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were all called up for Zambia’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations roster ahead of this summer’s tournament. Banda has eight goals this season with the Pride and had four goals at last year’s Olympics, including a hat trick against Australia. The Copper Queens claimed third place in the 2022 edition of this tournament, and they’ll need to be at their best to win this summer against tough opponents like South Africa and Nigeria. Zambia’s tournament campaign will kick off on July 5 against the host nation, Morocco.
USMNT Beats Saudi Arabia to Qualify for Quarterfinals
The United States Men’s National Team won 1-0 against Saudi Arabia to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup. After a scoreless first half, the Yanks broke through in the 63rd minute thanks to a free kick. Sebastian Berhalter served the ball on a silver platter to Chris Richards, who buried it for the crucial goal. The defense did well to secure its second shutout of the tournament, with Orlando City’s Alex Freeman starting at right back yet again. The USMNT will play Haiti on Sunday and should be able to win the group for a smoother path in the knockout stage.
FIFA Club World Cup Roundup
An MLS club finally won a game during this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, with Inter Miami beating Porto 2-1 in Atlanta. Lionel Messi scored the winner from a free kick to complete the comeback after conceding an early goal. The Seattle Sounders had a rougher day, falling 3-1 to Atletico Madrid, with Pablo Barrios scoring a brace. Former Lion Facundo Torres started for Palmeiras in the Brazilian club’s 2-0 win over Egypt’s Al Ahly.
Today’s action features more soccer at Inter&Co Stadium, with Benfica and Auckland City squaring off in the City Beautiful. Our Michael Citro will be on hand to report on it. Elsewhere in the U.S., Chelsea will take on Flamengo, LAFC will face ES Tunis, and Bayern Munich will play Boca Juniors.
Free Kicks
- Canada Head Coach Jesse Marsch, who is already serving a suspension for misconduct during the Nations League, is under investigation by Concacaf for incidents during this Gold Cup. Reports detail that Marsch disregarded regulations and used offensive language toward match officials.
- Kylian Mbappe was discharged from the hospital after suffering from a case of gastroenteritis. It’s unclear if or when he’ll play for Real Madrid during the Club World Cup.
- Carlos Cuesta was hired as Parma’s next head coach after five years with Arsenal as an assistant coach. The 29-year-old becomes the second-youngest coach in Serie A history.
- Manchester City was fined over $1 million by the English Premier League for repeated delays regarding kickoff times.
That’s all I have for you all today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/19/25
Alex Freeman details his soccer journey, Orlando Pride players called up, Orlando City’s U-19 team advances to semifinals, and more.

Happy Juneteenth, Mane Landers! I hope everyone has a nice holiday as we commemorate the anniversary of the end of slavery in the U.S. There’s plenty of soccer going on, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the Club World Cup and Gold Cup here and there when not working. Let’s go ahead and dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Alex Freeman Details His Path to Pro Soccer
Orlando City right back Alex Freeman has been getting plenty of buzz during this breakout year, but an interview with Goal gave some great insight into how he reached this point. He made the bold decision to head to Orlando at 16 years old to chase his dream, and he detailed some of the difficulties of that move that may get overlooked as his career blooms.
“I remember my 16th birthday, it was the first birthday I ever spent without my family,” Freeman says. “It was the day after I moved to Orlando. I’ve never really talked about this, but, at first, it really took a toll on me. At 16, you really just want your family around for those important moments, and I felt like I was balancing so much without my family being there with me. I did so much of this in Orlando without my family. It’s hard for people to comprehend that.”
Freeman also talked about the pace of his development within Orlando’s organization, along with what it was like to play against Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz in his recent international debut. There are also some great quotes from Oscar Pareja and United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino worth checking out.
Orlando Pride Players Called Up by USWNT
Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up for the United States Women’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies against Ireland and Canada later this June. Both players were on the USWNT roster for recent friendlies, with Abello making her international debut on June 3 against Jamaica. The only player outside the NWSL who was called up for this roster is Naomi Girma. Rose Lavelle was called up for the first time this year, and 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune is also back in the fold. Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale, Izzy Rodriguez, and Sam Meza were all called up for the first time, as Head Coach Emma Hayes continues to grow the player pool.
Orlando City Makes MLS NEXT Cup Semifinals
Orlando City’s U-19 team continues to impress this year and advanced to the semifinals of this year’s MLS NEXT Cup. Forward Justin Ellis was named Player of the Day for scoring twice in a 3-3 draw against Toronto FC, with Orlando coming out on top in the ensuing penalty shootout.
The U-19 team is the last Orlando academy team still playing across the tournament’s age groups. It will take on Cedar Stars Academy in the semifinals on Friday with a spot in Sunday’s final on the line. Enjoy watching the youngsters celebrate clinching a spot in the next round.
Upcoming NWSL Action Before League Break
We have another weekend of NWSL soccer to look forward to before the league pauses until August due to various international tournaments. The Pride will look to make it four straight wins when they face Racing Louisville FC on the road Friday night. Louisville has allowed 22 goals this season, so hopefully Barbra Banda and the rest of Orlando’s offense can get things going after close wins in the past two games.
Elsewhere in the league, I think Saturday’s match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and Bay FC will be an interesting showdown. Gotham forward Esther González leads the league with nine goals this season, but it’s ultimately a close Golden Boot race at this point. Sunday’s match between the San Diego Wave and Washington Spirit pits two of the league’s top four teams against each other, making it a great way to close out the weekend before the break.
USMNT Takes On Saudi Arabia Tonight
The Yanks are back in action tonight for a Concacaf Gold Cup group game against Saudi Arabia, the guest nation of this year’s tournament. After a 5-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, the U.S. can claim the top spot in the group and all but guarantee a place in the next round with a win over Saudi Arabia. There are still some question marks regarding who will rise to the occasion in the midfield and at forward, but the USMNT has the talent to get the job done tonight at Q2 Stadium in Austin. The U.S. will then close out group play on Sunday against Haiti in Arlington, TX.
Free Kicks
- Sams, Banda, Anna Moorhouse, and Cori Dyke were all named to CBS Sports‘ NWSL Team of the Week after the Pride’s 1-0 win over Bay FC.
- Joao Klauss won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his lethal strike on the volley from a tight angle. The goal equalized things in stoppage time against the LA Galaxy and completed Klauss’ hat trick in the 3-3 draw.
- USWNT and Portland Thorns defender Meghan Klingenberg has officially retired from professional soccer. She won two NWSL Shields, two NWSL Championships, and the 2015 Women’s World Cup, while also making an impact off the field speaking up for equality.
- The San Jose Earthquakes have begun the process of selling a controlling interest in the club.
- Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid’s new manager began with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at the Club World Cup. Federico Valverde had a chance to win it in stoppage time from the penalty stop, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou came up with the critical save.
- Chris Wilder and Sheffield United have parted ways less than a month after the club fell 2-1 to Sunderland in the playoff final for promotion to the English Premier League. Ruben Selles, who was dismissed as Hull City’s manager last month, was named as Wilder’s replacement.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Juneteenth and rest of your week!
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Lion Links: 6/9/25