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Lion Links: 9/27/24

Miguel Gallardo recounts Orlando City history, Americans who can impress, Europa League action, and more.

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8 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! I made it through the hurricane fairly unscathed over here in Tampa but plan on helping some friends closer to the gulf with yard cleanup. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City/OCB goalkeeper Carlos Mercado!

Reliving Orlando City History With Miguel Gallardo

As part of the series highlighting the people who have had a hand in Orlando City’s history over the past 13 years, the spotlight deservedly landed on Miguel Gallardo. The former Lion spoke on his decision to follow the team to Orlando after the final Austin Aztex season in 2010.

“It was a big decision for me because in Austin I had a business and my family there,” he said. “It was not an easy decision for me, but soccer was always attractive to me, and I felt like I could do better than the way I did in the academy when I was starting out playing in Mexico. Eight of the guys were going to be moving with the team, so I felt like there was a little family there, so after a lot of thought, I decided to come, and it was really special right from the get-go.”

Gallardo was a major part of Orlando’s time in the USL Pro as the team’s goalkeeper and detailed his experience in the 2011 USL Pro championship and in a friendly against Newcastle United. He’s been a part of the Orlando soccer community since retiring as well, climbing the ranks of broadcasting and coaching in the area as well.

New Opportunities Arise for Americans Players

A new United States Men’s National Team head coach in Mauricio Pochettino means plenty of new opportunities for Americans on the fringes of the player pool to get a look. Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire was noted as one such player who deserves some consideration from Pochettino. Although he wasn’t able to take the Olympics by storm this past summer, McGuire has done well at the club level and could give the USMNT another option up top. If Pochettino can elevate McGuire’s game, it would be a boon for the Lions as well.

Young attackers like Diego Luna, Luca Koleosha, and Rokas Pukstas could flourish from Pochettino’s coaching as well. Richie Ledezma, who has been playing at right back for PSV Eindhoven, is also a player to keep an eye on while Sergino Dest recovers from injury.

Kei Kamara Speaks On Importance of U.S. Open Cup

LAFC beat Sporting Kansas City in the U.S. Open Cup final Wednesday night, with striker Kei Kamara helping his team lift the trophy. There’s a great deal of uncertainty for the tournament moving forward, as not every MLS team played in it this year. Following the win, Kamara discussed how the league shouldn’t stop participating in the historic tournament and stated that MLS Commissioner Don Garber “better not take this away.” It’s Kamara’s second time winning the U.S. Open Cup, claiming the title with Kansas City in 2012, and he’s second on the league’s all-time scoring list. It’s great to hear a veteran like Kamara speak so openly about wanting the U.S. Open Cup to stay a part of MLS history.

“We go through the systems of everything that’s happened. They told us to go to school, play soccer in school, go to college, play soccer in college, get drafted, go through the system, and that’s what we’ve done. That’s why I give so much credit to Chris Wondolowski because we’ve done the same things. That’s the American dream that we wanted to do and we made it here so you can’t take away from our history. That’s just my opinion. Don’t take away our history.”

Europa League’s Opening Round Wraps Up

The first round of matches in this year’s revamped Europa League is over and done with and multiple clubs got their campaigns started off on the right foot. Tottenham played a majority of its match against Qarabag a man down, but still managed to win 3-0 at home. Ajax cruised to a 4-0 win against Besiktas, Rangers won 2-0 over Malmo in Sweden, and Lyon beat Olympiacos 2-0 at home. AS Roma had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao after conceding in the 85th minute. Eintracht Frankfurt also couldn’t hold onto its lead, allowing two late goals to draw 3-3 at home to Viktoria Plzeň.

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  • Former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter is reportedly a finalist to become the Chicago Fire’s sporting director, but it could be a hybrid role that has him as head coach as well. FC Dallas interim head coach Peter Luccin is reportedly the frontrunner for the permanent gig, and Bruce Arena is in the mix for the San Jose Earthquakes opening.
  • Trinity Rodman will miss the Washington Spirit’s match tonight against Angel City FC due to her back injury. We’ll see if she’s ready to roll when the Spirit visit Orlando to face the Pride on Oct. 6.
  • AC Milan is reportedly interested in signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  •  Luis Ruiz was suspended for three months for his violent tackle on Christian Bermudez in Mexico’s second division earlier this month. Bermudez suffered a double fracture in his right leg as a result.
  • USL Super League team Fort Lauderdale United FC has rescheduled its upcoming home game due to delays in construction at its stadium.

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: 5/30/25

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

Published

2 days ago

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May 30, 2025

By

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.

Published

3 days ago

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May 29, 2025

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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.

Free Kicks

  • 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.

Published

4 days ago

on

May 28, 2025

By

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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