Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/11/25
Orlando City prepares for the New York Red Bulls, storylines for the Orlando Pride’s road game, Orlando’s U-18 team highlighted, and more.

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a long week for me, but I was able to get some reading done on a pair of books I’ve been meaning to scratch off my list. I don’t have many plans this weekend beyond working, enjoying soccer, and putting my wok through its paces while I try making dan dan noodles for the first time. Fingers crossed. For now though, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Orlando City Hosts the New York Red Bulls On Saturday
The Lions will welcome the New York Red Bulls to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in another rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference final. It’s already the second meeting between the two teams this season, with them drawing 2-2 at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 15. Both teams have 11 points from seven games this season, although the Red Bulls are still on the hunt for their first road win. Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke about how the team will look to carry momentum from a tough match in Philadelphia into this game against a Red Bulls team that boasts an intense press and an offense led by Emil Forsberg.
Storylines Heading Into Orlando Pride Road Game
The Orlando Pride are back in action Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in a road game against the Seattle Reign, and there’s plenty to watch for. Unbeaten so far, the Pride have the chance to become the fourth team in league history to start the season with four straight wins. Orlando’s defense has been stellar, but Seattle is a tough environment and the Reign scored multiple goals in both games against the Pride last year. For the Reign, this game is a chance for a statement win at home against the defending champs with young players like Jordyn Bugg and Maddie Dahlien leading the charge.
Orlando City’s U-18 Team One to Watch This Weekend
The Generation Adidas Cup kicks off this weekend at IMG Academy in Bradenton and Orlando City’s U-18 squad was noted as one to keep an eye on in the tournament. Orlando won 21 of its 27 games this season. Travis Clark of MLSSoccer.com touted players like Colin Guske and Gustavo Caraballo for powering the offense. Clovis Archange was one of three defenders named to this year’s Rising XI and is joined on the back line by Jackson Platts. Orlando will take on Inter Milan Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in its first game, with LAFC and the Columbus Crew as the other two teams in the group.
2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Groups Are Set
The draw for this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup is complete and the United States Men’s National Team will square off against Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago in group play. Saudi Arabia is the lone guest nation of the tournament and could give the U.S. a tough match when the two nations square off. The USMNT will have plenty of eyes on it for this tournament, especially after falling on its face in the Concacaf Nations League in March.
As for the other groups, Mexico was drawn against Costa Rica, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic in Group A, while Canada will take on Honduras, El Salvador, and Curacao in Group B. Group C will feature Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Guadeloupe.
Free Kicks
- The MLS Board of Governors authorized further exploration into moving the league’s calendar to mirror the international one that runs from fall to spring. As a result, that possible change can’t happen until 2027 at the earliest.
- In case you missed it late Wednesday night, enjoy Tristan Blackmon’s goal that booked the Vancouver Whitecaps their spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. They’ll face Inter Miami, with the winner taking on whichever team advances between Tigres and Cruz Azul.
- Denver’s NWSL team hired Jen Millet as its first president. Millet will be in charge of all business operations and joins after time as Bay FC’s chief operating officer.
- According to a report from Japanese sports newspaper Sponichi, the USMNT will host Japan for a friendly on Sept. 6 in San Diego.
- Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana had a game to forget in his team’s 2-2 draw against Lyon in the Europa League, as he spilled the ball that resulted in Lyon’s late equalizer. Despite the mistakes, United Head Coach Ruben Amorim reiterated the confidence he has in his goalkeeper.
- CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez made an official proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams for the centennial edition of the tournament.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/23/25
Tonight’s OCB match moved to Sunday, Alex Freeman makes USMNT roster, FanDuel Sports Network will stream Orlando Pride games, and more.

Happy Friday! A long weekend is ahead of us and there is plenty of Orlando soccer to enjoy as well. I’ll be celebrating my nephew’s first birthday this weekend, so it should be a nice next couple of days visiting family. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!
OCB Match Moved to Sunday in Kissimmee
As a heads up, Orlando City B is no longer playing today. OCB’s match against Atlanta United 2 was originally scheduled for tonight in Atlanta, but it was instead postponed to 7 p.m. Sunday and relocated to Osceola Heritage Park rather than Fifth Third Stadium in Georgia. Stadium availability was cited as the reason for the change, and the match will be played behind closed doors, although it will still be streamed live. The Young Lions are coming off of a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II and will face an Atlanta team that has drawn its last four games.
Alex Freeman Makes USMNT Training Camp Roster
Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was named to the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies next month against Turkey and Switzerland. The 20-year-old is one of five uncapped players on the roster and one of 16 MLS players. He’ll likely be behind Sergino Dest on the depth chart, but Joe Scally was not called up for this window. There are many notable players absent, opening the door for players like Freeman across multiple positions to stake their claim to participate in this summer’s Gold Cup and the World Cup next year.
FanDuel Sports Network Will Stream Select Pride Games
The Orlando Pride will have eight of its remaining games streamed on FanDuel Sports Network, including tonight’s road game against the Utah Royals. The regional network, which used to be called Bally Sports before rebranding, is available on various providers throughout Florida and there is an app for streaming as well. Personally, I find this as just another cog in a messy machine of NWSL coverage options, but I imagine this is handy for those out there who are already accustomed to using the network to watch other Floridian pro sports teams.
Winter Garden Lands USL League One Team
Another pro soccer team is coming to Central Florida, as the United Soccer League announced its intent to bring a USL League One team to the area. Central Florida Pro Soccer’s ownership group has plans for a development in Winter Garden that would include a 5,000-seat multi-purpose soccer stadium. The plans also include recreational fields, a hotel, parks, and a walking trail. The group will gather input from the community in the coming months to help determine the team’s colors, badge, and name.
Free Kicks
- Kansas City Current defender Alana Cook was placed on the season-ending injury list due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus sustained in the club’s match against the Orlando Pride.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC and Tigres will square off in the Concacaf W Champions Cup final on Saturday. The winner will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup.
- Luka Modric penned a farewell to Real Madrid fans as his time with the club has come to an end. I don’t know where his next stop will be, but I sure hope it’s not with a team the Lions still have to face this year.
- Raphina signed a contract extension with Barcelona that will keep him at the club until 2028. The 28-year-old recorded 34 goals and 25 assists in 56 appearances during this breakout year with Barcelona.
- Here’s a nice breakdown of what to watch for in Saturday’s Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your holiday weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/22/25
Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup
The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.
Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek
Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.
U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results
Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.
Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final
Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.
Free Kicks
- Christian Pulisic reportedly won’t play in the Concacaf Gold Cup so that he can recover from a lengthy season with AC Milan.
- Boston’s NWSL team will play its home games next year at Gillette Stadium due to delays with construction for its eventual home, White Stadium.
- NWSL Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Julie Haddon will leave the league this summer as part of the league’s restructuring. Chief Sporting Director Tatjana Haenni will exit in October as well.
- After winning the domestic treble in his first season in charge, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has extended his contract until 2027.
- Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will undergo shoulder surgery once the Club World Cup is over.
- London City Lionesses were fined for messaging a Southampton player through social media without Southampton’s permission back in August. London City earned promotion this past season and will be the first fully independent women’s team in the Women’s Super League.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/21/25
The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.
Nashville is Next
As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.
Javier Otero Has a New Contract
Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.
Pride USWNT Call-Ups
Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.
USMNT Gold Cup News
Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.
Free Kicks
- The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
- In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
- In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.
- Congratulations to former USWNT player Becky Sauerbrunn who announced she is expecting a baby in October.
That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!
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