Lion Links: 4/13/26

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work throughout the week, covering high school water polo and lacrosse. Let’s wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando City midfielder Luis Otavio, who turned 19 Sunday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Draws Columbus Crew on the Road

Orlando City drew the Columbus Crew 1-1 on the road Sunday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Marco Pasalic scored the first goal on the road for the Lions early in the first half. In the second half, Orlando City had chances to extend its lead, and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made some clutch saves. However, Diego Rossi broke through Orlando’s back line and scored the equalizer for Columbus late in the game. In stoppage time, the Crew had a chance to score a late winner, but despite being outshot 19-5, the Lions held on to secure their first point on the road this season. Orlando City will be on the road to face FC Naples Wednesday in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup and return home to take on the Houston Dynamo Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium.

OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC

Orlando City B fell 3-1 to Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium Saturday and saw its three-match unbeaten streak snapped. Chattanooga took a 1-0 lead in the first half. In the second half, Damien Barker John scored twice to put Chattanooga ahead 3-0. Harvey Sarajian pulled one back for the Young Lions, but it was not enough. OCB’s next match will be at home against Carolina Core Sunday at Osceola County Stadium.

Pride Players on International Duty

Multiple Pride players were in action over the weekend for their national teams during the international break. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda came off the bench in the second half, but Zambia fell 4-0 to Canada in a friendly. Midfielder Angelina came off the bench in the second half as Brazil defeated South Korea 5-1 in a friendly. Zambia will face Brazil Tuesday. Forward Solai Washington was on the bench as Jamaica beat Antigua and Barbuda 4-0 in a 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifier match. Ally Lemos and Simone Jackson started, while forward Seven Castain was on the bench as the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team secured a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in Spain. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and England will face Spain Tuesday in a UEFA World Cup qualifying match.

USWNT Defeats Japan in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Japan 2-1 Saturday at PayPal Park in San Jose, CA. Rose Lavelle scored the opening goal in the first half to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead. In the second half, Lindsey Heaps added another goal to extend the USWNT lead 2-0, and Lavelle added an assist. Japan pulled one back, but the Americans held on to secure a 10-match winning streak for the first time since 2023. The USWNT will face Japan again Tuesday at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Americans Abroad

Let’s catch up on Americans in action abroad in Europe. Chris Richards played a full 90 minutes as Crystal Palace defeated Newcastle United 2-1. Christian Pulisic played 73 minutes, but his goal drought for club and country continues at 16 matches as AC Milan fell 3-0 to Udinese. Folarin Balogun scored for AS Monaco, but his side fell 4-1 to Paris FC. Haji Wright played 67 minutes for EFL Championship leaders Coventry City in a scoreless draw against Sheffield Wednesday. Today, Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United will face Manchester United.

Free Kicks

• Union Berlin has named Marie-Louise Eta interim manager for the rest of the season. She becomes the first woman appointed to take charge of a men’s first team in the Bundesliga.
• Tottenham Hotspur extended its winless streak to 14 league matches in manager Roberto De Zerbi’s debut in a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland Sunday and remains in the relegation zone.
• Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere secured his piece of silverware in his first season as manager as Luton Town defeated Stockport 3-1 to win the EFL Trophy.
• CF Montreal announced Sunday that the club has parted ways with Head Coach Marco Donadel after just one win in seven matches.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.