Lion Links: 5/6/26

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. If you celebrated Cinco de Mayo Tuesday, I hope you’re feeling well this morning. It’s always special when the Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday. I did not partake of any margaritas or tacos and I regret that a little. Then again, I don’t need a reason to enjoy either on any day of the week. With that in mind, let’s get to the links.

Recognition for Dorsey

You have until tomorrow to vote for Griffin Dorsey to win Goal of the Round for the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. I’m certain you remember his goal, but just in case, here is a reminder.

That was a lovely give and go with an outstanding finish. Definitely worthy of winning Goal of the Round. I hope he’s able to score more goals in all the rounds until Orlando City wins a second U.S. Open Cup. You can vote here.

Banda Named to NWSL April Best XI

It’s a mixed bag when it comes to the Orlando Pride these days. The team has lost two matches in a row, but Barbra Banda has a brace in each of those matches. Thanks in part to her league league leading seven goals, Banda made the NWSL Best XI of the Month for April.

Speaking of the Pride, if you’ve never had the opportunity to watch the team in action at Inter&Co Stadium — and you’re a Florida resident — you can get a complimentary ticket to your first match. If you don’t qualify, there are other offers and it would be a great way to introduce a friend to women’s soccer.

USMNT News

As the World Cup edges ever closer we continue to check in with how the USMNT players are doing in the run up to the competition. Unfortunately, Christian Pulisic is in a bad run of form for AC Milan, and Stu Holden thinks he knows why. He still made the Fox Sports Top 100 Players in the 2026 World Cup. Holden and Alexi Lalas also had thoughts on how Folarin Balogun compares to Mexico’s Raul Jimenez (video). We also get more evidence that Matt Turner is making a case to be the number one choice for keeper.

U.S. Prepares for the World Cup

Host cities are getting ready to host the World Cup. Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank says that Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be ready. Likewise, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is beginning its transformation to a soccer venue. Despite all the preparations, the hotel industry is reporting that advanced bookings are either on par or lagging as compared to an ordinary summer rather than the increase expected due to the competition.

Free Kicks

• Good news, everyone. Orlando City has climbed all the way to No. 22 in the MLS Power Rankings following its 4-3 victory over Inter Miami.
• If you’re a gamer you probably have an opinion on the most iconic footballers in video game history. I do not, but I do occasionally enjoy a match of FIFA on my PS5.
• Atlanta United and CF Montreal both received fines for violating the league’s mass confrontation policy in the 91st minute of their recent match.
• Do you like watching soccer? I’m assuming so, since you’re reading this article. If so, Fox Sports is hiring a person to watch all 104 World Cup matches. The job position is FOX One Chief World Cup Watcher Hired Through Indeed.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City, Orlando Pride, and OCB matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!