Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/22/26
Orlando City prepares for FC Cincinnati, Angelina receives an additional suspension, Orlando City B signs Albright Chikamso, and more.
Happy Friday, Mane Landers! There’s a smorgasbord of Orlando soccer waiting for us this weekend and I’m looking forward to it. Along with enjoying the games, I plan on spending the weekend tearing my way through the rest of Kristen Perrin’s murder mystery series after devouring “How to Solve Your Own Murder.” I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of whodunits. Now, let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Prepares for FC Cincinnati
The Lions are back in action on Saturday with a road match against FC Cincinnati in the last match for both clubs before the World Cup break. Orlando enters this match with plenty of momentum after beating Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, but the team has struggled playing away this year and Cincinnati is a tough opponent. Both offenses are flying high as of late, and the only team in the league that has conceded more goals this season than Cincinnati is Orlando, so a high-scoring affair might be in the cards for us before the break.
Angelina Suspended for an Additional Game
The NWSL Disciplinary Committee handed Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina an additional one-game suspension for a violation of “Major Game Misconduct.” Angelina received a red card following video review in Orlando’s 3-1 loss to the Denver Summit after she pulled Delanie Sheehan’s hair. The Pride will now be without her for both Sunday’s game against the San Diego Wave and the game on May 29 against Bay FC, meaning she won’t be available for selection until after the summer break.
Orlando City B Signs Albright Chikamso
Defender Albright Chikamso has signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B that will last through 2028. The academy product has made four appearances with OCB already and scored in his first start with the team on Oct. 10 of last year. It’s nice to see the club’s youth program continue to develop players so that they can move up the pipeline. Hopefully Chikamso can continue to impress with the Young Lions this season.
Chris Richards Injury Update Before World Cup
American defender Chris Richards tore ligaments in his ankle according to Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who confirmed that he won’t be available for the team’s season finale on Sunday. There’s notably still a chance that he plays in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday. However, the World Cup is only a few weeks away and United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce the team’s roster on Monday. Richards has been a critical part of the U.S. defense under Pochettino and we wish him a speedy and smooth recovery.
Free Kicks
- MLS players will wear personalized jerseys this weekend in recognition of the upcoming World Cup, with an auction to follow.
- New York City FC midfielder Maxi Moralez may miss the remainder of the MLS season after suffering an ACL injury last weekend.
- The Concacaf W Champions Cup final is set, with the Washington Spirit playing against Club America Saturday for the trophy.
- From key players to watch to Jonatan Giraldez coaching against his old team, here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s UEFA Women’s Champions League final between Barcelona and OL Lyonnes in Oslo.
- Harry Maguire confirmed that he will not be part of England’s World Cup roster, stating that he is “shocked and gutted” by the decision.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!
Zontar
May 22, 2026 at 9:26 am
Did not know about Maxi Moralez and his ACL injury. That’s terrible. Given his age, that may be it for him.
I don’t really follow Cincinnati but it’s interesting to note that they gave CB Miles Robinson a staggering DP contract (20th highest contract in the league and I think the highest for any CB in the league) before the season started, seemingly bidding against themselves to do so.