Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/28/26
Lions fall to the Union, Pride defeat Bay FC, USMNT beats Peru, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I just got back to Chicago after visiting friends and catching up with former Disney colleagues in Orlando over the weekend. We had the USMNT in town, along with the Lions and Pride in action on the road. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Fall at Philadelphia Union
Orlando City fell 4-2 to the Philadelphia Union on the road on Saturday at Subaru Park. Milan Iloski recorded a hat trick, and Indiana Vassilev added another for the Union to take a 4-0 lead. Late in the second half, Ivan Angulo and Martin Ojeda scored for the Lions, but Philadelphia easily claimed the three points and extended its winning streak to six matches. Orlando’s defense continues to struggle away from home, conceding 18 goals in the last six road matches. The Lions are also on a three-match losing streak and have allowed 10 goals in those games (all on the road) across all competitions. Before the match, Orlando City announced it had signed Orlando City B midfielder Justin Hylton to a short-term agreement. Hylton was on the bench but did not play against the Union. Orlando City will be home after the international break to face the Columbus Crew on Oct. 10.
Pride Defeat Bay FC
The Orlando Pride remained perfect in San Jose, beating Bay FC 3-1 on Sunday at PayPal Park. Haley McCutcheon scored the opener for the Pride in the first half, but Bay FC equalized before halftime. In the second half, McCutcheon added her second goal of the match to restore Orlando’s lead. In stoppage time, Jacquie Ovalle’s banger sealed the road win for the Pride. The Orlando Pride will return home on Friday to face the San Diego Wave.
Ellis Scores First USMNT Goal as Yanks Beat Peru
The U.S. Men’s National Team beat Peru 4-1 on Saturday at Inter.co Stadium, and Orlando City forward Justin Ellis took advantage of his first senior cap for the national team. Ellis started and scored the opener with a header early in the first half, marking his first international goal. The goal was set up by Wilder Cartagena’s foul and finished past former Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. If you missed it, check out the post below.
Former Lion Alex Freeman also started and played 77 minutes for the USMNT. Cartagena, Gallese, and fellow former Lion Yoshi started for Peru. Gianluca Lapadula scored the equalizer for the visitors, sending the game to the half tied at 1-1. In the second half, the USMNT did all the scoring. Malik Tillman scored on a penalty kick, Julian Hall scored his first international goal, and Sebastian Berhalter’s added a late strike. The USMNT will take on Chile on Tuesday at Energizer Park in St. Louis.
Other Lions on International Duty
Multiple Orlando City players represented their national teams over the weekend during the international break. Forward Marco Pasalic scored the winning goal for Croatia in a 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic in a UEFA Nations League match on Saturday. Croatia will play Spain on Tuesday. Lions defender David Brekalo started for Slovenia on Saturday and played 74 minutes in a scoreless draw against Scotland in the UEFA Nations League. Slovenia will face North Macedonia on Tuesday.
Free Kicks
- Manchester City has reportedly been found guilty on 114 of 115 Premier League charges under financial fair play regulations. The sanctions have not yet been decided, and Manchester City is expected to appeal, while other Premier League clubs are reportedly considering legal action.
- Atlanta United striker Breel Embolo will reportedly miss Switzerland’s UEFA Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Scotland after admitting to obtaining two falsified COVID test results in 2021.
- The Bundesliga, La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A released a joint statement on Friday calling for fundamental reform at FIFA while criticizing President Gianni Infantino for his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors and the process of overturning USMNT forward Folarin Balogun’s red card.
- Former Barcelona legend Xavi secured his first win as manager of the Netherlands Men’s National Team on Sunday, beating Serbia 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League.
- Alyssa Thompson scored Chelsea’s lone goal in a 1-0 win over Arsenal, ending their London rivals 20-game unbeaten run.
- LAFC has reportedly parted ways with head coach Marc Dos Santos.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.