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Lion Links: 10/23/16

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9 years ago

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It’s match day, Mane Landers! And that’s not an entirely happy statement. It’s the final match day of the 2016 MLS season for Orlando City, in fact, with no postseason soccer coming in Year 2 of the club’s Major League Soccer existence. Still, let us savor this particular match day against D.C. United at 4 p.m., because a day with an Orlando City game is much better than a day without one, and we’re about to have a whole lot of those in a row.

So get to Camping World Stadium (for the last time) early, party like a rock star, and, when the match kicks off, scream ‘til your brain hurts.

Here are your morning Lion Links:

Orlando City Drops Alumni Game, 3-2

Well, last night’s I-4 Alumni Derby didn’t go as well as we’d hoped. Orlando City fell behind 3-0 in the second half before rallying with two goals to make it a respectable 3-2 final score. Former Lions defender Rob Valentino scored the first goal for City and assisted on the other. Here’s the Valentino goal:

In the end, win or lose, the night was for the fans, and they had a good time.

Orlando City Remains Committed to Youth

With 15 players age 23 or younger, the Lions certainly have been committed to developing a cohesive and strong team by starting young and building by adding key veterans to the mix. City fans haven’t seen the production or results they’d like through two seasons but, as MLSSoccer.com’s Simon Venness writes, the team remains convinced the approach is sound and that it will pay off in the end. Here’s the money quote from Orlando City Assistant GM Niki Budalic:

“A lot of our young players have now been exposed to first team action and have contributed to it this year and last year,” Budalic said. “This club has always valued youth, and it is part of our DNA. I think our fans appreciate that and get excited by it.

“But you have to remember these players are all at different parts of their development. Some have been blooded before they were ready and some have got a lot of action. But it also depends on the balance of the squad and the opportunities that present themselves. The biggest factor this year has been suspensions and injuries, and the fact they’ve come at unfortunate times in some instances.”

I think the philosophy is sound and that some of Orlando City’s young players have a lot of upside. I also think — and I won’t name names here — that there are a few guys that the Lions probably missed on. What do you think about the approach so far?

Lauren Holiday is Tougher than Everyone Else

Former United States Women’s National Team midfielder Lauren Holiday has been through a lot this year. Last month, Holiday gave birth to a baby girl, just a few weeks after being diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Personally, I’m amazed that the human race exists after seeing what my wife had to go through with the birth of our daughter. I don’t know how women go through that. Most men would tap out when they had to go through that. This week, Holiday had the brain tumor removed.

Think about that: a doctor goes inside your head and cuts something out of your brain. I fainted twice just typing out that last sentence. Clearly Holiday is a force to be reckoned with. Oh, and she also had open-heart surgery when she was three (!). She might be invincible and I miss her on the USWNT.

USL Attendance Climbs 33%

As New York Red Bulls II and Swope Park Rangers get set for today’s USL Cup final, Forbes writes that attendance around the league grew in 2016 by about a third over 2015’s numbers. The league drew about 1.5 million fans this year. The top 10 teams averaged just north of 6,700 fans per game this season, which is a nice sign that the sport is growing in our country. The addition of FC Cincinnati certainly helped with that, as the first-year club averaged a league-record 17,296 fans per game in 2016. Check out the Forbes piece, with tons of interesting info about the league and its “Destination 2020” future.

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New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. showed off his soccer skills ahead of his team’s game in London today against the St. Louis Los Angeles Rams…The 2018 FIFA World Cup has a new mascot and at least it’s not “Pervert Cat”…UEFA is considering moving the Champions League final to locations outside of Europe and the moon is not off the table…Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian? Sign me up for that.

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Check back later for full coverage of today’s Orlando City match vs. D.C. United.

I’ll leave you with the second toughest person (to Lauren Holiday) on the planet — whoever has to take a corner kick in Turkey.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/6/25

Alex Freeman called up for Concacaf Gold Cup, Orlando Pride get ready for the Houston Dash, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 6, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday! I’ll be spending this weekend celebrating my birthday by beating my friends at mini golf with no mercy but still hope to catch some soccer over the next few days. I’ve also been on a bit of a movie kick and plan on catching Wes Anderson’s new flick at some point soon. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Called Up For Gold Cup

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was officially called up by the United States Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. He’s the only Lion who will be at the tournament and is one of seven uncapped USMNT players on the roster. The 20-year-old could receive more playing time than expected, as right back Sergino Dest is not on the roster so that he can recover over the summer. Left back John Tolkin was added to replace Dest, so Freeman has a real shot at making a claim for the position this month. The U.S. will take on Turkey Saturday in the first of two friendlies before its first Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15.

Orlando Pride Prepares to Host the Houston Dash

With the international break for women’s soccer over, the Orlando Pride return to action Saturday with a home game against the Houston Dash. It should be a great opportunity for the Pride to ease back into the swing of things against a Dash team that’s only scored 10 goals this season. Pride midfielder Ally Lemos spoke on the benefit of being able to rest heading into this match while maintaining a winning mindset from a 3-1 victory on May 23.

Anna Moorhouse Called Up For 2025 Euros

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was named to England’s final roster for the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championship. She’s one of three goalkeepers on the squad following Mary Earp’s surprise retirement from international soccer, and she will likely compete with fellow uncapped player Khiara Keating for the backup position behind Hannah Hampton. Moorhouse has started in every game for the Pride this season and was an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist for her record-breaking season last year. England’s Euro run will begin July 5 against France before other group matches against the Netherlands and Wales.

Orlando City B Takes On Huntsville City FC

The Young Lions are riding high after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga FC and will take that momentum into tonight’s road match against Huntsville City FC. Midfielder Noah Levis scored his first career goal in that home win, with Justin Hylton providing the assist in his OCB debut. Orlando’s offense has been hot and cold this season but has a variety of attacking talent that can create chances in different ways. The Young Lions have only won once on the road, but a win tonight would lift them to third in the Eastern Conference.

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  • FIFA Club World Cup action is coming to the City Beautiful this month and Orlando City legend Kaká spoke on how it’s nice for Orlando to host games.
  • San Diego Wave Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was named NWSL Coach of the Month. The Wave were undefeated in May, winning three of their four matches to climb to second in the league standings.
  • The NWSL will allow intraleague loans for all teams, with the players needing to consent to the move in order for it to happen. Denver and Boston’s expansion teams will have access to potentially over $1 million in Allocation Money starting on July 1 to build their rosters before the 2026 season.
  • Atletico Madrid is reportedly close to signing American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
  • South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while China was eliminated from contention. Australia beat Japan 1-0 and will qualify so long as it doesn’t lose heavily to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
  • Spain beat France 5-4 in a wild game to reach the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. Lamine Yamal continues to take the world by storm, but a late rally by France nearly completed a comeback.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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