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Lion Links: 10/2/16

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9 years ago

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Happy match day, Lion Nation! Our lads in purple will be in action at home against the Montreal Impact on the MLS side at 1 p.m., and our reserve squad is in New Jersey to take on the New York Red Bulls’ reserve squad, NYRBII, at 4 p.m. It has the potential to be a huge day for the club but it could also be…well…not good.

Not only will NYRBII be incredibly difficult for OCB to beat, but those jerks in Kansas City and Toronto lost last night to New England and D.C. United, respectively, so there is absolutely no margin for error. The MLS Lions must win out and get help along the way in order to make the 2016 postseason. That has to start this afternoon against the Impact.

But let’s think positive thoughts. Stop by The Mane Land’s mixer, grab a beverage, and get to know your fellow TML readers. And let’s dive into your match day links.

Kreis Appreciates Clarity of Orlando City’s Situation

In this ESPN FC piece, Lions Head Coach Jason Kreis talked about how the situation his team finds itself in does make life a little simpler. There’s no more worrying about if the club can just get this number of points on this road trip or that point total during a stretch of three matches in nine days. Everything from here on out is cut and dried. From the article linked above:

"If there's one thing that I really like about this game, it's that the immediate incentive is really clear. We have to get three points. You know, you go through a season saying, 'Well, we have to get these three points' or 'We really need that point on the road' or 'performance this' or 'performance that' … No. This one's really clear. We have to get three points or our season will be over."

It’s kind of like how Littlefinger in Game of Thrones must feel, knowing that if one of his machinations goes awry, he’ll lose his head and that’s that. There’s probably some kind of freedom in that knowledge, but I’ll bet Kreis would still prefer to be above that red line. Well, you never know. Let’s play those games and see how it goes.

Impact out for Revenge Today

The Lions are 2-0 against Montreal this season with a win in each team’s home grounds. Orlando City will need a sweep of the three-game series to stay in the hunt, while the Impact will try to seek revenge for the two prior losses.

"Well I think the fact that they beat us both times, and beat us at home, is obviously something that we're conscious of," Montreal head coach Mauro Biello said after practice in Montreal on Friday. "They came into our stadium and beat us and now is an opportunity for us to pay them back. We know it's going to be a difficult game. They're a team that's fighting for their lives, and we have to be ready for everything."

Meanwhile, in the same article, Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush thinks Orlando might be easy pickings since the Lions have to play for three points.

"You play teams three times a year so you can get revenge on anybody at any point. So we've struggled with them obviously in the past, the home game here and down there. We've had some close games but couldn't pull it out in the end, and they're a good team. They give us trouble but we're excited for that challenge and we know that they're going to throw everything at us because they need full points so as long as we can absorb some blows and weather the storm, you know, I think we'll be able to find chances ourselves."

Yes, Orlando needs full points but if Evan Bush checks out the standings, I don’t think Montreal can afford to play for the draw, either. The Impact are just above the red line, two points behind the suddenly surging Revolution and now behind D.C. United. New England, Columbus, and Orlando City could all still finish ahead of the Impact if they’re content to try to play for a point.

Impact Defense Shorthanded Tonight

Montreal has some key back line personnel missing for today’s match-up against Orlando City. Defenders Hassoun Camara and Victor Cabrera will miss today’s game due to suspension, while fullback Donny Toia’s season continues to be marred by injuries. This could help the likes of Cyle Larin, Kaká, Matias Perez Garcia, and Kevin Molino. But Laurent Ciman, one of the league’s best center backs, will still be in the lineup. Orlando must take advantage of Montreal’s makeshift back line today if the Lions are going to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Wandrille Lefevre, Ambroise Oyongo and rookie Kyle Fisher are expected to step in to fill the holes for the Impact.

Playing Games: Great Career Move

Next time someone in your life nags you about playing games online, just tell them you’re preparing for a career change. This Guardian piece tells the story of how Matt Neil’s obsession with playing Football Manager turned into a career in soccer in real life. Neil is working in League Two in England as the lead first-team analyst with Plymouth Argyle. The story linked above quotes Neil telling his story.

I’ve always played Football Manager. My greatest achievement was having a stadium named after me at Huddersfield. If I looked at the hours I’ve played over the past five years or so, I’d be quite worried to be honest. It’s around 600 to 700 hours a year. The time just flies; you don’t notice when you’re playing it. I’ve never managed Plymouth because after becoming a researcher it feels like I know too much. I know every single piece of data for all the players and everything that’s hidden in the background of the game. It makes it too easy.

Check out his interesting story and keep playing those games.

Well folks, that’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Please check back later for coverage of Orlando City vs. Montreal Impact, and OCB at New York Red Bulls II. Your how to watch/match thread posts for both will drop later.

Play me out, Dimitry Payet:

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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.

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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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