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Lion Links: 5/22/17

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8 years ago

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It’s Monday, Mane Landers, and it’s time to start the work week, whether we want to or not. But after last night’s Orlando City match, it’s perfectly understandable if you call in “sick” this morning. I’ll allow it.

Before we go any further, let me wish Pride midfielder Kristen Edmonds a happy 30th birthday on behalf of the entire Mane Land staff.

Now let’s get to your first Lion Links of the work week.

Orlando City Suffers First Home Loss

The Lions got an unlucky break early when a ball hit the captain’s arm in the box and never fully recovered last night. Cyle Larin had a chance to pull Orlando City back into the match in the second half but he cracked his spot kick off the woodwork. The Lions are winless in five May matches (0-3-2) and next weekend’s match at Minnesota looks like a must-win to stop the bleeding. Here’s what you need to know:

And check back with us later today for my five takeaways from the game and a photo gallery from Nick Leyva.

Orlando Pride Earn Hard-Fought Draw at Seattle Reign

The last time the Pride went to Seattle, they got shellacked, 5-2. This time around, Orlando fought hard and earned a 1-1 draw on the road against the league’s highest scoring team, despite losing starting goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris to injury in the first half. With backup Aubrey Bledsoe out due to a concussion, the Pride were forced to press Caroline Stanley into emergency service.

Stanley made a bit of a mistake trying to punch away a cross, which led to Seattle’s opening goal. But Haley Kopmeyer returned the favor by giving a teammate a goal kick in traffic. Camila poked it away with a good hustle play and Marta finished to make it 1-1. As for Harris’ status, we don’t know much yet, but…

Beckham Group Finding Inspiration in Orlando

David Beckham’s Miami Are-They-Going-To-Be-Around Machine finally seems to be gaining some traction toward actual MLS-hood. With a stadium plan that could see a venue built by 2021 and a potential entry date as early as 2019, the Beckham group is showing positive momentum for the first time. Whether or not the group comes through and enters Major League Soccer is still not a sure bet, but it’s a good sign that Beckham and company are looking north toward Orlando City as a model for how to approach MLS expansion.

For inspiration, they look north to Orlando, where MLS team Orlando City this season is selling out a new 25,500-seat stadium shoehorned into the middle of Parramore, a poor historically black community between Orange Blossom Trail and Interstate 4 in downtown Orlando.

Beckham’s group hired global architecture firm Populous to design the Miami stadium, the same company that did the Orlando City stadium. The Orlando stadium has no on-site parking garages, making use of nearby public lots and public transport.

Orlando City has made significant efforts to be a good neighbor, employing Parramore residents for construction and stadium jobs; hosting farmer’s markets for local residents; building a six-panel Parramore History Wall the honors leaders and historic events from the neighborhood; honoring a different Parramore business at each game; and providing guest-readers and volunteers for a neighborhood school.

I’ve long been one of the skeptics of whether this Beckham Miami thing will ever get off the ground, but if the group is willing to learn from Orlando City, there is hope for South Florida.

Has the MLS East Surpassed the West?

Major League Soccer’s Western Conference has been unquestionably the stronger half of the league over the last few seasons. But Alicia Rodriguez of mlssoccer.com says there’s evidence that the trend is reversing itself. Rodriguez points out the 21-13-17 record the East holds over the West and back-to-back lopsided defeats by the Houston Dynamo at Philly and Atlanta. Certainly a few of last year’s non-playoff Eastern Conference teams have stepped up this year (i.e. Orlando City and Chicago), while some traditional western powers like RSL and Seattle have struggled. And the Eastern Conference’s expansion team seems much better than the one from the West. What do you think? I’m not totally convinced just yet but there does appear to be a trend of the East at least catching up.

Free Kicks

  • Former Orlando City defender Mikey Ambrose made his Atlanta United first-team debut in the 73rd minute last weekend against the Portland Timbers. Our friends at Dirty South Soccer published this nice write-up about the former Lion.
  • Congratulations to the Orlando City U-15 purple team on its undefeated weekend, winning Battle at the Beach. Oh, and the 2006 boys academy team did it too!
  • Sharing a birthday with Kristen Edmonds are: Sherlock Holmes novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859), actor/director Sir Laurence Olivier (1907), actor Richard Benjamin (1938), retired journalist Bernard Shaw (1940), soccer legend George Best (1946), Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin (1950), former footballer and current New England Revolution color commentator Paul Mariner (1953), angsty crooner Morrissey (1959), U.S. Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno (1982), Sky Blue FC forward Natasha Kai (1983), former Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (1985), and Chilean international & Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal (1987).

That’s all the time for me this morning. I’d tell you to enjoy your day but Mondays, man… Mondays.

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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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3 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.

Free Kicks

  • 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

4 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

5 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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