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Lion Links: 4/7/17

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8 years ago

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Hello. It is Friday. I have news for you. You have to read it to find out what it’s about. But to get the news you have to give me something. Give me your memes. Give me your memes so I can trade them on the meme market and support my family through these dire times. Please.

We have links for you.

Kaká’s Recovery Going as Scheduled

We all remember that terrible moment shortly into the first match of the season when Kaká went down with a hamstring injury on March 5. Now that we are over 30 days into the original six-week diagnosis, it seems the Brazilian playmaker is close to a full recovery. Kaká is set to be ready for action later this month, with the team hoping he can return for the April 23 match against NYCFC.

“His recovery is coming along very well,” Kreis said after training on Wednesday. “He is back out running on the field and I think we’ll see him out here again tomorrow on his own, so we feel like all that is going to plan.”

The club’s trainers and physiotherapy staff with be keeping an extremely close eye on Kaká when he returns to MLS play, adamant not to let another muscle injury hinder his season once more.     

Prospective Lions Who Could Make USMNT

We all know Orlando City is home to tons of talent, both foreign and domestic. But which players will get the life-changing call-up to make their national teams? This article takes a look at the roster and predicts which American OCSC players have the talent to be called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team. Notable first-teamers like Jonathon Spector and Joe Bendik make the list alongside OCB youngsters Pierre Da Silva and Joe Gallardo, with some other Lions featured as well. 

Pride Players Travel to Brazil for National Team Camp

Speaking of Orlando players being called up, Pride players Monica and Camila have been selected for the Brazil Women’s National Team training camp in preparation for Brazil’s friendly on April 9 against Bolivia in Manaus. Monica has 40 caps for Brazil, with her performances in last year’s Olympics driving her national team to the tournament’s semifinal round. Camila, 22, is newer to the Brazil national team, but has the potential to become a master class player for both Brazil and the Pride.

Sarah Hagen Released by the Pride

Yesterday, the club announced the departure of forward Sarah Hagen, who is now a free agent. Hagen was signed by the Pride in 2015 from FC Kansas City. The Mane Land’s very own Michael Neimeier covered her release here.

2017 Orlando Pride Allocated Players

Orlando Pride announced their allocated players for the 2017 season, and they come as no surprise. Superstars Alex Morgan, Ashlyn Harris, and Ali Krieger are the Pride’s allocations. The trio were awarded CONCACAF End of the Year Awards in January, with Morgan bringing home the prestigious Female Player of Year Award; Harris announced as Goalkeeper of the Year; and Kreiger listed on the Best XI team sheet. Krieger and Morgan both made the FIFPro Women’s World XI in March. 

USWNT Pounds Russia, 4-0

Allie Long and Crystal Dunn both scored a brace to lead the U.S. women past Russia last night in Dallas, 4-0. Dunn may have scored 10 goals if she could have stayed onside in the match, getting repeatedly whistled for the violation. Long could have completed a hat trick, missing a penalty and also hitting the post on a sitter. Still, it’s a much better showing than we saw in the SheBelieves Cup, even if the competition isn’t at the same level. The teams will meet again Sunday in Houston.

United States, Mexico, and Canada Joint World Cup Bid Expected 

The three-way bid for the 2026 World Cup is expected to be finalized and submitted to FIFA for approval by the end of this year. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani confirmed the idea for a joint bid and hopes the three North American countries can have the opportunity to host the World Cup. 

“Canada, the US and Mexico are aiming for a joint bid, the idea has been around for a while, discussions are continuing and it is a very exciting proposition if it comes to fruition,” Montagliani said. “We have had nothing but positive remarks about it and it is a very strong sign of what football can do to bring countries together.”

USL Media Expansion

The United Soccer League has announced its national coverage media expansion, with ESPN pairing up once again with USL Productions for the 2017 USL season. The telecast deal’s second year will see even more USL games on the sports network’s major channels. Games will be featured on ESPNU alongside USL Match of the Week airing on ESPN3. A partnership with ESPN FC will provide fans with more USL coverage on the show. This agreement further demonstrates the growth of professional soccer in the United States.

That’s all for today, comrades. Thanks for the memes, it’s highly appreciated. My daughter is happy now, and so is my wife. This might be the last time I see you guys. I’ll miss you, but will you miss me? Who knows. But don’t forget to cheer on our Lions this Sunday as they face off against New York Red Bulls here in the City Beautiful. Orlando City B squares off against Charlotte tomorrow at home. Make sure to catch them in action.

[Editor’s note: Sadly this is our last missive from Alex, who is taking time away from #BlogLyfe due to school and track team commitments. We’ve enjoyed having him here and he’s invited back whenever his real life stuff allows.]

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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.

Published

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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