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Lion Links: 12/29/17

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9 years ago

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Welcome to the very last Friday of 2017, folks. It has been a year of amazing ups, heart-stopping downs, hellos, and goodbyes. I cannot help but look back upon this year with great joy, even though some of those moments of joy are still a little blurry. We are elbow deep in scouring the internet to bring you the latest news on all of the insanity that is the first team roster right now, and trust me when I say that we will let you know as soon as we know (barring we can also get confirmation from legit sources) of any player movement in or out of the club.

Before we go any further, we at The Mane Land want to make sure we wish Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis a very happy birthday and a big congratulations on another successful 940,000,000 mile trip through space on this pale blue dot. And now to something somewhat different.

Top Women’s Soccer Moments of 2017

How could you even have this list without mention of the Orlando Pride signing Marta. In terms of women’s soccer, the term GOAT and Marta’s name have been used in the same sentence for some time now. Regardless of your thoughts on that, you cannot argue the impact she had when she took the field for the Pride. The bigger impact may have been how she affected the players around her, giving them the opportunity to shine and boost the overall play of the team.

Regarding Those Transfer Rumors

LOL, I’ve got nothing for this.

Former OCB Defender is POTM

Former OCB player Kyle Callan-McFadden is currently playing for the Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division. He just picked up the Wehrlys' Player of the Month award for December. Congratulations Kyle.

Chapecoense Plane Crash Survivor Scores

It has been a little over two years since the tragic plane crash that took the lives of almost the entire Chapecoense Football team. People are still doing what they can to help and heal the community after this devastating tragedy. During a recent charity match, Jackson Follman, a crash survivor, subbed on. I will let the video tell the rest of the story, as it gets you in the feels.

USA’s Best Men’s Players Number 20-11

The countdown continues for FourFourTwo as the current installment gives us their picks for the best U.S. Men’s Players in spots 20-11. Plenty of very notable names across a myriad of MLS teams, and some players playing overseas. I wont ruin the entire list, but I was glad to see Deandre Yedlin (currently playing in England for Newcastle) and Weston McKennie (currently playing in Germany for Schalke) this high up on the list.

Biggest MLS Off-Pitch Soccer Culture Moments

End of the year means end of the year lists (I’ll give you mine as a Free Kick shortly) and MLS is cranking them out as the sands of the hourglass grow thin. The newest list is the biggest off-pitch moments in soccer culture for 2017. Sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it. I am guessing you can guess how Orlando City made this list.

Pulisic Wins Goal of the Month

If the American wunderkind Christian Pulisic hasn’t done enough this year to show that the future is bright for American soccer, here is one last cherry for that hot fudge sundae before New Years. I mean, this goal is just filthy, and that touch is divine.

Free Kicks

  • The MLS SuperDraft is about three weeks out. Some great talent is available, and some names are starting to sneak out for who may get the Generations Adidas tags.
  • The USWNT had a pretty good year. Here are 17 key figures that you might be interested in and the players who helped make it happen. Hint, Alex Morgan might be on the list.
  • Have adults ruined children’s sports? This is going to be a subject debated more and more over the coming years, and something everyone needs to pay attention to.
  • Football careers can lead to bigger and better things apparently.

  • TheBeardedGuy’s top moments of 2017:
  • First Match in Orlando City Stadium
  • First USMNT match
  • Beginning to contribute to The Mane Land
  • Continuing traditions with friends and family
  • Getting to respond to a comment on an article I wrote that claimed that the music I tirelessly try to introduce you to is nothing but noise.

That’s all I got today folks. Remember to send coach a big happy birthday message, keep your eyes out for those player moves, be courteous to the players leaving and coming, and above all, call out the trolls that seem to feel it is fine to get on social media and denigrate players and the club. I am all for criticism, but when it goes too far, it is up to us to put the keyboard cowboys in their place. Looking forward to 2018 with you all. If you see me, stop and say hello, and let’s chat footy over a pint or three.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/21/26

Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, MLS playoff changes reportedly coming, Hall of Fame finalists unveiled, and more.

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2 days ago

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August 21, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a rough month for all three of Orlando’s soccer teams, but hopefully they can turn things around this weekend. Things haven’t been great, but surely that just means things can only go up from here, right? Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are on the road this weekend for a match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. It’s been a cruel summer for the Pride, as they’ve lost four of their past five games and are currently 13th in the league standings. Despite being on a three-game winless streak, the Spirit are second in the standings and will be a tough opponent for the Pride to face on the road. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on where the team needs to improve in order to get a result away from home against one of the league’s top teams.

Changes Reportedly Coming to MLS Playoff Format

For the umpteenth time, MLS is reportedly planning on overhauling its playoff format. The changes would go into effect when the league changes its calendar and they include allowing 20 teams to qualify for the playoffs, with the overall league standings being used to determine those top 20 teams. After a play-in round, the remaining 16 teams will play in a double elimination format that also features reseeding between rounds. If these changes do come to pass, hopefully the league decides to stick with it rather than constantly fiddling it with it.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The finalists for the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2027 were announced, with nine candidates making the list in their first year of eligibility. Former Orlando Pride player Ali Krieger is one of those nine, along with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. Central Florida native Graham Zusi was also named as a finalist. The two players who receive the most votes and are on at least half the ballots will make the Hall of Fame, with a third player able to make it if they’re on 75% of ballots.

Storylines Ahead of English Premier League Season

The English Premier League season begins today with Arsenal starting its title defense at home against Coventry City. Arsenal has a talented team once again, but it will be interesting to see how much of a challenge Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City can pose with new managers at the helm. Managers seem to be a focal point this season, as other storylines include whether or not Michael Carrick and Unai Emery can keep succeeding at Manchester United and Aston Villa, respectively. I’m just hoping we have an exciting title race by the time spring rolls around.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann tied with Robert Lewandowski for the second-highest rating of all MLS players in EA Sports FC 27.

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: 8/20/26

Orlando City defeated at home, Simone Jackson loaned to FC Rosengard, U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup roster unveiled, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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August 20, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

I think we can confidently say Orlando City’s Wednesday night excellence has come to an end after last night’s loss. I’m not going to claim the new kits are cursed after just two games, but I’ve bought some sage just in case. Before we get to that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Orlando City Falls at Home

The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire and got burned in a 2-1 loss that included a lengthy weather delay that paused things right before halftime. The Fire struck first with an early goal, but Orlando leveled things after the lightning storm passed. However, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty kick from a needless foul in the box for the winner, with the Lions failing to claw their way back a second time. It’s a disappointing result at home and Orlando will need to figure things out before hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Simone Jackson Heads to Sweden on Loan

The Orlando Pride loaned forward Simone Jackson to FC Rosengard in Sweden through June of 2027. Jackson was signed by the Pride in 2025 after four years playing collegiately at the University of Southern California and she has since made 20 appearances for the club. Hopefully this move gives her some more minutes to develop her game abroad so that she can make an impact with the Pride when she returns next summer.

U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster Announced

United States U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Vicky Jepson called up 21 players for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, including eight from NWSL clubs. Goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Nyanya Touray, and forward Emeri Adames are a few of the U.S. players to keep an eye out for this tournament.

The team will be without notable eligible players like Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg though, as youth tournaments take place outside of official FIFA windows when teams are required to release players. United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes also spoke on the importance of tournaments like this one to develop talent while uncertainty looms over the event due to UEFA’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The U.S. is set to start its campaign on Sept. 6 against Italy.

Americans to Watch in the English Premier League

The English Premier League season kicks off this weekend and there are a number of Americans to root for across the league. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are all still in the league but have new managers at the helm of their respective teams. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United avoided relegation last season and will look to build on that, while Haji Wright and Coventry City will fight to stay after earning promotion last season. Unfortunately, Wright will miss multiple weeks at the start of the season due to a quad injury.

Free Kicks

  • Alhassan Yusuf scored a hat trick in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over D.C. United, with Jack Harrison recording three assists.
  • Americans Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both played every minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of its matchup against the Austrian club in UEFA Champions League qualifying
  • Bay FC announced that the club and midfielder Tess Boade mutually agreed to terminate her contract, which was set to end after this season. Boade had been with the club since being selected in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft and was the captain last season.
  • Aston Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a reported $40 million transfer fee. Suzuki played for Japan at the recent World Cup and it will be interesting to see what this move means for Emiliano Martinez’s future at the club.
  • Brighton is covering the cost of tickets for its fans who will be making the trip to the Arctic Circle for its UEFA Conference League playoff match against Tromso in Norway.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/19/26

Orlando City match day, Colin Guske reportedly being loaned to RSL, Banda is an MVP candidate, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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August 19, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City plays in a midweek match that thankfully isn’t a Leagues Cup match. There are those who will say they’re sad the Lions are out of Don Garber’s cash grab competition, but I’m not one of them. The U.S. Open Cup and the MLS regular season provide plenty of fixtures for now. The schedule congestion is real, as we can see this week. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Match Day

Orlando City hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire tonight in an Eastern Conference clash. Defending against Lewandowski and Philip Zinckernagel will be a tough task for the Lions’ defense. Orlando City will need its offense to keep pace with the Fire if the Lions are going to take any points from the match. It will be interesting to see both Antoine Griezmann and Lewandowski on the pitch at the same time. Here is your official match guide from the club. Our match preview will drop later this morning at 11 a.m. You can also listen to our thoughts on the match on The Mane Land PawedCast.

Go West, Young Guske

It appears that Orlando City is loaning midfielder/defender Colin Guske to Real Salt Lake, according to Tom Bogert. This is not entirely surprising given how crowded Orlando City’s defensive midfield is with Joran Gerbet and Wilder Cartagena healthy and Luis Otavio rounding into form, not to mention Eduard Atuesta and Braian Ojeda once they return. It’s a good opportunity for Guske to get some minutes, given he’s a bit down on the depth chart with the senior team — far enough down to see more minutes recently at center back with the first team than in the midfield.

MVP Candidate Banda

Despite being away for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and not scoring in her first game back, Barbra Banda maintains her slim lead in the Golden Boot competition and is still a League MVP candidate. If she hopes to win either of those accolades, she will need to resume scoring. The upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to extend that lead.

U.S. National Team News

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia Union and will occupy a Designated Player spot. Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo has been signed by Premier League club Crystal Palace. Of course, there are other USMNT players already playing in Europe, and some are making a quick return to form following the World Cup. USWNT players are also experiencing ups and downs in the NWSL.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is headed to CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda División in Spain.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

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