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Lion Links: 8/4/17

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8 years ago

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Good morning, Mane Landers! We’re finally at the end of the week and luckily providence has handed us a rest day (from soccer) before a hectic Saturday — there’s going to be three games! Until then, we have the ever-fulfilling links.

Morgan Scores as USWNT Rolls Japan, 3-0

Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh, and Alex Morgan led the USWNT to a 3-0 win over Japan in the Tournament of Nations finale at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA. Morgan didn’t come on for the U.S. until the 73rd minute so she might be available this Saturday when the Pride take on the Chicago Red Stars. Morgan snapped an eight-game international goal drought with her 80th-minute strike to cap the scoring. Ali Krieger didn’t play so she should be good to go against the Red Stars despite having to fly back from California.

Young Stars Such as Larin Show MLS Growth

Major League Soccer sure has changed a lot in its relatively short history, and right now it looks like its youth is genuinely the future, but not in the way you’d expect. MLS might actually need to sell some of its top young talent — which has become a larger group every year — in order to continue its growth as a league. It seems counter-intuitive, and is sure to upset many of you who would never want to see Cyle Larin go, but it appears as if MLS is already heading in the direction of becoming a selling league.

While it comes with lots of stigma, there is proof that not only is MLS moving in that direction, but that it is a good direction to be going in. Orlando’s own Larin is one example as its always seemed as if its just a matter of time until he leaves. Perhaps a better example would be FC Dallas, a club that takes pride in its business model of selling talented young players and reinvesting back into the team. This has led to success over the past few years, so hopefully MLS can continue evolving by trying to bring in as many talented youngsters as possible, but also allowing them to leave.

Beckham’s Miami Team Close to Finalizing Its Expansion Bid

It seems as if its been ages since it was announced that Miami would be launching an expansion bid. Now, it appears we are nearing an end according to MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Garber also spoke about the 12 expansion bids for the four remaining spots, saying that they’re on track to announce two teams this December.

“Their plan was very well-received by our owners,” Garber said. “There was a vote earlier this afternoon that authorized me, along with a committee of owners…to work with them to finalize the details of their expansion plan in order for us to officially close on this Miami team.

“There are still a couple details we need to finalize. We needed to get through today because I had some concerns we wouldn’t get past today.”

Alex Morgan Reminisces On Her Time With the Pride and Lyon

Alex Morgan was without a doubt the face of the Pride, and after winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Lyon, has come back and is now sort of a number two to Marta. Morgan says the she is just fine with it though because it takes a bit of the burden off of her. In this interview with Morgan, it appears that confidence is key for her and that’s something she says she lacked with the Pride in year one and with the USWNT recently, the latter due to lack of playing time. As for her time in Lyon, she it as a new challenge and loved it there.

Two U.S. Lower Division Teams Want Pro/Rel in the U.S.

If you think about it, it kind of sucks to be a really good lower division team. Of course its always good to win, but it’s a little disheartening that there’s nowhere else to go but stay stagnant in the same league forever. This is a large part of Miami FC — I know they’re in the second division but still — and Kingston Stockade FC’s claim that U.S. Soccer should adopt a system with promotion and relegation. They claim that it is against FIFA rules to not have it and also that it defeats meritocracy, or the belief that you should have to earn your place.

They definitely have a point, but it would be pretty hard to implement here in the U.S. after years of a system without it. If the people with power agree, then this can be done. The only problem is Miami FC and Kingston Stockade don’t really have any power, and I don’t think Garber really wants to complicate his life with having to deal with that any time soon.

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That’ll wrap it up for today’s Lion Links. Have a wonderful weekend! We leave you with this curious omen from Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão.

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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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15 hours 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: 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.

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2 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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Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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