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Lion Links: 1/20/23

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2 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s Friday, which means we’re another step closer to a weekend filled with soccer and fun. I plan on going bowling with friends for the first time since college. I’m admittedly awful at bowling, but I’m sure I’ll forget that after I have a drink or two. I hope whatever you have planned this weekend goes smoothly. Let’s get started with today’s links.

Charlotte Defender Anton Walkes Dies

Thursday brought with it the awful news that Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes has died at age 25 after a boating accident in Miami. Walkes was selected by Charlotte in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft, going on to start in 21 games during the club’s inaugural season last year. The club’s owner, David Tepper, released a statement following his passing.

“Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes. He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met,” said Owner David Tepper. “Anton made those around him better people in all areas of life and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard both on and off the pitch. He will be greatly missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with Anton’s family during this heartbreaking time. The Club offers its full support to all those impacted during this period of mourning.” 

Major League Soccer, teammates, and the clubs he played for over the course of his professional career also mourned the loss of Walkes. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the many other lives impacted by his passing.

Adriana Signs With the Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride signed Brazilian forward Adriana Leal da Silva, known as Adriana, to a three-year contract using Allocation Money. Adriana joins the Pride from Corinthians, where she scored 72 goals across 143 appearances to help the Brazilian club win 10 titles. The 26-year-old has also scored 12 goals in 34 caps with Brazil, although she missed out on the 2019 World Cup due to an injury. Nicknamed “The Wizard,” the Pride could certainly use a player of her caliber to spearhead an offense that also includes fellow Brazilian Marta. This seems to be a good use of some of the Pride’s pile of Allocation Money and Adriana is excited to get started.

Orlando City Homegrown Players Called Up

A trio of young Lions were called up for the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team’s training camp in Bradenton this month. Defenders Michael Halliday, Thomas Williams, and Alex Freeman will join 20 other players for the camp as the team gets ready for the U-20 World Cup in May. Halliday featured in the team’s Concacaf U-20 Championship campaign last summer, while this is Freeman’s first call-up to the U-20 side. Orlando City is tied with the Philadelphia Union for the most representatives on the roster, with three each. U-17 Men’s National Team Head Coach Gonzalo Segares will lead the camp as Mikey Varas is assisting with the senior team’s camp in California.

USWNT Faces New Zealand Again Tonight

For the second time this week, the United States Women’s National Team will take on New Zealand in a friendly. Tonight’s match will take place in Auckland, with the action set to begin at 10 p.m. Although the USWNT won 4-0 in the previous meeting this past Tuesday, questions still linger heading into tonight’s match. All four of the U.S. goals Tuesday came in the second half, as Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s offense continues to struggle in the first half of games. Washington Spirit pair Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez both impressed as substitutes, so it will be interesting to see if they start tonight. Lindsey Horan started on Tuesday, but is back with Olympique Lyonnais in France.

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  • As is tradition, Orlando City Assistant Coach Josema Bazan fired up the grill at preseason training. You definitely shouldn’t watch this if you’re hungry.

  • Midfielder Felipe Martins weighed in on some photos of him taken by Orlando. The man seems to love beige.

  • The Seattle Sounders signed both Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan to five-year contract extensions. Homegrown Player Danny Leyva was also inked to a four-year deal.
  • Following reports throughout the month, the Columbus Crew officially signed forward Christian Ramirez from Aberdeen.
  • American midfielder Weston McKennie served up a pinpoint cross for an assist as Juventus defeated Monza, 2-1.

  • LAFC and Angel City FC’s home will now be named BMO Stadium. BMO was also named as a founding partner for Angel City. That gives MLS both a BMO Field (in Toronto) and a BMO Stadium this year.
  • On the road against Villarreal, Real Madrid mounted a comeback in the second half to win 3-2 and reach the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both scored in an exhibition match between Paris Saint-Germain and the Riyadh All-Stars. PSG went on to win 5-4.
  • The Bundesliga returns today with an enticing match-up between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. Here are a few of the storylines to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and rest of your weekend!

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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: 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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