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Lion Links: 6/25/22

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3 years ago

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Well, last night did not go as planned. But, I hope you all at least enjoyed watching Antonio Carlos rejoin the Lions in the second half against FC Cincinnati. I was lucky enough to attend the game at TQL Stadium with my wife for a short and much-needed vacation.

If you have yet to make it up that way, I highly recommend doing so and stopping into Rhinegeist Brewery or Northern Row Brewery & Distillery before the match. The great beers and walkability to the stadium make it a perfect away day for City fans to catch an Eastern Conference match. Before we leave town, we are going to try out some indoor skydiving for the first time. I’m looking forward to that and exploring more of the city.

Now, enough about me and more about what you really came here for — today’s links!

Orlando City Falls to FC Cincinnati

Last night, the Lions lost on the road to FC Cincinnati due to a Brenner goal in the 65th minute. While the team did look to connect passes well at times and hold the lion’s share of possession, City only took half as many shots as the home team.

The bright spot of the night for Orlando was the return of Antonio Carlos, who came on at halftime to replace Thomas Williams. The teenager gained the unexpected start at left back due to a late scratch of Joao Moutinho, who was injured during warmups. Kyle Smith, who was once again called upon as a center back for the suspended Robin Jansson, was able to slide out wide at halftime into his more natural role thanks to Carlos entering the match. Unfortunately, even with what would be considered a more stable back line, the Lions could not find the back of the net nor hold on for a draw.

Our Michael Citro has your match recap of City’s 1-0 loss. And, be sure to check back for the player grades and Man of the Match, as well as our five takeaways.

Orlando City and Pride Issue Joint Statement on Roe v. Wade

The Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride have made a joint statement regarding Friday’s reversal of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. The clubs and players undoubtedly will use their platforms and voices to join together to take action in the local community. Other teams and organizations, such as the NWSL, have also made similar statements.

USWNT Set for Colombia Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team begins its final preparations for the Concacaf Championship as the Yanks host Colombia tonight at 7:30 p.m. The first of the pair of friendlies will be played in Denver, with the second to follow on Tuesday in Rio Tinto Stadium. This pair of matches should benefit both teams, as the USWNT is looking to solidify a lineup in an attempt to qualify for the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. Likewise, Colombia is preparing to host the Copa America Femenina and will use these matches to see what a top-ranked team will play like against their squad.

As the USWNT will be the favorite to win both matches, it would be wise of Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski to use some rotation and the full depth of the squad. Colombia plays a physical style of soccer, and it would be a crushing blow to the team to lose a crucial player due to a reckless challenge in a friendly prior to the tournament. The USWNT attackers should look to be clinical in front of goal and end the game early by taking all momentum out of Colombia’s hands.

Women’s Summer of Soccer

All around the globe, you can find a region with a women’s tournament this summer. Beginning in July, the world’s best players in the women’s game will collide with major stakes on the line. For some, a spot in the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is up for grabs. In Europe, a €16 million prize pool is there for the taking in the European Championship.

The UEFA Women’s Euros will be played from July 6-31, featuring 16 teams across England. The reigning World Cup champion USWNT will be the outright favorite for the Concacaf Championship taking place July 4-18. This tournament will serve as both the qualifiers for the World Cup and the Olympics. Competing July 2-29, the Africa Women Cup of Nations is that continent’s premier women’s soccer competition, with four semifinalists advancing automatically to the 2023 World Cup. The losing quarterfinalists get a final chance with a win-or-go-home playoff. Colombia will host the Women’s Copa America from July 8-30, in which three South American nations can qualify for the World Cup, with another two going into playoffs. Finally, July 13-30 will bring us a first-time winner of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup as New Zealand will not be competing since they are guaranteed qualification for the World Cup as a co-host nation.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City defender Michael Halliday and the U.S. U-20 National Team are successfully through to the knockout rounds after topping their group at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championships. 
  • As eyes turn towards the MLS Next Cup, Orlando City U-15 player Zackory Campagnolo is listed as a footballer you need to know. Campagnolo’s presence in goal offers security at the back and USYNT experience.
  • Orlando City captain Mauricio Pereyra pleads his case for your MLS All Star votes.

That’s all I have for today, Mane Landers. Be sure to catch the Young Lions taking on FC Cincinnati 2 today at 1 p.m. as they look to bounce back from a tough loss in Columbus.

If you find yourself traveling this weekend, please drive carefully, as summer tourism is now in full swing. Leave an extra car length in front of you, take your foot off the gas when the stop light turns yellow, and keep an eye out for children at play in the neighborhood. But above all, be a good human. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/3/25

Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

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11 hours ago

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April 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!

Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials

Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.

Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty

Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.

Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.

USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season

American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
  • San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
  • New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
  • El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
  • Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.

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

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Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

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2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks

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

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