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Lion Links: 6/24/22

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3 years ago

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Not only is it Friday, but it’s also an Orlando City game day! It should be a nice start to a weekend filled with soccer all over the country. The Lions will be in Ohio, so you’ll get to watch the game from your favorite sports bar or your favorite recliner. Let’s start this Friday off on the right foot with today’s links!

Orlando City Takes on FC Cincinnati Tonight

The Lions are back on the road tonight for a match against FC Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. The Lions are coming off of a 2-1 win against the Houston Dynamo last weekend and Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke about the importance of consistent results.

“After the good victory against Houston, we are getting ready to go off to Cincinnati,” said Head Coach Oscar Pareja. “A team that we have already played here at home and it was a good performance, but not a good result. This gives us the opportunity to get those points that we left in our home stadium. We recognize that Cincinnati has been improving a lot in the last two years. It will be a good match for sure, a conference match. It’s important to keep getting points and important to keep being consistent with winning. That is our responsibility and we are very aware of that.”

This is Orlando’s third visit to TQL Stadium after a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 win there last season. While injuries and suspensions have tested Orlando’s center back depth, left back Joao Moutinho has held things down defensively. The 24-year-old has started every MLS game for Orlando so far and leads the league with 34 tackles. On offense, Mauricio Pereyra’s eight assists are tied for the most in MLS and Ercan Kara has scored in five of Orlando’s past seven matches across all competitions.

Breaking Down OCB’s Season So Far

With the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season at its midpoint, we have a clearer picture of each team in the league and their strengths and weaknesses. Orlando City B currently sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 11 points from 11 games. While the Young Lions have done well in penalty shootouts, they’ve been abysmal on the road with no wins in five away matches. Forward Jack Lynn has scored nine goals and has been a bright spot, but he is only one of two players to score multiple goals for OCB this season. The other player with more than one goal this season is Moises Tablante, who has scored twice and also leads the team with four assists. More Young Lions will need to contribute goals this season and the team will have a chance to make an impact on the road tomorrow when it faces FC Cincinnati 2 tomorrow at 1 p.m.

USWNT Faces Colombia Tomorrow Night

The United States Women’s National Team will play against Colombia tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in Commerce City, CO for the first of two friendlies against the South American nation. Colombia is currently ranked 28th in the world and will host the 2022 Copa America Feminina next month. Like the Concacaf Women’s Championship, that tournament will double as CONMEBOL’s qualifying for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Tomorrow’s match will be the first meeting between the USWNT and Colombia since a pair of friendlies in Orlando in 2021, with the U.S. winning both without conceding. The second friendly will take place on Tuesday in Sandy, UT at 10 p.m.

U.S. Soccer and the NWSL Celebrate Title IX Anniversary

On the 50th anniversary of when Title IX was signed into law, the United States Soccer Federation pledged to continue supporting women and girls so that they have equal access to participate in sports in a safe environment. The pledge also notes a commitment over the next 50 years to ensure equal media coverage for women’s sports and for at least 50% of general manager, head coach, and executive roles across all sports organizations to be held by women. The National Women’s Soccer League is joining forces with the Demand IX campaign and collaborating with other organizations to push for stronger Title IX protections and enforcement. It’s nice to see these organizations not only celebrate the impact Title IX has made over the past 50 years, but to also continue advocating for needed change.

Minnesota United Extends Adrian Heath’s Contract

Adrian Heath was signed to a contract extension by Minnesota United and will be the club’s head coach through the 2024 season. After coaching Orlando City for nearly six years in the USL and in MLS, Heath became Minnesota’s head coach for its inaugural season in 2017. He’s been the only manager for the Loons, helping them make deep runs in both the MLS playoffs and U.S. Open Cup. The Loons currently sit in 11th place in the Western Conference standings, but are just two points from a playoff position. Heath will also serve as the head coach for the MLS All-Stars when they take on the best of Liga MX in Minnesota on Aug. 10.

Free Kicks

  • If Orlando City wins on Wednesday against Nashville SC, it will host the New York Red Bulls. If the Lions reach the final, that will take place in Orlando as well, as determined by a draw.
  • Orlando City placed 10th in ESPN’s MLS “watchability” rankings. Orlando was compared to AS Roma due to its bold color scheme, fun logo, and entertainment factor. I agree on the comparison, except for how different Pareja and Jose Mourinho seem.
  • The 2023 MLS All-Star Game will be hosted by D.C. United. The week-long event has been hosted in the nation’s capital before, but this will be the first time it will take place at Audi Field.
  • Portland Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby won NWSL Save of the Week for her save against Meggie Dougherty Howard at point-blank range.

That’s all I have for today, Mane Landers. 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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1 day 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.

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2 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: 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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3 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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