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Lion Links: 7/30/22

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3 years ago

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Good Saturday morning, Mane Landers. Today, we look at the calendar and find zero Orlando matches. It is always bittersweet when that happens. On one hand, you could have had a match on both weekend days, but on the other, you get a double dosage day. Hopefully, you can use today off to catch up on some rest, chores, yard work, and time with family before a double header tomorrow. Orlando City travels to D.C. United to try to find revenge over its previous 5-3 defeat. Later, the Orlando Pride will look to gain another result under Interim Head Coach Seb Hines in Kansas City. Before we head to the links, let’s all wish Orlando Pride midfielder Parker Roberts a happy 25th birthday!

Orlando City Set for Match at D.C. United

The Orlando City and Wayne Rooney saga unfolds yet again tomorrow night. This chapter will be written with Rooney at the helm of D.C. United. The Black and Red are currently in last place of MLS having only claimed victory once in their last 11, although that victory did come in Orlando at the start of this month. The match is set to begin at 5 p.m. at Audi Field.

The Lions enter the weekend off a historic 5-1 victory on Wednesday night over the New York Red Bulls in the semifinal of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. It was a season-high night for the club with five goals scored — and four different Orlando City players finding the back of the net. Notably, César Araújo scored twice for the club in the match in what also served as his first finishes throughout the entirety of his professional career. The Lions have taken two of the last three matches against D.C. United; however, D.C. United own the most recent result with a 5-3 victory this past Fourth of July.

Midfielder Wilder Cartagena Linked to OCSC

Orlando City has been linked to an incoming transfer for a midfielder. Peruvian international Wilder Cartagena of Al-Ittihad Kalba SC is rumored to be making the jump to MLS from the UAE Pro-League. If this happens, Cartagena would be joining Pedro Gallese, his Peruvian international and former club teammate if he were to make a move to the Lions.

Cartagena has been a journeyman of late, with six clubs in the past 10 years. Most recently, Cartagena and Gallese were both at Alianza Lima for the 2019 season. In 2020, Cartagena transferred to Godoy Cruz of Argentina and then he was signed by Ittihad Kalba SC of the Arab League. With the recent departure of the Sebas Méndez to LAFC, this move has the looks of one to add depth to the defensive central midfield.

Luiz Muzzi on Nicholas Gioacchini

Orlando City made a key late-season addition last week by adding USMNT forward Nicholas Gioacchini from French second-division side Caen on a free transfer. Gioacchini debuted Wednesday night for the Lions in the last five minutes of their 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. For diehard USMNT fans, there is always pushback for players who choose to leave Europe for MLS. Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said it’s a move that others should consider when deciding their career path.

“I honestly think a lot of the young guys – there are so many good players, American players who end up going to Europe when they’re not ready to go. Then they get lost in the shuffle. It’s something every young player in America should be thinking about and analyzing because sometimes you want to go to the top of the ladder and skip steps. Then when you fall it’s a much bigger fall. If you just take your steps as you should, you’re going to reach the top. I think MLS has proven, time and time again, that this is a great league and you play a great quality of soccer here. All the Eurosnobs out there, this is a great league. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Gioacchini will have ample time to develop a bit more under Head Coach Oscar Pareja and is not called upon to be Orlando’s savior for this campaign. With Designated Players like Facundo Torres and Ercan Kara already in the attack and garnering most starts, Gioacchini will find minutes as the schedule ramps up.

“We’re playing a game every three days, so if you have only two or three guys you’re in trouble,” Muzzi said. “You’re going to need everybody to play and contribute and be ready.

“When you have a guy of that quality that you can get for a salary-cap number that makes sense and a deal that makes sense, we’re helping ourselves, we’re helping him as well. You’re right, everybody needs to play and contribute if you’re going to be successful on the fronts as we want to.”

Pride Travel to Kansas City

The Orlando Pride travel to Children’s Mercy Park to battle the Kansas City Current. Only five points separate the two sides going into the match set to kick off tomorrow at 7 p.m. The Current are in great form entering the match and currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak and three-game winning streak.

The Pride will be sure to keep eyes on Kansas City’s newest signing, French international midfielder Claire Lavogez, who is available for selection. Additionally, Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta has found the back of the net twice in the club’s last three games. Earlier in the regular season on May 14, the teams played to a 2-2 draw at Exploria Stadium.

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Well, that’s a wrap on today’s links. I wish you all the best as we take the day off from Orlando soccer. Hey, maybe get out there yourself today and knock the ball around with some friends and family. Yes, that sounds like the right idea. Get after it. Vamos Orlando!

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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.

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  • 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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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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