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Lion Links: 8/2/21

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! I’ll take four points from the Orlando City and Orlando Pride games this weekend, not to mention the USMNT winning the Gold Cup. I hope you’re doing all right as we get started in August. After all, it is my birthday month. I’m not saying gifts are necessary, but I won’t refuse any either. Before we get to the links, let’s wish a happy birthday to Pride defender Konya Plummer and Orlando City Homegrown Player Raul Aguilera!

Orlando City Transfer Rumors

You’ll need a translation for some of the details, but Orlando City is reportedly on the verge of adding Argentine attacking midfielder Facundo Farías. The 18-year-old plays for Club Atlético Colón in Argentina and has started all four games of the season so far. A creative force on offense, he would certainly add more firepower for the Lions and his young age makes him a lucrative transfer target. The Argentine Primera Division ends in December so the sticking point of negotiations may be when Farías could join Orlando if acquired.

This latest report comes on the heels of Orlando being linked to River Plate’s Julian Alvarez late last week. The transfer window for MLS closes on Thursday.

Meanwhile, closer to home, there were reports that Hibernian FC was willing to pay for Chris Mueller to join before Orlando’s season ended. However, Head Coach Oscar Pareja expects Mueller to play the remainder of the season for the Lions.

“We learned from … our directors that Chris is going to move forward with his project next year, but until then he is an Orlando city player and we will take him that way,” Pareja said. “I don’t hear that he is looking for an early exit, I have not heard that.”

Orlando Pride Enter a New Era

It’s a new day for the Orlando Pride. A new season, even. I know that’s not the reality, but with the sudden departure of former coach Marc Skinner, the Pride had to make a midseason adjustment they weren’t planning on. The players are enjoying the attitude interim coach Becky Burleigh has brought to the club and went on the road for a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage this weekend. It’s only been one match, but the Pride are undefeated under Burleigh and should get a boost once Olympic players return.

USMNT Wins Gold Cup

Despite injuries and most of the star players staying in Europe, the United States Men’s National Team was able to win 1-0 against Mexico to lift the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup trophy. The crowd in Las Vegas was mostly filled with Mexico supporters and neither side could break through until extra time when Miles Robinson got his head on the end of a great free kick from Kellyn Acosta. Orlando’s Daryl Dike didn’t feature in the match as Gyasi Zardes and Matthew Hoppe spearheaded the attack for most of the match.

Matt Turner made clutch saves throughout the game and deservedly earned the Golden Glove for his performance in the tournament. Say what you want about USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter, but he is building the deepest squad the U.S. has ever seen in its history. The USMNT was able to win the Nations League and Gold Cup in the same summer with nearly entirely different squads. Attention now turns to the World Cup qualifiers, with the first match coming against El Salvador on Sept. 2.

USWNT Loses to Canada in Olympic Semifinal

The USWNT won’t be competing for a gold medal after losing 1-0 against Canada in the Olympic semifinals. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was forced off in the 30th minute due to an injury and Adrianna Franch came on in her place. The game’s only goal came in the second half after Tierna Davidson missed her attempted clearance and kicked Deanne Rose’s leg in the box in the process. The referee reviewed the replay and awarded a penalty to Canada, with Jessie Fleming smashing the ball past Franch and into goal. The USWNT was unable to find an equalizer and lost to Canada for the first time since 2001. Now, the U.S. will focus on the bronze medal match Thursday morning at 4 a.m. against Australia.

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  • In case you missed it, goalkeeper Brandon Austin returned to Tottenham while folk hero Adam Grinwis is back with the Lions. Mason Stajduhar started in goal for the Lions this weekend and gave a shout out to Orlando’s past goalkeepers who have influenced him, including Grinwis.

  • Haircuts can go wrong, and if you let a hairdresser trim your beard without direct specifications, the results can be really bad. I’m not necessarily saying this from experience (though I am), but they certainly can. The Lions have nothing to worry about though as they are in the trusted hands of Ricardo Chavez, who detailed how Revamp Barbershop became the go-to spot for Orlando players.
  • Josh Sargent scored twice for Werder Bremen while Brenden Aaronson made two assists for Red Bull Salzburg to headline the action from Americans playing abroad.
  • Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos was fined and suspended one game for kicking the ball into the stands against Orlando City on July 22.
  • I’m not saying that Brendan Hunt was the reason the USMNT won the Gold Cup, but I’m not ruling it out either. I’ll happily suggest that the Yanks had a little positivity in their midst thanks to #beardpower.

That will do it for this morning. Although the Gold Cup is over, there’s still plenty of soccer to look forward to. The Lions will host Inter Miami on Wednesday and then travel to take on FC Cincinnati on Saturday. The Pride have a road match against the Chicago Red Stars this Sunday as well, so it is a busy week. Then the Leagues Cup gets started next week on Aug. 12. Go 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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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.

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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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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

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

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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