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Lion Links: 1/15/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this Friday finds you well as we start to shift gears into the weekend. I’m looking forward to unwinding a bit after a hectic week at work. It won’t be completely stress free since I’m trying to get back in the swing of job hunting and working out. New year, same struggles. But enough about that, let’s get to the links!

Lions Progressing Towards Olympic Qualifying

Four Orlando City players are in Bradenton for the United States Men’s National Team’s January camp. Chris Mueller is with the first team while Daryl Dike, Andres Perea, and Benji Michel are training with the U-23 team. Former Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis weighed in on each Lion’s current progress in camp.

Dike missed out on debuting for the first team in December after a slight muscle injury, but should be ready to roll as he continues to improve. Perea recently changed association to the United States and is taking on a holding midfielder role with the team under Kreis. Michel is flying a bit under the radar compared to Mueller and Dike, but Kreis is excited to see what he can do after watching him play for Orlando this past season.

“His changing now to be a wide player, I think is really good for him,” Kreis said. “If we look at Benji’s qualities, one of the things that jumps out at you right away is his electric pace. You saw in the games in Orlando in this last year when he would come into those games, oftentimes he was able to make a real imprint on the match. I think a little bit of the question mark for us will be, can he make that same sort of imprint from a starting role?”

Dike May Be Next Target for Europe

Year after year, young MLS talent transfers to Europe to further their careers after success in the U.S. There are a fair amount of exciting players who could make similar moves after 2021, including Orlando’s Dike. The 20-year-old had a strong rookie campaign, using his physicality and finishing ability to score eight goals and log four assists across 17 regular-season appearances. If he performs even better in the upcoming season, Dike could join the likes of Gianluca Busio, Ezequiel Barco, and Diego Rossi as top transfer targets for European clubs. Jose Mourinho, head coach for Tottenham Hotspur, confirmed that European sides are keeping a close eye on both the USMNT and MLS.

MLS and MLSPA Still Aren’t in Agreement

Loss of revenue due to the pandemic and the invoking of the force majeure clause has led to difficult negotiations between Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association regarding the collective bargaining agreement. No report date has been announced for players, although a season start in the middle of March is still expected. The MLSPA has not yet sent a formal response to MLS’ formal proposal requesting a two-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement through 2027 while player salaries wouldn’t be impacted in 2021.

More Details Emerge for Men’s Olympic Qualifying

Men’s Olympic qualifiers will begin on March 18 in Guadalajara and the U.S. U-23 team is in a group with Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. The top two finishers in each of the two groups will advance to the semifinals and each semifinal winner will book their ticket to Tokyo. The aforementioned trio of eligible Lions could all feature in the qualifying tournament, but Americans playing abroad could travel to Mexico for the tournament given the international window during that time. It will be interesting to see what Kreis does with the roster, especially if Orlando players make strong impressions in camp.

Montreal Makes a Change

The worst soccer-related decision of 2021 goes to the Montreal Impact. Or at least it would, but the club changed its name to Club de Foot Montréal and adjusted its image to a logo that should probably be blurred for broadcasts.

I do like the capital “M” featured in the logo’s design, but all of the arrows pointing to the center is a bit much to say the least. It’s sad seeing another unique name in MLS fall, but Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto may return his club’s image to glory.

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  • Each of the Orlando Pride’s draft picks introduced themselves to Pride fans.

That’s going to do it for today, Mane Landers. I hope you all enjoy your day and have a fantastic weekend.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/30/25

Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 30, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Lions Called Up For International Duty

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.

Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.

A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.

Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson

The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.

USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China

The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.

Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager

Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/29/25

Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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May 29, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Falls in Atlanta

The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.

MLS All-Star Voting Begins

The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.

Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery

Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.

Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League

Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.

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  • Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
  • Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.

That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/28/25

Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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May 28, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads North

Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.

Banda and Sams Recognized

A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.

Orlando Pride Power

The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.

Freeman and the USMNT

It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?

Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!

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