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Lion Links: 7/9/21

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4 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? July hasn’t been too kind to Orlando City or the Orlando Pride, but hopefully that starts turning around as the month rolls on. There’s plenty of soccer to look forward to throughout the month at least. Before we jump into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 20th birthday to Orlando City Homegrown Player Jordan Bender, who is on loan with the Charlotte Independence.

Orlando Pride Sign Jodie Tyler

With Alex Morgan gone for the Olympics, the Pride have signed English forward Jodie Taylor to a deal that will keep her in Orlando through the 2021 season. The Pride acquired Taylor’s rights before the season in a trade that sent defender Carson Pickett to the North Carolina Courage. Taylor spent the 2020-2021 season in Europe, scoring once in six appearances for an Olympique Lyonnais squad loaded with talent. This isn’t Taylor’s first rodeo in the National Women’s Soccer League though, as she scored 14 goals in 47 matches with the club now known as OL Reign and had stints with the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns.

The Pride have relied heavily on Morgan and Sydney Leroux on offense so far this season. The pair have scored eight of the team’s 12 goals this year and Taylor should take some of the pressure off of Leroux while Morgan is away.

The Pride Host Racing Louisville FC Tonight

Orlando will aim to bounce back when it takes on Racing Louisville at 7 p.m. tonight in Exploria Stadium. The Pride are coming off of their first shutout loss of the season, falling 2-0 at home to the Courage and relinquishing the top spot in the NWSL standings. They can reclaim that spot tonight with a win against a Louisville side that also lost last weekend. Although Louisville has lost four of its eight games this season, all have come at the hands of the impressive Courage and Thorns. This isn’t the first meeting between Orlando and Louisville in 2021, as the two sides fought to a 2-2 draw in the NWSL Challenge Cup’s group stage. Tonight’s match could end up being a battle between two of the league’s best goalkeepers, as Louisville’s Michelle Betos leads the NWSL with 48 saves while the Pride’s Ashlyn Harris secured yet another NWSL Save of the Week after denying a penalty — her third such stop this season.

Amy Turner Details Her Decision to Join the Pride

Pride defender Amy Turner made her NWSL debut in the team’s recent loss to the Courage. Although she only played a few minutes late in the match, it was a big moment for Turner as the entirety of her career was spent in England. After playing with various clubs as women’s soccer grew in England, Turner joined Manchester United for its inaugural season in 2018 and helped her team earn promotion and then a league title the following year. But she was urged to make a change by Americans Tobin Heath and Christen Press, who both joined United for the 2020-21 season.

“They used to say to me that I was probably the most recognizable player on the team for someone that they knew playing in the NWSL with the way I defend and the way I play, which was not something I’d really thought about too much before,” Turner said. “They reassured me that, in their opinion, it was a good decision for me and hopefully a good move in my career.”

Fellow Englishwoman Jade Moore has helped Turner settle in in Orlando, easing the transition between countries. As a center back, Turner’s addition should bring some organization to the back line and perhaps allow Ali Krieger to move to her preferred position at right back.

Getting Set for the Concacaf Gold Cup

The Gold Cup starts tomorrow and although the United States Men’s National Team and Mexico are expected to go far, there are plenty of teams that could potentially shake things up. The tournament opens with a match between El Salvador and Curacao at 5 p.m., with former Lion Darwin Ceren possibly in action for El Salvador. Later tomorrow night, at 10 p.m., Mexico’s campaign will start against Trinidad and Tobago. Unlike the USMNT, Mexico’s squad will be at nearly full strength for the tournament and is expected to easily top its group.

The USMNT is in a group with Canada, Haiti, and Martinique. Although the U.S. shouldn’t have much trouble claiming one of the top two spots, Canada’s and Haiti’s offenses should lead to some excitement in the group. On Sunday, Canada will take on Martinique at 6:30 p.m. and the USMNT plays Haiti at 8:30 p.m. The group match between the USMNT and Canada on July 18 could also give us an intriguing match-up between Orlando City forward Daryl Dike and former Lion Cyle Larin.

Exploria Stadium will host the majority of matches for the group that includes Costa Rica, Jamaica, Suriname, and Guadeloupe. The final group will feature guest nation Qatar along with Honduras, Panama, and Grenada.

Free Kicks

  • Alex Morgan wasn’t able to bring her daughter to Tokyo with her while playing in the Olympics.

  • Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli, who plays for Arsenal at the club level, named Marta as the player he most wants to meet while at the Olympics.

That’s going to be it for today, folks. I hope you all have a great Friday and enjoy all of the soccer this weekend. 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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2 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.

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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3 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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4 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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