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Lion Links: 3/13/20

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5 years ago

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Good morning, Mane Landers. I hope you all are having a nice week as we all transition into the weekend. It looks like there won’t be much soccer action to look forward to in the coming weeks though. Still, here are some of the links from around the soccer world.

Coronavirus Affects Orlando Soccer

Yesterday, Major League Soccer suspended its season for a minimum of 30 days as concerns regarding the coronavirus continue. Orlando City released a statement fully supporting the league’s decision and stating that the health and safety of fans, players, and staff are of the utmost importance.

“Our top priority as a Club is the health and safety of everyone from our players, employees and fans. We are clearly dealing with an unprecedented health crisis and remain committed to keeping everyone within our Club and community safe,” Orlando City SC CEO Alex Leitão said. “We will continue to work with local, state and national health officials along with the CDC in monitoring the situation.”

The National Women’s Soccer League is cancelling its preseason and reviewing contingency plans regarding the regular season, with the Orlando Pride’s home opener against Sky Blue FC still set for April 19.

The USL League One is delaying preseason activities and the start of the 2020 season by at least two weeks. Orlando City B’s first two road games and home opener on April 11 are all affected by this news and will have to be rescheduled.

Also, the Major Arena Soccer League is ending its regular season entirely. This will effectively end the Orlando SeaWolves’ season with four remaning home games on the schedule, their match against the Kansas City Comets tomorrow no longer happening.

Even the Florida Youth Soccer Association has suspended all activities until mid-April.

USSF President Resigns

United States Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro resigned after the USSF was criticized for its legal filings earlier in the week. Before his resignation, Cordeiro apologized to the United States Women’s National Team after the team’s SheBelieves Cup victory, where players protested by wearing their warm-up shirts inside out.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber also weighed in on the belittling statements the USSF released earlier this week and Pride defender Ali Krieger was disappointed in the USSF’s filing as well.

Lions Building Chemistry

Before their season was put on hold, Orlando City was working on increasing the connection between teammates, particularly on offense. With only one goal in the team’s two first games, forward Tesho Akindele noted a disconnect between midfielders and forwards as new faces continue to work with one another.

“We just didn’t create enough chances, enough dangerous opportunities,” Akindele said. “That’s probably something we’re going to work on this week is just kind of finding that connection. We just kind of need to get our timing down.”

While the MLS suspension will certainly slow things down on the training front, the team is only going to get more familiar with one another over time. Speaking of the offense, Dom Dwyer is coming along in his healing process and if there is any good news to this suspension, it is the added time for him to recover. Also, news surfaced that Orlando City made a proposal for Brazilian striker Vitinho to help bolster the offense, but Flamengo swiftly declined.

Coronavirus Impacts Sports World

Practically all sports leagues and competitions are being affected by COVID-19 and these changes will have a heavy impact on professional leagues in the U.S. The NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA Tour, NASCAR, and PBA all made decisions regarding suspensions, delays, and attendance. The NCAA also cancelled March Madness and the Frozen Four as the pandemic continues.

Both the United States Men’s National Team and USWNT called off their upcoming friendlies. In Europe, La Liga is suspended and the English Premier League is holding an emergency meeting as of this writing with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta testing positive, Chelsea closing a training facility, Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy in self-isolation, and a trio of Leicester City players showing symptons.

On a local level, here’s a nice guide on closings and cancellations in the Orlando area.

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  • The Pride’s Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond are both in action this week for the W-League’s Finals Series, although they won’t play against each other in the semifinals.
  • USMNT left back Antonee Robinson will undergo surgery to fix an irregular heart rhythm.
  • Zack Steffen is recovering well from his knee injury, returning to training with Fortuna Dusseldorf.
  • How about we try to end our links on a highlight? USMNT defender John Brooks scored his first goal of 2020, connecting on a corner for Wolfsburg. It isn’t spectacular, but a goal is a goal and we may not see many in the coming month.

That’s going to do it for today, Mane Landers. Take care of yourselves and others out there. We may be without sports for a while, but I’m sure we can handle it. Have a great Friday!

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Lion Links

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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21 hours 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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2 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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Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

Free Kicks

  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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