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Lion Links: 7/19/20

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6 years ago

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Happy Sunday, everyone. Orlando City has one more Group A match-up on Monday and it’ll be the toughest one yet, as the Philadelphia Union have improved by leaps and bounds over the last season and a half. But it’s nice knowing that regardless of the outcome, the Lions are assured of advancing to the knockout stage.

Hopefully you’re staying safe and sane and neither of those things is easy these days. Let’s jump into the news of the day.

Orlando City’s Goalkeepers Put in the Work

The toughest and most visible position in soccer is goalkeeper and it’s also a position where sharpness matters. It’s difficult for goalkeepers to stay sharp during a pandemic or even during the first couple stages of workouts. Orlando’s keepers were able to do so, and that paid off big for Pedro Gallese last week against New York City FC. Originally credited with seven saves, one of NYCFC’s shots was changed to off target, so he finished with six, but several of them were of the game-saving variety. El Pulpo said the coaching staff put together a good plan for the team’s goalkeepers to follow.

“It was difficult,” Gallese said through a translator. “It was a difficult time. But I think what the coaches were sending us and the plan that they laid out and what we were trying to do during that time really prepared us well for this tournament.”

Orlando Weather Continues to Be a Talking Point

Nobody knows better than Orlando residents that the weather here is ludicrous. I used to live in South Florida and thought that was hot and humid but at least down there we generally had a breeze blowing in off the ocean to move the air around. Here it’s oppressive and the air is so heavy that sometimes you feel like you need to chew it. This is what Orlando City has to deal with every single day, every single season. But folks like Frand de Boer and Jozy Altidore have whined about the conditions of the 9 a.m. games in MLS is Back. Of course, the Lions have to play at noon or slightly later in the afternoon multiple times each summer. Even they know the Central Florida heat index is not something one can fully ever get used to.

Orlando City defender João Moutinho said it’s hard to ever fully adjust to the conditions of playing in Central Florida.

…

“This is now my third season and I can tell you that it’s still really hard for me to acclimate to this heat,” said Orlando City striker Chris Mueller, who has managed to score three goals during the tournament. “It’s really hard for whoever it might be. It’s no joke.”

MLS is Back Group F Results

In the 8 p.m. match Saturday, the Portland Timbers knocked off the Houston Dynamo, 2-1. Jeremy Ebobisse put the Timbers ahead at the break with a powerful shot just inside the far post. The Dynamo had two excellent opportunities to equalize before halftime on shots by Oscar Boniek Garcia and Alberth Elis but both sizzled just wide of the far post. Elis in particular had a sitter but could not put his shot on target. Diego Valeri doubled the lead just past the hour mark. Elis scored on a penalty to cut the lead in half but he was sent off shortly thereafter on a dubious call for a hand to the face and Portland hung on, clinching a spot in the knockout round after the late result.

Chicharito (calf) missed his first shot at El Trafico in the late Group F game Saturday, but it was predictably unpredictable, as usual, before LAFC won it, 6-2. An LAFC own goal opened the scoring, then the teams traded penalties by Diego Rossi and Cristian Pavon. Rossi leveled the game again in first-half stoppage time off the rebound of a save of a Bradley Wright-Phillips shot that Daniel Steres whiffed on clearing. In the second half, Pavon thought he’d restored the lead but he was a step offside, then Wright-Phillips gave LAFC its first lead just moments later. Rossi completed his hat trick with just under a quarter of an hour remaining and former Lion Mohamed El-Munir added an insurance goal a few minutes later and Rossi added a fourth at the death as the Galaxy defense is a mess.

Sky Blue FC, Chicago Red Stars Advance in NWSL Challenge Cup

The semifinals are set for the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup after Saturday’s two quarterfinal matches both went to penalty shootouts without a single goal during normal time. Sky Blue FC joined the Portland Thorns and Houston Dash in the semis with a penalty shootout win after a scoreless draw with the Washington Spirit.  Kailen Sheridan stopped Bayley Feist in the fifth round as Sky Blue won the shootout, 4-3. Former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe stopped a Domi Richardson attempt but Sheridan’s save, along with a shot off the crossbar, sunk the Spirit.

The final participant to enter the semifinals was Chicago after the third penalty shootout in four Challenge Cup quarterfinal matches. The Red Stars and OL Reign went scoreless and Chicago won the ensuing penalty shootout, 4-3. Former Orlando Pride forward Rachel Hill was one of the successful penalty takers for the Red Stars.

We had one goal in four quarterfinal matches in the NWSL Challenge Cup, which is not great. Portland will face Houston and Chicago will take on Sky Blue Wednesday in the semifinals.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City vs. Philadelphia is one of three games that ESPN has added to the network’s MLS is Back Tournament coverage. You can now watch the Lions against the Union either on TUDN or ESPN.
  • If you ever thought to yourself, “you know, I’d really love to watch former Orlando City goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh cook,” now you can.
  • MLS reported zero new positive COVID-19 tests in the latest round of testing. More than 1,300 tests were administered to 1,100+ people. Clearly the bubble is safer than the rest of Florida.
  • USWNT and Utah Royals defender Kelley O’Hara is hosting the Just Women’s Sports Podcast. The first show will drop Tuesday and will feature Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan in her first interview since giving birth to daughter Charlie. For the record, The Mane Land PawedCast asked for Alex about nine weeks ago in preparation for our 200th episode. Maybe we were just too early.
  • Your obligatory Christian Pulisic link for the day.
  • Those born on this date include Lizzie Borden (1860), Queen guitarist Brian May (1947), late Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins (1952), actor/producer Anthony Edwards (1962), and Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch (1976).

That’s all my time this morning, folks. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend. Today’s MLS is Back matches include the Chicago Fire vs. San Jose Earthquakes at 8 p.m. and the Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps at 10:30 p.m. The NWSL Challenge Cup is off until Wednesday.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/22/26

Orlando City hosts Charlotte tonight, the Orlando Pride prep for Louisville trip, NWSL expansion coming to Columbus, and more.

Published

23 hours ago

on

April 22, 2026

By

Image of Kaka celebrating a goal.
Nick Leyva, The Mane Land

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day for Orlando City. That’s as much a warning for your mental health as it is a notification if you decide to watch the match tonight. Perhaps you could catch up on Pluribus, or rewatch Ted Lasso. I’m simply saying you have options that might not raise your blood pressure. On a brighter note, join me in wishing Orlando City legend Kaká a very happy birthday. More on him below. Let’s get to the links.

Lions Host Charlotte Tonight

Orlando City is looking to rebound against Charlotte FC tonight at Inter&Co Stadium. It’s no secret that the Lions are having a rough time of it so far this season, and with Charlotte sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, it doesn’t get any easier. That doesn’t stop Martin Perelman and the players from thinking they are getting better and having a plan for the match tonight. What was it Mike Tyson said about everyone having a plan? Can the Lions turn things around on short rest?

Orlando Pride Return to NWSL Play Friday

The Orlando Pride return to action Friday against Racing Louisville FC. The match is at Louisville where the Pride have yet to win. Despite that, the players are ready to pick up where they left off before the international break. The break provided much-needed rest for many of the players. The Pride will play six matches during the month of May before the league takes a break for the World Cup.

Osceola Heritage Park Expansion Funding Moves Forward

Osceola County leaders have agreed to have Orlando City expand the club’s footprint at Osceola Heritage Park. Orlando Sports Enterprises (OSE a.k.a. the Wilf family) will match the $25 million that the county is putting up for the project. OSE will assume repair, maintenance, and operating costs for the facility. A hotel and free-standing restaurant are also in the plans. This is a good investment for the club’s future in the arms race that is professional sports.

NWSL Coming to Columbus

The owners of the Columbus Crew have been awarded an NWSL franchise. The Haslam Sports Group paid a record $205 million expansion fee to obtain the 18th NWSL club. The new club will renovate and play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field downtown. The organization will also build a training center at McCoy Park that had previously been slated to be renovated for local residents, including features that would enable physically disabled people to use the park.

The NWSL called and Columbus answered 📞 Columbus joins the league as team No. 18!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-04-21T19:44:42.987Z

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Check back later today for our coverage of the Orlando City match this evening. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/21/26

Takeaways from MLS matchday eight, USWNT stock watch, transfer rumor roundup, and more.

Published

2 days ago

on

April 21, 2026

By

Image of Ignacio Gomez making his MLS debut with Orlando City vs. Houston.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. It was a frustrating weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as Orlando City lost a close game to the Houston Dynamo, and Orlando City B blew a two-goal lead against Carolina Core FC, and had to settle for the two points that come with a shootout victory after a draw. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint), OCSC will have a chance to get right back on the horse when Charlotte FC comes to town on Wednesday. We’ve got lots to talk about this morning, so let’s have a look at the links.

MLS Matchday Eight Takeaways

Major League Soccer’s eighth round of matches is in the books, and there are plenty of talking points to go over. The San Jose Earthquakes ended the weekend on an emphatic note by dismantling LAFC 4-1 on the road, adding to an impressive list of scalps that also includes the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC. They’re tied with Vancouver atop the Western Conference and continue to look like one of the league’s best teams. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC, Orlando City’s next opponent, kept things organized in a 4-4-2 block and scored from two of its three shots on goal to take down NYCFC 2-1. That result puts the club in third place in the Eastern Conference.

USWNT Stock Watch

The United States Women’s National Team wrapped up its three game slate against Japan over the weekend, so let’s check in on how the matches affected the standing of several players. Lindsey Heaps was name-dropped by Emma Hayes as having had a great run of three matches, while 20-year-old Claire Hutton wore the captain’s armband during the series and looked far more poised and ready than one would expect given her age. At the opposite end of the spectrum, winger Emma Sears struggled to make an impact in the final third, and while her speed makes her a tempting option to have in the squad, the depth at her position means she’s always going to face a battle for a place.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The summer transfer window will be here before we know it, and that means the rumors are already flying thick and fast. We begin with Arsenal, which is said to be interested in signing Julian Alvarez this summer, but will likely face competition from Barcelona. Speaking of Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta has reportedly held talks with Robert Lewandowski about extending his stay with the team, while the Chicago Fire also interested and reportedly having submitted a bid to the striker’s representatives. Liverpool is said to be ready to spend in excess of  €100 million to sign Red Bull Leipzig forward Yan Diomande as a replacement for the outgoing Mohamed Salah. Finally, center backs Hiroki Ito and Min-Jae-Kim could both reportedly leave Bayern Munich this summer if interested teams are willing to meet the German club’s valuations of them.

Jonathan Klinsmann Suffers Broken Neck

American goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a broken neck while playing for Serie B side Cesena on Saturday. The son of former United States Men’s National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann, the shot stopper was stretchered off the field after colliding with a Palermo player and was diagnosed with a fractured first cervical vertebra after being taken to the hospital. Klinsmann confirmed on social media that his season is over, which will leave him unavailable for Cesena’s promotion push. The team is currently eighth in the second division, which is the final playoff promotion spot.

Free Kicks

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/20/26

Lions fall to Houston Dynamo, OCB draws Carolina Core, Pride players on international duty, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

April 20, 2026

By

Image of the starting XI from OCB's home match against Carolina Core FC.
Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work. Let’s wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando City defender Iago, who turned 21 Saturday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Lose to Houston Dynamo at Home

Orlando City fell 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. After a scoreless first half, Hector Herrera’s goal in the second half was enough for the visitors to walk out of Orlando with a win on the road. Despite conceding one goal, the Lions put up a better defensive performance, but the attack was hardly a threat and Orlando couldn’t score a late equalizer. With that result, Orlando City drops to last in the MLS table with four points through eight matches. It will be another busy week for the Lions, taking on Charlotte FC Wednesday at home before traveling to face D.C. United Saturday at Audi Field.

Orlando City Hires Sebastian Setti as Interim Assistant Coach

Orlando City announced Friday that the club has hired Sebastian Setti as interim assistant coach, adding to Martin Perelman’s interim technical staff. Setti was previously an assistant coach with Club Necaxa in Liga MX in 2025. He was also an assistant coach with K.M.S.K. Deinze in Belgium in 2024 and with CF Montreal in 2023, and he led CD Laudio in Spain from 2018 to 2021.

OCB Wins Penalty Shootout After 2-2 Draw vs. Carolina Core

Orlando City B drew Carolina Core 2-2 at Osceola County Stadium Sunday after throwing away a 2-0 lead in the second half. Gustavo Caraballo converted a penalty kick to give the Young Lions the early lead in the first half. Pedro Leao added a goal to make it 2-0 just before halftime. However, in the second half, Carolina rallied and scored two goals in three minutes to tie the match, with the second coming off a mistake by goalkeeper Tristan Himes. OCB won the penalty shootout 6-5 to earn a second point. After six matches, the Young Lions are eighth in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 10 points. OCB will be on the road against Chicago Fire II Sunday at SeatGeek Stadium.

Pride Players on International Duty

Multiple Pride players were in action for their national teams over the weekend, bringing the international break to a close. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda scored a goal for Zambia in a 1-1 draw against South Korea in a friendly. Midfielder Angelina came off the bench for Brazil in the second half in a 1-0 win over Canada, also in friendly competition. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was on the bench as England beat Iceland 1-0 in a UEFA World Cup qualifying match. Forward Solai Washington started for the Reggae Girlz, as Jamaica defeated Guyana 2-0 in a 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifier match.

USWNT Bounces Back to Win Third Friendly vs. Japan

The U.S Women’s National Team rebounded from a 1-0 loss with a 3-0 win against Japan Friday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO. After a scoreless first half, Naomi Girma scored the opening goal in the second half. Rose Lavelle extended the Yanks’ lead 2-0, and Kennedy Wesley scored her first international goal to put it away. The USWNT closed out the April international window by winning two of three matches against Japan.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Daryl Dike scored his first EFL Championship goal since May 2025 in the second half as West Bromwich Albion defeated Preston North End 2-0 Saturday.
  • Former OCB forward Shak Mohammed scored his first goal in Major League Soccer for Nashville SC Saturday.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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