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Lion Links: 10/17/20

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5 years ago

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Hello, Mane Landers. I hope everyone made the most of the nice weather this week. The month of October has kept us busy with the NBA Finals wrapping up, MLB playoffs still underway, and plenty of football. I’ve been busy with school projects as of late, but am excited to catch up on some soccer matches this weekend. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City SC Sale Price Reportedly $400 Million

According to Forbes, a source close to the reported sale of Orlando City SC stated the club is on the verge of being sold for $400 million. It is still unknown if the Orlando Pride, Exploria Stadium, or Orlando City B will be part of this transaction. If the deal goes through, it would be quite the profit for owner Flávio Augusto da Silva, who paid a $70 million expansion fee for the club. Last year, Forbes valued OCSC at $295 million, which ranked 12th out of the 26 MLS teams at the time.

Matheus Aiás Finally Cleared

After a lengthy wait, Orlando City forward Matheus Aiás was medically cleared to train with the team. Aiás, who was acquired by Orlando on Aug. 21, will join team training immediately. The news comes at a good time as he adds needed depth at the forward position with Tesho Akindele nursing an injury and Aiás could be available for selection tomorrow when the Lions face the New York Red Bulls.

Although back in Orlando, neither goalkeeper Pedro Gallese nor Sebas Mendez will be available for Orlando tomorrow as they wait in quarantine after playing internationally. However, they arrived back quickly enough that they should be available in the game against Inter Miami on Oct. 24.

Orlando Pride Take on the Courage

The Orlando Pride will conclude the NWSL Fall Series today as they host the North Carolina Courage at Exploria Stadium. This will be the first time the Pride will play a match in Exploria Stadium this season. The Pride’s last match against the Courage resulted in a scoreless stalemate at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sept. 19 in the Pride’s first game of the calendar year. Ashlyn Harris registered four saves in the match, including an NWSL Save of the Week effort in the 53rd minute to maintain a clean sheet. A veteran for the Pride, Harris is excited to play at home and see many Pride players take the field in Exploria Stadium for the first time.

“I think a lot of these players are going to be quite nervous because of how big the stadium is and how much meaning is behind it,” Pride captain Ashlyn Harris said. “It’s going to be new for a lot of these players, so I hope they enjoy the challenge.

“For me, I love this place and I love playing here. It’s going to be weird without our fans, but just to get the field back into a big stadium and get minutes will be so key.”

Chelsee Washington continues to grow with the Pride despite a difficult year considering the pandemic and testing positive for COVID-19. The rookie is using every minute of game experience to adapt and improve at the professional level. You can watch today’s game at 4 p.m. on CBS or CBS All Access.

Orlando City B Withdraws from USL League One

OCSC officially announced that Orlando City B will not return to USL League One in 2021. With a rumored MLS U-23 reserve league possibly starting in 2021, the Young Lions may not have to search far for a new league to play in once their current season concludes. The club is working closely with Major League Soccer in regards to the future and OCB won’t be the only club departing the United Soccer League. Philadelphia Union II and Portland Timbers 2 will leave the USL Championship division. The USL will announce realignment plans for both leagues in the coming weeks. With games still left to play this season, OCB does have a match later tonight on the road against FC Tucson at 10:30 p.m. You can watch the game on ESPN+.

Americans Abroad

The Philadelphia Union’s Brenden Aaronson will leave MLS for RB Salzburg at the conclusion of the MLS season for a record $6 million transfer for the United States-based Homegrown Player. While it’s always exciting seeing an American player head to Europe, Aaronson is focused on winning with the Union this year.

As for the Americans already playing abroad, plenty are in action this weekend. Let’s start in England where Christian Pulisic should get more minutes for Chelsea today as the Blues play Southampton at 10 a.m. to try to snap the Saints’ two-game win streak.

On ESPN+, there is plenty of Bundesliga action with a trio of 9:30 a.m. matches today. Giovanni Reyna is coming off a strong performance after having three assists for Borussia Dortmund last week and the team travels to take on Hoffenheim. Josh Sargent looks to keep his team’s two-game win streak going as Werder Bremen visits Freiburg. Lastly, Tyler Adams and RB Leipzig aim to extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga when the team plays second place FC Augsburg. It’s also possible Sergiño Dest starts for FC Barcelona against Getafe at 3 p.m. on beIN Sports. Tomorrow, Fulham takes on Sheffield United and we could see both Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream in the starting 11.

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  • The pandemic disrupted Toni Pressley’s plans for a comeback season with the Pride after battling breast cancer in 2019. With the Fall Series ending today, Pressley wants to finish the year strong before looking ahead to 2021. Today’s game is also the club’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness match and City Furniture is doing its part to raise awareness.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Take care of yourselves, enjoy your weekend, and I’ll see you next time.

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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

on

May 28, 2025

By

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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