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Lion Links: 3/8/20

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5 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. Let’s begin by wishing the Orlando Pride’s Claire Emslie a special happy birthday! The Scottish phenom turns 26 years old today! She’s been in great form for her nation and she’s just now entering her prime, hopefully she brings her best to the Pride this season and helps the club return to form. We’re lucky to have you, Claire!

All right, on to today’s serving of Links. Enjoy!

Lions Fall Late to the Rapids

Following a draw against Real Salt Lake that the Lions could have easily won, the boys in purple traveled to Colorado to take on the Rapids last night. Despite the lads rocking the new Heart and Sol kit, it was hard for me to feel optimistic going into this one with the lineup that Oscar Pareja chose. The match was a back and forth affair, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Lions’ performance. I actually called the Chris Mueller sub and goal at halftime (ask our staff…), so his “super sub” label seems to be sticking around. It is what it is.

In the end, the Lions walked away with zero points and a 2-1 heartbreaking loss — yet the supporters, as well as myself, likely still feel like it was City’s match to win. What’s continuing to be painfully obvious is that the Lions are missing their offensive weapons. I sure hope this is remedied soon. Michael Citro has your match recap.

And check back later today when the bearded guy drops his five takeaways.

SeaWolves Drown in the Wave

The Orlando SeaWolves…well, they’ve endured a horrid season. Yesterday’s match, coupled with today’s rematch against the Wave, marks the final road trip that the SeaWolves will make this season. I’m sure the Orlando-based MASL club is more than ready to put this season behind it though, as a record of 1-18 — they lost this one 11-3 — has plagued the team and resulted in poor morale and chemistry. The Wave, to their credit, have been having a strong season and moved to 13-6 following yesterday’s drubbing of the SeaWolves. Today’s match should bring more of the same, but who knows, maybe the SeaWolves will ride the Wave into a second win…man, even the bad dad jokes won’t even cleanse the bad taste from my mouth when it comes to this season.

Cheers are in order for Piotr Sliwa, at the very least, as the man in goal is set to retire. Thanks for all of your hard work, Piotr. You will be missed.

How Nani Reached the Top

Having now officially served his two-match suspension, Lions captain Nani is raring to go, ready to return to the pitch, don the famous purple kit, and make an immediate impact. While the Portuguese legend will likely make an instant difference on the field, many may not know that the winger was not an instant success as a player.

The winger’s ascension to the top is, at this point, well documented, but I have to be honest; I had no idea just how much others around him wanted him to succeed, and how far they went to see just that. Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably one of the greatest players of all time (and most certainly one of the most divisive), even let Nani live with him at his home in Manchester following his move to Manchester United, providing the Portuguese up-and-comer with a comfortable place to grow while adapting to one of the most competitive leagues in the world. The Lions are lucky to have Nani and personally, I can’t wait to see the icon return to the pitch for the Lions.

SheBelieves Cup: Today’s Fixtures

The U.S. Women’s National Team opened the SheBelieves Cup tournament with a 2-0 win against a strong England side, and today face off against the Spanish national team. Meanwhile, the English women will play against Japan. Christen Press and Carli Lloyd both found the back of the net against England, and Spain should be an easier opponent (knock on wood), but don’t expect a rout from the women donning the Stars & Stripes. The Spanish are a rising side in women’s soccer and have played the USWNT close in their two previous meetings.

England should put away Japan, but I’ve come to realize over the years that you can never count out the Nadeshiko Japan, even though the USWNT beat them in convincing fashion in the 2015 World Cup, 5-2.

Free Kicks

  • Wait…you too, Josh Sargent! Take a bow! Americans abroad have been lighting it up as of late, particularly in the German Bundesliga. I love it!

  • Former Lion Dillon Powers is finding success at Dundee United, but sheesh, their social media manager produces some borderline cringe-worthy content. Regardless, Powers was the lone scorer in his club’s 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle yesterday in the top tier Scottish league.

  • Inter Miami scored the club’s first goal yesterday, and it came from Rodolfo Pizzaro, their marquee signing in their maiden voyage into MLS play. That’s cool, I guess.

  • Here’s a lesson for everyone: don’t speak poorly of your boss. AC Milan chief football executive, or former executive that is, Zvonimir Boban was fired following a “rogue interview” in which he criticized his club’s owner and CEO. Not a smart move, Boban. Not a smart move.
  • Since we mentioned Cristiano earlier in this serving of Links, why not end with his inevitable counterpart, the one who he’ll be forever compared to? Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player to ever grace a pitch on this planet, scored five times in a Champions League match eight years ago yesterday. Sorry for the reminder, Bayer Leverkusen supporters.

Before I make my leave, I have to show you how awesome this young point guard makes his entrances, courtesy of his amazing father. I can’t express to you folks how much I love this, and how many times I watched it, with a happy tear forming in my eye.

Okay, now that I’ve left you just a tad emotional (if that doesn’t lift your spirits, you might be a monster), that’s all I’ve got for you, Mane Landers. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend (make sure your clocks are appropriately reset), and then have an excellent week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/3/25

Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

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6 hours ago

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April 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!

Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials

Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.

Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty

Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.

Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.

USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season

American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
  • San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
  • New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
  • El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
  • Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 2, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks

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

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