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Lion Links: 8/17/15

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10 years ago

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Let’s all take a deep breath, because I know that wasn’t fun.

Orlando City lost to the Seattle Sounders 4-0 on Sunday, in a game that underscored everything that’s wrong with the 2015 Lions. A patchwork back line was unable to contain Obafemi Martins, as the Sounders star notched a brace in the victory. 19-year old Tyler Turner played like a 19-year old, getting sent off in the first half, and Kaká played one of his worst games of the season.

Add all those things together and you’re probably going to get a blowout. That’s not to say Orlando can’t come back from this, but I know you’re probably not in the mood for a pep talk right now.

I’m just going to leave your Monday morning Lion Links on the counter. They’re here if you want them.

Recapping the Loss Against Seattle

I mean, you’ve already made it this far right? Here’s The Mane Land‘s wall-to-wall coverage of Sunday’s loss. Feel free to read this while listening to some heavy metal or reminding yourself that Seattle also gave us Starbucks and really miserable weather. Also included is the game recap from our friends over at Sounder at Heart.

Struggling MLS Clubs Taken to Task by Journalists, Supporters

At this point in the season, several clubs are already facing the harsh reality that MLS glory isn’t going to be in the cards this year. While nobody has yet been eliminated from the playoff race, it’s never too early to start eulogizing those clubs that can already begin dreaming of better things to come in 2016.

Or, you could take a more productive approach.

That’s what Chicago Tribune journalist John Kass did in a recent editorial focusing on the Chicago Fire and their miserable 2015 campaign, which finds the club mired in last place in the Eastern Conference. Spoiler Alert: the gloves come off.

Here’s Fire blogger Guillermo Rivera, quoted in the article:

“The Fire have been around since ’98. And they’ve lived up to their ‘Tradition, Honor, Passion’ credo for years, making playoffs and being respected,” Rivera told me over the phone Thursday.

“But over the past six years, it has been the absolute opposite. You see the results and the way the organization has been run. I’m seeing fans who’ve been around since the beginning, fans who love the Fire, now turning their backs. They’re slipping further and further into irrelevancy.”

Across the country, the Colorado Rapids are slogging through an equally miserable campaign. Eight points out of the final playoff spot (the most of any team in MLS), the Rapids’ struggles have led to a “re-branding” from their SB Nation blog The Burgundy Wave. See if you can spot it…

Louisville City on SportsCenter? Louisville City on SportCenter.

On paper, it was a 2-2 draw for Louisville City, as they picked up a crucial point against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on the road. But none of that really mattered because of what City midfielder (and former Orlando City player) Aodhan Quinn did in the 19th minute.

25+ yards from goal, @AodhanQuinn lines up the FK for @loucityfc…Guess what happens next. #SCtop10 https://t.co/thF1nseRSg

— USL (@USL) August 16, 2015

The goal was good enough to earn the No. 5 spot on SportsCenter’s nightly Top Ten countdown and proved to be crucial in earning Louisville a point on the road. Orlando City will face Quinn in a friendly between the two clubs scheduled for Aug. 25th at Louisville Slugger Park.

Let’s Meet David Mateos

The Lions posted an interview with Mateos on the club website, as the former Real Madrid man spoke (in Spanish, with subtitles) about his excitement in joining the club and how the growth of MLS impacted his decision to join the league. It’s pretty standard stuff, but it’s nice to finally get a look at one of Orlando’s big summer signings.

USWNT Beats Costa Rica 8-0 in Front of Record 44,028 in Pittsburgh

The USWNT faced CONCACAF minnow Costa Rica in their first match following their World Cup victory earlier this summer. Over 44,000 fans packed into Heinz Field to watch the U.S. thump Costa Rica 8-0, in a game that was never really close.

The record-breaking crowd is the largest to ever watch a USWNT friendly, though that mark could fall with nine games left to play during the USWNT’s “Victory Tour.”

The action on the field was…well there were a lot of goals from the U.S. women. Some of the highlights included a hat trick from Christen Press, capped off by this beautiful chip.

There is no mercy rule on the #VictoryTour To wit, Christen Press just completed her hat trick. #USWNT lead 8-0 http://t.co/dGa3DrLCOg

— Howler Magazine (@whatahowler) August 16, 2015

As well as Heather O’Reilly converting off an assist from Press and the crossbar.

WATCH: O’Reilly bags brace after Press hits the crossbar. #USWNT #VictoryTour http://t.co/ftLKwfLdiZ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2015

But the best play of the afternoon belonged to hometown hero Meghan Klingenberg, who celebrated her goal the only way someone from Pittsburgh possibly could.

The USWNT faces Costa Rica again on Wednesday night in Chattanooga. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

That’s it for Lion Links today. Don’t shout at your cat this morning.

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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.

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  • 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.

Published

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.

Published

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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