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Lion Links: 3/23/16

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9 years ago

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It’s odd to think that Orlando City has already wrapped up the first month of the season, but with the international break this week, it’s already time to wave goodbye to the month of March and prepare for April. OCB has one March match this weekend, which I’m sure everyone here is planning to attend, before the organization as a whole puts a bow on the month. With five games on the slate for both OCSC and OCB and with the Pride kicking things off mid-month, April is going to be much busier. March has been like when you get a new car and drive around locally for a bit, but April is when you finally take it out on the highway.

Buckle your seat belts.

Júlio Baptista to Join Orlando City…Maybe

I guess Júlio Baptista liked it here. After training with the club earlier this month, it seems that the player and club have come to an agreement for a longer stay. Or, depending on who you ask, they haven’t. Check out the status as detailed by our own Gavin Ewbank. Baptista, who happens to be good friends with Kaká, is likely to back up Cyle Larin, but the big question will be how the team frees up an international roster slot.

Larin Producing Early

Through the first three weeks of the season, Cyle Larin has three goals — a rate that would see him have a truly spectacular season (fun with early season projections!), and concerns of a sophomore slump are, at least temporarily, put to rest. While there's a chance that he does eventually have a scoreless game, and while the most recent goal was hardly the stuff of legend, it's definitely a positive sign to see Larin find the back of the net as frequently as he has. As the team gets healthier and more accustomed to each other's play, Larin should see his opportunities increase, and his goal total continue to rise.

Pride Keep Rolling

Proving once again that if they were still in college, they would be dominating women’s soccer, the Orlando Pride defeated the Florida Gators 5-1 in Gainesville. Alex Morgan and Christina Burkenroad each scored twice and Sarah Hagen scored once before the Gators put one in in the final minutes. Morgan now has six goals in her last two games, albeit both against college teams. The team continues its preseason on March 30 against the University of South Florida before finishing off April 2 against Florida State University.

NWSL All-Star Game

The NWSL doesn't have an All-Star Game, which is pretty much a staple for every other U.S.-based sports league. Midfield Press makes the case that this is hurting the popularity of the sport because fans don't know anyone not on the national teams.

Furthermore, should the USWNT perform well in the Rio Olympics this summer (as they should be reasonably expected to), an All-Star Game would help leverage that popularity to bring further visibility to the league. It's an interesting conundrum, as I would venture to say that the reason for the lack of an All-Star Game is probably the lack of a business case surrounding it. The league will have to draw a certain amount of fans to that game in order to make it viable, and unless they're confident of getting that turnout, they may be cautious against it. Then again, with the current popularity of the women's game and the pending Olympics, there may never be a better time to try.

USWNT Roster Set for Colombia

Speaking of the women's game, the USWNT announced the roster for the upcoming games against Colombia. Not surprisingly, Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan of the Pride were named to the roster. The matches will take place on April 6 and 10 in East Hartford, CT, and Chester, PA, respectively. The team will, however, be practicing in Orlando.

MLS Players Speak

Before the season started, ESPN anonymously polled MLS players on a series of subjects, mostly revolving around the quality of competition and the future of the league. Some of the more interesting responses, to me at least, are the salary disparity — where one player commented that players are looking at the league as only a two- to four-year stop — and that 2/3 of the players would still leave for Europe. Obviously, the quotes are cherry picked out, but the results are interesting.

Additionally, players were asked to weigh in about their peers. Mix Diskerud was named the most overrated player (though his performances against Orlando City say otherwise). Aurélien Collin came in ninth in the poll. On the flip side, Dax McCarty and Darlington Nagbe tied for the most underrated, and Bruce Arena was named the favorite coach.

International Champions Cup Schedule Release

The International Champions Cup released most of its North American and European schedule yesterday with all games and locations released with the exception of the location of a handful of games. One of those is Real Madrid vs. Chelsea on July 30, which happens to be my wife's birthday, so you can pretty much lock it in that it will be somewhere nearby, and I won't be able to go.

Those are your links for this fine Wednesday. Be sure to use them to impress your friends and family.

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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

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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