Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/29/16

Published

9 years ago

on

Hey hey, everyone, it’s your Sunday guy coming back for more Wednesday madness. There’s a ton to talk about today, so I’ll skip the nonsense and get straight to the links. We’ll save that good stuff for Sunday morning.

Rafael Ramos Features in the Sentinel

In case you don’t get the Orlando Sentinel, there was a piece detailing Rafael Ramos’ return from injury and the reason for his absence so far. At only 21 years old, the defender was a mainstay in the starting XI, but since coming back to availability in the San Jose game, is still being looked over in favor of Kevin Alston. In many sports leagues, there is the thought you shouldn’t lose your job because of injury, but Alston has been solid since getting the call to replace him. Still, Ramos is/was an Adrian Heath favorite, so his return might be inevitable.

Also in the column is a brief bit on the reaction to Messi’s PK miss from Kaká and Heath. Their thoughts are very interesting and worth a quick read, too.

Giuseppe Gentile’s Return to Orlando

In 2014, Giuseppe Gentile played for OCSC and now, thanks to the U.S. Open Cup, the forward returns as part of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Gentile, a native Floridian, is pumped for this match-up. He speaks highly of Kevin Molino and even throws some shout outs to Rafa Ramos, Tommy Redding, Luke Boden and more.

The winner of this fifth-round match-up will play at the Chicago Fire.

A Friendly Reminder to Season Ticket Holders

Speaking of the U.S. Open Cup, the team wants to remind season ticket holders that this game is not a part of their package. Sorry guys, I know that’s a bummer, but you can still help #FillTheCampground, or whatever they are going with since it’s no longer the Citrus Bowl, with the purchase of a game ticket. As of this writing, there is no plan to broadcast the match on YouTube.

Tony Rocha, Come on Down!

Paging Mr. Rocha, your assistance is needed once again with the U.S. Open Cup. Yep, for the second time in this tournament, Tony Rocha will join the squad for U.S. Open Cup, suiting up for tonight’s game against the Strikers. Rocha was with the team last for the game earlier this month against the Jacksonville Armada.

So far, he’s getting an opportunity with OCB, starting games, and notching two assists out of the midfield. We’ll see if tonight he gets more opportunities to impress the club going forward.

Orlando City Finalizes Stadium Purchase

Hey, great news everyone, a sports team that actually maintained its promise to finance its own stadium! At a whopping $22 million, Orlando City just finished paying for the 12+ acres of land that the new stadium will sit on. The sale was actually made on June 22, but Orange County posted the records on the 27th, slackers.

And we have a few pictures of construction for your enjoyment too!

Hadji Barry Named to USL Team of the Week Bench

Orlando City rookie Hadji Barry scored the opening goal Sunday for OCB and was named to the USL Team of the Week bench for his efforts. No OCB players made the first team, despite the 3-1 win at FC Montreal. Lalo Fernández of Real Monarchs SLC was named the USL player of the week for his shutout over Colorado Springs.

More English Woes

Let’s face it, it has not been a good week to be an English supporter. Lost to Iceland? Check. Coach resigned/sacked/imprisoned at unknown location (such as Azkaban)? Double check. Having your tactics questioned at every turn for the rest of eternity? Don’t you worry, that’s being covered too. In fact, the only thing that could make this week worse is if Iceland took pity on you and offered you free whale watching tours or something. Oh wait, check that off too.

Free Kicks

Legendary women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt has passed away. She was fighting an illness that has hit too close to home in my own family, early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s, so it is with great sorrow we offer our sympathy to the Summitt family…And finally, Alex Morgan wants girls to keep on playing. In a new study, most girls quit sports at the age of 13, yet the Orlando Pride star forward doesn’t want you to be part of that number. I say get out there and keep being awesome, ladies of America.

And that’s it for the hump day version of Lion Links. I’ll see you cool cats on Sunday for another edition of Da Links.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

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

on

May 30, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

Continue Reading

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

on

May 29, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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!

Continue Reading

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.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!

Continue Reading

Trending