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Lion Links: 11/17/18

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7 years ago

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Welcome to Saturday, everyone. It’s a short week for many of us in the United States, with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, so you could think of this as the beginning of a long weekend with some intermittent and annoying work tasks that still need to be performed.

It might be the off-season but soccer teams never sleep. Let’s get to the news of the day.

Orlando City, Wolfsburg Partner on Both Men’s and Women’s Side

The club has found a fourth overseas partner in the form of VfL Wolfsburg which has teams in both the Bundesliga and Frauen-Bundesliga. Both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride can exchange information freely with the German club on subjects such as player scouting, marketing, sales, etc. While it’s never a bad thing to have more partners, it would be nice to see more concrete collaboration on the player side with some of these partners at some point. What I mean by that is that if, for example, Wolfsburg finds itself with a crowded position group (say…striker or attacking midfield), perhaps a loan to Orlando to get someone some playing time could benefit both sides.

According to Wolfsburg Head of Corporate Development Felix Welling, the Bundesliga side is thinking along those same lines.

“The football side is the core of it, and I think it’s the main driver for an authentic partnership between the clubs,” Welling said. “We are longing to find the first steps for exchanging players from Orlando to Wolfsburg, because here in the U.S. you have a long offseason, and then we can help you with our infrastructure and training sessions in Germany. But also, we have a lot of talented players who are on the verge of going into the Bundesliga, but they need some development and some other things to see while they’re on their way to be professional players. We think the MLS, especially Orlando, both the men’s team and women’s team, have the best fundament for developing youth players who can make it in the Bundesliga afterward.”

Importantly, this is Orlando’s first partnership that involves the women’s team and the Pride can benefit from a VfL Wolfsburg side that has had a lot of success and has become a fixture in the UEFA Champions League.

Said Budalic: “The fact that our seasons overlap presents an opportunity for our women to go and train in Germany. So, this will help give opportunities for our women’s players to continue their development.”

It’s all just talk at this point, of course, but this seems the most promising of all of Orlando City’s partnerships so far.

OCB Signs Second Player for 2019

Just two days after signing the first player in OCB’s existence as a USL League One team — in the form of 17-year-old Jordan Bender — the Young Lions have added 15-year-old Luc Granitur. The youth national team forward is an Orlando City Development Academy product has four goals in six games with the club’s U-18/19 side this season.

“Luc is a unique talent and one who we feel has the proper mentality and ability to play for the first team in time,” OCB general manager Mike Potempa said. “Granitur will be the youngest signing on our roster at just 15 years old, but he is already showing he can handle the level as he is currently our top goal scorer and points leader for the U19s. Once again, it shows we believe in our Academy and we believe in opportunities for young players.”

If Granitur’s name sounds familiar, you may recall that we told you back in September about Granitur’s call-up to the U.S. youth national team camp and last month we linked to Luc being touted as an example of the academy’s successful beginnings at Montverde. I admit that I have yet to see Granitur on the field but I’m excited to see what he can do.

Christian Pulisic Headed to Chelsea?

According to the Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel, Borussia Dortmund and USMNT attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic looks to be making a move from the Bundesliga to EPL side Chelsea in the winter window. The London side will want to make this move quickly as it faces a potential transfer ban for rules violations. A move by Pulisic to Chelsea would be the highest profile USMNT player transfer in quite some time.

Jordan Pickford Uses Water Bottle as a ‘Cheat Sheet’ for Penalties

I’m not sure how widely spread this is, or if it’s even legal, but it’s a smart idea. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wrote out on his water bottle which direction players typically take penalties in case the USMNT was awarded a spot kick on Thursday. Pickford apparently did the same against Colombia in the World Cup, helping him snuff out Carlos Bacca’s effort. He’s stopped three penalties in league play this season. My opinion on this is that if there’s no rule against it, go for it.

U-20 USMNT Advances to 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup

Down the road in Bradenton, the U.S. U-20 men had no trouble dispatching Costa Rica last night, 4-0, clinching a spot in the 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup. Alex Mendez, Ulysses Llanez, Juan Pablo Torres, and Ayo Akinola provided the fireworks for the Baby Nats against the toothless Ticos. Just take a look at this golazo by Mendez that got the U.S. started:

My goodness, what a strike. The U.S. will advance to the Concacaf Championship final against Mexico with either a draw or win against Honduras on Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

Free Kicks

  • The NWSL has made some amendments to players’ eligibility for the college draft. Player registration for the draft opens Monday.
  • An unknown number of referees will protest the suspension of ref David McNamara — who got a three-week ban for forgetting his coin for the flip and having team captains play rock, paper, scissors instead — by also having the captains play rock, paper, scissors this weekend. Why not rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock?
  • The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined three players and added to Dynamo forward Ronaldo Pena’s suspension. Two of the fines were for entering the field of play. Remember how it was a suspension when Antonio Nocerino did it? I remember.
  • Don Garber said MLS and Liga MX are exploring the expansion of the Campeones Cup into a tournament. This is apparently more likely than MLS clubs competing in Copa Libertadores.
  • Those born on this date include astronaut Alan Shepard (1923), science fiction author Alan Dean Foster (1946), football’s Jack Tatum (1948), former Scorpions drummer Herman “Ze German” Rarebell (1949), former Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne bassist Rudy Sarzo (1950), Saturday Night Live alum Kevin Nealon (1953), football’s Warren Moon (1956), Manchester United goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel (1963), baseball’s Gary Sheffield (1968), actor Owen Wilson (1968), actress Chloe Sevigny (1974), former Red Sox slugger David “Big Papi” Ortiz (1975), and NASCAR’s Denny Hamlin (1980).

That’s all my time for this morning. I hope you enjoyed your daily dose of Lion Links. We’ll be back to do it all again tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/23/25

Tonight’s OCB match moved to Sunday, Alex Freeman makes USMNT roster, FanDuel Sports Network will stream Orlando Pride games, and more.

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1 day ago

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May 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! A long weekend is ahead of us and there is plenty of Orlando soccer to enjoy as well. I’ll be celebrating my nephew’s first birthday this weekend, so it should be a nice next couple of days visiting family. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

OCB Match Moved to Sunday in Kissimmee

As a heads up, Orlando City B is no longer playing today. OCB’s match against Atlanta United 2 was originally scheduled for tonight in Atlanta, but it was instead postponed to 7 p.m. Sunday and relocated to Osceola Heritage Park rather than Fifth Third Stadium in Georgia. Stadium availability was cited as the reason for the change, and the match will be played behind closed doors, although it will still be streamed live. The Young Lions are coming off of a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II and will face an Atlanta team that has drawn its last four games.

Alex Freeman Makes USMNT Training Camp Roster

Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was named to the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies next month against Turkey and Switzerland. The 20-year-old is one of five uncapped players on the roster and one of 16 MLS players. He’ll likely be behind Sergino Dest on the depth chart, but Joe Scally was not called up for this window. There are many notable players absent, opening the door for players like Freeman across multiple positions to stake their claim to participate in this summer’s Gold Cup and the World Cup next year.

FanDuel Sports Network Will Stream Select Pride Games

The Orlando Pride will have eight of its remaining games streamed on FanDuel Sports Network, including tonight’s road game against the Utah Royals. The regional network, which used to be called Bally Sports before rebranding, is available on various providers throughout Florida and there is an app for streaming as well. Personally, I find this as just another cog in a messy machine of NWSL coverage options, but I imagine this is handy for those out there who are already accustomed to using the network to watch other Floridian pro sports teams.

Winter Garden Lands USL League One Team

Another pro soccer team is coming to Central Florida, as the United Soccer League announced its intent to bring a USL League One team to the area. Central Florida Pro Soccer’s ownership group has plans for a development in Winter Garden that would include a 5,000-seat multi-purpose soccer stadium. The plans also include recreational fields, a hotel, parks, and a walking trail. The group will gather input from the community in the coming months to help determine the team’s colors, badge, and name.

Free Kicks

  • Kansas City Current defender Alana Cook was placed on the season-ending injury list due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus sustained in the club’s match against the Orlando Pride.
  • NJ/NY Gotham FC and Tigres will square off in the Concacaf W Champions Cup final on Saturday. The winner will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup.
  • Luka Modric penned a farewell to Real Madrid fans as his time with the club has come to an end. I don’t know where his next stop will be, but I sure hope it’s not with a team the Lions still have to face this year.

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

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Lion Links: 5/22/25

Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup

The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.

Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek

Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.

U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results

Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.

Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final

Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.

Free Kicks

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: 5/21/25

The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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May 21, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.

Nashville is Next

As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.

Javier Otero Has a New Contract

Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.

Pride USWNT Call-Ups

Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.

FIRST USWNT CALL UP FOR BELLO 🗣️

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-05-20T15:06:37.081Z

USMNT Gold Cup News

Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.

Free Kicks

  • The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
  • In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
  • In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.

That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!

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