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Lion Links: 10/21/18

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6 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. Chances are you’re here to bide your time while you await Orlando’s clash with the Columbus Crew, so I’ll do my best to keep your spirits high while you wait. Today’s match should be an entertaining affair, with Justin Meram making a potential eventful return to Orlando City Stadium. I would imagine that it’ll be an emotional one for him…and for the supporters in attendance. Just remember to keep it classy; that’s how you Mane Landers do it.

That said, I’ll do what I can to keep today’s serving of Links classy for you! Let’s dive right in.

Orlando City SC’s Home Finale

There’s bound to be some drama. With the Lions hosting the Crew for their last home match of the 2018 campaign, Meram, if present, will likely be front and center, but that’s not what Head Coach James O’Connor is focused on. He’s acknowledged the event, but certainly will have other things to work on. Namely: winning.

“It’s the same as any other player who comes back,” O’Connor said. “You shake his hand, you wish him all the best and it’ll have no bearing on what we’re trying to do. I think, for us, we’ve been very intentional about trying to make sure that whoever it is that comes here, we focus on what we need to do.”

Clearly, O’Connor doesn’t want the return of Meram to overshadow what’s really at stake for his side — ensuring that his team executes his game plan and ends the home finale with three points in hand. That’s been a difficult thing to do for the Lions since the appointment of O’Connor, and to be frank, there’s no guarantee that Meram will make the trip. Even Orlando’s star players, like Yoshimar Yotún, likely still in contact with their former teammate, have no inkling of whether or not Meram will travel with the Crew.

“If he does come, it’ll be nice,” Yotún said. “It’ll be nice to play against him. They’re a good club that includes an ex-teammate from Orlando City. It’s always good to play against ex-teammates.”

Regardless, O’Connor is well aware of the opposition’s strong season, and need for a positive result to potentially break into the MLS Playoff picture. He anticipates a challenging affair.

“Columbus, obviously, a very experienced team and having a very strong year, as well,” O’Connor said. “So, it’ll be a tough game for us.”

It should be a good one, Mane Landers. So make sure you’re tuned in!

Meram Reflects on his Orlando Tenure, Gives Supporters Credit

Speaking of the controversial former Lion, regardless of whether we see him today or not, he’s certainly reflected upon his time in Orlando. He’s happier now that he’s with the Crew again, and finally provided some insight into the trials and tribulations that he experienced as a Lion.

“Some negative things that happened when I was there made me mentally stronger, so that was a positive,” he said. “[Learning] how to handle situations better – that was positive. I wasn’t perfect; I can be a man about it. I could have done things a little better.”

Meram goes on to express regret over his then-controversial goal celebration of closing his eyes and putting his fingers in his ears; alluding that he’s blocking out the criticism of the supporters. He does, however, give the Lions supporters some credit.

“The fans kind of blow things up, but they’re passionate, and I respect their passion,” he said. “To have a fan base when results aren’t going well and they’re still out there every game, I give them credit…and I’m thankful for a lot of them who were supporting me even when I was in a slump.”

Unfortunately, that’s not where the interview ended. He also took a swipe at his former side, implying that while there was a high level of quality on the pitch, there was a lack of a strong culture that cultivates results.

“There’s a lot of quality in that locker room, and they spent a lot of money to bring in a lot of quality,” he said. “But just putting quality on the field isn’t going to win you games. You have to have a collectiveness, a family mindset. I think that might have been lacking a bit.”

That said, Meram also stated that he doesn’t feel that there’s any beef between he and the club. My opinion? I find that hard to believe. His response when asked if he would celebrate if he scored against his former side: “We’ll see when the time comes, I guess.” Prepare for fireworks, folks.

The Journey: Ashlyn Harris

We all know and love Pride goalkeeping stalwart Ashlyn Harris, but perhaps we all didn’t know of her humble beginnings. Harris began her meteoric rise from Satellite High School here in Florida, and was tabbed as a future goalkeeping prospect at the tender age of 16. In a series from U.S. Soccer, Harris is the feature of a The Journey, detailing the lives, both on and off the field, of USWNT stars as they work towards potential 2019 World Cup glory. Check it out, she’s got quite the story…and you’d never guess who inspired her the most during her formative years.

FC Cincinnati Looks to Enter MLS as Champions X2

Similar to Orlando City SC and its entrance into MLS play, FC Cincinnati is looking to take down the USL Cup before becoming an official MLS club in 2019. The club has already won the regular-season title, and will now attempt to add one more championship notch to its proverbial belt before leaving the league. The Ohio club needed penalties last night to advance. The Lions, who won the USL in 2011 and 2013 while also taking down the Commissioner's Cup in 2014, reveled in glory before entering MLS play to much fanfare. Unfortunately, as we all know, that success has yet to translate to the next level and the Lions have yet to break into the MLS playoffs.

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  • Friendly reminder: be sure to stick around after today’s match to cheer on the Orlando City Special Olympic squad!

  • Ready to catch a glimpse of the Orlando SeaWolves against the Brazil National Minifootball team…with a bonus match? Check this out.

  • Yesterday brought good news for USMNT and Schalke starlet Weston McKennie, as he was back in action as the German side hosted Werder Bremen.

  • Check out a sneak peak of USMNT legend Paul Caligiuri’s (and others’) induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, courtesy of Major League Soccer!

  • Don Garber, another Hall of Famer, has done a lot for MLS over the years. And I mean a lot.
  • Wayne Rooney has adjusted quite well to D.C. United and MLS play, as he tells the famed Men in Blazers.
  • The fears have been confirmed…walking icon Lionel Messi broke a bone in his right arm after a collision during the opening stages of yesterday’s match against Sevilla, and will miss three weeks, keeping the Barcelona talisman out of the famed El Clásico against Real Madrid next weekend. That’ll be good news for Madrid, which just recently ended a 465 minute goalless drought courtesy of a strike from (my personal favorite player of all time) Marcelo.

That’s all I’ve got for you today, Mane Landers. Enjoy the 3 p.m. kickoff against the Crew! Hopefully the Lions bring the heat…because lord knows the supporters deserve it for braving this Florida weather to see them play. It’d be one hell of a showing to see the Lions down a Meram-led crew, but it could happen, so do your best to remain positive and show out for your boys in purple.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/10/25

Orlando City’s transfer needs, Orlando Pride get ready for the Seattle Reign, Orlando City B wins at home, and more.

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5 hours ago

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April 10, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Yesterday was the anniversary of adopting my cat, so I spent most of the day giving him whatever he wanted. Thankfully, that turned out to just be quite a bit of napping for both of us. It’s been nice to just hang out with him and enjoy some soccer throughout the week. We have even more soccer to look forward to this weekend, but let’s get this Thursday started with today’s links!

Transfer Priorities for Eastern Conference Teams

The current transfer window is open until April 23 and Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport dove into what MLS Eastern Conference teams should focus on this window and in the summer. While he noted that adding some depth at center back would be nice, for Orlando City, he chose re-signing midfielder Cesar Araujo as the biggest priority before his contract expires at the end of the year. The 24-year-old has been an integral part of Orlando City’s turnaround under Head Coach Oscar Pareja, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks around in the City Beautiful after this season.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Seattle Reign

With the international break now over, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Seattle Reign on Saturday. The Pride have won their first three matches of the year, conceding just once in the process. Meanwhile, the Reign will aim to right the ship at home this weekend after a 2-1 loss on the road against Angel City FC last month. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how winning in Seattle is difficult, even if the team is undergoing a rebuild of sorts.

Pride midfielder Summer Yates, who is a Washington native and played collegiate soccer in Seattle, also spoke on what it will be like to return to her home state for this match. She also discussed the team’s depth, which is a strength for the Pride as players return from international duty.

Orlando City B Beats New England Revolution II

Orlando City B picked up a win at home Wednesday night, beating New England Revolution II 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Shak Mohammed. Great passing sent Mohammed in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, and he handed New England its first conceded goal of the season. That goal proved to be the difference, as the Young Lions did well defensively to secure their third win and second clean sheet this season. OCB’s next game will be Tuesday against Inter Miami II at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

Philadelphia Union Reportedly Trading Daniel Gazdag

Despite a strong start to the season, the Philadelphia Union are reportedly set to trade away one of their best players to a fellow Eastern Conference team. Designated Player Daniel Gazdag will reportedly be traded to the Columbus Crew for cash. I don’t entirely hate the trade. Trading away a 29-year-old on the last guaranteed year of his contract while undergoing a rebuild makes sense. It also opens the door for Cavan Sullivan or David Vazquez to earn valuable minutes, with Indiana Vassilev available as well. However, Gazdag is the club’s all-time leading scorer and already has two goals and two assists this year. Trading him within the conference to an unbeaten Crew team this early in the season feels a bit like a white flag in regards to Philadelphia’s aspirations this year.

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  • The Europa League quarterfinals kick off today, with Manchester United taking on Lyon and Tottenham facing off against Eintracht Frankfurt. Bodo/Glimt, which leads the tournament so far with 24 goals, will play Lazio, and Rangers will host Athletic Club in Scotland.
  • Following talks with its fan advisory board, Manchester City announced that it will freeze ticket prices for next season.
  • Fabio Cannavaro was fired by Dinamo Zagreb after just 14 competitive matches. The Italian soccer legend was Zagreb’s third coach this season and won five of his 10 league matches at the helm in Croatia.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 9, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re neck deep into a busy week of soccer with the USWNT late Tuesday night, Orlando City B playing tonight, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on the Saturday schedule this weekend. Don’t you love this time of the year? I love that there’s almost always a soccer match available to watch. Let’s get to the links.

Focus on Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City continues the Lion’s Den Walk and Talk series of interviewing players with a look at center back Rodrigo Schlegel. This is your opportunity to get to know the Argentinian defender. He speaks of his childhood, his family, and his time with Orlando. My favorite part is when he speaks of the matches that have helped define him.

Citrus Kit Fashion

Since 2022, the Orlando Pride have collaborated with artists to create concept kits from the club’s current kit. This season, the club partnered with Sophie Hird on the Citrus Kit. Hird is a British designer and graduate of London College of Fashion. The result has a western flair seen here modeled by Pride defender Cori Dyke.

Bringing handmade kit art to life 🎨Learn More: orlsoccer.co/SophieHird

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T15:00:16.833Z

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

The Custom Pride Kit Series over the years ✨

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T18:20:45.683Z

OCB Hosts New England Revolution II

Orlando City B welcomes New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park tonight. The Young Lions will try to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Chattanooga FC Saturday. It won’t get any easier against Revs II, who sit just above OCB in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Revs II haven’t conceded any goals so far this season, and have scored just as many goals as the Young Lions. The match start time is 7 p.m. and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.

Brazil Defeats USWNT

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated the USWNT 2-1 Tuesday night scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The U.S. got things started early on a goal in the first minute from Catarina Macario, but was unable to add to that later in the match. The Pride’s Angelina got the start for Brazil, but Emily Sams did not appear for the USWNT. Maybe if Sams in subbed on then Amanda Gutierres doesn’t get that winning goal. We’ll never know.

USMNT Players Abroad

Several USMNT players were in action, including former Lion Daryl Dike, who saw action in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Dike subbed on in the 65th minute for the Baggies. It’s been a month since he returned to action following his second torn Achilles tendon. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United defeated Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough 1-0.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer scored for Mansfield Town in EFL League One in a match against Leyton Orient, extending his goal-scoring streak. Seems he finally wanted to score.

Nice to see Dom Dwyer's back in the goals. He's scored in three consecutive games for Mansfield Town in EFL League One after finding the net tonight against Leyton Orient.

— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-04-08T23:32:43.320Z

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/8/25

Orlando City academy roundup, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 8, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Tuesday, gang. It was a quiet weekend for Orlando soccer as Orlando City drew on the road and Orlando City B suffered its first loss of the young season. Things pick back up this week though, as the USWNT battles Brazil tonight, OCB plays Wednesday night, and OCSC and the Orlando Pride will be in action once the weekend rolls around. We have a bevy of things to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.

Orlando City Academy Roundup

The 2025 Generation Adidas Cup is right around the corner, and one of Orlando City’s youth talents has been identified as someone to watch in the tournament. Center back Clovis Archange has been named in this year’s Rising XI, with his passing range and athleticisim garnering specific praise. Continuing the theme of youth action, Orlando had six different academy teams in action over the weekend, and it was a largely successful time for them, as all but one was victorious in their games.

We’ve also got the schedule that Orlando City’s U-16 and U-18 teams will play in the Generation Adidas Cup, so make sure you keep an eye on all the action this week.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are multiple American players who will be taking part in games during the working week, with cup competition being a recurring theme. Things get started this afternoon with some American-on-American violence when Aidan Morris and Middlesborough meet Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship. Then tonight has Alex Zendejas and Club America taking on Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions League. Tomorrow’s big match has Gio Reyna and Dortmund facing Barcelona and Diego Kochen in the UEFA Champions League. Thursday then has Tanner Tessman and Lyon squaring off against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League.

UEFA Champions League Preview

As mentioned above, the UEFA Champions League makes its return this week, so let’s refresh on where we stand heading into the quarterfinals. Today has Inter Milan facing Bayern in Germany and Arsenal squaring off against Real Madrid in London. Bayern has only lost twice this calendar year and is probably the favorite at home, but Inter is top of Serie A and has had plenty of recent success in the competition. Real Madrid is almost always favored in the Champions League, but Arsenal has the luxury of being able to put the majority of its focus on the UCL with the Premier League title essentially out of reach, and Thibaut Courtois admitted his side is aware of the threat the Gunners pose from set pieces. Wednesday has Aston Villa taking on Paris Saint-Germain, and the English side will need to find a way to quiet Ousmane Dembele, who has been fantastic since the turn of the calendar year. Barcelona is top of La Liga and the favorite against Borussia Dortmund, but the German side has been in good form in the UCL this year as opposed to a league campaign its fans would probably rather forget.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Regardless of if the windows are open or not, transfer season never truly stops, so let’s have a look at what’s been in the headlines lately. Liverpool is said to be searching for alternatives to Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko reportedly identified as more cost-effective options than Alexander Isak. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Arsenal also in hot pursuit of the Brazilian. Newcastle is reportedly interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with Toon boss Eddie Howe apparently a big fan of the England international. Finally, Ansu Fati is reportedly ready to leave Barcelona, as he has not been playing a big part under Hansi Flick since returning from his loan at Brighton last season.

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That’s it for me today. Enjoy your day, and as always, vamos Orlando!

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