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Lion Links: 3/6/18

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8 years ago

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Greetings, readers. I hope you all enjoyed the return of MLS and a hard-fought draw from the men in purple and gold. Considering the circumstances, that one damn near felt like a win. Here’s your daily dose of soccer-related news.

Two Lions Honored in MLS TOTW

Two members of the team that fought for a 1-1 draw with D.C. United over the weekend were included in the first edition of this season’s MLS Team of the Week. Justin Meram was named as a starter, while Lions captain Jonathan Spector made the bench. Both players were influential in rescuing a point from Saturday’s match, with Spector marshaling the back line well and providing the assist on Stefano Pinho’s equalizer, and Meram terrorizing the United defense for the entirety of the game and generally making a nuisance of himself. On the basis of this week’s performance, this probably won’t be the last time their names pop up in the TOTW. Well done to the both of them.

Sermanni Backs Leroux

Tom Sermanni believes that new signing Sydney Leroux is poised for a big first year with the Orlando Pride. Leroux adds a new threat to a Pride team already loaded with attacking talent, making the task of opposition defenses that much more difficult. Sermanni in particular thinks her pedigree and experience will be a great addition to the team:

Pride Players All Winners in Algarve Cup Round 3 Action

Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond started in Australia’s 2-0 win over China in the third round of Algarve Cup group play yesterday, finishing atop Group A at 2-0-1. Despite going unbeaten in group play and edging out Portugal on the goals scored tiebreaker, the Matildas will not play in the final. Instead, they’ll meet Portugal again for third place on Wednesday. The two teams drew 0-0 on March 2 in the first meeting. Pride rookie Nadia Gomes did not see action in her side’s 2-0 win over Norway on Monday, as Portugal grabbed a share of the Group A top spot and equaled Australia’s goal difference, but failed to score enough goals to win the group.

Shelina Zadorsky started and played the full 90 for Canada in a 3-0 win over South Korea. It was a good recovery for Zadorsky and the Canadian defense to pitch two consecutive shutouts after a 3-1 loss to Sweden in the opening round. Canada finished group play 2-1-0 on six points — one behind Sweden in Group B. Canada will face Japan in the fifth-place match on Wednesday. Sweden will face the Netherlands — Group C winners — in the final, also on Wednesday.

The Pride also announced Monday that Sermanni will have everyone except the Australians back in camp by next week. The Aussies will head to the Asian Cup. The Pride also announced an updated camp roster including the names of the seven new trialists who join previously announced midfielder Bridget Callahan. The new trialists are goalkeeper Kat Elliott, midfielders Kayla Adamek, Christine Creigthon, and Julia Moore, and forwards Trudi Carter, Morgan Ferrara, and Jessica Hamrick.

Americans Impress Abroad

Aron Johannsson and Kenny Saief were the standout performers of the USMNT contingent of players plying their trade abroad. Johannsson scored the equalizer in Werder Bremen’s comeback draw away to Borussia Mönchengladbach. Saief, meanwhile, provided the assist on the game-winning goal in Anderlecht’s 3-2 win against Zulte-Waregem. Timothy Weah made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain at the tender age of 19, and, while it was only an 11-minute cameo, the achievement still deserves recognition. The nature of the Parisian club means that an extended run in the side for Weah will be challenging to say the least, but stranger things have happened.

Relationship Between MLS Teams and Their Fans

The New York Times has written a very interesting article about Major League Soccer and its official supporters’ groups. Among the subjects discussed are the #SaveTheCrew efforts, the dissolution of the Garden State Ultras, and the difficulties associated with the league trying to police and monitor supporters’ groups. The article notes that the beliefs and desires of individual supporters’ groups don’t always reflect those of the clubs they support, and recognizes that this can create a degree of tension. However, it also points out that many groups engage in fundraising for charities, community service, and philanthropy, highlighting that, regardless of any tension that may be present, both sides still have their hearts in the right place.

Investigation Opened Into Astori Death

It was announced Monday that an official investigation will be launched regarding the sudden death of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori. Astori passed away on Sunday morning, and, with his funeral set for this Thursday, an investigation has been opened so that an autopsy may be completed before he is laid to rest. UEFA has also confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held ahead of this week’s round of Champions League games to honor the late player’s memory. As always in these situations, thoughts and prayers from everyone here at TML go out to those affected by Astori’s passing.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City youth soccer welcomed a familiar face to the coaching staff, in the form of former Lions’ center back Seb Hines.

Introducing the newest member to our coaching staff, Seb Hines. Seb will be working with the OCYS junior boys teams.

Welcome Seb!

Posted by Orlando City Youth Soccer on Monday, March 5, 2018

  • Depending on your view of such things, you may or may not find this to be an interesting stat. Personally, I took note of the part about the goal struggles for the recent champions.

If you didn’t make it to last week’s game, never fear: the boys are back in action against Minnesota United this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Unfortunately, I live roughly 900 miles away and am a broke college student, so, unless I win the lottery or burn my apartment down for the insurance money, I don’t think I’ll be making it to a home game anytime soon. Have a beer (or five) for me on match day so that I may live vicariously through you. Ciao.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/21/26

Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, MLS playoff changes reportedly coming, Hall of Fame finalists unveiled, and more.

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2 days ago

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August 21, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a rough month for all three of Orlando’s soccer teams, but hopefully they can turn things around this weekend. Things haven’t been great, but surely that just means things can only go up from here, right? Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are on the road this weekend for a match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. It’s been a cruel summer for the Pride, as they’ve lost four of their past five games and are currently 13th in the league standings. Despite being on a three-game winless streak, the Spirit are second in the standings and will be a tough opponent for the Pride to face on the road. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on where the team needs to improve in order to get a result away from home against one of the league’s top teams.

Changes Reportedly Coming to MLS Playoff Format

For the umpteenth time, MLS is reportedly planning on overhauling its playoff format. The changes would go into effect when the league changes its calendar and they include allowing 20 teams to qualify for the playoffs, with the overall league standings being used to determine those top 20 teams. After a play-in round, the remaining 16 teams will play in a double elimination format that also features reseeding between rounds. If these changes do come to pass, hopefully the league decides to stick with it rather than constantly fiddling it with it.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The finalists for the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2027 were announced, with nine candidates making the list in their first year of eligibility. Former Orlando Pride player Ali Krieger is one of those nine, along with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. Central Florida native Graham Zusi was also named as a finalist. The two players who receive the most votes and are on at least half the ballots will make the Hall of Fame, with a third player able to make it if they’re on 75% of ballots.

Storylines Ahead of English Premier League Season

The English Premier League season begins today with Arsenal starting its title defense at home against Coventry City. Arsenal has a talented team once again, but it will be interesting to see how much of a challenge Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City can pose with new managers at the helm. Managers seem to be a focal point this season, as other storylines include whether or not Michael Carrick and Unai Emery can keep succeeding at Manchester United and Aston Villa, respectively. I’m just hoping we have an exciting title race by the time spring rolls around.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann tied with Robert Lewandowski for the second-highest rating of all MLS players in EA Sports FC 27.

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: 8/20/26

Orlando City defeated at home, Simone Jackson loaned to FC Rosengard, U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup roster unveiled, and more.

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3 days ago

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August 20, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

I think we can confidently say Orlando City’s Wednesday night excellence has come to an end after last night’s loss. I’m not going to claim the new kits are cursed after just two games, but I’ve bought some sage just in case. Before we get to that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Orlando City Falls at Home

The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire and got burned in a 2-1 loss that included a lengthy weather delay that paused things right before halftime. The Fire struck first with an early goal, but Orlando leveled things after the lightning storm passed. However, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty kick from a needless foul in the box for the winner, with the Lions failing to claw their way back a second time. It’s a disappointing result at home and Orlando will need to figure things out before hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Simone Jackson Heads to Sweden on Loan

The Orlando Pride loaned forward Simone Jackson to FC Rosengard in Sweden through June of 2027. Jackson was signed by the Pride in 2025 after four years playing collegiately at the University of Southern California and she has since made 20 appearances for the club. Hopefully this move gives her some more minutes to develop her game abroad so that she can make an impact with the Pride when she returns next summer.

U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster Announced

United States U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Vicky Jepson called up 21 players for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, including eight from NWSL clubs. Goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Nyanya Touray, and forward Emeri Adames are a few of the U.S. players to keep an eye out for this tournament.

The team will be without notable eligible players like Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg though, as youth tournaments take place outside of official FIFA windows when teams are required to release players. United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes also spoke on the importance of tournaments like this one to develop talent while uncertainty looms over the event due to UEFA’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The U.S. is set to start its campaign on Sept. 6 against Italy.

Americans to Watch in the English Premier League

The English Premier League season kicks off this weekend and there are a number of Americans to root for across the league. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are all still in the league but have new managers at the helm of their respective teams. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United avoided relegation last season and will look to build on that, while Haji Wright and Coventry City will fight to stay after earning promotion last season. Unfortunately, Wright will miss multiple weeks at the start of the season due to a quad injury.

Free Kicks

  • Alhassan Yusuf scored a hat trick in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over D.C. United, with Jack Harrison recording three assists.
  • Americans Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both played every minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of its matchup against the Austrian club in UEFA Champions League qualifying
  • Bay FC announced that the club and midfielder Tess Boade mutually agreed to terminate her contract, which was set to end after this season. Boade had been with the club since being selected in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft and was the captain last season.
  • Aston Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a reported $40 million transfer fee. Suzuki played for Japan at the recent World Cup and it will be interesting to see what this move means for Emiliano Martinez’s future at the club.
  • Brighton is covering the cost of tickets for its fans who will be making the trip to the Arctic Circle for its UEFA Conference League playoff match against Tromso in Norway.

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

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Lion Links: 8/19/26

Orlando City match day, Colin Guske reportedly being loaned to RSL, Banda is an MVP candidate, and more.

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4 days ago

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August 19, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City plays in a midweek match that thankfully isn’t a Leagues Cup match. There are those who will say they’re sad the Lions are out of Don Garber’s cash grab competition, but I’m not one of them. The U.S. Open Cup and the MLS regular season provide plenty of fixtures for now. The schedule congestion is real, as we can see this week. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Match Day

Orlando City hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire tonight in an Eastern Conference clash. Defending against Lewandowski and Philip Zinckernagel will be a tough task for the Lions’ defense. Orlando City will need its offense to keep pace with the Fire if the Lions are going to take any points from the match. It will be interesting to see both Antoine Griezmann and Lewandowski on the pitch at the same time. Here is your official match guide from the club. Our match preview will drop later this morning at 11 a.m. You can also listen to our thoughts on the match on The Mane Land PawedCast.

Go West, Young Guske

It appears that Orlando City is loaning midfielder/defender Colin Guske to Real Salt Lake, according to Tom Bogert. This is not entirely surprising given how crowded Orlando City’s defensive midfield is with Joran Gerbet and Wilder Cartagena healthy and Luis Otavio rounding into form, not to mention Eduard Atuesta and Braian Ojeda once they return. It’s a good opportunity for Guske to get some minutes, given he’s a bit down on the depth chart with the senior team — far enough down to see more minutes recently at center back with the first team than in the midfield.

MVP Candidate Banda

Despite being away for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and not scoring in her first game back, Barbra Banda maintains her slim lead in the Golden Boot competition and is still a League MVP candidate. If she hopes to win either of those accolades, she will need to resume scoring. The upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to extend that lead.

U.S. National Team News

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia Union and will occupy a Designated Player spot. Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo has been signed by Premier League club Crystal Palace. Of course, there are other USMNT players already playing in Europe, and some are making a quick return to form following the World Cup. USWNT players are also experiencing ups and downs in the NWSL.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is headed to CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda División in Spain.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

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