Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/10/18

Published

7 years ago

on

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! While there might not be anything exciting to report like wins, I still think we should have a good attitude. I mean, why not? You heard James O’Connor. We’re officially into building for next season mode. That means the pressure is off of the fans. Sure, the players are going to be trying to get or extend contracts. Or maybe they’re auditioning for another team or coach. All I’m saying is that you can take a page from The Dude. Sit back, bowl some frames, and just abide. Of course, that’s just like my opinion man.

But before we get to the links, let’s give a big happy birthday to both Orlando City midfielder Jose Villarreal (26) and Orlando Pride forward Chioma Ubogagu (27). Now, let’s get to the links!

Sermanni Gives Thoughts on Player Performances

Last season, the Orlando Pride finished the season on a nine-game unbeaten streak, winning five straight. This season, the team lost four consecutive matches, and was winless in its final six matches. It’s no surprise the team failed to make the playoffs this year after playing that way. However, while Tom Sermanni feels that his players were “OK,” there weren’t any that were better than just “OK,” and that was what was needed to make the difference down the stretch. The team’s form had everyone from the players and coaches to the fans looking for answers that just didn’t come. There’s going to be a ton of questions this off-season, including which players and coaches will be back in 2019.

Sarachan Not Focused on Job

I know that sounds bad, but I’m sure that you figured that United States Men’s National Team interim head coach Dave Sarachan is focused on getting the USMNT ready for its next match against Mexico Tuesday night, and he is not focused on the open head coaching position. That’s not to say Sarachan isn’t interested in the job, he’s just not making a big deal about it. The match against Brazil certainly had some positives, especially given the lineup that Brazil put out to face the young Americans. It seems that Sarachan is focusing on bringing in a ton of younger players for these friendly matches and getting them some valuable international experience. Whether or not he gets a look for the post permanently, what he’s currently doing is still good for U.S. soccer in my opinion.

USMNT Ready For Showdown Against Mexico

Speaking of the boys in red, white, and blue, the Yanks take on El Tri tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. in Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. There have been hundreds of matches between the two sides, dating back to 1916, including some of our favorite Dos a Cero results. With all that history, the current squad is looking to make its own mark on the series. Wil Trapp and the boys are well aware of this rivalry, and it should have a very different feel than the match they lost to Brazil.

Yoshi Against Germany

It was actually Peru playing Germany, but Orlando City’s Yoshimar Yotún made quite a difference in the match considering that it was 1-1 when he was in the match, and became 2-1 for Gemany after he was subbed off. It seems that he might be just as important for Peru as he is for the Lions.

Unfortunately for Peru, Nico Schulz got his first cap for Germany and opened his account on the same day as the Hoffenheim defender scored a late goal in front of his home crowd to give Germany the victory. Next, Peru will take on Chile on Oct. 12, and Germany will take on Russia on Nov. 15.

Free Kicks

  • Tragedy struck at the Stade Municipal de Mahamasina in Antananarivo, Madagascar. as one person was killed and 40 more were injured in a stampede outside the match. The contest between Madagascar and Senegal was an African Nations Cup qualifier. After the 22,000-seat stadium was full and the gates were closed, many fans were trapped against the gates as more fans were still pushing forwards.
  • We know that Jonathan Gonzalez’s decision to play for Mexico rather than the U.S. was an unfortunate one for the Yanks. However, take heart as there are other youngsters that could make a different decision.
  • U.S. U-20s and U-19s squads both got results in an invitational tournament in Florida with the U-20s beating Jamaica 3-1, and the U-19s drawing Venezuela, 2-2.
  • I guess when you say all the stuff that Jose Mourinho has been recently it’s going to generate some clicks. The Manchester United boss has become the most “tweeted” English Premier League manager. Good job, Jose.

That’ll do it for this edition of Links. Don’t forget to stop back for coverage of the USMNT match against Mexico, and of course coverage of Orlando City and the Orlando Pride.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

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.

Published

34 seconds ago

on

June 6, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

  • 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!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

Published

1 day ago

on

June 5, 2025

By

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.

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!

Continue Reading

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

2 days ago

on

June 4, 2025

By

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.

Free Kicks

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

Continue Reading

Trending