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Lion Links: 6/27/22

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! The Orlando City match didn’t go the way we wanted, but there’s another chance to see the Lions in action this Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup at Exploria Stadium. I anticipate that Óscar Pareja will employ a first-choice lineup as the club continues its quest for silverware. Before we get to today’s links, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando winger Gaston Gonzalez!

Orlando City’s U-17 Team Advances

What do you do when the match is tied at 0-0 heading into second-half stoppage time and you are down a man? If you are Orlando City’s U-17 squad, you score a goal to defeat Inter Miami 1-0 in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.

The Young Lions continue their playoff run against the San Jose Earthquakes at 6 p.m. tonight. The winner of that match will reach the quarterfinals to take on the winner between Austin FC and New York City FC.

LAFC Continues to Make Big Moves

Welsh winger Gareth Bale is headed to LAFC and announced the move on Twitter.

If you’re wondering how LAFC is able to add Bale without making him a Designated Player, LAFC’s General Manager has a lot of “coach speak” for your answer. If you are a frequent reader of The Mane Land you know that LA and Miami teams are not always held to the same standards when it comes to the number of Designated Players or money spent as other clubs, so just roll with it.

Just in case you were wondering what Bale’s inclusion means for Carlos Vela’s tenure with the club, the prolific scorer confirmed he is re-signing with LAFC. I’m sure all of this is on the up and up, as long as Orlando City doesn’t try something similar.

MLS Week 16 Wraps Up

The aforementioned LAFC also played a match on Sunday against the New York Red Bulls and became the first club to 10 wins this season after a 2-0 win at home. Vela may not have scored, but he did have an assist.

Philadelphia played a wild one with NYCFC that had a bit of everything. Philly nearly dropped points after getting the early lead when NYCFC scored on a penalty kick in the 89th minute, but a header late in stoppage time won it for the Union. There was also the little matter of Philadelphia Union Head Trainer Paul Rushing being sent off by the referee after an altercation with some NYCFC players. It was the epitome of a game between teams from Philadelphia and New York.

In Canada, the New England Revolution and Vancouver Whitecaps battled to a scoreless draw. Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made six saves for a clean sheet on the road. The Revolution extended their unbeaten run to nine games and sit in sixth in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Orlando.

Evaluating the U.S. National Teams’ Rosters

Following the United States Women’s National Team’s 3-0 win over Columbia, we’re seeing more and more of the next generation start to contribute. Some are making an impact more than others, as Sophia Smith scored a brace and former Orlando Pride player Taylor Kornieck added a goal of her own. It’s always the case, but the stock of some players is rising, while others are seeing theirs falling.

If you’re like many other United States Men’s National Team supporters, you are running through the possible roster in your head and trying to figure out what Gregg Berhalter might do. The idea that Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Matt Turner will be there isn’t a stretch, but what about the options at center back or forward? It is fun to think about.

Human Rights Groups Speak With FIFA

Various workers rights and human rights groups are working with the future U.S., Canada, and Mexico host cities to ask FIFA to commit to livable wages, equitable hiring and worker protections for the 2026 World Cup. The groups say that FIFA is listening but has yet to commit to the minimum standards being proposed. In my opinion, given the horrible conditions and deaths that resulted in Qatar, FIFA must do more to monitor this process to ensure host countries are handling their business in a way that protects workers who are helping to make these events happen. We will have to wait to see if FIFA holds its hosts accountable.

Free Kicks

That will do it for today. Don’t forget to check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match against Nashville SC this Wednesday. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/11/26

Antoine Griezmann makes Team of the Matchday, reliving the Pride’s win over Houston, academy players head to U.S. training camp, and more.

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2 days ago

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September 11, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann watching his shot go in the net against FC Dallas in a friendly.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Today is the first of three straight days of games featuring Orlando soccer and hopefully the teams can replicate their impressive results last weekend as they push for the playoffs. Apart from working and enjoying the soccer, I plan on making some pasta by hand, so wish me luck in that endeavor. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Antoine Griezmann Makes Team of the Matchday

Orlando City star Antoine Griezmann was the only Lion to make the MLS Team of the Matchday following Orlando’s 3-2 win over Atlanta United. He scored twice and came up with a crucial goal-line clearance to lead the Lions to victory on the road. Griezmann has now scored in four straight games and already has seven goals so far this season despite only playing nine games. Hopefully he can keep finding the back of the net when Orlando hosts a Toronto FC side that has only lost once since the World Cup break.

Reliving the Pride’s Victory Over Houston

The Orlando Pride released a video of the sights and sounds from the team’s 3-1 win against the Houston Dash. It was interim head coach Yolanda Thomas’ first game at the helm and the team was able to get a win after an emotional week. From the different angles of Orlando’s goals to Thomas’ speech to the team following the win, it’s a great watch. The Pride will aim to make it another three points tonight when they play on the road against the Kansas City Current tonight.

Orlando City Academy Players Head to Camp

There are four Orlando City academy players heading to Georgia for the U.S. U-15 and U-16 boys national teams’ training camps at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center. Goalkeeper Luan Silva and defender Zorian Civil were called up for the U-16 team, while goalkeeper Mario Martinez Reyes and forward Molina Baladi will be joining the U-15 team. Hopefully they’ll all be able to impress at camp as they continue to develop for both club and country.

Uncertainty Looms Over Racing Louisville’s Future

Racing Louisville ranks near the bottom of the NWSL in both attendance and spending and there are questions circling the club regarding its investment and future in the league. Along with this, forward Emma Sears reportedly requested a trade from the club this summer and 2025 NWSL Coach of the Year Bev Yanez’s contract is set to end after this season. A sale may very well be in the club’s future, with relocation possibly on the table as well. Louisville made the playoffs for the first time last year, but the club has lost 14 games so far this season and is 13th in the league standings.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando Pride moved up a spot to 11th in the CBS Sports NWSL power rankings after beating the Houston Dash.
  • American right back Sergino Dest scored the equalizer in PSV Eindhoven’s 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.

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

Lion Links: 9/10/26

Orlando City beats Atlanta United, Orlando’s soccer history, U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team draws against Japan, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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September 10, 2026

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Image of Inter&Co Stadium at night.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m feeling pretty good after Orlando City’s win on Wednesday and am hoping the good times keep rolling through this weekend’s games. After a rough August, September has thankfully been kind to Orlando’s soccer teams. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Beats Atlanta United On the Road

The Lions are coming back to Orlando with all three points after winning 3-2 against rival Atlanta United. It looked like it would be a rough night for Orlando after an early own goal, but Antoine Griezmann continues to excel in purple (or gold, as was the case on Wednesday night). Atlanta made it close in the end because of a second own goal, but Orlando ultimately secured the win to climb further up the MLS standings. The Lions will be back in action on Saturday with a home game against Toronto FC before traveling to play the Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday.

Orlando’s History as a Soccer City

The United States Men’s National Team will play at Inter.co Stadium later this month in its first match since the World Cup. The soccer-specific stadium has been no stranger to hosting the U.S national teams since opening in 2017 and has also hosted Concacaf Gold Cup and FIFA Club World Cup games, along with the NWSL Championship and NCAA Women’s College Cup final. The City Beautiful has been a place for soccer for decades, hosting World Cup and Olympic soccer while also having club teams at various levels over the years. Orlando City lifting the U.S. Open Cup trophy in 2022 and the Orlando Pride winning the double in 2024 have helped solidify the city’s reputation as a soccer city as well.

U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team Held to Draw

The United States U-20 Women’s National Team drew 2-2 against Japan in its second game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The U.S. struck first thanks to a goal from Ainsley McCammon in the first half, but Japan equalized in the 74th minute. Alex Buck restored the U.S. lead a minute later, but Japan knotted things up again and the Yanks could not find a winner despite some late chances. It’s a tough result for the U.S., which lost its first group game against Italy. It can still qualify for the knockout round, but would need some help from other results even if it wins against New Zealand on Saturday.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The UEFA Champions League’s league phase is underway this week and there still has yet to be a draw so far. VfB Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic was the standout performer from Wednesday’s slate of games, scoring a hat trick within a 12-minute stretch in a 3-1 win against Viking FK. Elsewhere across Europe, Arsenal edged past Napoli in a 1-0 win in Italy, Barcelona got its campaign started with a big 5-1 win against Feyenoord, and Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda remains an NWSL MVP candidate, although Ashley Sanchez is starting to run away with it with 18 goals so far this season.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/9/26

Orlando City plays Atlanta, Griezmann gets fined, Banda a Ballon d’Or contender, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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September 9, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann taking a set piece against Monterrey in Leagues Cup action.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s also match day for Orlando City. The fixture congestion is back for the next couple of weeks which means plenty of opportunity to watch the Lions in action. I’m looking forward to seeing Martin Ojeda fully integrate back into the offense with Antione Griezmann. We will have more match prep later today, but for now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads to Atlanta

Orlando City is headed north to take on Atlanta United tonight. Both teams have been playing better of late, but this is still an opportunity for the Lions to get all three points from a rival on the road. Atlanta has struggled to score goals this season, and Orlando City’s offensive weapons are many, and the team is rising up the MLS power rankings, thanks to the win over San Diego FC. It’s a double match week, so it will be interesting to see how Atlanta rotates players based on availability.

Grizi Gets Fined

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann an undisclosed amount for violating the League’s policy regarding throwing/kicking an object toward fans in the match against San Diego FC. Here is the “incident” in case you missed it during the match.

If the fine was more than a dollar, it was too much. That’s not true, a dollar is also too much.

Pride in the News

The Orlando Pride made history in the 3-1 win over the Houston Dash. The victory made Yolanda Thomas the first Black woman in a head coach’s role in NWSL history, and only the fourth female coach to win their first-ever NWSL match in charge. It also comes as no surprise that Barbra Banda is a nominee for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Pochettino’s Big Plans

Mauricio Pochettino wants to make the USMNT one of the “most powerful” international teams in the world. That is a pretty ambitious goal, though I like the high aspirations. Pochettino is now in charge of the procedural and developmental sides of the game. He will have some time to experiment before the next World Cup, including utilizing more MLS homegrowns.

Free Kicks

  • Marco Pasalic has been called up to the Croatian National Team for the UEFA Nations League matches later this month and in the first part of October. Croatia will be playing Czechia, England, and Spain.
  • Ivan Angulo will be sporting a new look at the match tonight. Hopefully it helps him score goals on his breakaway opportunities.

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

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