Friday is here, Mane Landers! Get ready for a soccer-filled weekend. This edition of Lion Links has everything you need to stay updated on Orlando City, Orlando Pride, and the wider soccer world. From the Pride’s upcoming match against the San Diego Wave to USMNT roster predictions and FA Cup quarterfinals, there’s plenty to discuss. Enjoy your favorite coffee and let’s dive in!
This week’s Lion Links covers:
- Orlando Pride’s preparation for their match against the San Diego Wave.
- A look at other intriguing NWSL weekend matches.
- USMNT roster predictions for the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup.
- Previews of the FA Cup Quarterfinals.
Orlando Pride Prepare for the San Diego Wave
The Orlando Pride are set to face the San Diego Wave on Saturday at noon, aiming to extend their win streak to three games and their overall win streak to seven. The Pride have displayed dominant form, leading the league with eight goals without conceding any in two games. However, they will encounter a revamped San Diego team that remains unbeaten under Head Coach Jonas Eidevall. Seb Hines, the Pride’s Head Coach, emphasized the importance of setting an early tone at home and maintaining momentum against the Wave.
The Pride’s Head Coach, Seb Hines, spoke about how Orlando will need to set the tone early on at home against the Wave and keep up the momentum.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Pride look to continue their impressive start to the season.
NWSL Provides Entertaining Slate of Weekend Matches
While the NWSL Shield race is still far off, it’s always beneficial to monitor the Pride’s competitors. Tonight features two matches: the Washington Spirit hosting Bay FC and the Houston Dash on the road against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Additionally, Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga has the opportunity to tie her record of scoring in eight consecutive games when her team faces the Utah Royals on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll see if the Seattle Reign can continue their solid start against Angel City FC, who are still seeking their first win of the season.
Several key matches are scheduled, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the NWSL.
USMNT Roster Predictions for Concacaf Gold Cup
Following a disappointing performance in the Concacaf Nations League, pressure is mounting on United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino. The upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup presents an opportunity for the USMNT to demonstrate improvement in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Pro Soccer Wire has explored potential roster selections for the tournament. Injuries to Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun complicate the forward positions, potentially opening doors for Brenden Aaronson or Alex Zendejas. The Gold Cup is also likely to determine the primary goalkeeper between Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Patrick Schulte. Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso are other notable players to watch.
Pro Soccer Wire dove into for the tournament.
FA Cup Quarterfinals Kick Off This Weekend
The FA Cup is down to its final eight teams. Preston North End, the only team outside of the English Premier League remaining, faces a tough challenge. Manchester City, the sole traditional giant left, will play against Bournemouth, who defeated them earlier in the season. Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood’s injury adds to their challenges as they travel to play Brighton and Hove Albion. Crystal Palace, however, welcomes back star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for their match against Fulham.
Only eight teams remain in the FA Cup and the .
Free Kicks
- Time is running out for Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Peru to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after .
- Angel City FC from Sporting CP on a three-year contract. The 20-year-old recorded 18 goals and three assists in 57 matches across all competitions with the Portuguese club.
- MLS announced an to increase coverage of the league and its players. Hopefully this partnership results in a spotlight being put on smaller market teams and lesser known stars in the league, but only time will tell.
- Denver’s NWSL team that will seat 12,000 fans for 2026 and 2027.
- The English Premier League’s transfer window and close on June 10 to allow clubs participating in the Club World Cup to sign players before the tournament.
- After losing 2-0 in the first leg, to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals. The semifinals will have Chelsea take on Barcelona and Arsenal square off against Lyon.
- Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos for indecent conduct in the Champions League. If a ban is handed out, that player would miss the first leg of Madrid’s quarterfinal matchup with Arsenal.
- Barcelona beat Osasuna 3-0 to move three points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, but forward that could see him miss time.
That concludes today’s Lion Links! A busy weekend lies ahead for Orlando soccer. The Pride prepare for a crucial match against San Diego Wave, and the USMNT’s Gold Cup roster is taking shape. We also looked at key FA Cup matchups. This should give you something to enjoy until the next game. Go Orlando!
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