Lion Links: 4/30/21
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Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s the last day of April as we look ahead to a May filled with soccer and holidays. This weekend is a great time to get a jump on any Mother’s Day shopping you’ve been putting off because that’s right around the corner. There’s plenty to look forward to this weekend as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride play tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. But for now, enjoy today’s links!
Daryl Dike Will Stay on Loan with Barnsley FC
Exploria Stadium to Host 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup
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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Concacaf announced today that Exploria Stadium will be one of 11 venues to host matches for the 2021 Gold Cup. Exploria joins the previously announced Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which will host the final, and DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, which will host the prelims. This will be the first time Exploria Stadium has served as a host venue for the event.
Concacaf will announce the schedule, ticketing information, and other details in the coming weeks.
Landing the Gold Cup continues Exploria Stadium’s trend of hosting marquee soccer events. The venue recently played host to the entire SheBelieves Cup in February, and hosted both USMNT and USWNT friendlies in January, just weeks after hosting the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals, semifinals, and final in December of last year.
First and foremost, I hope you all continue to stay safe and healthy and, like us, remain optimistic that we’re nearing a return to our familiar, new-normal world.
As we embark on the 2021 season, I’d first like to thank majority owner Flavio Augusto da Silva and CEO Alex Leitão for their continued support, investment and leadership, as well as the unwavering dedication from the “team-behind-the-team”. Today, as we kick off the NWSL Challenge Cup, we do so with tremendous gratitude for the strength and perseverance of this community – a global community encompassing players, partners, supporters, fans, and staff – that has not only remained intact but that has grown during the most tumultuous time in Orlando Pride history.
Lion Links: 4/1/21
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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride/Mark Thor
Greetings, Mane Landers. I hope you’re all doing well this April Fools’ Day. Buckle up and prepare for those unfunny people who are sure to pull some sort of gag today. While you’re waiting to see what kind of pranks your friends, family, and/or coworkers have in store today, let’s get right into the links.
Orlando vs. Cincinnati Scrimmage Washed Out
The Lions were poised to improve upon an already solid 3-1-0 preseason record last night against FC Cincinnati when Mother Nature stepped in and made a mess of everything. With Orlando City leading 1-0 on a goal by Homegrown fullback Michael Halliday, the weather turned nasty and the game was called. The Orlando City Academy U-23 team met the same fate, as the Young Lions had their game halted around the 13-minute mark with no score. It may be preseason, but the Florida weather is in mid-season form.