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Lion Links: 7/20/15

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10 years ago

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This isn't a pep talk Orlando City fans. Because you don't need one.

All you need to know is that next weekend, the Lions will head to the Bronx to take on New York City FC, North American soccer’s equivalent of that rich kid down the street who gets to spend all of daddy’s money. And it looks like they’re is going to be unveiling some shiny new toys against Orlando, as Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo are set to make their MLS debuts.

So that anger you’re feeling right now, that frustration with the questionable officiating the Lions have endured during their last couple games? Just channel that towards reminding NYCFC that a successful club is built not bought and that nothing can stop the purple hurricane that is descending on New York City this week..at least until Kaká is sent off three minutes in for breathing on David Villa.

So, to help you get ready for battle, here are your Monday morning Lion Links.

Recapping Saturday's Loss to NYRB

For the third week in a row, Orlando City found themselves on the wrong side of some questionable officiating, as a first half red card to Cyle Larin completely changed the complexion of the match. RBNY scored early and late to bookend a 2-0 victory over the Lions, as Orlando emerges from a two-game home stand with absolutely nothing to show for it. The good news is that Orlando City remains in playoff position this week and still controls its own destiny in that department.

As always, The Mane Land is your go-to source for coverage of Saturday's clash with the Red Bulls, featuring…

Orlando City to Appeal Larin Red Card

Club president Philip Rawlins tweeted on Sunday morning that Orlando City planned to appeal the red card issued to Cyle Larin during Saturday's loss to the Red Bulls.

Larin was sent off in the 32nd minute for this studs-up challenge on Sacha Kljestan that sent the RBNY midfielder (and his mustache) tumbling in the air. It was, to be generous, a slightly “dramatic” reaction from Kljestan. See for yourself:

It's important to remember that MLS appeals work a little different than those in most other North American sports leagues.

Each club is allowed two unsuccessful red card appeals throughout the season. If Orlando's appeal is successful, then it doesn't count against their total, Larin can play next week against NYCFC, and everyone goes home happy. If their appeal is rejected, then it does count against their total and Larin is still out.

But, if the appeal not only fails but is deemed "frivolous" by the MLS officials who review it, then Orlando loses the right to make red card appeals for two years, they're fined $250,000 and Larin's suspension will be doubled. Yikes.

Be sure to check back with The Mane Land for the result of Orlando City’s appeal and reaction to the decision.

The Wall Unveils "Holy Trinity" Tifo Against Red Bulls

Flavio, Inchy and Phil Rawlins, in case it wasn't clear. Nice work, as always, from the best fans in MLS.

Drogba Wants Montreal for MLS Move

Maybe he just wants to keep wearing blue.

With Didier Drogba eyeing a move to MLS, several teams have reportedly been in the running for his services. But reports out of Canada indicate that the Ivory Coast legend might be most interested in a move to Montreal.

While the Impact are currently sitting outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture, they're the only MLS team to play in a city where Drogba's native language, French, is primarily spoken. The Francophone environment reportedly appeals to Drogba, who has spent the last several seasons playing everywhere from Shanghai to Turkey and England.

A legend in both the Premier League and the international game, Drogba has scored 104 goals over two stints with Chelsea and has been capped 104 times with Ivory Coast. He would be the latest European star to make the jump to MLS, and another coup for a league trying to gain more international recognition.

USMNT Ends Diplomatic Relations with Cuba in 6-0 Rout

The USMNT dispatched Cuba 6-0 on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

It was a scoreline unlike anything seen in the knockout round of the tournament (literally, it was the biggest blowout post-group stage in Gold Cup history), as the United States took advantage of a shorthanded Cuba squad to move within two wins of a spot in the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Clint Dempsey got the party started just four minutes in, en route to his first ever international hat trick. While Dempsey was responsible for 50% of the final scoreline, he was joined by Aron Jóhannsson, Gyasi Zardes and Omar Gonzales, as the United States cruised past a Cuba team that shocked many in advancing past the group stage.

Several Cuban players defected throughout the tournament, including starting forward Ariel Martinez, as Leones del Caribe were forced to make do with the players they had against the USMNT. To put it simply, it would not be enough.

The USMNT will face Jamaica in the semifinals of the tournament on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the Gold Cup Final in Philadelphia.

Zlatan Returning to AC Milan, According to Reports

More accurately, AC Milan announces they'll be returning to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish international, long-considered one of the best football players of his generation (especially by himself), could be headed back to Serie A at the end of the summer, if a report from Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà is to be believed.

The 33-year old Ibrahimovic has enjoyed a rather nomadic career across Europe, but he had perhaps his greatest success playing in Milan, where he scored an astounding 28 goals in 33 appearances during the 2011-2012 season.

That's it for Lion Links today. Have a good week everybody!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/25/25

Orlando City gets ready for Atlanta United, Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira promoted, NWSL MVP candidates, and more.

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15 hours ago

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April 25, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! Today starts three straight days of Orlando soccer to enjoy, so make sure to plan your weekend accordingly. It was a fairly fast week for me, and I was able to read three books somehow. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a very happy 21st birthday to Orlando City winger Nicolas Rodriguez!

Orlando City Gets Ready for Rivalry Match

The Lions are back in action Saturday night against rival Atlanta United in what should be one of the more interesting matchups of the weekend. Both teams are looking for answers on offense heading into this match, as Orlando is coming off of three straight scoreless draws and Atlanta hasn’t won since March. Taking on a rival at home could be just what’s needed for the Lions to jumpstart their attack and return to the form they had earlier this season. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how it’s an important game to win for Orlando, as well as how the offense needs to exercise some calmness to finish its chances.

Orlando City Promotes Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira

Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira were both promoted by Orlando City, with Moreira taking over as the club’s general manager and sporting director and Muzzi becoming senior advisor to ownership, global soccer ventures. It’s a natural step up for Moreira, who joined the club in 2018 and has helped build a competitive roster that’s made the playoffs for the past five seasons. Muzzi’s new role is a bit of a mouthful, but he’ll be taking on an advisory role focused on the growth of the club while working closely with ownership.

“I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Orlando City Soccer Club’s EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager for seven seasons, and I am excited to continue my journey with the club in this new role,” said Luiz Muzzi. “I look forward to working alongside the Wilf family and the leadership team to help shape the future of the club and its continued success, both on and off the field, and I know Orlando City’s Soccer Operations will be in great hands under Ricardo’s leadership.”

Orlando Pride Players in the NWSL MVP Hunt

Now that we’re over a month into the NWSL season, ESPN‘s Jeff Kassouf highlighted the league’s early MVP candidates, and there are a couple of familiar faces in his rankings. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda is predictably in the mix in sixth on the list, as she has three goals and an assist to her name so far. But a surprise inclusion is midfielder Haley McCutcheon, who has impressed on both sides of the ball to earn ninth place in the rankings. While I think the MVP race will ultimately be between scorers like Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Ashley Hatch, and Debinha, it’s pretty great to see McCutcheon receive deserved praise for her performance this year.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The transfer deadline may be over for MLS clubs, but deals that crossed the finish line are still coming in. The Columbus Crew added yet another forward by sending up to $1.2 million to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for Aliyu Ibrahim. The 23-year-old will maintain his U22 Initiative Player status in Columbus and recorded 12 goals and nine assists across 90 appearances for Houston. LAFC signed 26-year-old midfielder Ryan Raposo, who spent the past five seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps and was a free agent this year. St. Louis City also made things official with Simon Becher by making his loan move a permanent one so that he stays with the club.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. Mother’s Day is less than a month away, just as a warning. If the mothers in your life like romance books and you’re looking for a gift, I can’t recommend The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center enough. Have a great Friday!

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Lion Links: 4/24/25

Orlando Pride prepare for Angel City FC, MLS deadline day deals, OCB slips in power rankings, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a few days since a rough weekend for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. Time heals all wounds, but let’s also hope it heals offenses considering both teams were shut out. Let’s go ahead and manifest some good officiating this weekend as well while we’re at it. That might be a tall order, but I’m feeling optimistic. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for Angel City FC

The Orlando Pride will look to bounce back when they welcome Angel City FC to the City Beautiful for a home game Friday night. Orlando lost its first game of the year and first home game since 2023 last week against the Washington Spirit, falling 1-0. Angel City is also coming off of its first loss of the season, falling 4-0 at home to NJ/NY Gotham FC at home. Pride defender Kerry Abello spoke on how the Pride will need to create better chances compared to last week as they prepare to right the ship with a home victory.

Orlando City B Drops a Spot in Power Rankings

Although OCB fell from third to fourth in the latest MLS NEXT Pro power rankings, the Young Lions are solidly in the top five teams in the league. OCB was on a bye last weekend, so not moving too much in the rankings can be expected. While the Young Lions fell 3-2 in their last league game against Inter Miami II, spirits are likely high with the team due to the Orlando City U-18 team’s success in the Generation Adidas Cup. Let’s hope the Young Lions can ride that momentum into Sunday night’s match with New York Red Bulls II.

MLS Deadline Day Transfer News

The MLS transfer deadline day has come and gone and there were some notable moves to catch up on. Real Salt Lake’s deal with Boavista for forward Robert Bozenik reportedly collapsed, but the club still added striker William Agada from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for $500,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money and another $350,000 in GAM if he re-signs. Inter Miami traded winger Robert Taylor to Austin FC in exchange for up to $750,000 in GAM, with only $50,000 of that being conditional. Atlanta United traded winger Xande Silva to St. Louis City SC for up to $250,000 in GAM as well.

The Houston Dynamo also have a new forward, signing Toyosi Olusanya from Scottish club St. Mirren. The New England Revolution traded Noel Buck to the San Jose Earthquakes for up to $650,000 in cold, hard cash, reuniting the 20-year-old with Bruce Arena. Frankie Amaya is back in MLS, joining LAFC on loan from Toluca. As of this writing, Minnesota United are reportedly in hot pursuit of Miami’s Julian Gressel.

Sources: Minnesota United in advanced talks to acquire Julian Gressel from Inter Miami.Nothing done yet. Still details to figure out. Optimism something gets done, but not there yet.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-04-24T00:25:26.971Z

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

The race for a place in the English Premier League is heating up in the EFL Championship and Americans are right in the thick of it. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United have already secured promotion, along with Burnley. Forward Haji Wright has scored 12 goals for Coventry City this season, and his club currently holds the final playoff spot. Midfielder Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough are three points behind, while former Lion Daryl Dike and West Brom will need to win their remaining two matches for a shot at sneaking in.

In Italy, Christian Pulisic started in AC Milan’s 3-0 victory over rival Inter to book a spot in the Italian Cup final on May 14. Fellow American Yunus Musah was an unused substitute. Catarina Macario scored twice and Mia Fishel added a goal as well in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Crystal Palace, helping their team get ever closer to winning its sixth straight Women’s Super League title.

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That’s it for today’s links! Make sure to stay hydrated out there as we get closer and closer to summer. Have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/23/25

The Orlando Pride drop, OCSC Academy awards, USMNT characters, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

April 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. This weekend we have the most convenient schedule, with the Orlando Pride playing Friday night, Orlando City on Saturday night, and Orlando City B on Sunday night. It’s nice knowing what I’ll be doing each night. Now, I just need all three teams to get back on the winning side of things. Until then, let’s get to the links.

Bad Pride, Good Pride

It might have been the dumbest way to lose a match against the Washington Spirit, but — actually nevermind, there is no “but” about it. We can, however, decide to move forward rather than dwell on it after today. Unsurprisingly, the Pride dropped in the all-knowing power rankings. All for XI only dropped the Pride one spot to No. 2 since everyone has a bad day now and again. The CBS power ranking dropped the team to No. 3. That was the “bad.” The “good” is that we can revisit the puppies that showed up at Inter&Co Stadium. The loss still hurts, but it’s hard to stay mad after looking at the puppies.

The (OCSC) Academy Awards

Assuming you read Lion Links on Monday morning (or listened to The Mane Land PawedCast this week) you know that the Orlando City SC Academy U-18 team won the Generation Adidas Cup. Now we know that three of the very young Lions — Gustavo Caraballo, Jackson Platts, and Justin Ellis — were named to the U18 Best XI. Additionally, Caraballo and Ellis earned MVP and Top Scorer awards, respectively. It was truly the bright spot of an otherwise forgettable weekend.

Pochettino Prepares

The USMNT did not do well in the Concacaf Nations League, falling to Panama and then Canada in the third place match. Now, U.S. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has to prepare the team for the Gold Cup. Pochettino said that he needs the “right characters” on the squad, whether they are the most talented or not. He also spoke of the need for the players to fight for the badge and the flag. Former USMNT coach Bruce Arena said Pochettino may not be the right man for the job because he’s not an American. The USMNT’s next matches are friendlies against Turkiye and Switzerland on June 7 and June 10, respectively.

MLS Transfer News

The Columbus Crew are making moves. The club received $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for a 2025 international roster slot. The club then sent DeJuan Jones to the San Jose Earthquakes for $425,000 in GAM and a 2025 international roster slot. Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City acquired forward Santiago Muñoz on loan from Liga MX side Santos Laguna.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the full slate of matches coming up.

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