Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/7/17

Published

on

Whew! It’s finally Saturday, which means we’ve gotten through the first work week of 2017. So far, so good, right? As a programming note, I’m filling in for the vacationing Logan Oliver today and just as he returns, Adam Dupere goes on his vacation so I’ll be back tomorrow. Sorry, you’re stuck with me this weekend.

Right up front I want to wish Orlando City midfielder Richie Laryea a very happy 22nd birthday.  Richie spent all of 2016 with Orlando City B, but he’s still a young dude and he could develop nicely under Anthony Pulis into a future MLS regular. The No. 7 pick overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Richie is still searching for his first professional goal, but he did notch two assists in 23 matches with OCB last year. Hopefully, he can step up his game in 2017.

Let’s dive head-first into today’s Lion Links.

Three Newest Lions are Old Lions

Orlando City announced the club re-signed Servando Carrasco yesterday, to a two-year deal. That was expected. What wasn’t quite as expected by Lion Nation is that City also re-signed defenders Seb Hines and Kevin Alston. Hines rejoins on a three-year deal and Alston got one more year in the City Beautiful.

Jason Kreis knew exactly what he had in those players and decided they were all worth bringing back. Presumably Alston and Hines are coming back for less money based on the fact their options weren’t picked up by the club back in November. When those guys are your starters and there’s little depth behind them, it’s probably not a good thing. When those guys are part of a deeper squad…well, that could be a good thing. A lot of people expressed surprise with the length of Hines’ deal due to his recurring knee issue and…well, let’s call it a whole lot of blame for the team’s defensive struggles. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be here three years.

Boden to Tampa Bay is Official

So long, Luke. We told you in yesterday’s Lion Links about Bodz ending up on the wrong end of I-4, but it became official on Friday. Boden was a class player and person for Orlando City since 2011 and he helped build the success that the Lions enjoyed over their time in the USL and grew up with the club as it advanced to the top flight. But after two seasons in MLS, the club declined Boden’s option and now he stays in the state while returning to the USL. It’s going to be weird having him line up on the other side for the I-4 Derby, but such is soccer. Our Scott Carnevale will look back at Boden’s time in Orlando later this morning.

We may not like Tampa Bay but at least Bodz is going to a team with ambition. The Rowdies have hired a couple of the guys who helped Orlando City get into MLS and they’ve got a plan for their stadium.

Bob Bradley Back?

Although no human seems capable of turning Swansea City around, former USMNT boss Bob Bradley didn’t get much of a chance to do much while he was with the EPL club. But now it seems that Bradley has some intriguing options. This story from MLSSoccer.com’s Sam Stejskal chronicled that not only does the former U.S. manager have an offer on the table from the Norwegian national team, but incoming MLS club LAFC may also be rekindling its interest in hiring Bradley as the club’s first skipper.

NWSL Champions Moving to North Carolina

The Western New York Flash won the NWSL title in 2016 but the team will defend it elsewhere. According to FourFourTwo, league sources are saying the club is moving to North Carolina prior to the 2017 season. WNYF, which formerly played in Rochester, NY, will be on the move. North Carolina FC (formerly the Carolina Railhawks) owner Stephen Malik raised eyebrows a month ago when he boldly declared he intended to bring an NWSL franchise to North Carolina within six months. Now it appears that has happened. The news led to the saddest soccer tweet ever.  

USL Gets Division II Status

It was a long wait, but the U.S. Soccer Federation has finally ruled on sanctioning. The USSF has elevated the USL to Division II status but, for now anyway, the NASL is also Division II. So when Orlando City B kicks off this season, it will be in the country’s second division rather than the third.

"After an exhaustive process working with both leagues, in the best interest of the sport the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors has decided to grant provisional Division II status to the NASL and USL," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "U.S. Soccer will create an internal working group that will work with each league to set a pathway to meet the full requirements for Division II and allow for the larger goal of creating a sustainable future. We look forward to another productive year for professional soccer in this country."

It’s the perfect solution, really, because nobody is 100% happy.

Free Kicks

Las Vegas is making another push to join MLSReal Salt Lake signed Slovak international Albert Rusnak to a DP deal…D.C. United product Ian Harkes of Wake Forest is your MAC Hermann Trophy winner and DCU is trying to negotiate a Homegrown Player deal with the son of former USMNT star John Harkes…Today’s  birthdays include U.S. president No. 13, Millard Fillmore (1800), Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner (1946), singer Kenny Loggins (1948), NYPD Blue and CSI: Miami star David Caruso (1956), Katie Couric (1957), Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine (1959), Nicolas Cage (1964), Avenger Jeremy Renner (1971), Cleveland Indians slugger Edwin Encarnación (1983), and Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard (1991).


Later today, we’ll drop our January episode of the Mane Land PawedCast on you and our special guest is none other than Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis. You’ll definitely want to check out what he had to say about the team, the off-season, new acquisitions Will Johnson and PC, and lots more. We spoke to him Thursday night, so we didn’t get any insight on yesterday’s signings but I’m sure we’ll hear from him soon enough on that subject. Enjoy your weekend!

Oh, and don’t forget that you can get discounted tickets for select Florida Cup matches just by entering the code TML1. Here’s how.

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.

Published

on

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.

Free Kicks


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!

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/24/25

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

Published

on

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.

Free Kicks


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.

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/23/25

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

Published

on

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.

Free Kicks


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

Continue Reading

Trending