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Lion Links: 3/28/17

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10 years ago

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“Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.” — Robert Bloch

Greetings, Mane Landers. Coming on the heels of another long Monday, hopefully that quote brings a smile your face and brightens your day. There was a lot going on in the soccer world, so let’s get to it.

Larin Garnering Premier League Interest

Kurt Larson of the Toronto Sun reported that Orlando City striker Cyle Larin is garnering interest from Premier League side Everton. Upon first hearing the report, it is concerning, considering Larin has made no secret of his European aspirations. It made sense due to the fact that Everton could possibly lose Romelu Lukaku, and Larin could be viewed as a replacement.

It made sense until the end of the article when it said that the transfer fee the Lions would be hoping for is around $2.5 million. That is not enough money for a Premier League striker. The rumor is that Chelsea is offering £40 million and a player for Lukaku, but Everton is going to replace him with a player with a $2.5 million transfer fee? Not so sure. 

Larin would be crazy to even want to go to Everton for that fee because the club isn’t showing any faith in him. The amount of investment correlates to how much they believe in the player. At that price, they can’t be too convinced he will succeed. Larin will leave at some point, but he should be offended at that supposed transfer fee.

Gil Linked with Move to Orlando City

Luis Gil is being linked with a move from Querétaro of Liga MX to Orlando City. Lions Head Coach Jason Kreis and Gil are already familiar with each other from their time at Real Salt Lake. This could just be a depth pickup, or a sign of someone being on the outs.

Gil was once projected to potentially be the “next big thing” in American soccer in 2010, and he chose MLS over an offer from Arsenal. His career hasn’t panned out thus far, but he is still only 23 years old. It’s possible that Kreis thinks he can tap into his potential.

USMNT More Exciting without Klinsmann

It’s easy to pile on Jürgen Klinsmann after the USMNT’s exciting 6-0 victory over Honduras. He wasn’t a likable character, and his teams never played the exciting brand of football that he originally promised. But U.S. Soccer does owe him a debt of gratitude, because there is no doubt that he helped advance the quality of play.

A coach can only account for so much. At the end of the day, it’s about the players. Christian Pulisic made Bruce Arena look good because he orchestrated the action as a true No. 10. Klinsmann can indirectly take credit because Pulisic developed in Germany, and Klinsmann has long been in favor of U.S. players playing abroad, which is part of the reason he is so disliked. We can’t say for sure that Pulisic would have developed the same in America.  

Plus, Arena was the coach before Klinsmann, and he played that same boring style that Klinsmann is now being criticized for. Looking back, it makes sense that the team had to play that style because of the roster.

Klinsmann gave U.S. Soccer credibility. He planted the seeds. Now that they are starting to grow, we can’t forget how we got to this point.

Lletget Evaluation Shows No Significant Damage

LA Galaxy and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Sebastian Lletget apparently won’t be out too long. Lletget injured his foot in the USMNT’s 6-0 victory over Honduras after starting the onslaught by scoring just five minutes into the match. Although it was reported that the injury was not serious, there is no timetable for his return.

American Will Vint Linked to Manchester United

American Will Vint, 15-year-old son of Everton academy director Peter Vint, is being discussed as a target by Manchester United. Will Vint was a former Real Colorado youth player. It seems like Will was born for soccer, considering his father’s role at a Premier League club.

But that is not the case. Peter Vint is a doctor whose previous position was as the United States Olympic Committee’s Senior Director of Competitive Analysis. He is credited with improving athletes enough to win instead of lose. The elder Vint was in the aviation industry before that, so is by no means the soccer lifer one would expect an academy director to be. 

It will be worth tracking the development of young Will Vint. It is no small feat to get into the Manchester United academy. But expectations should be tempered. Who his father is gives him an advantage over youth his age. The true barometer will come as he matures. People will compare him to Pulisic, but that’s not fair to Vint.

Ribery could move to MLS after Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery hasn’t ruled out coming to MLS when his contract expires the summer of 2018. Ribery said he was also open to China, Dubai, or Qatar. In other words, he’s going for the money. 

Hopefully MLS has learned from past mistakes, and doesn’t take the bait. Ribery is 33 years old now, and he isn’t a household name. It’s questionable whether he would bring any additional notoriety.

The league’s reputation is improving because of the young talent. Hopefully those around the league realize that because this move would set MLS back instead of moving it forward.  

That’s it for this edition of Lion Links. Check back with The Mane Land later for more from Orlando City and a preview of tonight’s USMNT-Panama World Cup qualifier. Hope everyone has a safe and productive week, until next time.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 10/5/26

Pride fall to San Diego Wave, Tyrese Spicer has successful foot surgery, USMNT beats Mexico, and more.

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13 hours ago

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October 5, 2026

By

Image of Haley McCutcheon wearing a protective mask on her face playing against San Diego.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work covering high school soccer and flag football throughout the week. We only had the Pride in action over the weekend, but we’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Pride Fall to San Diego Wave at Home

The Orlando Pride fell 2-1 to the San Diego Wave on Friday at Inter.co Stadium in the latest in a series of games that they had to have. Orlando trailed 2-0 in the first half, conceding twice on defensive errors. In the second half, Barbra Banda pulled the Pride within one after she buried a penalty kick that she won herself. However, it wasn’t enough, as Orlando couldn’t find a late equalizer and San Diego took all three points. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will return to action on Oct. 18 to face the Houston Dash on the road.

Tyrese Spicer Has Successful Foot Surgery

Orlando City forward Tyrese Spicer underwent successful foot surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot, the club announced on Friday. Spicer had suffered the injury while away on international duty with Trinidad & Tobago in a Concacaf Nations League match against Haiti on Sept. 24. We at The Mane Land wish Spicer a speedy recovery, but his 2026 MLS season is likely over.

USMNT Shuts Out Mexico in Friendly

The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Mexico 3-0 on Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Orlando City forward Justin Ellis came off the bench to make his second USMNT appearance in the second half, playing 25 minutes. Former Lion Alex Freeman started and played 90 minutes. Julian Hall scored the opener in the first half for the Yanks. In the second half, Cavan Sullivan doubled the Americans’ lead to become the USMNT’s youngest scorer in team history just four days after Mathis Albert set that mark with his goal against Chile on Tuesday. Malik Tillman added the final goal as the Yanks have won three consecutive matches during the international break. The USMNT will close out this round of friendlies on Tuesday, taking on Canada at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, MN.

Other Lions on International Duty

Multiple Orlando City players represented their national teams over the weekend during the international break. Forward Marco Pasalic was on the bench but did not play for Croatia in a 7-0 defeat to England in a UEFA Nations League match on Saturday. Croatia will face Spain on Tuesday. Lions defender David Brekalo was on the bench but came on after halftime and played 45 minutes for Slovenia in a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League. Slovenia will take on Scotland on Tuesday. Midfielder Wilder Cartagena started and played 45 minutes for Peru, while former Lion Yoshimar Yotun was also in action in a 2-0 loss to Canada in a friendly. Peru will play Colombia on Tuesday in another friendly match.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City forward Yutaro Tsukada, who is on loan at Rhode Island FC, notched another assist over the weekend in a 3-1 win against Brooklyn FC in the USL Championship.
  • Check out this piece on the Orlando City website featuring Head of Player Care Pedro Cox and Team Administrator Danny Quesada, who help welcome new players and their families, get acquainted with the club, ensure their needs are met, and thrive off the field.
  • The Lions were at Osceola Heritage Park on Saturday and spent time with the Orlando City U-12 squad during training.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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Lion Links: 10/2/26

Orlando Pride host the Wave, Orlando City’s kit room carousel, analyzing Mexico ahead of U.S. match, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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October 2, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! Sports are in full swing this time of year and we have plenty of soccer to look forward to over the next few days. Apart from working and enjoying the upcoming games, I plan on heading to the movie theater to check out the Primetime movie, as I’ve heard nothing but great things. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Take on San Diego Tonight

The Orlando Pride host the San Diego Wave tonight in a crucial home game as the season winds down. While the Pride are fighting to remain in the playoff hunt, the Wave will aim to close the gap with Gotham FC in the NWSL Shield race. Orlando enters this match on a short turnaround after traveling back from its 3-1 win against Bay FC on Sunday on the other side of the country. Interim head coach Yolanda Thomas spoke on the team’s preparations to deal with San Diego’s pressure and energy ahead of tonight’s home game.

Orlando City Director of Equipment Operations Heads to England

Charles Raycroft is leaving Orlando City as its director of equipment operations after 11 years with the club to become Liverpool’s Head of Kit Operations. He’s been with Orlando since 2016 and the club sent him off in style with a jersey and plenty of thanks for his time in the City Beautiful. With Raycroft heading across the pond, Chafik Tounzit was promoted to become the club’s new director of equipment operations. We wish both the best of luck in their new roles!

Analyzing Mexico Ahead of USMNT Match

The United States Men’s National Team will take on Mexico on Saturday in the first match between the two rivals since the World Cup. It will also be the first time Rafael Marquez will take on the U.S. as Mexico’s head coach rather than as a player. Many eyes will be on 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, who has already scored once this window, but Luis Romo and Erik Lira are other players the Yanks will need to keep from creating too many chances. MLS players Chucky Lozano and Germán Berterame are attacking options at Mexico’s disposal as well.

Naomi Girma Will Miss U.S. Friendlies

Center back Naomi Girma will be unavailable for the United States Women’s National Team’s matches against Spain this month after sustaining a muscle injury with Chelsea. The injury bug continues to bite Girma, who has yet to play for Chelsea this season. Hopefully she’ll be able to get back to full fitness before the USWNT’s match against El Salvador in the Concacaf W Championship quarterfinals on Nov. 27. Girma’s replacement on the current roster will be named at a later time, so we’ll see if this opens the door for former Pride defender Emily Sams to join the team after not being initially called up.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando Pride moved up a spot to 11th in All For XI‘s NWSL power rankings after winning 3-1 against Bay FC.
  • American defender Jordyn Bugg signed a new contract with the Seattle Reign that will last through the 2030 season.
  • Ashley Sanchez was named NWSL Player of the Month for the second month in a row after scoring five goals in four games for the North Carolina Courage in September. She now has 20 goals this season, tying the league record.
  • Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League without Cristiano Ronaldo and Head Coach Jorge Jesus spoke on how one player is not bigger than the national team.
  • We’ll end today’s links with an incredible goal from Detroit City’s Kobe Hernandez-Foster deep in his own half. While it was scored on an empty net, it’s no small feat to get that much accuracy and power on a shot from that far out.

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: 10/1/26

Ally Lemos called up to U.S. U-23 camp, running back the Orlando Pride’s victory at Bay, USMNT ready to face Mexico, and more.

Published

5 days ago

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October 1, 2026

By

Image of Ally Lemos playing the ball in heavy rain against North Carolina.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

Welcome to October, Mane Landers! September had its fair share of bumps and bruises for Orlando’s soccer teams, so hopefully October goes a bit differently as playoff pushes are in full force. Before we jump into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Zakaria Taifi and Orlando Pride forward Solai Washington!

Ally Lemos Called Up for U.S. U-23 Camp

Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos was one of 24 players called up for the United States Women’s National Team training camp this month. The 22-year-old is no stranger to representing the U.S. at youth levels and she was on the U.S. roster that finished third in the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup. The team will play the Dominican Republic’s U-23 team on Oct. 9 and Oct. 13 to close out the camp.

Sights and Sounds From Orlando Pride Victory

The Orlando Pride unveiled a video showcasing the sights and sounds from their 3-1 road win against Bay FC. The video includes a look at the huddle talks by Marta and interim head coach Yolanda Thomas before and after the Pride’s victory. It’s also nice to relive the goals, including Jacquie Ovalle’s strike at the top of the box to seal the deal. While the Pride remain a longshot to make the playoffs this season, this was a nice result on the road as the team rallies to finish the year strongly.

USMNT Prepares for Mexico

Following wins against Peru and Chile, the United States Men’s National Team will be back in action on Saturday with a friendly against Mexico in Arizona. The Yanks have scored eight goals across the past two games and it will be interesting to see who starts up top between Orlando City forward Justin Ellis and New York Red Bulls striker Julian Hall. Mexico enters this match after 1-1 draws against both Colombia and Peru in its first matches under Head Coach Rafael Marquez. A storyline to watch for in the latest edition of this rivalry will be the potential showdown between 17-year-old rising stars Cavan Sullivan and Gilberto Mora.

Philadelphia Union Sign Mark McKenzie

American defender Mark McKenzie will return to the Philadelphia Union as a Designated Player, signing a contract that starts in January and lasts through the 2029-2030 season. During his previous time in Philadelphia, he helped the club win the Supporters’ Shield in 2020. He then left the Union in 2021 for Genk in Belgium and has spent the past two seasons with Toulouse in France. The 27-year-old center back was also part of the USMNT’s World Cup roster this summer.

Free Kicks

  • United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes spoke on how she remains focused on player development while the team prepares for the World Cup next summer.
  • Cavan Sullivan was named MLS Player of the Month after recording four goals and five assists in September. He’s the youngest player to earn the honor since Orlando City’s Daryl Dike did it back in 2020.
  • Savannah DeMelo has re-signed with Racing Louisville on a contract through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028. This decision comes amid DeMelo suing the team’s outgoing medical partner for not diagnosing the heart condition that led to her suffering cardiac arrest during a match last year.
  • Barcelona, Juventus, and Bayern Munich all enjoyed shutout wins in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Elsewhere, Arsenal drew 2-2 against Paris FC after a dramatic comeback by the French side, while OL Lyonnes and Chelsea battled to a scoreless draw in France.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp after Head Coach Jorge Jesus stated he was not planning on starting him in today’s game.

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

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