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Lion Links: 6/4/17

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Happy match day, Mane Landers! Orlando City will face the blazing hot Chicago Fire and goal-scoring machine Nemanja Nikolic tonight at the Purple Palace. Of course we’ll be on hand to bring you all the story lines and action from the match, so keep it tuned to The Mane Land for all your OCSC needs.

Hopefully the Lions can put together another run like they had at the start of the year, when Orlando won six of seven to open the season. There has been a great run and a bad run so far, so it’s time to figure out who these Lions really are in 2017.

But before we get to tonight’s match, there is a whole pile of soccer happenings to discuss.

Bendik, Spector on Preliminary Gold Cup Roster

Bruce Arena submitted a 40-man preliminary roster for the 2017 Gold Cup and it includes Orlando City goalkeeper Joe Bendik and defender Jonathan Spector. While it’s nice to see a pair of Lions named to the 40-man roster, there’s no guarantee either will make the final 23-man roster which must be turned in by June 27. Also making the list was former OCSC striker — from the USL days — Dom Dwyer. Bendik is one of six keepers on the 40-man roster, along with Brad Guzan, Jesse Gonzalez, Bill Hamid, Tim Howard, and Sean Johnson. There are 12 defenders on the initial roster.

Orlando City’s USOC Match Moved

Orlando City moved its fourth-round U.S. Open Cup match-up against Miami FC to Wednesday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. This game will take place while I’m on a plane to Las Vegas to see my in-laws, so it’s not ideal for me, but hopefully it works better for you. I would have enjoyed seeing this game on June 13, but now I’ll have to hope it’s on YouTube so I can catch the replay.

If you haven’t been to the gorgeous new Orlando City Stadium yet, this would be a great opportunity to go, since there should be plenty of tickets available. U.S. Open Cup matches in the midweek are a tough sell for clubs. We can only hope that OCSC doesn’t repeat last season’s mistake of trying to get extra people to the game by not making it available to stream online. This hurts fans who don’t live in the area or who can’t make it over from outlying areas on a weeknight and probably doesn’t sell more than a few extra tickets, as the club found out last year with an announced crowd of just 3,162 for its home match against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Orlando Pride Break Boston

Marta scored from the spot on the franchise’s first-ever penalty and Jasmyne Spencer scored off a Camila assist to lead the Orlando Pride to a 2-0 win over the Boston Breakers in the rain. The Pride are 2-0-1 at home this season and unfortunately have to go back on the road next but the home matches will come more frequently from here on out and it’s nice to see the Pride building momentum in the middle of the season.

Barry, Ellis-Hayden Lift OCB to Road Win

The young Lions’ trip to Pittsburgh got off to a rocky start as former OCSC player Corey Hertzog put the Riverhounds ahead, 1-0. But Hadji Barry scored a goal and then helped Zach Ellis-Hayden do the same as Orlando City B came back to win, 2-1. The young Lions have won both trips to picturesque Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh in the last two seasons and the win lifted OCB back above the playoff line in the USL’s Eastern Conference.

USMNT Draws Venezuela in Friendly

In a Hex tuneup out in Sandy, UT, last night, the USMNT had to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with visiting Venezuela at Rio Tinto Stadium. Christian Pulisic (who else?) brought the Yanks back after José Manuel Velázquez put Venezuela ahead off a second ball in off a corner kick. The U.S. had chances but couldn’t quite find the winner. The match served as a tuneup for Hex games coming up against Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico. The Yanks host T&T in Denver on Thursday night.

United States U-20s Fall in Extra Time

Tommy Redding’s U-20 World Cup run is over after a 2-1 loss to Venezuela. The U.S. U-20s were overrun in the quarterfinals by Venezuela late last night and were lucky to last past 90 minutes and into extra time before conceding. Venezuela had a first-half goal overturned by the video assistant referee, hit the crossbar twice in the second half and missed numerous golden scoring chances in normal time — or watched U.S. goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann acrobatically deny shot after shot — as the teams played scoreless through regulation.

The U.S. got very little sight of goal but Erik Palmer-Brown had a free header for the game-winner from six yards out and just missed the target at the death. Adalberto Penaranda scored the game winner just minutes into the first half of extra time and La Vinotinto added a second off a corner late before  Jeremy Ebobisse became the first player to score a goal against Venezuela in the tournament. Redding was an unused sub in the match.

Real Madrid: Champions of Europe (Again)

Real Madrid got two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and snapped a 1-1 halftime deadlock to comfortably win the 2017 UEFA Champions League final over Juventus, 4-1. Mario Mandžukić of Juventus scored the goal of the tournament to tie it before halftime, although that will give the Italian side little solace after coming so close to the title.

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  • Those born on this date include Gunsmoke and McCloud actor Dennis Weaver (1924), Dr. Ruth Westheimer (1928), John Barrymore (1932), Bruce Dern (1936), Freddy Fender (1937), “Mama” Michelle Phillips (1944), Keith David (1956), El DeBarge (1961), Xavier McDaniel (1963), Gotham actor Sean Pertwee (1964), Al B. Sure! (1968), Noah Wyle (1971), hockey’s Derian Hatcher (1972), Russell Brand and Angelina Jolie (both in 1975), (another) Gotham actor Robin Lord Taylor (1978), former Arsenal and Sunderland man Emmanuel Eboué (1983), and German footballer Lukas Podolski (1985).

That’s all my time this morning, folks. Stick around for full coverage of tonight’s match. I leave you with a video of Robin van Persie destroying children.

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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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

Lion Links: 4/24/25

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

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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.

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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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