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Lion Links: 7/23/17

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8 years ago

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Happy Sunday morning, folks. No Orlando-based pro soccer teams in action today, but lots of other stuff, such as ICC, in case you’re into that kind of thing. Speaking of the International Champions Cup, we had one of those games right here in the City Beautiful last night. More on that later.

Much of the weekend action you’re interested in is already over, so you get to that sock drawer that you’ve been putting off cleaning out for the last three months. Meanwhile, let’s get you started on today’s links:

Pride Again Fall to Red Stars

The Orlando Pride still can’t solve the riddle of the Chicago Red Stars. Christen Press scored two more goals against the Pride to lead the Red Stars to a 2-1 home win, improving Chicago to 4-0-0 in the all-time series. At least Alanna Kennedy finally found Orlando’s first goal of the series deep in stoppage time with a screamer past Alyssa Naeher. These two teams will play again Aug. 5 right after the Tournament of Nations, but that game will come just two days after the tourney concludes out on the West Coast, so it’ll affect the lineups — Orlando’s more than Chicago’s, unfortunately.

Deuce Leads U.S. Past Costa Rica

It was a special night for Clint Dempsey. The Texas native came off the bench in his home state to set up Jozy Altidore’s game winner and score the insurance marker to push the USMNT to a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in the Gold Cup semifinals. Dempsey’s free kick strike was his 57th international goal, tying Landon Donovan’s USMNT career record. The United States moves on to play the Mexico-Jamaica winner in the final on Wednesday. It should be fun.

Here, Have a Transfer Rumor

The latest name linked with Orlando City — this time via a Brazilian social media account covering Werder Bremen — is Zlatko Junuzovic. The tweet says Orlando City is willing to pony up €5 million for the Austrian international midfielder. More set-up man than goal scorer, Junuzovic is a free kick and assist specialist who also has 19 Bundesliga goals over the past five years and seven international goals with Austria in 52 caps. The 29-year-old would fill a need at attacking midfielder but the price tag is pretty high. What do you think of this idea? Personally, I would simply enjoy getting to say “Zlatko” and use it in stories.

However, not so fast, my friends. This story says Orlando has made no formal offer, despite a willingness to pay the five million euros and offer a three-year deal. It further states that Werder Bremen are seeking double that amount of money, so that makes a deal pretty unlikely.

Fan Fallout

(Note: this is not a generalization about all of the fans from each fan base, or about supporters groups, but is simply the calling out of a few individual actions.) Individual fans from Orlando City and Atlanta United didn’t cover themselves in glory in the week of their teams’ first meeting in Major League Soccer. There were shenanigans all week, from billboard reactions on both sides, to making light of the Pulse tragedy, and all manner of social media confrontations. I might be missing something, but we’re talking about a sporting event — one where a bunch of guys put on uniforms and kick a ball around, no less. Some of the behavior on both sides was a bit bewildering.

Perhaps the biggest news was the story of an Atlanta United fan who claims he was sucker-punched by an Orlando City fan while minding his own business. Orlando fans counter that the fan in question threw a bottle toward some kids and was “acting a fool” in the supporters’ tailgate area. I’d like to point out that punching a human is bad. Throwing a bottle is bad. Acting a fool is bad. We’re all people, first and foremost, and so maybe it’s not that important that we support a sports team from a different city?

I also saw that a Terminus Legion flag was hoisted to the rafters of Orlando City Stadium. Unless that flag was freely given by the Terminus Legion or purchased by Orlando fans, it’s a bad look. Last time I checked, taking something that belongs to someone else is considered theft under our legal system. Can’t we all be better than this? A few bad incidents can color an entire fan base in the public eye. If we always represent our team and our city with class, respect, and courtesy for others, it’ll set an example for others to follow.

ICC Comes to Orlando

More than 33,000 fans piled into Camping World Stadium last night for the International Champions Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain last night. An entertaining 2-2 match through 45 minutes featured blistering goals and an enormous goalkeeping gaffe. Just after the break, PSG’s goalkeeper was sent off by Ted Unkel (really!) and Tottenham eventually broke the tie, and added a late Harry Kane penalty that shouldn’t have been a penalty [/Unkel’d] en route to a 4-2 win. It’s always nice to have big-time soccer events in our city, and it was excellent to see a big crowd to see two teams from across the pond.

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  • Orlando City’s Jonathan Spector was robbed twice by Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan on Friday. Spector talked about his bond with Guzan from their time in Birmingham.
  • The USMNT is the first team to win at the Gold Cup with three different goalkeepers in the same tournament.
  • El Salvador’s Henry Romero and Darwin Ceren have been suspended by CONCACAF for their antics against the USMNT in the Gold Cup quarterfinals. Romero will get a six-game ban for biting and nipple twisting Jozy Altidore and former Orlando City midfielder Ceren gets a three-match suspension for biting Omar Gonzalez.
  • Tickets to the U.S.-Panama World Cup qualifier at Orlando City Stadium go on sale Aug. 10.
  • New York City went down a man early but still beat the Chicago Fire, 2-1.
  • Among those born on this date are actor Arthur Treacher — who somehow got his name on a chain of fish and chips restaurants in the U.S. — (1894), baseball’s Pee Wee Reese (1918), Calvert de Forest — a.k.a. Larry “Bud” Melman — (1921), actor Bert Convy (1933), pitcher Don Drysdale (1936), Beverly Hills Cop actor Ronny Cox (1938), radio host Don Imus (1940), David Essex (1947), original Rush drummer John Rutsey (1952), Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore (1961), Woody Harrelson (1961), Slash (1965), Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967), basketball’s Gary Payton (1968), Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel actress Charisma Carpenter (1970), Alison Krauss (1971), Marlon Wayans (1972), Zinedine Zidane (1972), Nomar Garciaparra (1973), football’s Terry Glenn (1974), hockey’s Shawn Thornton (1977), and Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe (1989).

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend and let’s get ready to get that revenge against Atlanta next Saturday.

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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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1 day 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

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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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

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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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