Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/10/17

Published

on

Happy Thursday, Mane Landers. Big shout out to our readers in Missouri, since your state was admitted to the union on this date in 1821. I’m sure we’re huge in Missouri.

We’re gearing up for a big weekend, with all three of Orlando City’s teams in action on Saturday night. We’ll be out at the Orlando Pride’s home showdown with Sky Blue FC (more on that below) and have full coverage of Orlando City at New York Red Bulls and OCB at Richmond.

But while we wait for Saturday, let’s indulge in some rumors and a little Linksocology.

Spector Left Training Wednesday with Injury

From the “not great, Bob!” department, center back Jonathan Spector picked up a knee injury in training on Wednesday.

He underwent multiple tests with the club’s medical staff on Wednesday. Results of those tests and an update on his status is expected Thursday.

This is the player Orlando City can least afford to lose, so hopefully this isn’t a serious or long-term injury. If so, get ready for a back line of Jose Aja and Tommy Redding, with Leo Pereira called in as the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option off the bench.

Kaká: “Almost Great”

Economic Times published this story about world-class soccer players whose stay at the top of their game didn’t last long. They included current Orlando City captain Kaká among the six players on the list. Names along with the likes of Ronaldinho, Fernando Torres, Michael Owen, and others, said the Brazilian’s stay on top lasted from 2005-2007.

He was the most graceful footballer of his generation and in 2007 he was on top of the world. In January 2009 Manchester City tried to sign him for £91million until, in Garry Cook's immortal words, Milan “bottled it“. Later that year Kaka did get his move, to Real Madrid for 65m, but it never worked for him there.He got injured and lost that famous old burst of pace. In 2013 he returned to Milan and is now in Major League Soccer with Orlando City. 

Orlando Pride Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris Cleared to Play

Just a day after Aubrey Bledsoe recorded her second clean sheet of the season, the Orlando Pride have cleared starter Ashlyn Harris for play for Saturday’s match-up with Sky Blue FC. Harris injured her quad while taking a goal kick against the Seattle Reign on May 21 and Bledsoe has provided steady backstopping duties in her place for much of the 2017 NWSL season. Still, it’ll be good to have the captain available for duty again.

Also, some guy over at orlandocitysc.com wrote this piece about the Pride’s strong second half showings.

Red Bulls Shorthanded This Weekend

When Orlando City visits Red Bull Arena this Saturday, the hosts will be down a couple of players. Sal Zizzo was sent off in the New York Derby last weekend but the bigger news is the injury sustained by Daniel Royer. The MLS Player of the Month for July was injured in the match at New York City FC and is listed as week-to-week with a hyperextended right knee that resulted in a bone bruise. With 10 goals on the season, Royer is a key component to the NYRB attack. No need to weep for da Bulls, however, who still have a potent offense and are 7-2-2 at Red Bull Arena in 2017.

USMNT Midfielder Paul Arriola to D.C. United

D.C. United’s makeover continues with a huge expenditure of money to bring in USMNT midfielder Paul Arriola from Club Tijuana.

The transfer would be the most expensive in the history of the club, costing DCU $3 million. United would also be on the hook for acquiring his rights from the LA Galaxy.

Man, what Orlando City could have done with a right-sided winger like Arriola. But that price tag is pretty significant in terms of the transfer fee, and the club will reportedly have to tack on a boat load of allocation money for his rights to the Galaxy and over a million per year on salary.

Rafa Marquez Linked to Drug Trafficking

Mexican soccer legend and noted USMNT thorn-in-the-behind Rafa Marquez could be in big trouble.

the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control added Rafael “Rafa” Márquez, a Mexican soccer legend and current captain of the national team, to its list of specially designated nationals for alleged connections to drug trafficking. He is allegedly linked to, among others, the Flores drug trafficking organization — that is, the group led by Raúl Flores Hernández.

I always knew the guy was shady but not that shady.

Free Kicks

  • SB Nation has put together this awesome English Premier League preview for 2017.
  • Columbus Crew sent Ethan Finlay to Minnesota United. I’d have liked to have had Finlay in Orlando, honestly.
  • The Philadelphia Union have hired a chief tattoo officer.
  • Austin is returning to the USL and the club will play at Circuit of the Americas. I’m still not feeling bad that Phil Rawlins moved the Aztex to Orlando for the 2011 season.
  • The Florida Tropics of the Major Arena Soccer League have signed league veteran Mauricio Salles, who has 195 goals in 160 career arena games.
  • Those born on this date include Herbert Hoover (1874), Monopoly creator Charles Darrow (1889), sausage mogul Jimmy Dean (1928), baseball’s Rocky Colavito (1933), “Ronette” Ronnie Spector (1943), Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson (1947), Rosanna Arquette (1959), INXS drummer Jon Farriss (1961), basketball’s John Starks (1965), boxer Riddick Bowe (1967), sportscaster — who didn’t quite work out in soccer — Gus Johnson (1967), Toad the Wet Sprocket guitarist Todd Nichols (1967), former NHL and U.S. defenseman Bret Hedican (1970), Manchester United legend Roy Keane (1971), The Leftovers actor Justin Theroux (1971), former Minnesota United goalkeeper John Alvbåge (1982), and Portland Thorns midfielder Dagný Brynjarsdóttir (1991).

That’s all the time I have today. Please enjoy your Thursday and let’s gear up for another triple game day on Saturday.

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