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Lion Links: 10/11/17

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8 years ago

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Wow. I want to start with something much stronger than that; something that would basically be a bunch of symbols. I’m in utter shock and disbelief. I never actually thought this would happen. So many emotions. Absolutely sick to my stomach. I’m just going to breathe at this point and give you all the updates.

On a very positive note, we definitely want to wish Orlando Pride midfielder Jordan O’Brien a very happy birthday today! On to the links.

USMNT Out of World Cup for the First Time Since 1986

Playing a last-place Trinidad & Tobago team with nothing to play for, the United States — fresh off a 4-0 win against Panama — lost 2-1 on Tuesday night. Simultaneously, the Yanks got no help from top seeds Mexico and Costa Rica, which both lost to keep the U.S. men out of the World Cup since 1986.

The night screamed of a team that continually struggled during this Hex with shaky center back and goalkeeper play, and a lack of urgency that saw the U.S. in one of its worst qualifying cycles to date.

If you want my feelings Taylor Twellman sums them up pretty well:

Morgan and Catley Make NWSL Second XI

Alex Morgan and Steph Catley earned NWSL Second XI team honors. This is the second time for each of them as members of the Orlando Pride.

The NWSL awards are voted on by club officials, players, and media that cover the league on a consistent basis, as well as fans.

Check back in later in the week as NWSL’s Best XI gets announced Thursday afternoon.

Congrats, ladies!

Body Cam video Released Following Epcot Debacle

A recent body cam video of the unfortunate dismissal of Orlando players Alex Morgan, Giles Barnes, and Donny Toia has been released showing Morgan, Toia, and Toia’s wife in an interview room.

Frankly, I think it’s about time we all move past this. This is clearly a mistake by a few people drinking, and appears to be a bit of he-said, she-said situation at this point in which no one wins.

As evidenced by Alex Morgan’s response today after the video was released:

“Although I regret my actions last Sunday while attending the Epcot Food and Wine Festival with my family and friends, the video released today shows that while we were all caught up in the tension of the moment, I was not out of control or highly impaired,” Morgan said. “I used bad judgment and I was simply trying to support my friends.”

Higuita Most Likely Out for the Season

The Orlando Sentinel’s Alicia DelGallo reported Tuesday that Orlando City midfielder Cristian Higuita is unlikely to play in the Lions’ final two games of the season due to a calf injury.

“He is still not healthy,” Lions coach Jason Kreis said. “Really had hoped that by now we would have him back on the training field. We actually had a little bit of a misdiagnosis, where the first scan that we took didn’t show too much information, too much damage. We put him through a training protocol, a rehab protocol, and he was feeling pretty good but we just wanted to do another scan just to be safe.”

Higuita has recorded three assists on the year, but per the Sentinel, the injury he suffered in September vs. D.C. United turned out to be worse than originally thought, as Kreis indicated.

Noce Wants 3-4 More Years, Kaká Offered One More

Midfielder Antonio Nocerino, Orlando’s second-highest-paid player, wants to stay for the foreseeable future:

“My intention is to finish my career here, the priority is Orlando,” Nocerino said in broken English. “But, I don’t know yet.”

“If it’s not possible to stay here, I play…three years maybe another four years, because I stay good, I like soccer. [If I] close the door here, I will try another option, but the priority for me is to stay in Orlando.”

I have to say, while he has his fans, I’m definitely not one of them. If he wants to come back on the cheap, then it should be under consideration. But I think most would agree that in his time in Orlando he has struggled with the the league’s pace and, despite a good run of recent form, we’ll need to see a lot more out of Noce to be shelling out that level of commitment at or near his current $850,000 salary.

That Orlando Sentinel report also indicates Kaká was offered a one-year contract extension, per Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão. While no details were given, I would echo my above sentiments about Noce here as well. Some of us at The Mane Land have written things of similar effect as well. Kaká has been reporting that his declining speed in recovery is draining him, and to be honest it’s starting to drain us as well.

An Outsider’s View of Orlando’s Civic Soccer Duty

We talk all the time of how Orlando City has the best fans in MLS. Friday night showed that even more with constant praise from U.S. Soccer and pundits alike. But here we have The Philly Soccer Page giving Orlando some of the highest praise an outsider could:

“Somehow Orlando City has convinced their neighbors that MLS isn’t supposed to be a punchline. It isn’t a consolation prize since you can’t get ‘real’ soccer in the States. It isn’t something you do ironically or so you can pretend to be European. Orlando City has convinced people to be their fans because it’s a part of their civic identity.”

People are recognizing Orlando as an amazing soccer city. It will only lead to bigger and better things.

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So, after a night that left all of us in a flurry of emotion, all I can say is check here for a piece that I wrote about what we could happen if we missed out on Russia 2018. Before the hate mail comes out, I didn't want this to happen (check out the counter, by me, here). At all. And I’m very distraught that the game we all love so much took a really bad step backwards.

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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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26 minutes 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: 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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1 day 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: 4/23/25

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

Published

2 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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