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Lion Links: 10/12/2017

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Welcome back to yet another daily dose of Lion Links. We know that you’re probably still bitter over the fact that the U.S. Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the World Cup. Don’t worry, we’re mad too. If you want to distract your anger towards something else for a minute, click this link here.

If you decided to click that link, your anger is now directed at Nickelback and Chad Kroger’s face, and deservedly so. How are they allowed to make music? You’d think someone would have stopped them at this point. Like, do they know they are that bad? Anyways, I’ll move on, here are your daily links!

Kaká and Orlando City to Part Ways

Major news broke yesterday at a press conference at Orlando City Stadium, where Orlando City captain Kaká, announced that he will not be signing a new contract at season’s end, and will in fact be moving on from his time with the Lions. As Paul Tenorio stated, the club did indeed offer him a new contract, but the details were revealed that it was a major decrease from what he was accustomed to making during his time in Orlando.

Whether you were for or against Kaká returning to Orlando City, you have to have respect for the man, and what he helped do for MLS, the sport, and most importantly, our city. He definitely helped transform us into a major soccer city, and for that we are grateful. Personally, I believe that this move is better for the club moving forward, however I have to admit, I would’ve loved to have seen Kaká retire as an Orlando City Lion. We will have to wait and see what is next for him in his career, but until then, we have another game to cheer on Ricky in purple, and take a look at all the memories that he has made with us.

Two Pride Players Make USWNT Roster for South Korea Friendlies

Jill Ellis has named 22 players to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the upcoming series of friendlies against the Korea Republic a week from now. Two Pride players made the cut in forward Alex Morgan and goalkeeper Ashyln Harris. Although we have to admit, the absence of Ali Kreiger definitely has us a little perplexed, considering she was a beast on the Orlando Pride back line throughout the season.

OCB is in Must -Win Territory

Well, in Orlando we have one last hope left for playoff soccer and that lies in the hands of Orlando City B. OCB hosts the I-4 rival Tampa Bay Rowdies tonight, and the young Lions have to win in order to keep their hopes of making the playoffs for a second straight year alive. However, they aren’t completely in control of their own destiny as OCB will have to wait to see results of New York, Cincinnati, and Bethlehem before the Lions will know if they have earned a spot in the playoff picture.

MLS Responds to USMNT Not Qualifying for the World Cup

Major League Soccer had some words to say about the USMNT’s failure to qualify for Russia in 2018, and those words primarily were, we’re committed to growing the sport in the United States, and we don’t need the World Cup to do it! Although the product of MLS has improved over the years in substantial quantities, It’s hard to say that you don’t need the World Cup to help you grow. Viewership and eyes on the sport is always higher after a World Cup cycle, but we must admit we are curious to see what the plan of action is for MLS moving forward.

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  • In Southeast Soccer news, Atlanta United has given a four-year extension to technical director and vice president, Carlos Bocanegra. Hard to debate that he doesn’t deserve it when you consider the results Atlanta has seen in its expansion season.
  • In more sad news about the USMNT, our friend Paul Tenorio wrote for FourFourTwo, that it’s time for the U.S. to completely clean house, and after the unenthusiastic press conferences post-game, who can really argue otherwise?
  • In slightly funnier USMNT news, Jurgen Klinsmann was reached post-game and asked for comment, his response below was a gem if you ask me.

  • The worst thing about the World Cup is when you realize world class stars didn’t make it. The Philly Inquirer includes Christian Pulisic in its list of incredibly talented players that won’t be making the trip to Russia. You can check the full article here.
  • Ever feel like you shouldn’t have done something? Well, that’s what happened for Chile and Bayern Munich midfileder Arturo Vidal. When he announced his retirement for international football, and then later announced that he couldn’t abandon his teammates, and will be back to compete for Chile again after the World Cup.
  • And lastly, if for some reason you support Manchester City, there is good news! Sergio Aguero is slated to return early from his rib injury, and could be available to play Stoke City this weekend.

That’s all for today! Thanks for checking back with us, and we hope that today is the day that your “we aren’t going to the World Cup” hangover comes to the end. But if it hasn’t ended yet and you clicked that link at the beginning of the article, we are so sorry we subjected you to Nickelback, please forgive us!

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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/22/25

Pedro Gallese earns recognition, Americans in midweek action, English promotion update, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Well it wasn’t the worst weekend that Orlando soccer has ever had, but it certainly wasn’t the best either. Fortunately, all three of Orlando’s teams will be back in action soon, so there’s no need to dwell on the past too much. Let’s take a moment to wish a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Brianna Martinez, as well as to Kaká! Now, it’s time to turn our attention to today’s links.

Pedro Gallese Earns Weekly Recognition

Pedro Gallese kept a third clean sheet in a row and Orlando City’s third clean sheet of the year in the team’s scoreless draw on the road against CF Montreal. In recognition of his efforts during the match, Gallese was named to the bench of the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday. El Pulpo made six saves to blank a Montreal team that intently searched for a breakthrough, and made a couple of truly excellent second half stops that kept the score level. Congrats to Pedro and keep up the good work!

Americans in Midweek Action

A number of Americans will be playing games during the working week, and there are some big matches to keep an eye on. The main event is on Wednesday, when Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan face Inter Milan in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal, which is tied 1-1 after the first leg. Also on Wednesday, Chris Richards, Matt Turner, and Crystal Palace will play Arsenal in the Premier League. Thursday then has Malik Tillman, Richy Ledezma, and PSV Eindhoven playing FC Twente in the Eredivisie, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis play Valladolid in La Liga action.

English Promotion Update

Following results in the EFL Championship on Monday, Leeds United and Burnley have both secured promotion to the Premier League for next season. Both teams won their respective games and are each on 94 points, and with just two matches left, third-placed Sheffield United has no way to catch them. The other promoted side will be determined after the promotion playoffs, which would feature Sheffield United, Sunderland, Bristol City, and Coventry City if the season ended today. Meanwhile in League One, Wrexham’s 2-1 victory over Blackpool meant the Dragons retook second place and the automatic promotion spot that comes with it. If they beat Charlton on Sunday and Wycombe Wanderers drop points against Leyton Orient, then Wrexham would secure promotion to the Championship.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Transfer rumors continue to fly thick and fast as we approach the business end of most European seasons, so let’s take a look at a few items worth catching up on. Manchester United is said to be keen on signing 17-year-old Argentine Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing winger Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, although the Reds would likely face competition from several other Premier League teams. Finally, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has revealed that he and Xabi Alonso have a gentleman’s agreement that if a team the Spaniard used to play for is interested in hiring him as its coach, then the club will not hinder the process. The statement has led to renewed speculation that Alonso will be named Real Madrid coach if Carlo Ancelotti leaves in the summer.

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That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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