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Lion Links: 10/18/17

Published

9 years ago

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It’s the last week of the regular season with no hope, the USMNT is out, and a long NBA season of me listening to whether or not LeBron is leaving or not kicking off has me super enthused for this week. But that doesn't mean there aren’t plenty of topics to keep you all busy! Seriously. We’re starting today off on one hell of a rumor. Read on!

Orlando City B Gone? Are Others Following Suit?

A bombshell, late-night tweet, from Sports Illustrated’s Brian Straus just dropped out of nowhere, and it appears that OCB may be on the outs:

This is interesting if you consider the following:

  • Orlando City offered free OCB tickets for 2018.
  • No development academy players were offered contracts in 2017.

While we have no confirmations from the club, OCB isn’t the only club supposedly in danger:

There has been a lot of talk lately of the independent USL owners vs. the MLS/USL owners, and this could be a product of those conversations behind close doors. While again, we have nothing confirmed, this is worrisome — stay tuned for more news from the club.

Orlando City Focusing on the Future in Final Match

With nearly nothing to play for in its last week, Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis still believes there’s merit to the final match this weekend against Philadelphia, as Alicia DelGallo reports:

Kreis said he’s still looking for “reactions” from players in the final match. He wants to see whose got life and is still fighting when there’s nothing on the line.

Life without Kaká is on the horizon, and when you combine that with a team at the bottom of the table, you’re sure to see a lot of new faces next year. While Kreis can’t confirm anything, you can infer by this message that you probably want to watch this weekend if you want to see some of your favorite Lions:

“There’s still some evaluating to do, but if you’re asking me a direct question, I’m not going to lie and say that Ricky is going to be the only one that’s not back next year,” Kreis said, referring to Kaká by his first name. “That’s part and parcel of playing professional sports and being a part of a team that’s not successful.”

Hackworth Believes the U-17 USMNT Has World Class Qualities

Could we be upon a “Golden Generation” of U.S. Soccer? We can only hope that is the case as the U.S. U-17s just won 5-0 against Paraguay in the U-17 World Cup knockout round. This could very well be the best team since Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, and Kyle Beckerman’s fourth-place finish in the 1999 competition.

Coach John Hackworth talks very highly of his side as the Baby Nats look to move past the bar set by what so far has been the best U-17 generation to date:

"I think [the victory] validates the fact that this group of young men and that this particular pool of players we have in the U.S. right now is a special group. I think it also validates the fact that player development in the country is on the right path. This is a team that has quality, that is coachable, that has the grit when it comes to these kind of games. If you look at the goals that we scored tonight, it’s hard to argue that some of those weren’t world class."

Here’s hoping that Hackworth is right and the road to U.S. Soccer recovery is quick with a ground-breaking performance at the U-17 World Cup.

Compensation Pay to Come in U.S. Youth Soccer?

Lance Reich, attorney for the Crossfire Premier on the an ongoing landmark case for compensation pay in the USA, gives his updates to SoccerAmerica on the current state of training compensation and solidarity payments possibility into the U.S. youth scene.

The USMNT flaming out spectacularly has put the limelight on development and the revamping of the U.S. system. The introduction of FIFA-mandated training compensation and solidarity payments could be a great first step in helping development academies in both their reach and their ability to improve training situations.

As we keep a close eye on a new presidential race for the U.S. Soccer Federation, I’m wondering if this topic doesn't play an important role in the coming months.

Drones Are Cool. Especially When You Get to Hit One

Marta and Alex Morgan recently featured with COPA90 U.S. in trying to hit a drone with a soccer ball. Spoiler, it’s not easy.

NWSL Championship has a Dilemma on its Hands

Last Saturday, Orlando City Stadium hosted the 2017 NWSL Championship match as the Portland Thorns beat the reigning champion North Carolina Courage 1-0 in front of a crowd of 8,124. While Orlando continues to be a benchmark for soccer fandom with great to respectable crowds for multiple teams and U.S. National Team events, this attendance was both under the season average of the Thorns — nearly 18,000 — or the semifinal attendance in North Carolina the week before, which was just over 10,000.

This presents a problem for the NWSL moving forward as it continues to weigh media and logistics vs. attendance, with the added variable of giving home-field advantage in your league’s most important match.

FourFourTwo discusses the challenges involved and offers solutions to many potential outcomes. Notably, one idea — one I agree with — is the disbanding of playoffs. In a league of 10 teams, why is this even needed? It’s a constant American-vs.-European sports debate that they continue to push again.

Sights and Sounds from Kaká’s final match

He will be missed. You can have your opinions, but I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to watch him. If you didn't get a chance to be there last Sunday, then see Kaká in his final match for the Lions (and for those on Apple News):

Is Columbus Really Leaving? Don't Be So Sure

There has been a lot of chatter about the Columbus Crew and owner Anthony Precourt on the potential of relocation to Austin, TX. Our own Michael Citro, my Ohio native in arms, weighed in with his own thoughts, and much to my agreement. But as a fellow Ohioan, and one who cares deeply for his childhood team, and one of the MLS’s original franchises, I had to look into this more.

The key topic appears to be around public stadium funding — a topic, to this point, Columbus has shut down on all occasions. However, we have to wonder if the public nature of Precourt’s statement isn't a political play. If you look into Austin and where their government has positioned itself on multiple occasions, it would seem very odd for Precourt to look at Austin as a viable source.

The mayor has gone on record, once right before the return of the Aztex announcement, and another yesterday morning, saying that he and the city are not in favor of publicly funding a stadium.

If you add that together with the fact that Austin has failed before as a professional soccer city, that getting trademarks is just good business practice so you don't have to buy them later, and the news above, then it is safe to assume that there may be more smoke than fire in this instance. Either way, one side isn't giving the full story.

Free Kicks

And if you’re looking for a team to root for in the next World Cup, why not start by following a team in the UEFA qualifying playoffs?! The draw has happened and here are your options:

Personally, I’m pulling for Switzerland, Croatia, Rep. of Ireland, and Italy. Some of that is business, some of that is for friends. None will be my No. 1 team come next summer, as that distinction goes to my 50% Polish heritage. But if you don't have a strong heritage to fall back on, why not start now? At least you buy yourself some time to watch and find that supporting option.

So enjoy the last week of the regular season, my friends, and may the off-season be swift.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/15/26

Daryl Dike’s potential return, Orlando Pride prepare for Boston, World Cup news, and more.

Published

14 hours ago

on

July 15, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Oh boy, do we have some news for you today. Between the Orlando Pride match tonight, the World Cup this afternoon, and some potential big signings, we have a lot to get to. We also want to wish a very happy birthday to Orlando City B goalkeeper Tristan Himes. Now, let’s get to the links.

The Return of Dike(?)

Forget “It’s coming home,” rather he’s coming home! Per Tom Bogert, Daryl Dike is set to return to Orlando City after his multi-year stint with West Bromwich Albion. Dike had a rough go of it in England, mainly due to injuries he sustained. I figure he just needs some Florida sunshine and the team at Orlando Health to help find the form that made him a terror to Orlando City’s opponents.

It also seems that the departure of Marco Pasalic is not a done deal. There has not been an official bid as of yet, and if Orlando City’s valuation isn’t met, then he may be staying. If he stays, he bolsters the attack. If not, well that’s what Dike is coming back to do and it would supply the Lions with plenty of coin to bolster the roster.

Orlando Pride Set for Boston Legacy

The Orlando Pride host expansion side Boston Legacy FC at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The Pride will look to avenge a 2-1 loss earlier this season in Boston. After defeating the Kansas City Current over the weekend, Seb Hines’ squad will want to keep the home winning streak going. This may be Barbra Banda’s last match before heading out for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament later this month, so take the opportunity to head to the match if you are in the Orlando area.

World Cup News

France was unable to keep things going as Spain defeated Les Bleus 2-0 on Bastille Day. La Roja now wait to see whether Argentina or England will be the opponent in the final. As they have done so many times this World Cup, the Spanish did not allow a goal and did enough offensively to advance. Lamine Yamal earned a penalty that Mikel Oyarzabal slotted home to give Spain a lead in the 22nd minute. Pedro Porro added another in the second half and France was unable to muster any magic.

Later today, England and Argentina square off to see which team will play the Spaniards. The amount of history between these teams at World Cups is enough to make most watch the match. I think the bigger question is which team does Gianni Infantino want to win, and will we see the same shenanigans we’ve seen in previous matches featuring these two teams? Don’t worry, England. I’m sure it’ll be fine.

USMNT Reflections

There’s been a bit of space and time for all of us to process the USMNT’s performance at the World Cup and it isn’t all doom and gloom. None other than Carli Lloyd said that despite the way it ended, it was a successful outing for the U.S. Matt Freese is trying to see the positives even though he made a costly mistake that gave up a goal to Belgium. Folarin Balogun said what I was thinking in that a certain phone call about his red card did affect the USMNT’s nerves heading into the match against Belgium. Lastly, the future could be bright thanks to these five USMNT prospects.

Free Kicks

🇨🇱 Atlanta United has signed Chile int'l defedner Paulo Diaz. Versatile but likely to play center back.Joins on a free transfer after spending years at River Plate. Diaz, 31, has 56 caps for Chile.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-07-14T14:06:23.290Z

That will do it for today. Check back later for our coverage of the Orlando Pride’s match against Boston Legacy FC. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for updates. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/14/26

Marco Pasalic transfer rumor, Marta up for weekly award, MLS transfer roundup, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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July 14, 2026

By

Image of Marta looking for an outlet in action against Kansas City.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. I write to you from Texas, specifically Dallas, as I was in Austin to see friends over the weekend and decided to pop up the road to take in the energy of the World Cup semifinal that will be played in the city later today. I won’t be attending the game, since I don’t wish to sell one of my kidneys but am looking forward to mingling with some of the fans who have traveled here for it. We’ve got a lot to talk about this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Marco Pasalic Transfer Rumor

There have been some quiet rumblings for awhile now that Marco Pasalic may leave Orlando City during the summer transfer window. We now have a more concrete report regarding a potential departure, as the streets are saying that the winger is set to sign for newly promoted Hull City, with a price tag of at least €7 million.

If the move does come to pass, it would reunite him with manager Sergej Jakirovic, who he briefly played for during his time at HNK Rijeka. Jakirovic also stated in a recent interview that he wants to sign Pasalic, so this is a rumor that could have some legs.

Marta Up for Weekly Honors

The Orlando Pride picked up an excellent win on Friday by knocking off the Kansas City Current 3-0, and Marta has been rewarded for her efforts in the victory with a nomination for the NWSL Player of the Week. The Brazilian legend bagged the team’s first goal shortly after halftime, when she found herself in space well outside the box and unleashed a low left-footed drive into the bottom corner for her 50th goal as a Pride player. For some reason, she was snubbed in the Goal of the Week voting despite her impressive strike, so make sure you go vote for her for Player of the Week!

MLS Transfer Roundup

With the MLS summer transfer window opening on Monday, we’ve got a slew of moves to get caught up on. We begin with confirmation of an item that we covered in Monday’s Links, as Nathan Ordaz has officially moved to D.C. United in exchange for up to $2.875 million. The New England Revolution have extended Matt Turner’s loan from Lyon, with the new deal lasting through December. It also has an option to extend the loan again until December 2027, after which the Revs have a purchase option. Atlanta United has signed Paraguayan center back Junior Alonso on a free transfer, with his deal running through the 2028-2029 season. Finally, Charlotte FC has announced the signing of forward Allan Saint-Maximin as a Designated Player. He will occupy the DP slot vacated by Wilfried Zaha.

USWNT Announces Fall Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team has announced that it will play a pair of October friendlies against Spain in a matchup of the reigning World Cup champions against the reigning Olympic champions. The USWNT will face the top-ranked team in the world on Oct. 10 at Audi Field in Washington D.C., and again on Oct. 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. The Oct. 10 match will also have a pregame retirement celebration for USWNT defender Crystal Dunn. This will be just the fourth time that the two teams have faced each other, with the U.S. winning two of the three previous meetings. The two friendlies will be the last games that the USWNT plays before beginning World Cup qualifying.

Previewing France vs. Spain

The World Cup semifinals begin today, with France and Spain set to throw down in Dallas. For France, the stars are too many to count, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise all taking turns lighting up both the field and the scoreboard for the team that has made back-to-back appearances in the final. As far as Spain goes, all the focus is on Lamine Yamal, as the young winger has been key to Spain’s success despite scoring just one goal. If Nico Williams is able to start on the opposite wing, the French won’t be able to key so heavily on Yamal, and it could open up more space for him in which to operate. The matchup between the youngster and Lucas Digne will be key, as will the ability of either Mikel Oyarzabal or Ferran Torres to be effective up top for Spain.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Daryl Dike is leaving West Bromwich Albion. We know a team that just traded a striker.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/13/26

Pride and OCB win, Maxime Crepeau to compete in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, Latest MLS transfer roundup, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

July 13, 2026

By

Image of Marta blasting a goal from long range against Kansas City.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work, but I look forward to watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals and final this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Pride Shut Out Kansas City Current at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium Friday night, bouncing back from a tough outing at Angel City the previous week. After a scoreless first half, Marta scored the opener from long distance to give Orlando the lead. Hannah Anderson and Barbra Banda added a goal apiece as the Pride have won three out of their last four league matches. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse earned a clean sheet in her 100th appearance for the club. Orlando remains eighth in the NWSL table with 20 points. The Pride will be back in action at home Wednesday, taking on Boston Legacy at Inter&Co Stadium.

OCB Wins at FC Cincinnati 2

Orlando City B beat FC Cincinnati 2 by a 2-1 scoreline at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, KY on Sunday. Issah Haruna’s goal gave the Young Lions the lead in the first half. In the second half, Cincinnati leveled the match, but Matthew Belgodere scored the winner on the road. That result pulls the Young Lions into third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 33 points, just one point off leaders Chattanooga FC. OCB will be away for another road test Saturday against Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium.

Orlando City Reportedly Submits Transfer Offer for Alex Moreno

Orlando City has reportedly submitted a transfer offer to sign Girona defender Alex Moreno. No agreement has been reached between the two sides, and conversations remain ongoing, according to reports. Moreno made 31 appearances for Girona last season in La Liga and recorded three assists. The 33-year-old left back remains under contract with Girona through 2027, but the club was relegated from La Liga to La Liga 2 last season. Several European clubs have also expressed interest in signing Moreno, including La Liga sides Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano.

Crepeau to Compete in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge

Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau will compete in the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Truist Field in Charlotte on July 28, the club announced Friday. The competition will feature top players from Major League Soccer and Liga MX competing to test their soccer skills on the pitch. Five skills challenge competitions are featured, including the All-Star Goalie Wars, All-Star Crossbar Challenge, and the MLS vs. Liga MX Relay Challenge. Each competition will crown its own champion this year, switching from the traditional MLS-versus-opponent format used in previous years.

Latest MLS Transfer Roundup

According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Sporting Kansas City has emerged as a potential option to sign former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.

🚨🇪🇬 Sources: Sporting KC has emerged as top MLS suitor for Liverpool legend Mo Salah.Still a longshot of course, as sources believe he prefers Europe + Saudi very interested, but SKC the top MLS option now.More here with @paultenorio.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/743…

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-07-10T19:35:14.046Z

D.C. United has reportedly acquired forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC.

🇸🇻 BREAKING: D.C. United to acquire El Salvador international forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC, per sources.Ordaz, 22, is a product of LAFC's academy. Made 98 first team apps. 9g/4a in 2,163 mins over last two years.Gets chance to earn more mins at D.C.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-07-12T13:55:49.973Z

Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders have reportedly traded defender Cody Baker to the New England Revolution.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Silvester van der Water has signed with Cambodian Premier League side Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC.
  • Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, who plays Dani Rojas in the show, made his professional debut for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive over the weekend.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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