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Lion Links: 10/26/17

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8 years ago

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Welcome back to The Mane Land for another fresh batch of Lion Links. It’s Thursday and here in Florida we’ve finally gotten to feel a once forgotten feeling — cool weather! Oh, and the MLS playoffs have just kicked off, so we have some stuff to talk about! Let’s dive right in.

Larin Says He’s Ready for Europe

There’s been a lot of speculation about Cyle Larin for a long time and every transfer window the big question we get is whether the Canadian international will be leaving the City Beautiful. But that would have cost the club money before the end of this season, as the sale of the club’s first ever draft pick will now be worth more to Orlando City than before, due to league rules. And now, Larin says he’s ready for that move to Europe. Of course, the club still owns his rights and will still need to get an offer management feels is worthy of the Lions’ leading goal scorer.

Also embedded in the article linked above, it seems that despite GM Niki Budalic’s desire to re-sign Dom Dwyer after 2018, the Orlando City striker isn’t feeling too confident about a deal just yet.

“I’d like to be at this club, it’s something we’re trying to figure out, but I can’t say I’m so confident at it right now,” Dwyer said Saturday. “I’ll keep training hard and we’ll finish off strong and we’ll see where it goes from there, but I think this one’s out of my hands a little bit.”

Budalic said the club has spoken with Dwyer’s agent several times since he arrived in Orlando and those conversations will continue.

With the club putting such a big investment in Dwyer this season, it will be surprising if a new deal doesn’t get done sooner or later.

MLS Playoffs Need to Chill

Steve Davis over at FourFourTwo.com wrote that MLS really needs to take a step back if the league wants to get people interested in the playoffs. Sure, supporters of the clubs are interested, but how on earth can the average fan get excited when the playoffs (which started last night), kick off just three days after the final whistle blows on the regular season? I tend to agree with Mr. Davis. I’m not saying that they need two weeks off or anything. I just think giving teams more time to game plan and recharge their batteries will give us a better product, and also give media outlets a chance to better cover the lead-up to the games. But that’s just my two cents.

Marta Keeps Scoring Goals

Though the Orlando Pride season may have ended, Brazilian star Marta is still finding her way onto the score sheet. She managed to score a goal from the spot while on international duty with Brazil the other day against China. It was Marta’s fourth goal of the Yongchuan Four Nations Tournament, which Brazil went on to win with a record of 4-0-1. Not too bad at all. We can’t wait to see Marta back in purple next year.

Bill Hamid on the Move

It was announced just before the end of the regular season, that Bill Hamid would not be returning to D.C. United next year, and would move abroad to take on a new challenge. It seems as though that new challenge has revealed itself, as Hamid has now signed with Danish Superliga team FC Midtjylland. The Wolves, as they are called, are a young club, founded only 18 years ago, but they are also very successful, as they won the Danish Superliga in 2015.

One of the more surprising bits of news here comes from Jeff Kassouf, an editor for FourFourTwo, who said Hamid was let go on a free transfer. This kind of makes you think that if D.C. had known about his desire to play abroad, shouldn’t they have sold him a while ago? In my mind, yes. The answer to that question is absolutely yes. Especially when you consider that Hamid has been one of the best goalkeepers in the league for a few years now.

USMNT Finding its Next Manager in the Premier League?

Yes, you read that right. It is being reported that West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is considering leaving his post in London to take on the task of righting the ship that is the U.S. Men’s National Team. talkSPORT is the one breaking this news, and to be honest, we wouldn’t be surprised if Bilic is looking for a job soon, as West Ham is off to yet another slow start this season. Too soon to tell if any of this is true, or where it goes, but speculation is fun. I wouldn’t expect any major announcements until after the United States’ friendly against Portugal in November.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni continues to adapt as the game changes.
  • Orlando City’s corporate partners are stepping up to provide resources for the Fuerza Puerto Rico Friendly Presented by Audi (those last three words are new).
  • The U-17 World Cup is rolling right along in India, and England knocked off Brazil rather convincingly, 3-1, to reach the final. England reaching the final makes me feel at least a little bit better about the tournament for the United States. If you’re going to lose, you might as well lose to a team that made the final.
  • More on that England youth system: Just take a look at this graphic Squawka put together. We might be on the brink of English football dominance if the Three Lions’ youths can keep these results rolling through the senior level.

  • The Carabao Cup always finds a way to give us interesting news. What’s going on this time? Manchester City and Arsenal could find themselves disqualified over an interesting substitution rule. Check it out here.
  • Serie A games are trying to find new ways to combat anti-Semitism. After an event that happened in the stands of a game between Roma and Lazio, it has been decided that passages from Anne Frank’s Diary will be read before games to promote Holocaust remembrance. Good job, Italy.
  • Ever wonder who the worst player in FIFA 18 is? Well, you can find out all about him and his 46 overall ranking here, but, spoiler alert, he’s actually not a player at all.

That’s all we have time for today. Enjoy that MLS playoff action that we have on the slate for tonight (Atlanta-Columbus, Houston-Sporting KC), and check back with us tomorrow for some more Lion Links! Before I go, here is your dad joke of the day:

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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.

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!

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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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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: 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.

Free Kicks

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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