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Lion Links: 12/7/17

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7 years ago

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Happy Thursday, readers. I realize it’s been 76 years, but please take a moment to remember those U.S. servicemen who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor on this date in 1941.

That’s a somber thought to start the day. Sorry about that.

Let’s get to feeling better with a plate full of piping hot Lion Links.

Lions Linked with Panamanian Midfielder

The rumor du jour has Orlando City linked with Panamanian international midfielder Manuel Vargas. He’s been plying his trade with Chorillo in the Panamanian domestic league, where his team won the apertura in 2017. I’ll admit I know little about this player, other than what’s available online. He’s a 26-year-old defensive midfielder, has been capped eight times for Panama (per Soccerway), and arrived at Chorillo via free transfer from Tauro on July 1. He’s played in the CONCACAF Champions League and could see time with Panama at the World Cup in 2018. Vargas has played in 110 games (82 starts) in the Panamanian league since 2010, logging 7,143 minutes and scoring one goal, with 32 yellow cards and one straight red. Could he be the new base of Jason Kreis’ diamond?

Winter is Coming…Back?

Don’t toy with our emotions, Scott Sutter. The Orlando City right back is enjoying his off-season after playing back-to-back seasons in Switzerland and the U.S. and he found an old friend during his travels — one that he says he’s trying to sweet talk back to the City Beautiful.

I’m not sure which would both surprise and delight me more — Winter’s return to Orlando City or Sutter joining the cast of Peaky Blinders.

This is How “Rumors” Get Started

I enjoy soccer rumors of all sorts, from the ridiculous (Zlatan to Orlando! James Rodriguez to Orlando! Everyone to Orlando!) to the plausible. I especially like the rumors that are obvious. To wit:

Note — “sources” may include:

Not too much of a stretch to figure this one out, given Orlando City’s affiliation with Benfica and the fact that club technical staff were just over there.

Monica Finds the Net for Atleti

Orlando Pride defender Monica scored her first goal for Atletico Madrid, netting the game-winner in the 78th minute of Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Espanyol (linked story in Spanish but right click in Chrome and select ‘translate to English’). The Atletico women have won 11 times and drawn once in 12 matches, and are top of the table in Spain. Monica, like the Pride’s bunch who are killing it in Australia, is helping her winter team have success. She seems pretty pumped up about it, too.

OCB Gone Until 2019?

The USL has a volatile landscape right now. I didn’t think too much of Orlando City B cutting most of the team because the young Lions did the same thing a year ago. Ant Pulis shuffling off to St. Louis is completely understandable — he’s a young coach looking to climb the ladder and was saddled with a developmental squad that affected his win/loss total and restricted his ability to team build, after all. But with all that’s been happening this off-season, it’s hard to ignore stuff like this:

Orlando City told the Orlando Sentinel the club was committed to OCB in 2018, but things can change because life comes at you fast. Look, I can’t really say what’s going on, and mostly because my sources generally shrug their shoulders when I ask what’s up with OCB. It’s the darnedest thing because I’ve never had so many people tell me they honestly have no idea what’s going to happen. I guess we’ll keep chasing the story and we’ll all find out soon enough.

No Lions Taken in SB Nation Mock Expansion Draft

The SB Nation Mock Expansion Draft for LAFC took place this week and nobody from Orlando City was taken. Our friends at Angels On Parade, SBN’s LAFC site, selected five players for their team from the unprotected lists of the other MLS blogs. Personally, I doubt more than one or two of their picks will actually be unprotected and/or left alone due to a back-door deal. I handed in our list and I let them choose from players like Tony Rocha, PC, Rafael Ramos, Carlos Rivas, and Will Johnson.

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  • Speaking of Pulisic, fellow countryman Giovanni Reyna — 15-year-old son of Claudio — may be getting a Portuguese passport thanks to his mother’s nationality and heading to Europe as a teenager like Christian did. Since Reyna is in NYCFC’s academy, I’m for it.
  • Among those born on this date are Mary Tyler Moore Show and Caddyshack actor Ted Knight (1923), Harry Chapin (1942), baseball’s Johnny Bench (1947), Tom Waits (1949), legendary Celtics star Larry Bird (1956), wrestling’s Rick Rude (1958), C. Thomas Howell (1966), football’s Terrell Owens (1973), and Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig (1990).

That’s all my time this morning. Enjoy your Thursday. We’re now just two days from finding out who gets to take home MLS Cup.

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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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8 hours 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

Lion Links: 4/23/25

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

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1 day 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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/22/25

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

Published

2 days ago

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April 22, 2025

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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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