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Lion Links: 1/19/18

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7 years ago

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Happy Friday! I am not your usual Links’ host today but I can assure you I still have a solid beard — just not as good — so I will do my best to carry the torch this week. Hopefully you had a good short week and you’re just a few hours from a great weekend when you’ll be outside to get a tan after this horrible 29 degree weather.

On to the links we go as it was a busy Thursday for both City and the Pride!

Lions Add Another Midfielder in a Busy Off-season

On a day we thought we were going to focus in on the Pride and the NWSL draft, Orlando City decided to steal the thunder early in the day as it acquired Homegrown player and midfielder Cam Lindley from the Chicago Fire for Rafael Ramos and $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) — $50,000 in 2018, and another $50,000 in 2019.

This is a huge trade for Orlando. I know a lot of people will be hurt by the loss of one of the few USL holdovers left on the roster, but this is a very good move. Ramos was going to be buried on the depth chart after constant injury issues and the RJ Allen acquisition. Lindley undoubtedly would have been one of the best midfielders in this upcoming draft if eligible and was only on the market because of his openness on wanting to ply his trade in Europe. However, Orlando was able to secure him on a four-year deal and Lindley signed a four-year deal, so he’s on-board for the 2018 season:

As to how Lindley fits, Niki Budalic hasn’t been dragging his feet in acquiring midfielders this off-season to replace Kaká with recent additions Jose Villarreal, Sacha Kljestan, and Josué Colmán adding to expected starters Yoshí Yotún and Cristian Higuita. But I think this is a perfect spot for Lindley. He neither has the pressure on him nor will he be expected to contribute out of the gate as he transitions to MLS speed. Ultimately, he’s a very well-rounded player that could see time (assuming a 4-2-3-1) as a central midfielder, winger, or defensive midfielder.

Sermanni Nabs Versatile Player in the Third Round; Pride Trade Inoming?

The Pride were pretty quiet on Thursday during the NWSL draft that had us in our seats for two rounds until pick 23, where Tom Sermanni found BYU Forward, Nadia Gomes.

Gomes played all four years at BYU, totaling 23 goals and 23 assists in 83 games (62 starts), and amassing close to 5,000 minutes. She’s known for her explosive speed and left foot. In the NWSL draft coverage, there was mention that her speed and left foot could give her the ability to transition into a wingback, which would be very welcome on a Pride team that is currently thin at LB until — hopefully — Steph Catley re-signs. Tom echoed that sentiment in post draft interviews:

“She’s versatile, quick, very good technically, and left sided, so she’ll fit in well into the team amongst all our other left sided players,” Sermanni said, “I think her potential and versatility that she has I think will fit in well with us. From what we’ve seen, she’s got a good awareness of the game as well, so those are the kind of things we earmark.”

The question is if this is the only move for Sermanni in regards to draft day or is he still working. While nothing happened immediately during the draft, there were some interesting rumblings inside the draft on social media:

Andovski, the new Seattle Reign manager, selected defender Alyson Haran from Wake Forest who would fall in line as a player Sermanni could be looking at as the defense continues to need depth.

So stay tuned, as this week just may not be done on Pride moves.

Orlando City In On New CB Rumor

Could we be seeing a new center back into the fold soon? I don’t think anyone would argue center back is now top priority on what to attack from a free agency/draft standpoint. And here we have a potential international option with Brazilian defender Lucas as the newest rumor:

Translation: Two sources have informed me that Lucas de Lima, coming from the LDU de Quito is currently in negotiations with Orlando City SC. The Brazilian defence for 27 years, has gone through several leagues including the Scottish (Hamilton Academical FC). I’m waiting for more details from #MLS

If you listened to this week’s PawedCast, Budalic had some interesting things to say about Green Cards that could be coming our way, opening up a few international spots. This could be the first one to be filled and would be a welcome addition to the defensive depth chart.

NWSL Gets Its Second Blockbuster Trade of the Week

On Wednesday, we reported about the massive trade between the North Carolina Courage and Washington Spirit as the Spirit gave away Crystal Dunn’s rights to the Courage in exchange for USWNT member Taylor Smith and Rookie of the Year Ashley Hatch (full details here).

Now we have an even bigger move with Sam Kerr, Christen Press, and Carli Lloyd all on the move in a three-team deal between Sky Blue FC, the Chicago Red Stars and the Houston Dash. There are a lot of moving parts with draft picks and “players to be named later” but here’s what we know as far as who gets who:

  • Chicago Red Stars: No. 24 draft pick (Megan Buckingham), Sam Kerr and (reportedly) Nikki Stanton.
  • Houston Dash: No. 7 draft pick (Haley Hanson), an international roster slot and Christen Press.
  • Sky Blue FC: No. 6 and No. 13 draft picks (Amandine Pierre-Louis and Casey Murphy), Carli Lloyd, Janine Beckie and another player to be named later from Chicago.

This means Lloyd goes home to Jersey, Press joins a formidable front line of Kealia Ohai and Rachel Daly, and the Red Stars only become stronger as they acquire the NWSL Golden Boot winner.

All in all, this appears to be a fairly equal trade for all involved with everyone getting a star player. It appears one of the catalysts here could have been manager Rory Dames’ and Press’ relationship:

MLS SuperDraft Today

It is MLS draft day and the Lions have the sixth pick in today’s affair. To follow along, here’s SuperDraft central where you can watch live. The draft kicks off at 11 a.m.ET with rounds one and two. Rounds three and four will follow at 2 p.m. ET via conference call.

With the multiple moves in the midfield and fullback areas this off-season, we at The Mane Land can’t help but root for either a potential center back or a defensive midfielder to help anchor the center of the field. Both of those options could be there at six. For a full list of draft eligible players go here.

Follow along at the Mane Land twitter for up-to-date news today on Orlando City’s pick and potential draft day trades.

Big Bank Has Its Hands Deep in MLS Pockets

Depending on your opinion on public vs. private funds and MLS stadiums, you may enjoy this news or you may not. Goldman Sachs, the New York powerhouse financial institution has loaned hundreds of millions to a host of MLS clubs in the recent year, including a $120 million loan to Orlando City. (Note that they have a free one-time trial that takes two seconds to read this article)

Personally, I think this news might shed some light on certain organizational moves regarding the Academy and OCB. When the stadium was being built, the organization announced it was going to privately fund the additional funds needed as it was waiting on public support. This could be the reason the club appears to be cutting back operational cuts in a variety areas.

Free Kicks:

  • It’s not easy protecting our new home stadium, what with seat thieves and the like running around, and Orlando City was justly rewarded by winning the Security Team of the Year award at the MLS Executive Awards. Thanks for keeping us safe.

And to not put the Bearded Guy’s links to shame, I have to include something musically inclined. So here’s a compilation of some of the best football chants this season. I promise you won’t be disappointed. PSA — might not want to watch with the kids.

Have a great weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/23/25

Tonight’s OCB match moved to Sunday, Alex Freeman makes USMNT roster, FanDuel Sports Network will stream Orlando Pride games, and more.

Published

21 hours ago

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May 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! A long weekend is ahead of us and there is plenty of Orlando soccer to enjoy as well. I’ll be celebrating my nephew’s first birthday this weekend, so it should be a nice next couple of days visiting family. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

OCB Match Moved to Sunday in Kissimmee

As a heads up, Orlando City B is no longer playing today. OCB’s match against Atlanta United 2 was originally scheduled for tonight in Atlanta, but it was instead postponed to 7 p.m. Sunday and relocated to Osceola Heritage Park rather than Fifth Third Stadium in Georgia. Stadium availability was cited as the reason for the change, and the match will be played behind closed doors, although it will still be streamed live. The Young Lions are coming off of a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II and will face an Atlanta team that has drawn its last four games.

Alex Freeman Makes USMNT Training Camp Roster

Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was named to the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies next month against Turkey and Switzerland. The 20-year-old is one of five uncapped players on the roster and one of 16 MLS players. He’ll likely be behind Sergino Dest on the depth chart, but Joe Scally was not called up for this window. There are many notable players absent, opening the door for players like Freeman across multiple positions to stake their claim to participate in this summer’s Gold Cup and the World Cup next year.

FanDuel Sports Network Will Stream Select Pride Games

The Orlando Pride will have eight of its remaining games streamed on FanDuel Sports Network, including tonight’s road game against the Utah Royals. The regional network, which used to be called Bally Sports before rebranding, is available on various providers throughout Florida and there is an app for streaming as well. Personally, I find this as just another cog in a messy machine of NWSL coverage options, but I imagine this is handy for those out there who are already accustomed to using the network to watch other Floridian pro sports teams.

Winter Garden Lands USL League One Team

Another pro soccer team is coming to Central Florida, as the United Soccer League announced its intent to bring a USL League One team to the area. Central Florida Pro Soccer’s ownership group has plans for a development in Winter Garden that would include a 5,000-seat multi-purpose soccer stadium. The plans also include recreational fields, a hotel, parks, and a walking trail. The group will gather input from the community in the coming months to help determine the team’s colors, badge, and name.

Free Kicks

  • Kansas City Current defender Alana Cook was placed on the season-ending injury list due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus sustained in the club’s match against the Orlando Pride.
  • NJ/NY Gotham FC and Tigres will square off in the Concacaf W Champions Cup final on Saturday. The winner will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup.
  • Luka Modric penned a farewell to Real Madrid fans as his time with the club has come to an end. I don’t know where his next stop will be, but I sure hope it’s not with a team the Lions still have to face this year.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your holiday weekend!

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Lion Links: 5/22/25

Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup

The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.

Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek

Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.

U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results

Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.

Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final

Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 5/21/25

The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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May 21, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.

Nashville is Next

As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.

Javier Otero Has a New Contract

Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.

Pride USWNT Call-Ups

Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.

FIRST USWNT CALL UP FOR BELLO 🗣️

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-05-20T15:06:37.081Z

USMNT Gold Cup News

Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.

Free Kicks

  • The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
  • In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
  • In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.

That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!

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