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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: 4/11/25

Orlando City prepares for the New York Red Bulls, storylines for the Orlando Pride’s road game, Orlando’s U-18 team highlighted, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 11, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a long week for me, but I was able to get some reading done on a pair of books I’ve been meaning to scratch off my list. I don’t have many plans this weekend beyond working, enjoying soccer, and putting my wok through its paces while I try making dan dan noodles for the first time. Fingers crossed. For now though, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Hosts the New York Red Bulls On Saturday

The Lions will welcome the New York Red Bulls to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in another rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference final. It’s already the second meeting between the two teams this season, with them drawing 2-2 at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 15. Both teams have 11 points from seven games this season, although the Red Bulls are still on the hunt for their first road win. Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke about how the team will look to carry momentum from a tough match in Philadelphia into this game against a Red Bulls team that boasts an intense press and an offense led by Emil Forsberg.

Storylines Heading Into Orlando Pride Road Game

The Orlando Pride are back in action Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in a road game against the Seattle Reign, and there’s plenty to watch for. Unbeaten so far, the Pride have the chance to become the fourth team in league history to start the season with four straight wins. Orlando’s defense has been stellar, but Seattle is a tough environment and the Reign scored multiple goals in both games against the Pride last year. For the Reign, this game is a chance for a statement win at home against the defending champs with young players like Jordyn Bugg and Maddie Dahlien leading the charge.

Orlando City’s U-18 Team One to Watch This Weekend

The Generation Adidas Cup kicks off this weekend at IMG Academy in Bradenton and Orlando City’s U-18 squad was noted as one to keep an eye on in the tournament. Orlando won 21 of its 27 games this season. Travis Clark of MLSSoccer.com touted players like Colin Guske and Gustavo Caraballo for powering the offense. Clovis Archange was one of three defenders named to this year’s Rising XI and is joined on the back line by Jackson Platts. Orlando will take on Inter Milan Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in its first game, with LAFC and the Columbus Crew as the other two teams in the group.

2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Groups Are Set

The draw for this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup is complete and the United States Men’s National Team will square off against Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago in group play. Saudi Arabia is the lone guest nation of the tournament and could give the U.S. a tough match when the two nations square off. The USMNT will have plenty of eyes on it for this tournament, especially after falling on its face in the Concacaf Nations League in March.

As for the other groups, Mexico was drawn against Costa Rica, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic in Group A, while Canada will take on Honduras, El Salvador, and Curacao in Group B. Group C will feature Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Guadeloupe.

Free Kicks

  • The MLS Board of Governors authorized further exploration into moving the league’s calendar to mirror the international one that runs from fall to spring. As a result, that possible change can’t happen until 2027 at the earliest.
  • In case you missed it late Wednesday night, enjoy Tristan Blackmon’s goal that booked the Vancouver Whitecaps their spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. They’ll face Inter Miami, with the winner taking on whichever team advances between Tigres and Cruz Azul.
  • Denver’s NWSL team hired Jen Millet as its first president. Millet will be in charge of all business operations and joins after time as Bay FC’s chief operating officer.
  • According to a report from Japanese sports newspaper Sponichi, the USMNT will host Japan for a friendly on Sept. 6 in San Diego.
  • Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana had a game to forget in his team’s 2-2 draw against Lyon in the Europa League, as he spilled the ball that resulted in Lyon’s late equalizer. Despite the mistakes, United Head Coach Ruben Amorim reiterated the confidence he has in his goalkeeper.
  • CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez made an official proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams for the centennial edition of the tournament.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/10/25

Orlando City’s transfer needs, Orlando Pride get ready for the Seattle Reign, Orlando City B wins at home, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 10, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Yesterday was the anniversary of adopting my cat, so I spent most of the day giving him whatever he wanted. Thankfully, that turned out to just be quite a bit of napping for both of us. It’s been nice to just hang out with him and enjoy some soccer throughout the week. We have even more soccer to look forward to this weekend, but let’s get this Thursday started with today’s links!

Transfer Priorities for Eastern Conference Teams

The current transfer window is open until April 23 and Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport dove into what MLS Eastern Conference teams should focus on this window and in the summer. While he noted that adding some depth at center back would be nice, for Orlando City, he chose re-signing midfielder Cesar Araujo as the biggest priority before his contract expires at the end of the year. The 24-year-old has been an integral part of Orlando City’s turnaround under Head Coach Oscar Pareja, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks around in the City Beautiful after this season.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Seattle Reign

With the international break now over, the Orlando Pride will hit the road for a match against the Seattle Reign on Saturday. The Pride have won their first three matches of the year, conceding just once in the process. Meanwhile, the Reign will aim to right the ship at home this weekend after a 2-1 loss on the road against Angel City FC last month. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how winning in Seattle is difficult, even if the team is undergoing a rebuild of sorts.

Pride midfielder Summer Yates, who is a Washington native and played collegiate soccer in Seattle, also spoke on what it will be like to return to her home state for this match. She also discussed the team’s depth, which is a strength for the Pride as players return from international duty.

Orlando City B Beats New England Revolution II

Orlando City B picked up a win at home Wednesday night, beating New England Revolution II 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Shak Mohammed. Great passing sent Mohammed in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, and he handed New England its first conceded goal of the season. That goal proved to be the difference, as the Young Lions did well defensively to secure their third win and second clean sheet this season. OCB’s next game will be Tuesday against Inter Miami II at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

Philadelphia Union Reportedly Trading Daniel Gazdag

Despite a strong start to the season, the Philadelphia Union are reportedly set to trade away one of their best players to a fellow Eastern Conference team. Designated Player Daniel Gazdag will reportedly be traded to the Columbus Crew for cash. I don’t entirely hate the trade. Trading away a 29-year-old on the last guaranteed year of his contract while undergoing a rebuild makes sense. It also opens the door for Cavan Sullivan or David Vazquez to earn valuable minutes, with Indiana Vassilev available as well. However, Gazdag is the club’s all-time leading scorer and already has two goals and two assists this year. Trading him within the conference to an unbeaten Crew team this early in the season feels a bit like a white flag in regards to Philadelphia’s aspirations this year.

Free Kicks

  • The Europa League quarterfinals kick off today, with Manchester United taking on Lyon and Tottenham facing off against Eintracht Frankfurt. Bodo/Glimt, which leads the tournament so far with 24 goals, will play Lazio, and Rangers will host Athletic Club in Scotland.
  • Following talks with its fan advisory board, Manchester City announced that it will freeze ticket prices for next season.
  • Fabio Cannavaro was fired by Dinamo Zagreb after just 14 competitive matches. The Italian soccer legend was Zagreb’s third coach this season and won five of his 10 league matches at the helm in Croatia.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/9/25

Get to know Rodrigo Schlegel, Citrus Kit reimagined, USWNT falls to Brazil, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 9, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re neck deep into a busy week of soccer with the USWNT late Tuesday night, Orlando City B playing tonight, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on the Saturday schedule this weekend. Don’t you love this time of the year? I love that there’s almost always a soccer match available to watch. Let’s get to the links.

Focus on Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City continues the Lion’s Den Walk and Talk series of interviewing players with a look at center back Rodrigo Schlegel. This is your opportunity to get to know the Argentinian defender. He speaks of his childhood, his family, and his time with Orlando. My favorite part is when he speaks of the matches that have helped define him.

Citrus Kit Fashion

Since 2022, the Orlando Pride have collaborated with artists to create concept kits from the club’s current kit. This season, the club partnered with Sophie Hird on the Citrus Kit. Hird is a British designer and graduate of London College of Fashion. The result has a western flair seen here modeled by Pride defender Cori Dyke.

Bringing handmade kit art to life 🎨Learn More: orlsoccer.co/SophieHird

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T15:00:16.833Z

This is the fourth kit collaboration for the club. The collection is on display at Orlando Health facilities in Central Florida.

The Custom Pride Kit Series over the years ✨

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-04-08T18:20:45.683Z

OCB Hosts New England Revolution II

Orlando City B welcomes New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park tonight. The Young Lions will try to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Chattanooga FC Saturday. It won’t get any easier against Revs II, who sit just above OCB in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Revs II haven’t conceded any goals so far this season, and have scored just as many goals as the Young Lions. The match start time is 7 p.m. and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.

Brazil Defeats USWNT

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated the USWNT 2-1 Tuesday night scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The U.S. got things started early on a goal in the first minute from Catarina Macario, but was unable to add to that later in the match. The Pride’s Angelina got the start for Brazil, but Emily Sams did not appear for the USWNT. Maybe if Sams in subbed on then Amanda Gutierres doesn’t get that winning goal. We’ll never know.

USMNT Players Abroad

Several USMNT players were in action, including former Lion Daryl Dike, who saw action in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Dike subbed on in the 65th minute for the Baggies. It’s been a month since he returned to action following his second torn Achilles tendon. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United defeated Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough 1-0.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Dom Dwyer scored for Mansfield Town in EFL League One in a match against Leyton Orient, extending his goal-scoring streak. Seems he finally wanted to score.

Nice to see Dom Dwyer's back in the goals. He's scored in three consecutive games for Mansfield Town in EFL League One after finding the net tonight against Leyton Orient.

— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-04-08T23:32:43.320Z

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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