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Lion Links: 1/24/18

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9 years ago

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Good Wednesday morning, Mane Landers. We’ve got a nice serving of soccer news for you on this fine morning, but first, birthday wishes are in order: Earl Edwards Jr. is celebrating his 26th birthday today, while former Lion Tommy Redding — the club’s first ever Homegrown Player — has hit 21. Happy birthday to the lads, now let’s get into it.

Cyle Larin is Playing a Dangerous Game Training with Besiktas

The Cyle Larin saga got even weirder Tuesday as he was spotted training with Turkish club Besiktas.

Our Michael Citro previously broke down the craziness before today, but this is a new twist. As another one of our writers said today in our conversations: “There will be a time when a trade situation will be all over the place, but we’ll all say “is it Larin kind of crazy?”

And that might be the truth. The club hasn't come out with any additional comments on the Larin situation, but this is becoming tenuous (understatement). We’re not sure if this is Larin attempting to strong-arm a transfer or him making a statement that he’s ready to challenge the validity of his contract. The interesting question in all this is: could the Players Union be backing this in a move to open up their options? (I certainly hope so.)

Take solace in the number of new attacking options Orlando City has added and, in the meantime, grab some popcorn and enjoy the circus.

Pride Get The Off-season Moving with a Big Trade

The Pride had been awful quiet this off-season as fans were seeing monster trades with names like Press, Lloyd, Kerr, Dunn, and Hatch all moving among five different NWSL franchises in the past two weeks.

Well, Tom Sermanni has finally stepped into the ring and it was a big first punch, trading away backup goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe and the Pride’s first-round pick in the 2019 draft for Washington Spirit’s Shelina Zadorsky. Zadorsky, 25, played right center back with the Spirit.

“Shelina brings strong defensive qualities [to Orlando],” said Sermanni in a club press release. “The way we play, one of our emphases this year is that we need to be less vulnerable defensively. Bringing in Shelina, who is an out-and-out center back who also has extensive international experience with the Canadian National Team will be a big asset for us.”

This wasn't a massive surprise as Bledsoe appeared to be one of the more valuable — and exposable — pieces on the Pride roster. Her work this past season in Ashlyn Harris’ absence, combined with her recent run of form in the W-League all pointed to her needing a new opportunity that she wasn't going to get in Orlando anytime soon.

The interesting part of the deal is that it was originally rumored to be a three-team deal where potentially the Utah Royals would be involved, but it only turned out to be two-sided. Why that is interesting is because the Spirit have Stephanie Labbé, who, while 31, has shown little signs of needing to be replaced.

Perhaps there’s more on the way, but we cant help but wonder if this was a little too much as Bledsoe looks to be a rising star in the NWSL if her form continues this way. All the best, Aubrey, and just take it easy on us when we see you again!

Newcomers on Showcase in Second Day of MLS Preseason

We were on hand yesterday for City’s second preseason training session, which saw newcomers such as rookie Chris Mueller, veteran forward Stefano Pinho, and goalkeeper Adam Grinwis.

The rust is visible, but all this new blood has brought a great energy to camp. As Assistant Coach Miles Joseph talked about, this preseason was unlike any other so far:

“Everybody now has a chance to prove themselves,” he said. “And I think we’re going into this preseason with a clean slate, more than we ever have. So we’re excited about that.”

We’ll continue to bring you preseason updates, but it sounds like there will plenty of news coming through as the team adjusts with all the new talent.

Sacha Eager in His First Orlando City Preseason

One guy that is experiencing a different style of preseason is the newly acquired Sacha Kljestan. Kljestan has spent the past three years in New York and now he gets a little bit warmer and thrust into a situation with a variety of newcomers.

His first take on all of this: “Definitely the hardest offseason of my life,” he said. “Hard for me and my family.”

The good part about all this was Kljestan wasn't blindsided and had some notice from NYRB and his agent that it was looking increasingly likely that Orlando was his destination:

“Fortunately, [coach] Jesse Marsch was willing to work with me not blindside me with the trade,” Kljestan said. “The common thing that happened was my agent saying, ‘[Orlando City coach] Jason Kreis reached out again. Jason Kreis called again. He’s very interested. He saw me as an important piece and he really wanted me to be there.”

Overall, Kljestan is excited to lead a young group — both in age and City experience — with some exciting pieces at his disposal.

“My job is to go in and build relationships with the guys around me. It’s about coming in and really competing, getting everyone on the same page.”

He is particularly excited to play with include midfielders Yoshimar Yotún, Josué Colmán, and Cristian Higuita. He also already knows forward Dom Dwyer from training together during off-seasons in Los Angeles.

Colorado Rapids Joining Sporting KC as Diversity Leaders in MLS

Recently we saw the first ever Sporting KC technical position awarded to a woman with Meghan Cameron being named as assistant director of player personnel. And now we’re seeing the Rapids joining in on the diversity train by hiring MLS’s first ever female director of player personnel in Ena Patel.

As The Denver Post reports, Patel was hired to oversee player contracts, salary budget, regulatory compliance, and soccer operations protocols under Pádraig Smith, the Rapids said.

“Ena’s hiring is the final piece of the puzzle for us on the front office side,” Smith, the Rapids’ Executive Vice President and General Manager, said in a statement released by the club. “Bringing in a sharp, legal mind who can oversee our contractual processes and complex league mechanisms is a really important part of ensuring that we’re fielding the best possible team. We can’t wait for her to get started.”

This is a great sight for MLS, which could use some influx of female executives on every level. Believe what you will, but diversity needs to be key in an organization and the doors should be equally open to all candidates. Kudos to Colorado and best of luck Ena!

Free Kicks

I’ll leave you today with some feel-good news. Mason Stajduhar was out today in preseason training and looking good alongside his teammates as he continues his battle with bone cancer. We wish you all the best, Mason, and happy to see you out there.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/11/26

Antoine Griezmann makes Team of the Matchday, reliving the Pride’s win over Houston, academy players head to U.S. training camp, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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September 11, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann watching his shot go in the net against FC Dallas in a friendly.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Today is the first of three straight days of games featuring Orlando soccer and hopefully the teams can replicate their impressive results last weekend as they push for the playoffs. Apart from working and enjoying the soccer, I plan on making some pasta by hand, so wish me luck in that endeavor. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Antoine Griezmann Makes Team of the Matchday

Orlando City star Antoine Griezmann was the only Lion to make the MLS Team of the Matchday following Orlando’s 3-2 win over Atlanta United. He scored twice and came up with a crucial goal-line clearance to lead the Lions to victory on the road. Griezmann has now scored in four straight games and already has seven goals so far this season despite only playing nine games. Hopefully he can keep finding the back of the net when Orlando hosts a Toronto FC side that has only lost once since the World Cup break.

Reliving the Pride’s Victory Over Houston

The Orlando Pride released a video of the sights and sounds from the team’s 3-1 win against the Houston Dash. It was interim head coach Yolanda Thomas’ first game at the helm and the team was able to get a win after an emotional week. From the different angles of Orlando’s goals to Thomas’ speech to the team following the win, it’s a great watch. The Pride will aim to make it another three points tonight when they play on the road against the Kansas City Current tonight.

Orlando City Academy Players Head to Camp

There are four Orlando City academy players heading to Georgia for the U.S. U-15 and U-16 boys national teams’ training camps at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center. Goalkeeper Luan Silva and defender Zorian Civil were called up for the U-16 team, while goalkeeper Mario Martinez Reyes and forward Molina Baladi will be joining the U-15 team. Hopefully they’ll all be able to impress at camp as they continue to develop for both club and country.

Uncertainty Looms Over Racing Louisville’s Future

Racing Louisville ranks near the bottom of the NWSL in both attendance and spending and there are questions circling the club regarding its investment and future in the league. Along with this, forward Emma Sears reportedly requested a trade from the club this summer and 2025 NWSL Coach of the Year Bev Yanez’s contract is set to end after this season. A sale may very well be in the club’s future, with relocation possibly on the table as well. Louisville made the playoffs for the first time last year, but the club has lost 14 games so far this season and is 13th in the league standings.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando Pride moved up a spot to 11th in the CBS Sports NWSL power rankings after beating the Houston Dash.
  • American right back Sergino Dest scored the equalizer in PSV Eindhoven’s 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.

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: 9/10/26

Orlando City beats Atlanta United, Orlando’s soccer history, U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team draws against Japan, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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September 10, 2026

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Image of Inter&Co Stadium at night.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m feeling pretty good after Orlando City’s win on Wednesday and am hoping the good times keep rolling through this weekend’s games. After a rough August, September has thankfully been kind to Orlando’s soccer teams. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Beats Atlanta United On the Road

The Lions are coming back to Orlando with all three points after winning 3-2 against rival Atlanta United. It looked like it would be a rough night for Orlando after an early own goal, but Antoine Griezmann continues to excel in purple (or gold, as was the case on Wednesday night). Atlanta made it close in the end because of a second own goal, but Orlando ultimately secured the win to climb further up the MLS standings. The Lions will be back in action on Saturday with a home game against Toronto FC before traveling to play the Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday.

Orlando’s History as a Soccer City

The United States Men’s National Team will play at Inter.co Stadium later this month in its first match since the World Cup. The soccer-specific stadium has been no stranger to hosting the U.S national teams since opening in 2017 and has also hosted Concacaf Gold Cup and FIFA Club World Cup games, along with the NWSL Championship and NCAA Women’s College Cup final. The City Beautiful has been a place for soccer for decades, hosting World Cup and Olympic soccer while also having club teams at various levels over the years. Orlando City lifting the U.S. Open Cup trophy in 2022 and the Orlando Pride winning the double in 2024 have helped solidify the city’s reputation as a soccer city as well.

U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team Held to Draw

The United States U-20 Women’s National Team drew 2-2 against Japan in its second game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The U.S. struck first thanks to a goal from Ainsley McCammon in the first half, but Japan equalized in the 74th minute. Alex Buck restored the U.S. lead a minute later, but Japan knotted things up again and the Yanks could not find a winner despite some late chances. It’s a tough result for the U.S., which lost its first group game against Italy. It can still qualify for the knockout round, but would need some help from other results even if it wins against New Zealand on Saturday.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The UEFA Champions League’s league phase is underway this week and there still has yet to be a draw so far. VfB Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic was the standout performer from Wednesday’s slate of games, scoring a hat trick within a 12-minute stretch in a 3-1 win against Viking FK. Elsewhere across Europe, Arsenal edged past Napoli in a 1-0 win in Italy, Barcelona got its campaign started with a big 5-1 win against Feyenoord, and Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda remains an NWSL MVP candidate, although Ashley Sanchez is starting to run away with it with 18 goals so far this season.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 9/9/26

Orlando City plays Atlanta, Griezmann gets fined, Banda a Ballon d’Or contender, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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September 9, 2026

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Image of Antoine Griezmann taking a set piece against Monterrey in Leagues Cup action.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s also match day for Orlando City. The fixture congestion is back for the next couple of weeks which means plenty of opportunity to watch the Lions in action. I’m looking forward to seeing Martin Ojeda fully integrate back into the offense with Antione Griezmann. We will have more match prep later today, but for now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads to Atlanta

Orlando City is headed north to take on Atlanta United tonight. Both teams have been playing better of late, but this is still an opportunity for the Lions to get all three points from a rival on the road. Atlanta has struggled to score goals this season, and Orlando City’s offensive weapons are many, and the team is rising up the MLS power rankings, thanks to the win over San Diego FC. It’s a double match week, so it will be interesting to see how Atlanta rotates players based on availability.

Grizi Gets Fined

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann an undisclosed amount for violating the League’s policy regarding throwing/kicking an object toward fans in the match against San Diego FC. Here is the “incident” in case you missed it during the match.

If the fine was more than a dollar, it was too much. That’s not true, a dollar is also too much.

Pride in the News

The Orlando Pride made history in the 3-1 win over the Houston Dash. The victory made Yolanda Thomas the first Black woman in a head coach’s role in NWSL history, and only the fourth female coach to win their first-ever NWSL match in charge. It also comes as no surprise that Barbra Banda is a nominee for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Pochettino’s Big Plans

Mauricio Pochettino wants to make the USMNT one of the “most powerful” international teams in the world. That is a pretty ambitious goal, though I like the high aspirations. Pochettino is now in charge of the procedural and developmental sides of the game. He will have some time to experiment before the next World Cup, including utilizing more MLS homegrowns.

Free Kicks

  • Marco Pasalic has been called up to the Croatian National Team for the UEFA Nations League matches later this month and in the first part of October. Croatia will be playing Czechia, England, and Spain.
  • Ivan Angulo will be sporting a new look at the match tonight. Hopefully it helps him score goals on his breakaway opportunities.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for live match updates and we will also have a recap of the match tonight and more coverage tomorrow. Vamos Orlando!

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