Connect with us

Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/24/18

Published

9 years ago

on

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/3/26

All of Orlando’s soccer teams lose, latest MLS transfer roundup, FIFA abandons plans to sell stakes in World Cup, and more.

Published

7 hours ago

on

August 3, 2026

By

Image of Tyrese Spicer dribbling the ball.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I can’t believe it’s August already, and I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work and catching up on Ted Lasso before the new season drops on Apple TV later this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Poor Start Dooms Lions in Loss at New York Red Bulls

Orlando City fell 3-2 to the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday. Mijahir Jimenez scored the opener for New York in the first half. The Red Bulls added another goal to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Tyrese Spicer pulled one back for Orlando, but Jimenez responded with his second goal of the match. Griffin Dorsey pulled the Lions back within one, however, New York held on for the win, and Orlando has not beaten the Red Bulls in its last seven matches. Orlando City’s next match will be its Leagues Cup opener Wednesday against Liga MX side Monterey at home.

Pride Suffer Heavy Defeat at North Carolina Courage

The Orlando Pride were blown away 5-0 by the North Carolina Courage on the road at First Horizon Stadium on Friday. Evelyn Ijeh recorded a hat trick, and Lauryn Thompson and Ashley Sanchez each added a goal apiece as the Courage dominated the Pride. Orlando’s offensive struggles continue as the club has lost three of its last four matches. The Pride will be home for their next match Friday to face Racing Louisville FC.

OCB Falls at Connecticut United

Orlando City B fell 4-2 to Connecticut United FC on the road at Reese Stadium in New Haven, CT, on Saturday. Landon Okonski scored the opener in the first half for the Young Lions. However, Connecticut scored two goals to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. In the second half, Connecticut scored twice again to take a 4-1 lead. Matthew Belgodere added a goal for the Young Lions in stoppage time, but Connecticut sealed its fifth consecutive victory. OCB has lost back-to-back matches and will have to wait until next week, on Aug. 11, to face New York City FC II on the road.

Latest MLS Transfer Roundup

Atlanta United has loaned forward Emmanuel Latte Lath to Union Berlin of the Bundesliga ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The loan deal is for one year and includes a purchase option. Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew are reportedly set to transfer wingback Max Arfsten to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough for a $7.5 million transfer fee. Hull City of the English Premier League has reportedly reached an agreement with the Colorado Rapids to sign defender Lucas Herrington.

FIFA Abandons Plans to Sell Stakes in World Cup

On Friday, FIFA announced it will not proceed with plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private equity investors after facing significant backlash. FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal had received strong opposition from the UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC confederations. If the plan was to move forward, UEFA stated that all 55 of its members would boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups. According to reports, UEFA and Concacaf have questioned Infantino’s future leadership in FIFA, raising the possibility that he may face a challenger in the 2027 elections, while other associations such as Wales have reportedly withdrawn support for his re-election.

Meanwhile, UEFA has reportedly threatened legal action against FIFA over its recent proposal to sell off the World Cup.

Free Kicks

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/31/26

Yutaro Tsukada loaned to Rhode Island FC, Orlando Pride play the North Carolina Courage tonight, NWSL ends deal with Victory+, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

July 31, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s the final day of July, and I’m hoping that the Orlando Pride can close out the month on a positive note tonight. We also have both Orlando City and Orlando City B to look forward to Saturday night. Let’s jump right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Yutaro Tsukada Loaned to Rhode Island FC

Orlando City loaned forward Yutaro Tsukada to Rhode Island FC in the USL Championship for the remainder of the 2026 season. Selected by Orlando in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Tsukada signed a first-team contract that August after impressing with Orlando City B. Unfortunately, he missed all of last season due to a knee injury and has only made two appearances for the Lions this season. Hopefully, he can make the most of his playing time in Rhode Island.

Orlando Pride Visit North Carolina Courage Tonight

The Orlando Pride are on the road tonight for a game against the North Carolina Courage. Road wins have been hard to come by for Orlando this season, as the Pride have only won two games away from the City Beautiful this year. While the Pride have struggled when visiting WakeMed Soccer Park over the years, they did manage to draw 1-1 against the Courage there last year. Orlando generated plenty of opportunities in its 1-0 win over the Chicago Stars, and midfielder Haley McCutcheon spoke on how that’s a positive sign heading into this match.

“I think we can either look at our chances and not converting them as a frustration point, or we can look at it as confidence that we’re creating these chances,” she said. “We’ve taken it into this week as: okay, we’re creating, and now we just need that final piece. Especially without Barbra here, it gives other players an opportunity to step up and be the finisher.”

NWSL Terminates Agreement With Victory+

Starting on Sunday, all NWSL games that were scheduled to stream on Victory+ will instead be streamed for free on NWSL+ after the league terminated its media rights agreement with the broadcast partner. The multi-year agreement lasted less than a year and the termination is reportedly due in part to unfulfilled payments to the NWSL. You can check out games on NWSL+ through the league’s website or its app.

UEFA Agrees to Boycott FIFA Events

In response to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s scheme to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors, UEFA’s 55 member nations convened and agreed to boycott all FIFA competitions. Concacaf also released a statement rejecting Infantino’s proposal, expressing concern over the lack of due process and more. We’ll see where the dominoes fall from here, with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup set to take place in Poland starting on Sept. 5. While it’s tough seeing women’s soccer events at risk in this game of chicken, it’s nice to see that the confederations aren’t just shaking their heads while going along with the plans.

Free Kicks

  • Barbra Banda and Zambia will face off against Nigeria in Casablanca on Saturday in a critical Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match.
  • The Philadelphia Union transferred South African defender Olwethu Makhanya to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership for a reported $4.5 million fee. The 22-year-old has been with the Union for three years and was part of South Africa’s World Cup roster.
  • FC Cincinnati midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela was suspended for an additional game and fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for his violent conduct against the Columbus Crew on July 25. As a result, he’ll miss out on the match against Orlando City on Aug. 15.
  • Talks are reportedly taking place for American attacker Giovanni Reyna to move from Borussia Monchengladbach to Strasbourg in France.

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

Continue Reading

Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/30/26

Orlando City prepares for New York trip, Orlando Pride face the Courage on Friday, Pride support the community, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

July 30, 2026

By

Image of Zara Chavoshi playing for the Orlando Pride.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? All three of Orlando’s soccer teams are on the road this weekend, so be sure to plan accordingly to enjoy all of the action. Whether it’s in your comfiest armchair or at your favorite bar, it should be a nice time to watch some soccer and relax. Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you have a go-to food plan for watching the games. I usually take the easy road and grab a pizza on the way home, but I am looking to switch it up. Let’s get to the links!

Crepeau Stays Hot at MLS All-Star Game

Maxime Crepeau’s strong restart to league play continues. The Canadian international played 30 minutes with the MLS All-Star Team to close out the 2026 MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte on Wednesday. The defense in front of Orlando City’s starting goalkeeper was porous, as Crepeau finished with six saves (equaling the total saves by Matt Freese and Brian Schwake combined) and allowed one goal. MLS beat Liga MX 4-3. After shutting out San Jose and Nashville and then winning the Goalie Wars championship at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on Tuesday, he turned in a great All-Star Game performance capping an outstanding eight days for Crepeau.

Here are two of his saves:

Orlando City Rides Momentum to Road Match

The Lions are flying high after a pair of great wins last week, shutting out both the San Jose Earthquakes and Nashville SC. Orlando’s next match will be on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls in a rematch of the season opener, which New York won 2-1. Plenty has changed since then, with the most notable difference being the addition of Antoine Griezmann to Orlando’s lineup. Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman provided some insight on the team’s preparations for this match before the Leagues Cup begins next week.

Orlando Pride Get Ready for North Carolina

Following a 1-0 win at home, the Orlando Pride will aim to carry some momentum on the road for a match against the North Carolina Courage on Friday. They’ll face a North Carolina side that has lost its past three matches, scoring just once and conceding nine goals during that stretch. Hopefully, the Pride can also find the back of the net against the Courage while Barbra Banda is away on international duty. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team will need to capitalize on its opportunities in a tough environment on the road.

Orlando Pride Support Local Community

The Orlando Pride and Heart of Florida United Way announced that $7,000 was donated to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free support to those dealing with mental health challenges, emotional distress, and more. This was done as part of the club’s Assists for Good campaign that began this year, with the club donating $500 toward good causes in the community for each assist the Pride record this season. For the remainder of the season, Pride assists will result in donations to The Thanksgiving Project as well.

Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi is also making a difference in the local community. She was nominated for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award this year and detailed the work she does for Habitat for Humanity to build homes. I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity a few times and it was incredibly enriching work that I recommend at least looking into.

U.S. and Mauricio Pochettino Reportedly Near New Deal

An agreement is reportedly close to being reached between U.S. Soccer and Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino for him to stay on through the 2030 World Cup. While the U.S. won its first World Cup knockout game since 2002 this summer, the Yanks failed to make it past the round of 16 after a 4-1 loss to Belgium. Failing to win the 2025 Concacaf Nations League or 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup were other low points for the team under Pochettino, but a strong World Cup group stage performance and friendly wins over Japan, Uruguay, and Senegal showed some of the heights the U.S. could reach with him at the helm.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City B players Clovis Archange and Dylan Judelson both started and played the full 90 minutes in Canada’s match against Honduras at the Concacaf U-20 Championship. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Canada atop their group on four points through two of the three group-stage match days.
  • The Portland Timbers signed Dutch forward Vincent Janssen to a contract through the 2027-2028 season. The 32-year-old has spent the past four seasons with Royal Antwerp, recording 64 goals and 27 assists across all competitions with the Belgian club.
  • Liverpool is reportedly preparing a bid for French forward Bradley Bracola, who had 13 goals and seven assists with Paris Saint-Germain this past season.
  • Victor Gabriel was the player involved in the challenge that resulted in Gabriel Pec’s broken leg in Brazil’s Serie A and the defender has been suspended from playing until Pec returns to training. It’s an unorthodox punishment, but I think it’s fitting.
  • Roberto Mancini was once again hired as Italy’s head coach, even though he left the team to coach Saudi Arabia in 2023 the last time he was in charge. Surely retreading old ground is the right choice for a federation that hasn’t played a World Cup game in over a decade.
  • FIFA lodged three disciplinary charges of assault against Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, two against defender Nahuel Molina, and one against coach Roberto Ayala for their actions in the skirmish following the World Cup final.

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

Continue Reading

Trending