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Lion Links: 1/27/18

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7 years ago

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Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope that you all are having a great start to the weekend.

As the Lions are training up in Jacksonville, working on their game and their team bonding, the Pride have added a key piece to their defense helping solidify their dominant squad. There have been some great things happening this week and Friday did not disappoint either. Oh and if it helps, only five more Saturdays until Orlando City soccer returns, so get pumped!

On to the links!

The Cyle Larin Saga reaching its end?

Yesterday morning, there were multiple reports out of Turkey claiming that Orlando City and Besiktas had reached an agreement for a fee regarding Cyle Larin. Many of us were thinking, ‘yay the saga is over,’ however, not so fast! Shortly after these reports came out, Prosoccerusa.com quoted a team spokesman saying that the club had no deal in place with Besiktas and nothing was finalized. So, it would appear that the saga goes on for now, with a resolution coming soon, hopefully. Also, it appears that Cyle was taking in Besiktas’ game against Kasimpasa. He looks a little chilly to me.

MLS to Miami Shares Big Invite for Monday

MLS soccer appears to be returning to Miami with an official announcement coming Monday. The MLS movement to bring soccer back to Miami has been an ongoing discussion over the last few years with the bid being led by David Beckham. Guests such as MLS Commissioner Don Garber, David Beckham, and Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure are expected to be in attendance. Free tickets can be claimed on their new website, as this event will be a fun one to witness. I for one, am very excited for an in-state rival as it’ll give our fans a chance to show their true colors and develop a true, hardy rivalry.

Anonymous Group Forms to Save the Boston Breakers

It would appear that the Boston Breakers may not be dead after all. A report was released that a small group of anonymous local investors are attempting to band together and put forth the money in order to keep the club afloat and competitive. It came out earlier this week that the Breakers were going to fold due to financial difficulties, though no official announcement came from NWSL (there were various tweets claiming players and coaches were informed that the club would fold). NWSL was expected to announce the folding yesterday but this group of investors has prolonged the announcement for the time being. If the Breakers can stay afloat, it would really show the grit of the league and further prove its importance in women’s soccer. And it would allow the league to remain at 10 teams, so one team wouldn’t be off every weekend.

Anthony Precourt in Talks with Local Columbus Investors

The #SaveTheCrew movement has been weighing on many MLS fans’ minds. It was announced last season that the Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt had a clause in the purchase contract of the club which stated the team could be moved to Austin, TX. Since the Crew’s playoff run, it’s been assumed by most that the club is pulling up stakes and moving to Texas after the 2018 season. Some players, such as Ola Kamara and Justin Meram began asking for trades ahead of the move after this season. It was reported yesterday that Precourt was talking with various investors about the club, taking positive steps toward keep the club in Columbus and one potential Austin stadium site is now off the table. Here’s to hoping that the Crew can continue playing in Columbus!

Gregg Berhalter Should be in the USMNT Coach Conversation

Continuing on the Columbus Crew train, Sam Stejskal with MLS soccer and a writer with FourFourTwo, wrote a story about how Gregg Berhalter, the manager of Columbus Crew, should be considered for the USMNT coaching job when the USSF holds its election and narrows down its coaching search. Stejskal writes that out of all the managers in MLS, Berhalter has some of the best experience with coaching and playing in the top league in soccer. He currently sits as the manager and technical director of the Columbus Crew. Berhalter has expressed interest in the job but feels he isn’t ready to take that step yet.

Berhalter seems like he’d be a solid choice to help U.S. Soccer fix some of its problems in boys’ youth development. Through working in MLS and observing U.S. Soccer (where, it should be noted, his brother, Jay, is a high-powered executive), Berhalter likely has an idea of where some of the holes are and has an idea of how he’d like to correct them. At the same time, he’s not in too deep. He didn’t work to build the current system, and I doubt he’d have any compunction about making necessary changes.

-Sam Stejskal

Berhalter is one of several MLS coaches that will be considered when it comes time to choose a skipper for the USMNT, but I would argue an underrated choice. Berhalter could be just what the national team needs to reboot itself and climb out of the massive hole that U.S. Men’s Soccer is currently in.

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  • Semi-professional Soccer is coming to Lincoln, NE! Bugeaters FC (I’m not joking with that name) will be starting league play in April, joining the United Premier Soccer League for this upcoming season. They held a small launch party with 100 supporters in attendance.

  • Carlos Carmona’s time at Atlanta United has come to an end as the Chilean will return to Chile so he can be closer to his family. This rumor has been around for a few weeks but some details of the impending transfer have surfaced via Sam Stejskal. This could be a sizable hit to Atlanta’s defensive efforts as Carmona was a key piece for them.
  • Mlsoccer.com named a list of five players with a new opportunity next season. Players on the list include Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Marlon Hairston (Colorado Rapids), Nouhou (Seattle Sounders), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes), and former Orlando City player Carlos Rivas (New York Red Bulls). On the list of “Honorable mentions” is Orlando City player Dillon Powers, along with Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers) and Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas).
  • The U-20 USWNT has made the U-20 World Cup which will be held in France later this year. The Yanks blew a 1-0 lead to the 10-player Haitians in stoppage but then edged them out in penalties, winning the shootout, 3-0, and bringing the team back to the U-20 World Cup.

This week for my positive media of the week, I share Will Johnson’s comments on the upcoming season for Orlando City. He says a lot of positive things about the team coming into camp and really displays his passion for this team. Please give it a watch regardless of your feelings for Johnson. It’s a good watch for sure!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/25/25

Orlando City gets ready for Atlanta United, Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira promoted, NWSL MVP candidates, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 25, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! Today starts three straight days of Orlando soccer to enjoy, so make sure to plan your weekend accordingly. It was a fairly fast week for me, and I was able to read three books somehow. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a very happy 21st birthday to Orlando City winger Nicolas Rodriguez!

Orlando City Gets Ready for Rivalry Match

The Lions are back in action Saturday night against rival Atlanta United in what should be one of the more interesting matchups of the weekend. Both teams are looking for answers on offense heading into this match, as Orlando is coming off of three straight scoreless draws and Atlanta hasn’t won since March. Taking on a rival at home could be just what’s needed for the Lions to jumpstart their attack and return to the form they had earlier this season. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how it’s an important game to win for Orlando, as well as how the offense needs to exercise some calmness to finish its chances.

Orlando City Promotes Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira

Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira were both promoted by Orlando City, with Moreira taking over as the club’s general manager and sporting director and Muzzi becoming senior advisor to ownership, global soccer ventures. It’s a natural step up for Moreira, who joined the club in 2018 and has helped build a competitive roster that’s made the playoffs for the past five seasons. Muzzi’s new role is a bit of a mouthful, but he’ll be taking on an advisory role focused on the growth of the club while working closely with ownership.

“I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Orlando City Soccer Club’s EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager for seven seasons, and I am excited to continue my journey with the club in this new role,” said Luiz Muzzi. “I look forward to working alongside the Wilf family and the leadership team to help shape the future of the club and its continued success, both on and off the field, and I know Orlando City’s Soccer Operations will be in great hands under Ricardo’s leadership.”

Orlando Pride Players in the NWSL MVP Hunt

Now that we’re over a month into the NWSL season, ESPN‘s Jeff Kassouf highlighted the league’s early MVP candidates, and there are a couple of familiar faces in his rankings. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda is predictably in the mix in sixth on the list, as she has three goals and an assist to her name so far. But a surprise inclusion is midfielder Haley McCutcheon, who has impressed on both sides of the ball to earn ninth place in the rankings. While I think the MVP race will ultimately be between scorers like Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Ashley Hatch, and Debinha, it’s pretty great to see McCutcheon receive deserved praise for her performance this year.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The transfer deadline may be over for MLS clubs, but deals that crossed the finish line are still coming in. The Columbus Crew added yet another forward by sending up to $1.2 million to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for Aliyu Ibrahim. The 23-year-old will maintain his U22 Initiative Player status in Columbus and recorded 12 goals and nine assists across 90 appearances for Houston. LAFC signed 26-year-old midfielder Ryan Raposo, who spent the past five seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps and was a free agent this year. St. Louis City also made things official with Simon Becher by making his loan move a permanent one so that he stays with the club.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. Mother’s Day is less than a month away, just as a warning. If the mothers in your life like romance books and you’re looking for a gift, I can’t recommend The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center enough. Have a great Friday!

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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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2 days 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: 4/23/25

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

Published

3 days 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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