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Lion Links: 7/26/18

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What’s going on, Mane Landers? It’s game day against rival New York City FC as the Lions are coming off of a seventh straight road loss in MLS but come back home to Orlando City Stadium. Also, some training updates from yesterday as well as other news around Orlando, MLS, and more. Let’s get right into the links for today.

Justin Meram Training With Eddie Johnson

As the bizarre story builds regarding Justin Meram’s future with the Lions, it was confirmed that he has been training with former USMNT forward Eddie Johnson. Johnson posted this video on Instagram as he was with Meram at Free Kick Orlando.

I’ve always admired @justinmeram as player and what he’s done for @mls and what he’s done at the international level for his country Iraq soccer in a America. From competing against each other during my playing days to now helping each other learn grow and get better in this game is such a humbling feeling working with him today and I don’t take it for granted. Great player but a even greater person. He told me to fatigue him so he can work on his first touch receiving and moving away from pressure so I gave him one of my newest exercises that catered to those needs and you can see he is sharp as hell. Wish this man continued success and blessings and any team that gets his services still only 29 in his prime are blessed with so much futbol left in his tank. His best years are still to come #productofmyenvironment #trainlikeapro #protraining #lovewhatyoudo #dowhatyoulove #positivevibes #positiveliving #hardworkdedication #youareyourenvironment @freekickcenter

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Meram has not been in the game day squad for the last three matches and last played in the 4-1 loss to LAFC. Trade reports have also surfaced over the last week with rumors of Meram moving back to Columbus Crew SC or FC Cincinnati. Meram has had arguably his worst MLS season to date, with only one goal and two assists across 17 MLS matches. Orlando has not commented on Meram missing training.

Orlando City Hosts NYCFC In Mid-Week Duel

After a rough loss to Columbus Crew SC, which involved a questionable penalty and a blown lead, the Lions come home for the first time since July 14 to host their expansion rivals from the north, New York City FC. Orlando City has lost three straight matches against NYCFC, including a 2-0 and 3-0 loss this season. Cyle Larin, oh how we love when he’s brought up, scored all of the Lions’ goals in the series in 2017, so no player other than Larin has scored against NYCFC since 2016, per this nugget from our managing editor.

“The biggest thing for us is making sure we’re prepared. [New York City] are having a fantastic season, very strong team,” Lions head coach James O’Connor said. “We need to reinforce some of the positives we saw in Columbus, try to make sure there’s a good understanding of what we’re trying to do and then there’s a few things we need to be a little bit sharper on. We’ve got a group of guys that are open to growth, and that’s what we’re looking for. We want to make sure that we get good understanding of what we’re trying to achieve, and that we bring the same level of intensity that we did in Columbus.”

The match is huge for both clubs, as the Citizens are trying to keep pace with Eastern Conference leaders Atlanta United, while the Lions are six points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The match begins at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Stay tuned to TML for full coverage.

USWNT Begins Tournament of Nations Against Japan

As the Lions play the Citizens, the USWNT will be playing Japan in Kansas City tonight to kick off the Tournament of Nations. The tournament, which includes the USWNT, Australia, Brazil, and Japan, starts tonight and ends on Aug. 2. The competition will allow the USWNT to get prepared for the Concacaf Women’s Championship later this year. Head Coach Jill Ellis named 23 players for training including Orlando Pride’s Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan. The most recent meeting between the USWNT and Japan came at last year’s Tournament of Nations with the U.S. coming out victorious, 3-0. The match starts at 7 p.m ET on FS1. We’ll have more on this match later, as well.

Phoenix Rising Officials Discuss Expansion with MLS

As expansion teams continue to flood MLS, USL side Phoenix Rising FC requested and held a meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott. The club has been in pursuit of rights to an MLS expansion team. Phoenix had plenty to tell MLS, with one of the major issues pertaining to playable conditions in Arizona during the MLS season, but the league was impressed with the turnout against Seattle Sounders 2 last week. If Phoenix was added to MLS, the club would be the 28th team to be added to the ever-growing league.

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  • MLS has a new version of its app and here is everything you need to know about it.
  • Eloi Amagat signed with NYCFC as a free agent on Wednesday.
  • FC Dallas signed its 23rd Homegrown player in 17-year-old Thomas Roberts.
  • Ashanti will perform the National Anthem at MLS All-Star Game in Atlanta in place of T-Pain.
  • Did Putin give President Trump a soccer ball with a transmitter chip inside?

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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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

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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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

Lion Links: 4/23/25

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

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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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