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Lion Links: 7/29/18

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Happy match day, everyone. Orlando City will visit the LA Galaxy tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET in what will hopefully be an end to a seven-game road losing streak that should have ended last Saturday night in Columbus. The interference of a vengeful spirit prohibited that, but hopefully things will go better in California. The Lions have never won in that state but the suffering has to end some time and I don’t like to put these things off.

In other words, get dumped, Galaxy.

The USWNT is also in action tonight, with Alex Morgan and company squaring off with Australia — last year’s Tournament of Nations winner. The Yanks lost to the Matildas in this ToN fixture in 2017 and that allowed the Aussies to take the inaugural competition. The United States must improve upon an uneven performance in Thursday’s opener against Japan if the Stars & Stripes are to dethrone the defending champs.

We’ll have more coverage of Orlando City at LA and the U.S. vs. Australia throughout the day. So, let’s get to the links.

Yoshi Speaks on World Cup Experience, Orlando City

Orlando City midfielder Yoshimar Yotún spoke with The Inscriber Magazine’s Dean Perretta and discussed his experiences at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Peru, playing under Ricardo Gareca, and how he likes playing his club soccer with Orlando City. He had some nice things to say about how his game days at home have been since joining the Lions.

It’s great, it’s a new and beautiful stadium that’s always packed. Most people only get to see the pitch and the stands, but the pre-game organization from entering into the locker room, to walking down through the tunnel is something incredible. These are beautiful moments that I am experiencing here in Orlando City and I would love to keep living these experiences that the Club has brought me.

Earl Talks About Finally Getting His Opportunity

There aren’t many original Lions left from the club’s inaugural MLS roster. Earl Edwards Jr. is one of only two — Cristian Higuita is the other — and he’s had a long wait to get his chance in MLS. Lately, James O’Connor has turned to the Landlord and he’s been able to come up big against the likes of Sebastian Giovinco and Maxi Moralez. Earl spoke with another former Orlando City goalkeeper, Miguel Gallardo, on a number of topics. My favorite bit was when he talks about his favorite part of playing goalkeeper, which is at odds with Miggy’s opinion on the subject. Enjoy the video below.

Alex Morgan Approaches 100-Goal Mark

Orlando Pride striker Alex Morgan scored her fourth career hat trick with the USWNT in Thursday’s 4-2 win over Japan. Morgan now sits on 89 career goals and is poised to become the third youngest player ever to reach 100 for the USWNT if she maintains her torrid pace. And she could do it in the fewest caps. Mia Hamm reached 100 goals at age 26 and Abby Wambach hit the mark just after turning 29. Just think where Morgan would be if not for some injury issues throughout her career.

Morgan has scored 16 times in her last 16 international matches and is third on the USWNT’s all-time list for braces, with 20. Only six players to date — Wambach, Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Michelle Akers, Tiffeny Milbrett and Carli Lloyd — have reached the century mark with the U.S. and only Wambach (37) and Hamm (28) have more braces. She is fourth on the USWNT’s all-time multi-goal game list, with 23, behind Wambach (45), Hamm (38), and Akers (25). The 29-year-old has been on fire for her country and if that continues, she will help propel the Yanks into the 2019 FIFA World Cup later this year.

Sky Blue at Chicago Red Stars Postponed Due to Flight Cancelation

This one seems like a new one to me. Saturday’s scheduled NWSL match between Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars had to be postponed due to the New Jersey club’s flight being canceled on Friday. The league announced that there were no available options to get Sky Blue there on time to adequately and safely prepare for the match. It was the lone game scheduled in the league during the ongoing Tournament of Nations and would have given winless Sky Blue an opportunity to face Chicago without Sam Kerr and Julie Ertz — although SBFC would also have been without Carli Lloyd. Sky Blue is 0-13-3 and trying to avoid a winless NWSL season. The match could also have an effect on the Red Stars’ playoff chase.

Free Kicks

  • Pride defender Toni Pressley had a near miss with a knife on Saturday morning while making breakfast. Thankfully, she only lost a bit of fingernail. Be safe out there, Toni!

  • The next time you complain about your team’s kit or shirt sponsor, just remember, at least they don’t look like weiners.
  • The All Abilities Soccer Camp in Georgia is doing good work by giving special needs children an opportunity to learn the game and have fun doing it.
  • The late Carrie Fisher will appear in Star Wars Episode IX via footage that was already shot for The Force Awakens. I’m sure it will get real dusty in the theater for Princess Leia’s last ride.
  • Those born on this date include REO Speedwagon keyboardist Neal Doughty (1946), actress Leslie Easterbrook (1949) from the Police Academy movies, documentary maker Ken Burns (1953), Rush bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee (1953), E Street Band member Patti Scialfa (1954), and actor and nerd hero Wil Wheaton (1972).

That’s all my time for today, folks. Please check back with The Mane Land throughout the day for full coverage of the USWNT and Orlando City matches.

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.

Free Kicks


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.

Free Kicks


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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