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Lion Links: 8/3/18

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7 years ago

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What’s up, Mane Landers? The Tournament of Nations has come to a close and attention now turns to this weekend’s action, with both Orlando City and the Pride playing here in Orlando. Both teams will be looking to get results at Orlando City Stadium as their seasons head into the home stretch. It should be a great next couple of days, so let’s kick them off with some links!

Justin Meram Reportedly Headed Back to Columbus

Reports came out yesterday that Justin Meram will be traded back to the Columbus Crew after just six months with Orlando City. Sam Stejskal of mlssoccer.com writes that the Crew would send $750,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and a 2019 international slot to Orlando for Meram after already selling him to the Lions earlier this January for $1.05 million in combined allocation money. Essentially, the Lions paid $300,00 for six months of service from Meram. In that time, Meram had only scored one goal apiece in MLS and the U.S. Open Cup, and could not seem to find his form in Orlando. The Lions and the Crew will meet later this season in Orlando City’s last regular season home game, with Meram possibly on the opposing side.

Orlando City Hires Assistant Coach

Sean McAuley has joined Orlando City’s coaching staff after seven seasons as the assistant coach for the Portland Timbers. This isn’t the first meeting between McAuley and Orlando City Head Coach James O’Connor as McAuley actually coached O’Connor when he was a player for Sheffield Wednesday from 2008-2011. Part of the staff that won the Timbers the MLS Cup in 2015, the 47-year-old assistant coach hopes to bring a winning attitude to Orlando when he joins the Lions some time next week.

USWNT Wins 2018 Tournament of Nations

The United States Women’s National Team has won the Tournament of Nations after beating Brazil, 4-1, to edge out Australia by goal differential. Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan finished as the top scorer of the tournament, with four goals in three games. Morgan’s last goal was the last of the competition as she got on the end of a set piece cross by Megan Rapinoe to put the USWNT comfortably up by three goals. There was a little scare late in the game when Morgan had to be taken off the field after what looked like an ankle issue, but it doesn’t seem serious as she was seen celebrating fine after the victory.

For Brazil, Marta and Monica both started while Poliana and Camila came off the bench but the Brazilians were unable to upset the Yanks, with Brazil’s lone goal coming from an own goal by the U.S.

In the earlier game between Australia and Japan, the Matildas scored twice in the second half to win 2-0 and finish second in the tournament. Pride defender Alanna Kennedy scored the first goal for Australia with a perfect free kick that snuck into the bottom left corner of the goal. Sam Kerr scored to secure the win and although they did not win the tournament, the Matildas exit unbeaten with their heads held high.

Niki Budalic Assesses Orlando City Transfer Plans

With the summer transfer window ending on Aug. 8, Orlando City General Manager Niki Budalic fielded questions in regard to the Lions’ transfer plans. So far, the Lions have only added center back Shane O’Neill to the squad while the team has lost 12 of its 13 games. The hiring of James O’Connor came at an inopportune time as he tries to evaluate his players and identify areas that need improvement while the transfer deadline looms. Regardless of the complications from a new coaching hire, Budalic is optimistic that the Lions will straighten things out, even if that means not bolstering the squad and just getting more out of the players already on the team.

United States Men’s National Team Schedules October Friendly

The USMNT’s slate of games this fall just got even more enticing with a friendly scheduled against Colombia on Oct. 11 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Colombia is the fifth of an expected six opponents that the Yanks will face off against before 2018 ends, joining heavyweight teams like Brazil and England. The last time the U.S. played against Colombia was in the Copa America Centenario in 2016, when the U.S. lost two times against its South American foes.

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  • With a tough stretch of games ahead as the NWSL season’s end nears, Orlando Pride defender Toni Pressley believes the Pride will rise to the pressure and are ready to get back on the field this Sunday against Sky Blue FC.

  • Ex-Orlando City striker Cyle Larin has kicked off his 2018 campaign with Turkish club Besiktas on the right foot, scoring a hat trick in a 6-0 win against a B36 Torshavn of the Faroe Islands. Congratulations to Cyle as he leads his team into the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
  • The Orlando SeaWolves of the Major Arena Soccer League have added a third former Lion to their squad by signing defender Tyler Turner. The 22-year-old joins Lewis Neal and Johnny Mendoza as former Orlando players to become SeaWolves.
  • Speaking of past members of Orlando City on the move, former Orlando Vice President of Soccer Operations Paul McDonough is headed to Miami to help David Beckham with his still unnamed new MLS team. Jumping from Orlando to Atlanta and now to Miami, it is nice to see that one of the league’s top executives is dedicated to making the south a popular place for soccer. Congrats, Paul!
  • James O’Connor’s old team has found a new head coach as Louisville FC has appointed John Hackworth to take over.
  • 17-year-old Alphonso Davies has won MLS Goal of the Week for his strike against Minnesota United in the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-2 victory over the Loons. Davies’ well-placed shot was only overshadowed by his footwork as he sent a defender the wrong way with a beautiful cutback.
  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic was rightfully named MLS Player of the Week for his hat trick against Orlando last Sunday night. Although it is a sour feeling losing to Zlatan and the LA Galaxy 4-3, there is a small comfort that comes knowing it took an incredible performance by one of the league’s best players to defeat the Lions.
  • Regarding the other team in Los Angeles, LAFC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye will miss the remainder of the 2018 season.

  • Reports have surfaced about the future of Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal throughout yesterday, with a move to Barcelona being a “done deal”.
  • We end our links with a little remix put together by our past contributor and current Orlando City writer Austin David about how Dom Dwyer is feeling. Our managing editor told him to give it a beat and Austin ran with it.

That’s all from me, folks. Make sure to check back in later today for more coverage of soccer here in the City Beautiful. Vamos Orlando!

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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.

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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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