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Lion Links: 8/10/18

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8 years ago

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What’s up, Mane Landers? It’s Friday, so congratulations on making it to the best day of the work week. We’re another day closer to a weekend of soccer with the Orlando Pride playing tomorrow night here in the City Beautiful and Orlando City traveling to the nation’s capital to take on D.C. United on Sunday night. But until we can cheer them on, we have to get through one more day and what better way to start that day than with some links?

Orlando City Head Coach Teases Possible Additions

The Major League Soccer secondary transfer window ended quietly for Orlando City fans. The signing of center back Shane O’Neill and the trade that sent Justin Meram back to Columbus were the only moves made. However, Head Coach James O’Connor has made comments hinting that some new players may be joining the Lions as they try to make a push for the playoffs.

“We’ll just have to see. The window is shut, but it’s still open in regards to players that are free, …[Wednesday] Niki worked really hard on a couple of things. I think there was one that didn’t come through. There’s still a couple of things that we’re looking at. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

It’s far from certain that acquisitions are on the way, but O’Connor also stated that the front office worked hard and late to explore all options to help the team’s glaring needs at the striker position and in the back line. We will have to wait to see if those efforts bear fruit before the rosters freeze on Sept. 14.

O’Connor Impressed With Offensive Performances

It’s no secret that Orlando City has given up the most goals in MLS, but it’s what the team is doing on the other end of the pitch that has O’Connor smiling. For only the second time in the club’s MLS history, the Lions have scored at least three goals in back-to-back games, although one of those goals was an own goal. The increase in offensive production has been encouraging, but O’Connor is ready to turn good performances into points.

Orlando Pride Enter Playoff Mode With Big Matches Looming

Currently in third place in the National Women’s Soccer League, the Pride only have four games left in the regular season to hold on to their playoff spot. With the stakes high and the playoff race tighter than any season before, the Pride are looking at every game as if a win was necessary. Tomorrow night, the Pride will welcome the fourth-place Portland Thorns to Orlando City Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET in perhaps the biggest game of the year for both teams with only one point separating them. The winner of that match will likely get some breathing room, while the loser will have to scramble to stay in the playoff picture with the Chicago Red Stars and Utah Royals FC not far behind.

“We’re definitely fighting each game and we know we need to come out on top with a win,” defender Alanna Kennedy said. “Every game is do or die for us at the moment. They are all must-win games.”

Sydney Leroux Out for Tomorrow Night

The Pride will have to find a way to defeat the Thorns without the help from veteran striker Sydney Leroux as she continues to deal with an undisclosed illness that has sidelined her since July 31. The team’s leading scorer with six goals this season, Leroux will be missed in the Pride’s attack, but the offense will not be too lacking in options with superstars like Marta and Alex Morgan and a great supporting cast with players like Chioma Ubogagu and Rachel Hill. Leroux is anticipated to return next week when the Pride travel to face the North Carolina Courage on Aug. 18. Get well soon, Syd!

Orlando City Hires New Director of Fitness

Isaac Ramos was hired as OCSC’s new First Team Director of Fitness to help the Lions stay healthy as they fight to make the playoffs. The former Venezuelan player has worked extensively in South America, serving on the staff of some of the best teams in Venezuela, Paraguay, and Bolivia. His addition should help stymie the fitness issues that have plagued the Lions in the past, although obviously not all of Orlando’s injury woes could have been prevented by a better fitness plan. This addition also comes with the club parting ways with Dave McKay, who has been with the team since 2015.

Kaká Returns to AC Milan

One of the four faces on Orlando City’s metaphorical Mount Rushmore, Brazilian legend and former Lion Kaká will be returning to the club where he won his Ballon d’Or. Not yet a year since retiring from Orlando and his playing career, Kaká will head to AC Milan next month to become a director. Although the specifics of his role are unclear at this time, Kaká will learn the ropes of the position from fellow AC Milan alumni Leonardo and Paolo Maldini.

Free Kicks

  • After a loss to Japan earlier this week in the U-20 Women’s World Cup, the U.S. responded with an incredible 6-0 win over Paraguay in the second of three group matches. Midfielder Savannah DeMelo scored a hat trick, phenom Sophia Smith netted a brace and an assist, and forward Ashley Sanchez added a goal of her own. Smith, who is celebrating her 18th birthday today, stole the show with a great strike and fancy footwork.
  • Pride forward Chioma Ubogagu was featured in the NWSL’s three moments from the past week of play for her nutmeg to find space and whip a ball in the box.
  • Columbus Crew Head Coach Gregg Berhalter believes that Justin Meram will have a smooth transition back into the Crew’s offense.
  • Seattle Sounders forward Will Bruin won MLS Goal of the Week for his stoppage-time winner against Minnesota United. Coming off the bench, Bruin was able to get on the end of a beautiful headed pass into space by Raul Ruidiaz to chip the ball over a rushing Bobby Shuttleworth to find the back of the net.
  • The Chicago Fire waived both defender Kevin Ellis and midfielder Tony Tchani. Orlando fans may remember Ellis from his five appearances while on loan with the Lions in the USL.

That’s all from me folks! I wish you a great Friday and an even greater weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/21/26

Takeaways from MLS matchday eight, USWNT stock watch, transfer rumor roundup, and more.

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51 minutes ago

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April 21, 2026

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Image of Ignacio Gomez making his MLS debut with Orlando City vs. Houston.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. It was a frustrating weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as Orlando City lost a close game to the Houston Dynamo, and Orlando City B blew a two-goal lead against Carolina Core FC, and had to settle for the two points that come with a shootout victory after a draw. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint), OCSC will have a chance to get right back on the horse when Charlotte FC comes to town on Wednesday. We’ve got lots to talk about this morning, so let’s have a look at the links.

MLS Matchday Eight Takeaways

Major League Soccer’s eighth round of matches is in the books, and there are plenty of talking points to go over. The San Jose Earthquakes ended the weekend on an emphatic note by dismantling LAFC 4-1 on the road, adding to an impressive list of scalps that also includes the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC. They’re tied with Vancouver atop the Western Conference and continue to look like one of the league’s best teams. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC, Orlando City’s next opponent, kept things organized in a 4-4-2 block and scored from two of its three shots on goal to take down NYCFC 2-1. That result puts the club in third place in the Eastern Conference.

USWNT Stock Watch

The United States Women’s National Team wrapped up its three game slate against Japan over the weekend, so let’s check in on how the matches affected the standing of several players. Lindsey Heaps was name-dropped by Emma Hayes as having had a great run of three matches, while 20-year-old Claire Hutton wore the captain’s armband during the series and looked far more poised and ready than one would expect given her age. At the opposite end of the spectrum, winger Emma Sears struggled to make an impact in the final third, and while her speed makes her a tempting option to have in the squad, the depth at her position means she’s always going to face a battle for a place.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The summer transfer window will be here before we know it, and that means the rumors are already flying thick and fast. We begin with Arsenal, which is said to be interested in signing Julian Alvarez this summer, but will likely face competition from Barcelona. Speaking of Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta has reportedly held talks with Robert Lewandowski about extending his stay with the team, while the Chicago Fire also interested and reportedly having submitted a bid to the striker’s representatives. Liverpool is said to be ready to spend in excess of  €100 million to sign Red Bull Leipzig forward Yan Diomande as a replacement for the outgoing Mohamed Salah. Finally, center backs Hiroki Ito and Min-Jae-Kim could both reportedly leave Bayern Munich this summer if interested teams are willing to meet the German club’s valuations of them.

Jonathan Klinsmann Suffers Broken Neck

American goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a broken neck while playing for Serie B side Cesena on Saturday. The son of former United States Men’s National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann, the shot stopper was stretchered off the field after colliding with a Palermo player and was diagnosed with a fractured first cervical vertebra after being taken to the hospital. Klinsmann confirmed on social media that his season is over, which will leave him unavailable for Cesena’s promotion push. The team is currently eighth in the second division, which is the final playoff promotion spot.

Free Kicks

That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/20/26

Lions fall to Houston Dynamo, OCB draws Carolina Core, Pride players on international duty, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 20, 2026

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Image of the starting XI from OCB's home match against Carolina Core FC.
Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Justin Glatt

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work. Let’s wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando City defender Iago, who turned 21 Saturday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Lose to Houston Dynamo at Home

Orlando City fell 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. After a scoreless first half, Hector Herrera’s goal in the second half was enough for the visitors to walk out of Orlando with a win on the road. Despite conceding one goal, the Lions put up a better defensive performance, but the attack was hardly a threat and Orlando couldn’t score a late equalizer. With that result, Orlando City drops to last in the MLS table with four points through eight matches. It will be another busy week for the Lions, taking on Charlotte FC Wednesday at home before traveling to face D.C. United Saturday at Audi Field.

Orlando City Hires Sebastian Setti as Interim Assistant Coach

Orlando City announced Friday that the club has hired Sebastian Setti as interim assistant coach, adding to Martin Perelman’s interim technical staff. Setti was previously an assistant coach with Club Necaxa in Liga MX in 2025. He was also an assistant coach with K.M.S.K. Deinze in Belgium in 2024 and with CF Montreal in 2023, and he led CD Laudio in Spain from 2018 to 2021.

OCB Wins Penalty Shootout After 2-2 Draw vs. Carolina Core

Orlando City B drew Carolina Core 2-2 at Osceola County Stadium Sunday after throwing away a 2-0 lead in the second half. Gustavo Caraballo converted a penalty kick to give the Young Lions the early lead in the first half. Pedro Leao added a goal to make it 2-0 just before halftime. However, in the second half, Carolina rallied and scored two goals in three minutes to tie the match, with the second coming off a mistake by goalkeeper Tristan Himes. OCB won the penalty shootout 6-5 to earn a second point. After six matches, the Young Lions are eighth in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 10 points. OCB will be on the road against Chicago Fire II Sunday at SeatGeek Stadium.

Pride Players on International Duty

Multiple Pride players were in action for their national teams over the weekend, bringing the international break to a close. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda scored a goal for Zambia in a 1-1 draw against South Korea in a friendly. Midfielder Angelina came off the bench for Brazil in the second half in a 1-0 win over Canada, also in friendly competition. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was on the bench as England beat Iceland 1-0 in a UEFA World Cup qualifying match. Forward Solai Washington started for the Reggae Girlz, as Jamaica defeated Guyana 2-0 in a 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifier match.

USWNT Bounces Back to Win Third Friendly vs. Japan

The U.S Women’s National Team rebounded from a 1-0 loss with a 3-0 win against Japan Friday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO. After a scoreless first half, Naomi Girma scored the opening goal in the second half. Rose Lavelle extended the Yanks’ lead 2-0, and Kennedy Wesley scored her first international goal to put it away. The USWNT closed out the April international window by winning two of three matches against Japan.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Daryl Dike scored his first EFL Championship goal since May 2025 in the second half as West Bromwich Albion defeated Preston North End 2-0 Saturday.
  • Former OCB forward Shak Mohammed scored his first goal in Major League Soccer for Nashville SC Saturday.

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

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Lion Links: 4/17/26

Caitlin Carducci settling in with the Orlando Pride, Seven Castain scores for U.S. U-23 team, Alex Freeman adjusting in Spain, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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April 17, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

Happy Friday! My mood is still buoyed by Orlando City’s midweek win as we get ready for another weekend filled with soccer. The USWNT plays tonight, the Lions are in action on Saturday, and Orlando City B will wrap things up with a match against Carolina Core FC on Sunday. It should be a nice next few days and I’m looking forward to trying out a new brunch spot near me as well. Let’s get to the links!

Caitlin Carducci Builds Orlando Pride Foundation

Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Caitlin Carducci has been with the team for a few months since being hired in January and is starting to settle in with the club. It’s a different role than the one she had with the Kansas City Current, as she’s making more final decisions here in Orlando. Carducci discussed her focus on building relationships with each player early on, the hiring of Mark Wilson as the club’s technical director, and how she’s creating a solid infrastructure for the club’s operations.

Seven Castain Scores Winner for U.S. U-23 Team

The United States U-23 Women’s National Team wrapped up its trio of friendlies in Spain with a 4-3 win over France. Orlando Pride forward Seven Castain came off the bench and scored the winner for the U.S. in stoppage time. Fellow Pride player Ally Lemos started the match. The U.S. went undefeated over the course of these friendlies, previously drawing against France and Denmark. The Pride had plenty of representation during these games, with Castain, Lemos, Simone Jackson, and Yolanda Thomas all in Europe during the break.

Alex Freeman Finding His Footing in Spain

Former Orlando City defender Alex Freeman, who was transferred to Villarreal earlier this year, spoke on how he aims to improve from this move to Europe.

“Football-wise, this is one of the things I need in my game. I need to take it up a notch and be more technical. It’s something that, if I had to choose a club, I would choose this club in this country because it’s somewhere where I can take my next step,” he says. “It was always the right move for me. I needed to go, not only to prove myself, because I have done that in the past, but to really test myself. I want to show that I am able to do it and be in that environment.”

Along with the language barrier, Freeman detailed how he’s adjusting to the faster pace of the game in Villarreal. The 21-year-old also talked about how sudden the transfer was, his goals this La Liga season, and the warm welcome he’s gotten so far.

USWNT Takes On Japan Tonight

The USWNT will host Japan tonight in Denver in the third match between the two this month. It will be interesting to see how the USWNT responds after losing 1-0 to Japan on Tuesday, particularly in regards to which players Head Coach Emma Hayes chooses for the starting lineup. Japan is a tough opponent that should continue to test the U.S. as both teams prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s next U.S. Open Cup match will be on April 29 against the New England Revolution. The match will take place in Rhode Island at Centreville Bank Stadium, which is where the Revs just played Rhode Island FC
  • Bernardo Silva announced that he will leave Manchester City this summer after nine years with the club. It’s unclear where he will play next, but I wouldn’t be surprised if New York City FC is in the mix.
  • Barcelona filed another complaint to UEFA over the officiating in its Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid. If recent events are anything to go by, it’s going to be awkward when the confederation rules Barcelona as the victor two months after the final.
  • Amid reports that FC Cincinnati was exploring options to add Neymar this summer, the 34-year-old forward stated that he intends to see through his contract with Santos until it expires at the end of the year.
  • New Zealand forward Chris Wood exited Nottingham Forest’s Europa League quarterfinal against Porto due to a knee injury, putting his availability for the World Cup into question.
  • The Europa League semifinals are set and Forest will take on Aston Villa in an English showdown for a spot in the final. On the other side of the bracket, Freiburg will play against Braga.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo exited Al Nassr’s 1-0 win over Al Ettifaq due to stomach pains that later caused him to vomit according to his head coach.

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

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