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Lion Links: 12/6/18

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6 years ago

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Happy Thursday, everyone. While this week seemed to be a bit quiet, things picked up yesterday, which shows you how quickly things can change.

Next week should be a busy time, with the half-day trade window on Sunday, the Expansion Draft and start of free agency on Tuesday, the Waiver Draft on Wednesday, Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft on Friday afternoon, and the SeaWolves hosting defending champion Baltimore on Friday night.

But before we get to all of those events, let’s check in on the top stories at this hour.

Orlando City Reportedly Hiring Luiz Muzzi as GM

The Lions might not be without a general manager for long. Just days after parting ways with Niki Budalic, Orlando City is reportedly close to hiring Luiz Muzzi. The 49-year-old has served as FC Dallas vice president of soccer operations since September and has previously worked closely with former FC Dallas Technical Director Fernando Clavijo. Muzzi has been with Dallas since 2012 and is currently responsible for overseeing all aspects of player personnel, scouting and team administration. His experience in MLS and the fact that he’s Brazilian makes Muzzi a terrific candidate for the job and he’d fill the criteria I listed in addressing Orlando City’s biggest priority.

Ideally the hire should be someone with previous GM experience and a wide knowledge of both Major League Soccer’s rules and the worldwide talent pool.

Lions Linked with Brazilian Attacking Player

Speaking of the worldwide talent pool and Brazilians in general, Orlando was reportedly in the mix to sign Vasco da Gama midfielder and right back Yago Pikachu. The speedy, shifty, and smallish attacker won’t likely be coming to Orlando, however, per our source with knowledge of the situation. It’s unfortunate that Pikachu won’t be joining Yoshi in Orlando so that we can make all of the video game jokes, but a new contract for the 26-year-old drove up his price and the Lions have little flexibility at the top end of the roster. Expect mainly mid- to low-end roster moves this off-season unless Orlando can shed one of the bigger contracts.

Orlando Pride Players Make Top Footballers List

The Guardian is putting together a list of the top 100 women footballers in the world and releasing them in chunks. A couple of Orlando Pride and Australia stars are side-by-side on the list so far, as Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond checked in at No. 99 and 98, respectively. So far the list has revealed No. 41-100 and you can bet there are a few Pride players — notably Marta nad Alex Morgan — yet to come as the list unfolds. The list was compiled using a wide variety of judges including players, coaches, journalists, and broadcasters.

Krieger Among NWSL Players Nearing Final Assessment in Coaching Course

A while back we linked to a story about 21 NWSL players who are taking a C License coaching course. Those players are nearing their final assessments after a week of 12-hour sessions and 10 weeks of homework and practicums. Those players include Orlando Pride star defender Ali Krieger, who is coming to appreciate what coaches go through.

“We’ve had to kind of take our player hat off and put our coaching hat on,” said Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger. “I can say I respect my coaches a little bit more now that I’ve been through the course. It’s pretty demanding, yet very rewarding. We’re learning a lot. Our instructors are super-knowledgeable. They’re inspiring and now have become some of our mentors throughout this process.”

“We need more female coaches in the world, especially in the NWSL and in youth development,” she added. “With us having all the knowledge that we have from playing at the highest level and going through different levels throughout our careers, I think we already have that advantage over a lot of other coaches who might just be starting out. And I think we need to start being willing to take these courses and give back in a way.”

Give the full story a read at the link above.

Martinez Named MLS MVP

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez was named Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player on Wednesday, finishing ahead of his teammate, Miguel Almiron. Martinez set a new MLS goal-scoring record this season. I wouldn’t say that either Atlanta player is undeserving but the Five Stripes would have likely still been among the league’s best teams without one or the other — though perhaps not without both. On the other hand, Zlatan Ibrahimovic nearly carried a bad LA Galaxy team to the playoffs by himself, without all the helpful teammates that Martinez and Almiron had. Additionally, Wayne Rooney brought D.C. United back from the dead over the last third of the season. Personally, my choice is Zlatan, although I won’t argue too hard about the other top finishers. Ibra’s 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 games (24 starts) is absurd and he had less talent around him than the others, particularly the Atlanta guys.

Free Kicks

  • Speaking of Almiron, his transfer to Newcastle United is nearly a done deal. Good riddance.
  • James O’Connor reportedly went to Lima, Peru, to check on Yoshi and Carlos Ascues and perhaps to find more Peruvian talent to bring back to Orlando.
  • Bruce Arena could be headed to the Columbus Crew as general manager.
  • U.S. Soccer has two Berhalters in key positions and here’s why the federation is OK with that.
  • Columbus city leaders and partners announced a new plan for the Mapfre Stadium grounds to house the team’s training facility and a sports complex after the team moves into a new stadium. The new facility and stadium would help the new ownership group level the playing field in terms of the club’s assets.
  • Those born on this date include songwriter Ira Gershwin (1896), notorious gangster Baby Face Nelson (1908), football legend Otto Graham (1921), actress JoBeth Williams (1948), Animal House and Amadeus actor Tom Hulce (1953), comedian Steven Wright (1955), R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck (1956), late Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads (1956), filmmaker Judd Apatow (1967), Australian international footballer Tim Cahill (1979), and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny “Football” Manziel (1992).

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Please enjoy the rest of your Thursday and I’ll be back to do this again with you before you know it.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/23/25

Tonight’s OCB match moved to Sunday, Alex Freeman makes USMNT roster, FanDuel Sports Network will stream Orlando Pride games, and more.

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22 hours ago

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May 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! A long weekend is ahead of us and there is plenty of Orlando soccer to enjoy as well. I’ll be celebrating my nephew’s first birthday this weekend, so it should be a nice next couple of days visiting family. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

OCB Match Moved to Sunday in Kissimmee

As a heads up, Orlando City B is no longer playing today. OCB’s match against Atlanta United 2 was originally scheduled for tonight in Atlanta, but it was instead postponed to 7 p.m. Sunday and relocated to Osceola Heritage Park rather than Fifth Third Stadium in Georgia. Stadium availability was cited as the reason for the change, and the match will be played behind closed doors, although it will still be streamed live. The Young Lions are coming off of a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II and will face an Atlanta team that has drawn its last four games.

Alex Freeman Makes USMNT Training Camp Roster

Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was named to the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies next month against Turkey and Switzerland. The 20-year-old is one of five uncapped players on the roster and one of 16 MLS players. He’ll likely be behind Sergino Dest on the depth chart, but Joe Scally was not called up for this window. There are many notable players absent, opening the door for players like Freeman across multiple positions to stake their claim to participate in this summer’s Gold Cup and the World Cup next year.

FanDuel Sports Network Will Stream Select Pride Games

The Orlando Pride will have eight of its remaining games streamed on FanDuel Sports Network, including tonight’s road game against the Utah Royals. The regional network, which used to be called Bally Sports before rebranding, is available on various providers throughout Florida and there is an app for streaming as well. Personally, I find this as just another cog in a messy machine of NWSL coverage options, but I imagine this is handy for those out there who are already accustomed to using the network to watch other Floridian pro sports teams.

Winter Garden Lands USL League One Team

Another pro soccer team is coming to Central Florida, as the United Soccer League announced its intent to bring a USL League One team to the area. Central Florida Pro Soccer’s ownership group has plans for a development in Winter Garden that would include a 5,000-seat multi-purpose soccer stadium. The plans also include recreational fields, a hotel, parks, and a walking trail. The group will gather input from the community in the coming months to help determine the team’s colors, badge, and name.

Free Kicks

  • Kansas City Current defender Alana Cook was placed on the season-ending injury list due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus sustained in the club’s match against the Orlando Pride.
  • NJ/NY Gotham FC and Tigres will square off in the Concacaf W Champions Cup final on Saturday. The winner will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup.
  • Luka Modric penned a farewell to Real Madrid fans as his time with the club has come to an end. I don’t know where his next stop will be, but I sure hope it’s not with a team the Lions still have to face this year.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your holiday weekend!

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Lion Links: 5/22/25

Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup

The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.

Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek

Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.

U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results

Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.

Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final

Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 5/21/25

The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

Published

3 days ago

on

May 21, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.

Nashville is Next

As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.

Javier Otero Has a New Contract

Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.

Pride USWNT Call-Ups

Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.

FIRST USWNT CALL UP FOR BELLO 🗣️

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-05-20T15:06:37.081Z

USMNT Gold Cup News

Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.

Free Kicks

  • The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
  • In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
  • In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.

That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!

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