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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.

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  • 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: 4/18/25

Orlando City set to play the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Lions reach Generation Adidas Cup semifinals, Angel City hires Alexander Straus, and more.

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9 hours ago

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April 18, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! I hope today finds you well as we gear up for another Saturday filled with soccer to enjoy. I don’t have many plans this Easter weekend beyond working, catching soccer when I can, and playing Baldur’s Gate 3 for the first time if I find some spare hours. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Learns U.S. Open Cup Opponents

Orlando City’s 2025 U.S. Open Cup campaign will begin on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. in what will be the latest edition of the I-4 Derby. It will be Orlando’s first game of this year’s tournament, while the Rowdies joined in the previous round and got past FC Naples in penalties. The Rowdies have lost four of their five games so far this season in the USL Championship and fired Robbie Neilson as head coach earlier this month. The Lions also notably would have hosting priority if they reach the round of 16, where they will play either Nashville SC or the Chattanooga Red Wolves.

Here’s the full schedule for the round of 32, which includes some interesting matchups across the country. The Tacoma Defiance are the only MLS NEXT Pro side left and will face the Portland Timbers, while the New York Red Bulls will have a long road trip to take on the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Lions Advance to Generation Adidas Cup Semifinals

Orlando City’s U-18 team beat Real Salt Lake 1-0 in the Generation Adidas Cup to secure a spot in the semifinals. The Young Lions have won four of their five games of the tournament and will take on Santos Laguna in the semifinal on Saturday. The winner of that match will face whichever team becomes victorious in the other semifinal between Atlanta United and the Colorado Rapids.

The U-16 team’s run in the Premier bracket is also going strong after a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, and Orlando will take on the New England Revolution in the semifinals on Saturday.

Angel City FC Hires Alexander Straus

Bayern Munich’s Alexander Straus was named Angel City FC’s next head coach and will officially join the club on June 1. The Norwegian coach has won back-to-back Bundesliga titles and has Bayern positioned well to make it three straight this season. He’ll join an Angel City team that’s unbeaten in its first four games of the season under interim head coach Sam Laity, who will stay on as an assistant coach once Straus joins.

Europa League Quarterfinals End In Dramatic Fashion

Old Trafford hosted one of the wildest games in Europa League history, with Manchester United and Lyon battling for a spot in the quarterfinals. United scored twice in the first half, then conceded twice in the second, sending the game to extra time. Lyon took the lead despite being a man down and then the teams traded penalty kicks as the madness continued. Casemiro orchestrated Manchester’s victory in the end, assisting on two late goals within a minute of each other to beat Lyon 5-4 and advance. This United fan pretty much sums up just how much of a rollercoaster this match was.

There was also drama in Italy, as Lazio came back in the second leg to force extra time against Bodo/Glimt. The match went to penalties and Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikitka Haikin denied former New York City FC player Taty Castellanos from the spot to book his team’s place in the semifinals. Although Tottenham was without Son Heung-Min, it got the job done in a 1-0 road win against Eintracht Frankfurt, while Athletic Club beat Rangers 2-0 in Spain to advance as well. In the semifinals, Tottenham will face Bodo/Glimt and Manchester United will take on Athletic Club.

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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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Lion Links: 4/17/25

Oscar Pareja signs new contract with Orlando City, Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, Orlando’s youth teams win, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 17, 2025

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I can’t believe we’re already into the back half of April and Easter is right around the corner. There’s plenty of soccer to enjoy between now and then and we also have the draw for the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 32 this morning at 9:15. MLS teams are finally joining the fray, so we’ll see where the chips fall for Orlando City. Let’s get to the links!

Oscar Pareja Signs New Contract

Orlando City and Head Coach Oscar Pareja have agreed to a new three-year contract that will keep him in the City Beautiful through 2028. Pareja was hired as Orlando’s fourth head coach in its MLS era back in December of 2019 and he’s led the Lions to the playoffs in all five seasons he’s been at the helm.  Under Pareja, the Lions won the U.S. Open Cup in 2022, set club records in points and wins in 2023, and reached the Eastern Conference final for the first time last year. This year was the final one on the contract he signed in December of 2023, so it’s nice to know Pareja will be sticking around in the future.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride will look to make it five wins in a row when they host the Washington Spirit on Saturday in another rematch of last year’s final. While this is the first match between Orlando and Washington this season, the two clashed in the NWSL Challenge Cup on March 7 and the Spirit lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team has grown since that game and has benefitted from depth and consistency carried over from last year.

Orlando City Youth Teams Win in Bradenton

Orlando City’s U-18 team won in the Generation Adidas Cup’s round of 16, beating St. Louis City 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Young Lions remain unbeaten in that age group and will take on a Real Salt Lake team that also won its group and just beat Toronto FC in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw.

Orlando’s U-16 squad didn’t qualify for the Championship bracket, but still advanced in the Premier bracket. After a 1-1 draw with Toronto, Orlando prevailed in the ensuing penalty shootout and will play Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.

UEFA Champions League Semifinals Are Set

The quarterfinals for this year’s UEFA Champions League are over and only four teams remain in the tournament. Arsenal secured its spot in the semifinals after an impressive 2-1 road win against Real Madrid that included two assists from Mikel Merino. The Spanish club couldn’t muster its usual magic in the tournament and forward Kylian Mbappe exited in the second half due to injury. In Italy, Inter Milan held on for a 2-2 draw against Bayern to advance on aggregate, with defender Benjamin Pavard scoring a crucial goal for Inter against his old team. The semifinals will take place at the end of the month and will feature Arsenal taking on Paris Saint-Germain and Inter going up against Barcelona.

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  • Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of former FC Cincinnati player Aaron Boupendza, who died after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China.
  • The Chicago Fire are reportedly strongly interested in signing star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer. If any Western Conference teams could join the hunt for him, that would be great.

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 4/16/25

Orlando Pride on top, OCB falls to Inter Miami II, USMNT eyes Gold Cup, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 16, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I know I’ve said it before, but I love that I can always find soccer to watch. Whether it’s UEFA Champions League or the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, or anything in between, I love it. I’m willing to bet you love it too. Speaking of love, we want to wish a very happy birthday to Orlando City Designated Player Luis Muriel. Let’s get to the links.

All the Rankings

With the win over the Seattle Reign, the Orlando Pride stayed perfect on the season. It was enough for the Pride to remain on top of the standings and also at the top of numerous power rankings. All for XI kept the Pride at No. 1 with a shoutout to Anna Moorhouse, SI.com did the same, while noting Summer Yates’ injury, and Goal.com completed the sweep. The Pride also landed at No. 8 in Opta’s global power rankings for women’s clubs. Strangely, the Kansas City Current were two spots above on that particular list.

OCB Falls to Inter Miami II

Orlando City B traveled to IMG Academy to take on Inter Miami II Tuesday night. The Young Lions went down early on the road, but were able to equalize thanks to a goal from Tahir Reid-Brown. Unfortunately, Inter Miami scored two more goals before a penalty in second-half stoppage time gave OCB a slight lifeline. It was not enough as the team fell 3-2 to their in-state foes.

Generation Adidas Cup Matchups

Orlando City Academy’s U-18 squad won Group J in the Generation Adidas Cup. Now the team will face St. Louis City SC 2 in the Round of 16. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the younger generations of players in Orlando City’s system, here is your opportunity.

U.S. Eyes Gold Cup

We’re about two months out from the start of the Concacaf Gold Cup and it feels like a must-win for the USMNT given recent results. Winning an eighth Gold Cup title will not come easily. Naturally, all eyes fall on Christian Pulisic to lead the squad, though not everyone thinks he should be the pick for captain. Tyler Adams is looking for more belief from his teammates heading into the competition.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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