Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/20/18

Happy Thursday, Orlando.
We’ve made it to the other side of the hump, and with some holiday time off (hopefully) awaiting for all of us next week, it should all be downhill from here. Our fearless leader, Michael Citro, is on vacation this week, so naturally the off-season news has ramped up in his absence.
Not to worry, we’re on top of things and will recap all of the action in this morning’s batch of links.
Lions Sign Two from Louisville City
Orlando City used one source to address two areas of need on Wednesday. The club announced that two Louisville City FC players would be reuniting with Orlando City Head Coach James O’Connor in goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh and defender Kyle Smith, each of whom help fill holes on the Lions’ roster.
Goalkeeper has been an obvious area of need following the departures of former shot-stoppers Joe Bendik and Earl Edwards Jr., and Ranjitsingh boasts 33 career clean sheets since joining LCFC in 2015. Orlando’s league-worst defense can use all the help it can get, and Smith will bring 95 matches of USL experience to the Lions’ back line. Both players played key roles in Louisville City’s back-to-back USL titles and will now don a different brand of purple in MLS.
There were nice gestures on both sides of this one, with Ranjitsingh expressing his gratitude to LCFC and the club reciprocating to both players via Twitter.
Not So Fast, Cruz Azul
Rumors were swirling on Tuesday regarding Orlando City midfielder Yoshimar Yotún being courted by Liga MX side Cruz Azul. That was disconcerting, to say the least, for Orlando supporters as any monetary benefit of dealing Yoshi would be countered by the on-field effects of losing the Peruvian, who was easily the Lions’ MVP in a disappointing 2018 campaign.
Fears were alleviated a bit on Wednesday, however, as Pro Soccer USA reported that Orlando City has no intention of selling Yoshi at this time. A club source confirmed to Pro Soccer USA that Cruz Azul made a proposal that was brought to Orlando City by Yotún and his agent, but the Lions don’t wish to sell and are currently negotiating options with Yoshi to keep him in Central Florida.
While it’s good to hear that the club doesn’t want to sell one of its most important players, the “at this time” qualifier and the fact that Yoshi and his agent brought Cruz Azul’s proposal to the OCSC front office leads me to believe that there will be more to come on this situation.
City Picks Up 2019 Second-Round Pick
Orlando City decided to part ways with backup goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. when his contract expired at the end of the 2018 season. His rights, however, remain with the team through the end of the calendar year, and the club is leveraging those rights into a second-round pick from D.C. United. The Lions now have seven picks in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The 26-year-old goalkeeper took to twitter to thank fans for their support. Good luck in D.C. Earl!
Thank you to everyone in the @OrlandoCitySC organization. I’m very grateful to have gotten my career started in such a great (and underrated) city. These past 4 years have been amazing, but my time here has come to an end and I wish the club all the best in the future! #GoLions
— Earl Edwards Jr (@earljrucla) December 19, 2018
Three from OCSC Eligible for Stage 2 of Re-Entry Draft
Stage 2 of the 2018 MLS Re-Entry Draft is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET this afternoon, and the league released a list of eligible players yesterday. Eligible players must meet a couple requirements:
· Players not eligible for free agency who will be at least 23 years old in 2018 with a minimum of three years of MLS experience.
· Players not eligible for free agency who have not received a Bona Fide Offer and who are at least 25 years old with a minimum of four years of MLS experience, or are at least 30 years old with a minimum of eight years of MLS experience.
Three now-former Lions fit within those parameters after having their contract options declined: Goalkeeper Joe Bendik, midfielder Richie Laryea, and forward Jose Villarreal. We’ll see if any of the three are selected, and good luck to them at their next respective stops.
USMNT News and Notes
The USMNT will be announcing its January camp roster this morning at 10 a.m. ET, and new Head Coach Gregg Berhalter will be speaking to media via a conference call at 10:30 to discuss it. That’s a nice touch from U.S. Soccer and the new skipper.
In other USMNT happenings, the Yanks are in negotiations to face Chile in an international friendly in late March, per CBS Sports. The match is expected to happen in Houston, but there have been no contracts signed to this point. The CBS report indicates that the match will take place on either March 25 or March 26, and it could happen at either NRG Stadium — home of the NFL’s Houston Texans — or BBVA Stadium, where the Houston Dynamo play.
U.S. Soccer has already announced friendlies against Panama in January and Costa Rica in early February as the two first matches of the Berhalter era.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City announced a new youth development program for boys born between 2008 and 2014.
- American Weston McKennie provided an assist for American Haji Wright’s goal for Schalke against Bayer Leverkusen yesterday, marking the first goal to be scored and assisted by an American in the Bundesliga since 2004-05. Here’s the goal:
American made! 🇺🇸
First Bundesliga goal for @HajiWright. @WMckennie with the assist.pic.twitter.com/UENxJ9azPe
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) December 19, 2018
- The Orlando Pride’s Ashlyn Harris won U.S. Soccer’s Best Save of 2018 award via a Twitter poll.
- The Florida Cup will feature a 5-v-5 legends main event on Jan. 8.
- USL released its 2019 schedule, which is set to be the biggest in the league’s history.
- And finally, Asbury Park FC is not interested in José Mourinho, so stop with the fake news, people.
Have a wonderful Thursday, Mane Landers.
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.

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.
- Raphina signed a contract extension with Barcelona that will keep him at the club until 2028. The 28-year-old recorded 34 goals and 25 assists in 56 appearances during this breakout year with Barcelona.
- Here’s a nice breakdown of what to watch for in Saturday’s Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your holiday weekend!
Lion Links
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.

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
- Christian Pulisic reportedly won’t play in the Concacaf Gold Cup so that he can recover from a lengthy season with AC Milan.
- Boston’s NWSL team will play its home games next year at Gillette Stadium due to delays with construction for its eventual home, White Stadium.
- NWSL Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Julie Haddon will leave the league this summer as part of the league’s restructuring. Chief Sporting Director Tatjana Haenni will exit in October as well.
- After winning the domestic treble in his first season in charge, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has extended his contract until 2027.
- Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will undergo shoulder surgery once the Club World Cup is over.
- London City Lionesses were fined for messaging a Southampton player through social media without Southampton’s permission back in August. London City earned promotion this past season and will be the first fully independent women’s team in the Women’s Super League.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
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.

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.
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.
- Congratulations to former USWNT player Becky Sauerbrunn who announced she is expecting a baby in October.
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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