Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/30/18

Happy final Sunday of 2018, Mane Landers! I hope that you’re all doing well with your plans, if that’s your thing, for the New Year’s Day festivities — if you’re hangin’ in for the evening, enjoy yourself! Relax, kick back, and ring in the new year the way you see fit. Just be safe no matter what you do. For now though, I’m here to feed you a nice heaping serving of Links…so, enjoy!
Report: Orlando City SC to Sign Homegrown Forward Benji Michel
The Lions will soon ink a Homegrown deal with Benji Michel, a forward that grew up training in the Lions’ youth system before moving on to play for the University of Portland, where he excelled, playing for three years and scoring 31 goals across 53 matches. Michel was named to the All-American Second Team in 2018, and also plied his trade in the Monteverde Academy. Hopefully, he can translate his college success to the next level and become a threat for the Lions in time, as he grows and adapts to a new league.
SeaWolves Drop First Indoor Florida Derby
The Orlando SeaWolves went on the road for the first time ever, shooting down I-4 to Lakeland to take on the Florida Tropics. It didn’t go well, as the SeaWolves fell behind 8-1 before clawing back to within two goals late. The Tropics finished them off, however, and Orlando fell, 9-6. Former Orlando City defender Tyler Turner scored his first indoor goal in the game.
Another Off-season, Another Overhaul
The characters were different, but we’ve heard this story before. With the sale of Yoshimar Yotún to Liga MX side Cruz Azul, the Lions have set themselves up, yet again, for an off-season of roster reconstruction. The good news? Head Coach James O’Connor and the front office have done an excellent job of clearing cap space for future additions, and they’ve clearly learned a lesson or two from last year’s acrimonious divorce with striker Cyle Larin, shown in their willingness to let Yotún leave for Mexico. The bad news? We all had to say farewell to one of the best and favorite players on the roster in Yotún. Hopefully, the off-season additions will help cover the team’s holes. We’re going to miss you, Yoshi. Here he is practicing with his new club:
A little bit of Yoshimar Yotun’s first practice with Cruz Azul. Some nice passing from him was what La Maquina saw today.
Also saw he wore #13 at practice. Not sure if that’s his number.#ArribaPerú #LlegóLaMáquina
🎥: @ricardocarino pic.twitter.com/PdqySvkX3c
— Diego Montalvan (@DMontalvan) December 29, 2018
Alphonso Davies is Here
I was actually present, in person, for Davies’ first training with the first team in Munich with Bayern Munich. It was as obvious then as it was when he was tearing up MLS and leaving defenders in his wake that he has the talent and composure required to make a huge impact at the next level. He’s impressed during his brief time in the German powerhouse too, leading manager Niko Kovac to go as far to say that he would consider deploying Davies in first team competitive matches as soon as the Bundesliga returns to play in late January.
“If I compare him with our U23s, then he is already ahead of the others,” Kovac said. “He has to acclimatize, that’s clear. But he has quality and we will not slow him down if he can help us.”
To top that off, Davies was also just named as Canada’s Postmedia Male Athlete of the Year – a recognition that had never before been awarded to a soccer player.
Joe Bendik, Columbus Crew, and the Heavy Competition for a Potential Backup Role
Now that the Crew have been saved, the front office can truly move forward and focus on their search for glory in 2019. A spot that they may address again, even after adding Orlando’s former No. 1 Joe Bendik for $50,000 in allocation money, is the goalkeeping role. With multiple other established professionals on the roster for the crew, including the club’s 2018 first-round draft pick Ben Lungaard, it will be tough for Bendik to win a backup role, let alone the starting job, once superstar Zack Steffen leaves for Manchester City in July. It’ll be an interesting situation to keep an eye on, and Columbus will be an interesting club to play against down the road considering the recent affairs of seasons past.
Free Kicks
- Man, I wish I lived on in Los Angeles for this one.
It's been rumored for awhile but now it's confirmed: @LAFC will play Japan's Vissel Kobe in a Jan. 31 friendly at Banc of California Stadium. Vissel's roster includes Spanish stars David Villa and Andres Iniesta and Germany's Lukas Podolski. Ticket info coming soon
— Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) December 29, 2018
- MLS’s Charles Boehm released a list of what he thought were the top 10 MLS moments of 2018. Do you agree with his rankings? Here’s a little taste/spoiler: the Lions were included in the list twice, but not for their own accomplishments.
- MLS’s Greg Seltzer also released a list, this one identifying who he thought could be the top 10 MLS players that he felt were poised for a breakout in 2019. Another little taste/spoiler? the Lions’ recently acquired Joao Moutinho ranked in at number five on the list!
- Congratulations, Rangers supporters! #CurseBroken
For the first time in 16 matches, Rangers have beaten Celtic 🔵🔴
2,471 days after their last victory 👏 pic.twitter.com/b1HHn9PwIu
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 29, 2018
- Juventus is just on a different plane right now…but will it translate to European glory?
A Serie A record 53 points ✅
Unbeaten ✅
Only 4 points dropped ✅What a first half of the season for Juventus 💪 pic.twitter.com/6xPbWBEALk
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 29, 2018
Well, that’s all that I’ve got for you this week folks. Like I said earlier, enjoy your New Year’s Day and stay safe! I’ll see you on the other side.
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.

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.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy this intriguing article that shines a light on how MLS team administrators manage the chaos of the transfer window. I would devour a television series following these kinds of crises throughout the season.
- St. Petersburg is exploring demolishing Al Lang Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, to make room for an amphitheater. The proposed demolition would take place after 2028, so we’ll see if this comes to pass.
- Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester City, ending a 13-year tenure there that will be remembered for winning the English Premier League title in 2016.
- Here’s everything you need to know before the second legs of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals on Sunday. Chelsea will take on Barcelona before Lyon and Arsenal square off, with both English clubs trailing after the first legs.
- Real Sociedad announced that Head Coach Imanol Alguacil will step down following this season. Alguacil was hired in December of 2018 and led the team to victory in the 2020 Copa del Rey.
- Manchester United will take part in the inaugural women’s seven-a-side tournament next month, joining Bayern Munich, Ajax, Benfica, and four other teams yet to be determined.
- NBA Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd has joined Everton’s ownership group. I too would be looking for anything to take my mind off of the Dallas Mavericks’ season.
- Former Pride players Sydney Leroux and Ali Riley announced a weekly podcast, with the first episode set for Monday.
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!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/24/25
Orlando Pride prepare for Angel City FC, MLS deadline day deals, OCB slips in power rankings, and more.

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.
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.
Free Kicks
- German legend Thomas Muller, who is set to leave Bayern Munich this summer, reportedly rejected an offer from FC Cincinnati and Fiorentina.
- Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his volleyed strike against Atlanta. Seeing Atlanta get scored on really makes the goal that much sweeter to watch.
- Marcus Rashford is reportedly aiming to join a Champions League team after this season. The 27-year-old is on loan with Aston Villa from Manchester United and should be an interesting name to keep an eye on this summer.
- Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace kept a few champagne bottles corked, as Liverpool would have won the league title if Arsenal lost. Liverpool now just needs a point when it faces Tottenham at home on Sunday.
- Real Madrid beat Getafe 1-0, but it came at the cost of injuries to both David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. The Spanish club may now have a crisis at left back ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
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.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/23/25
The Orlando Pride drop, OCSC Academy awards, USMNT characters, and more.

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.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City dropped a spot to No. 12 in MLSsoccer.com’s power rankings. Three 0-0 draws in a row will do that.
- Michael Buxbaum is suing the U.S. Soccer Federation for $100 million because the USWNT didn’t try to win the SheBelieves Cup. I wasn’t happy with the result either, but this is the definition of frivolous.
- Nani and Ali Krieger are both participating in The Soccer Tournament on seven-on-seven soccer teams. The matchups for the $1 million tournament have been set.
- Speaking of Krieger, she is settling in at her new gig at ESPN as an analyst for NWSL matches and co-host of “FutbolW.”
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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