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Lion Links: 2/10/19

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7 years ago

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Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. I say we drop the formalities and hop right into your Sunday serving of Links. Let’s do this.

OCSC Goalkeeper Coach Loves the Open Competition

With the departure of two of the goalkeepers from last season in Joe Bendik and Earl Edwards Jr., the Lions’ keepers have found themselves in an interesting (and somewhat nerve wracking) competition between Adam Grinwis, Mason Stajduhar, Greg Ranjitsingh, and trialist Brian Rowe. All four have seen minutes in City’s preseason clashes, and according to goalkeeper coach Thabane Sutu, it’s currently too close to call in terms of who has the edge.

“As far as standing out, we’ve played two games and all of them have been involved in the games and all of them have been doing quite good. It’s a close one to call, so we’ll see.”

To add to that, Sutu also briefly spoke about how high the level of play is between the goalkeepers, and that although the competition is in full throttle, they still all help each other and provide a support system for each other.

“It’s very, very high, but friendly at the same time,” Sutu said about the competition so far. “Guys [are] getting along really well. They’re helping each other out. It’s been good to see, but, obviously, each one of them wants to be the No. 1, but we’ll get to see that on March 2. For now, the competition is really high, and it’s been fantastic to see.”

Let’s hope the upcoming season will be, too.

Lions in the Running to Land Nani

Cheers to hoping OCSC lands Portuguese winger Nani. The former Manchester United midfielder hasn’t asked for a transfer but Orlando City is interested in the Portuguese winger. Nothing is imminent but Nani would fill a need for the Lions. We’ll keep our eyes on this one.

FC Dallas Defender Reggie Cannon Reflects on Time with National Team

The Gregg Berhalter era as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, as we all know, got off to an excellent start with two consecutive friendly wins against Panama and Costa Rica. Reggie Cannon, a 20-year-old wing back, has provided insight into what it was like working under the new coach, even talking about the tactics and positioning that Berhalter wanted to deploy.

“It was interesting playing with a coach like that,” Cannon told ProSoccerUSA. “He’s a very tactical-sided coach and he has a certain way about going about things. He wants the fullbacks to come inside and play that center-mid role and it’s something I quite haven’t adapted to much yet. . .It’s good to get that adaptation in and I’ve learned a lot in that camp.”

To add to that, Cannon also touched on the attitude and culture that Berhalter has brought with him to the national team setup.

“We spent a lot of training doing tactical stuff,” Cannon said. “It’s good coming back to FC Dallas, where Luchi has that more grit side that Oscar had. It’s even with Luchi; It’s all about grit and effort, but it’s also about having that tactical balance to be able to disrupt the team and be comfortable where you play. Gregg was more on the side of, obviously valuing effort, but tactics is where the majority of his premise sits. Gregg is a great coach, it’s just going to take a lot longer to adapt to that position.”

Stories like this are a good sign — they show the promise and dedication that Berhalter exudes. Perhaps the Yanks might qualify for the next World Cup (too soon?).

World Cup Veteran Fernando Clavijo Passes Away at 63

A member of the 1994 World Cup squad, Fernando Clavijo has passed away after a five-year battle with multiple myeloma. Known globally for his passion, dedication, and commitment to the sport we love, Clavijo was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. Born in Maldonado, Uruguay, the defender began an illustrious 22-year career at the tender age of just 16, signing with Uruguayan club Atenas de San Carlos. From there, Clavijo made his move stateside, earning accolades in American Soccer League and in indoor circuits. By 1987, Clavijo acquired his U.S. citizenship…and the rest was history, as the versatile defender found his way into the national team setup, and later parlayed his success on the field to success off the field, becoming a manager of several MLS and indoor clubs throughout this later years. The impact he had on the sport in this country was important, and we’re all devastated by his passing.

“All of us in the U.S. Soccer family are deeply saddened by the passing of Fernando Clavijo, one of the pioneers of soccer in the United States,” U.S. Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro said. “As a player, a coach, a mentor and a friend, Fernando impacted the lives of generations of people involved in the sport to which he dedicated his life. Our thoughts today are with his family and friends as we reflect on his great legacy.”

We’ve lost a good one, that’s for sure. Rest in peace, Fernando. You will be missed.

Free Kicks

  • Darlington Nagbe is apparently attempting to force a move to the Columbus Crew, with his absences from the Atlanta United’s recent preseason friendlies raising questions as to what’s going on with the defending MLS champions and their influential midfielder.
  • Major props to the Philadelphia Union for releasing a fan-inspired jersey celebrating their 10th season. The jersey includes an MLS first — customizable back tags. The available tags include local athletes Zach and Julie Ertz and Jorge Alfaro, rapper Freeway, alternative rock group The Wonder Years, club Chief Tattoo Officer Bonedaddys Tattoo, Phang, as well as the club’s supporter group, the Sons of Ben (as voted on by the fans).
  • Speaking of the Union…the club’s recent signing of Marco Fabian is making major waves in the City of Brotherly Love, and he already feels comfortable in his new home.
  • Another recent MLS move, Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez to Atlanta United, is garnering praise as well. Pity, while a very different player than the recently departed Miguel Almiron, is impressing his new teammates.
  • Real Salt Lake will advance to the Pacific Rim Cup final against V-Varen Nagasaki after they notched a 2-1 win against Iwaki FC. The Vancouver Whitecaps lost to Nagasaki, failing to reach the final of the preseason tournament.
  • And speaking of the Whitecaps…the club has secured a year-long loan of FC Chiasso striker Joaquín Ardaiz with an option to make the move permanent. The young Uruguayan will occupy one of the club’s Young Designated Player slots.
  • Liv Cooke is a beast. Proof:

Before I make my leave, I want to leave you with this absolute gem. Well played, mom. Well played.

Enjoy your Sunday and have an excellent week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/6/26

Pride fall to Angel City, OCB draw Crown Legacy, World Cup roundup, and more.

Published

3 hours ago

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July 6, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope you all had a great Fourth of July holiday weekend down in Florida. I was busy working over the weekend, but I got to check out a fireworks show at Wrigley Field. Let’s wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando City B goalkeeper Juan Rojas, who turned 18 Saturday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Pride Fall to Angel City

The Orlando Pride fell 2-0 to Angel City FC at BMO Stadium Friday in their first match after the month-long World Cup break. Maiara Niehues scored the opener for Angel City in the first half. Sveindis Jonsdottir added another goal for Angel City to seal the win. With Barba Banda sidelined with a thigh injury, Orlando struggled to get anything going offensively and couldn’t get the ball out of its own end throughout the match. That result keeps the Pride in eighth, one point ahead of Angel City in the NWSL table. The Pride will look to bounce back at home Friday, facing the Kansas City Current at Inter&Co Stadium.

OCB Falls in Penalty Shootout After 1-1 Draw vs. Crown Legacy

Orlando City B overturned a 1-0 deficit to secure a 1-1 draw against Crown Legacy on the road at the Sportsplex at Matthews Sunday. After a scoreless first half, all the goals came in the second half. Crown Legacy struck first to take the lead, but Dylan Judelson leveled the match for the Young Lions. Crown Legacy won the penalty shootout 4-2 to earn a second point. OCB will be back on the road to take on FC Cincinnati 2 Sunday at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, KY.

Crepeau and Canada Shut Out by Morocco in World Cup

The World Cup Round of 16 kicked off Saturday, with Canada falling 3-0 to Morocco at NRG Stadium in Houston. Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau got the start for Canada. Former Lions Cyle Larin and Richie Laryea were in action as well. After a scoreless first half, Azzedine Ounahi scored twice in the second half for Morocco to take a 2-0 lead. Soufiane Rahimi added the insurance goal in stoppage time to put this match away as Morocco booked a spot in the quarterfinals, while Canada’s run in the tournament came to an end.

World Cup Roundup

In the other matchups from the Round of 16 over the weekend, Kylian Mbappe scored from the penalty spot for the only goal of the match in France’s 1-0 win against Paraguay Saturday. Orlando City midfielder Braian Ojeda was on the bench but did not play. On Sunday, Erling Haaland scored twice to help Norway edge Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarterfinals for the first time, and Jude Bellingham scored twice for England in a 3-2 win against Mexico. France will play Morocco, while England takes on Norway in the quarterfinals. Today’s Round of 16 matchups feature Spain facing Portugal and the U.S. Men’s National Team taking on Belgium.

Folarin Balogun’s Red Card Ban Suspended by FIFA

FIFA announced Sunday that the federation’s Disciplinary Committee suspended U.S. Men’s National Team forward Folarin Balogun’s one match red card ban. After being issued a one-match ban following his red card in the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, Balogun will be available to play in tonight’s Round of 16 match against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle. Balogun’s one-match ban will be placed on a one-year suspension status, but if he commits a similar infraction within that time, he will have to serve the ban. With Balogun back in play, it’s a huge boost for the USMNT attack, as he has scored three goals for the Yanks in the World Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City gave a shout-out on social media to Crepeau, Marco Pasalic, and Ojeda for their great runs with their respective countries, reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup.
  • Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly set to become the new manager of the German Men’s National Team.

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

Lion Links: 7/3/26

Orlando Pride visit Angel City tonight, NWSL free agents to watch, Portugal and Spain advance, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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July 3, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! I don’t have many plans this holiday weekend beyond enjoying some soccer and indulging myself in a few hot dogs to celebrate. It should be a fun weekend, but make sure to stay safe out there if you plan on setting off any fireworks. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Take On Angel City FC Tonight

The NWSL resumes today and the Orlando Pride will play against Angel City FC at 10 p.m. in their first match since a 3-1 win over Bay FC on May 29. That win capped off a six-game month for the Pride, including a stretch of three straight road games. Meanwhile, Angel City parted ways with Alex Straus over the break after only winning once in May, and tonight’s match will be Leif Gunnar Smerud’s first since being named interim head coach. It can be tough playing an opponent with a new coach, but hopefully the Pride can bring all three points back to Orlando.

Top NWSL Free Agents to Watch

Free agency is officially underway in the NWSL and the list of players with contracts expiring at the end of the year includes some of the league’s best players. Orlando Pride star Marta was listed as one of the top free agents to watch, though I would be pretty shocked if she plays for another NWSL club if she leaves Orlando after this season. Leicy Santos, Debinha, and Rose Lavelle are other skilled attackers who will become free agents, but Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger is sure to have plenty of clubs reaching out for her talents as well.

Portugal and Spain Advance in World Cup

This World Cup hasn’t been short on excitement and that continued with Portugal’s 2-1 win against Croatia. After a scoreless first half, Croatia took the lead thanks to a goal from Ivan Perisic, but Cristiano Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot and the game was moments away from heading to extra time. Goncalo Ramos gave Portugal the goal it needed to advance deep in stoppage time, but Croatia nearly came back with a goal that was disallowed due to an offside call. Spain cruised to a 3-0 win against Austria to book its spot in the round of 16 as well. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice for his second brace of the tournament, with Marc Cucurella assisting on both of his goals. Spain and Portugal will square off in the next round in what should be a fantastic match. Switzerland and Algeria kicked off late.

The round of 32 wraps up today with a trio of matches, starting with Egypt’s game against Australia. Cape Verde will then look to shock the world when it plays Argentina, and the late game will be between Colombia and Ghana.

Columbus Crew Sign New Designated Player

The Columbus Crew have signed Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez to a Designated Player contract through the 2028-2029 season with a club option for the 2029-2030 season. Mendez has spent the past four La Liga seasons with Real Sociedad, recording 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 appearances. He gives the crew some additional firepower as reports swirl regarding Diego Rossi’s departure for CF Monterrey. While maybe not in the same headline-grabbing tier of MLS summer signings like Antoine Griezmann or Robert Lewandowski, Mendez is a big addition to the league as the Eastern Conference arms race continues.

Free Kicks

  • CF Montreal sent $2.1 million in General Allocation Money to Austin FC in exchange for midfielder Dani Pereira. Selected with the first overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, Pereira has contributed six goals and 23 assists in 165 appearances across all competitions for Austin.
  • Real Salt Lake reportedly rejected a transfer bid around $3.5 million from CF Monterrey for midfielder Diego Luna.
  • American winger Emma Sears reportedly requested a trade from Racing Louisville, although the club is not reportedly interested in a midseason transfer.
  • The United States Men’s National Team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina had record viewership. Understandably so, too, as I spent most of the match pacing around my living room.

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

Lion Links: 7/2/26

USMNT shuts out Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kat Asman loaned to Denver Summit FC, MLS transfer news, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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July 2, 2026

By

Image of Pride goalkeeper Kat Asman
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Wednesday nights are starting to feel magical. Orlando City has thrived this year when playing on Wednesdays, and now the United States Men’s National Team has provided us with a reason to tackle this Thursday at full force. Before we dive into that result and the rest of today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Tahir Reid-Brown!

USMNT Survives Red Card to Advance

The U.S. won 2-0 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in an emotional rollercoaster of a match in the World Cup’s round of 32. Folarin Balogun got the U.S. on the board at a crucial time right before halftime by scoring his third goal of the tournament. But the game flipped on its head in the second half when Balogun was shown a harsh red card by the referee after video review for a foul when he accidentally came down on the back of an opponent’s foot. The Yanks fought hard to make up for the difference of being down a player and doubled their lead after earning a free kick right outside the box. Malik Tillman’s shot went up and over the wall and into the net for a goal U.S. fans will be replaying over and over again.

The U.S. did well to grind out the win after that second goal, with former Lion Alex Freeman doing his part on defense to help shut out Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was a memorable win, and now the U.S. will turn its focus to its round-of-16 matchup against Belgium on Monday.

Pride Loan Goalkeeper Kat Asman to Denver Summit

The Orlando Pride loaned goalkeeper Kat Asman to the Denver Summit for the remainder of the 2026 NWSL season. Asman is coming off of a loan with Lexington SC in the Gainbridge Super League, where she played every minute of the season to help Lexington win the title. She posted 11 clean sheets with Lexington last season and won the league’s Golden Glove as well. Asman has yet to make an appearance for the Pride since joining prior to the 2025 season, and her contract expires at the end of the season. She now heads to Denver, where Abby Smith has done well in goal as the expansion team’s starter.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

Real Salt Lake sent $625,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Atlanta United in exchange for winger Saba Lobjanidze and a third-round pick in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft, with another $100,000 in GAM going Atlanta’s way if he re-signs with Real Salt Lake. The Columbus Crew fully acquired defender Andres Herrera from River Plate after an extended loan, signing him to a contract through the 2028-2029 season. The LA Galaxy transferred defender Mauricio Cuevas to Santos Laguna, the New England Revolution added forward Wilson Harris, and Sporting Kansas City signed center back Moises Mosquera from FC Juarez. The San Jose Earthquakes are reportedly close to signing Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn, with Daniel heading to FC Dallas in a trade if that happens. It’s somewhat surprising considering Daniel has done well to help San Jose only concede 15 goals this season.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Sources: San Jose Earthquakes closing in on a deal to sign Scotland int'l GK Angus Gunn.🇧🇷 Sources: FC Dallas has agreed to a deal to acquire GK Daniel from San Jose.➕ Daniel trade is contingent on Gunn signing being formalized.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T16:34:02.297Z

European Nations Move On After Dramatic Comebacks

This World Cup continues to deliver thrilling games during this new round-of-32 phase. Senegal looked certain to go through to the next round until Belgium scored a pair of goals after the 85th minute to knot the game at 2-2 and send it into extra time. The game was decided by a penalty, but not in a shootout, as a foul in the box resulted in Youri Tielemans scoring from the spot to give Belgium the victory. In Atlanta, Harry Kane scored twice to rescue England in a 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Brian Cipanga gave the Congo an early lead, but Kane struck twice in the second half, with his winner being one of the best goals of the tournament so far.

England is now set to face Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday in what should be a great game. As for today’s action, Orlando City winger Marco Pasalic and Croatia will take on Portugal in a matchup between European heavyweights. The winner of that match will face whoever prevails today between Spain and Austria, with Switzerland and Algeria squaring off in the late night match.

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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