Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/10/19

Good morning, Mane Landers! It’s Wednesday, which means your week is half over, and to help break it up even more we’ve got an Open Cup match at home tonight. Let’s get to the links.
Summer Transfer Window Underway for Orlando City
The second transfer window for Major League Soccer opened yesterday and team’s across the league are already wheeling and dealing. According to The Mane Land’s sources, Orlando made a move as well.
We've been told that Orlando City received $50k in General Allocation Money (GAM) from Toronto FC, which paved the way for TFC to sign Erickson Gallardo to a TAM deal. Must've been on City's Discovery List. Orlando w/o cap room to sign the Venezuelan. Precursor to another move?
— The Mane Land (@TheManeLand) July 10, 2019
While Gallardo would have been a nice addition to Orlando’s offense, the team didn’t have the cap space to sign him anyway and hopefully the influx of cash could be just what the front office needs to bring in a missing piece to the team.
Speaking of which, ESPN put out a piece on what each MLS team needs during the summer transfer window. According to them, Tesho Akindele has been a great addition, but his great season can’t continue (though they didn’t state why) and that bringing in another attacking piece to help push Dom Dwyer could be just what the team needs to reach the playoffs. What do you think the Lions need to do during this (so far) quiet summer transfer window?
All Eyes On the Open Cup
Tesho Akindele is no stranger to an Open Cup win. In 2016 he and FC Dallas won the cup and this will be his fourth time in the quarterfinals over six years.
“Home field in MLS is an advantage and in the Open Cup it is big,” Akindele said. “There’s something about playing on the road – unfamiliar territory, the fans against you – it’s hard. We’re looking forward to the game and having this crowd behind us.”
Born in 🇨🇦 ✔️
A college Oredigger ✔️
Scoring for @OrlandoCitySC ✔️@Tesho13 checks all the boxes as he tries to make history in FLA & grab his second Open Cup title | 📚 » https://t.co/I6R4xe1pjP #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/IBDvkrp9dA— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) July 9, 2019
You heard him. If you’re not already going, there’s still time to get tickets and rally behind the boys in purple.
Rumor has is that New York City FC will see a huge rotation in the starting XI as NYCFC rest players for its match against the Red Bulls. I’ll believe it when I see it though. It’s no secret OCSC is all in for the Open Cup, it would mean a lot to the club and the fans, but being stuck in Philadelphia and losing training time for the Lions comes at a really bad time. Here’s what James O’Connor had to say about what MLS is reporting as “plane troubles,” though player instagram stories told a different story before they were deleted.
Also from Orlando City training today, James O'Connor was asked about the game and flight delays in Philadelphia over the weekend, but his focus is solely on NYC now: "I think everyone has seen what's gone on." pic.twitter.com/7LuVDNuaX3
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) July 9, 2019
The USWNT Has Crowd Support
The lawsuit over gender inequality has been hanging over the World Cup tournament, all the while the United States Women’s National Team players were out proving they’re not just worth what they’re asking, but more. Crowds could be heard after the final match chanting “Equal pay! Equal pay!” as a vote of support from the fans. When asked about how the win changes the lawsuit, Megan Rapinoe said,
“Well, it’s not good for them, is it?[Winning the World Cup] is huge, we’ve been shy to say that and put so much pressure on ourselves because we think we have a case no matter what. But this just blows it out of the water. Is it even about that anymore, or is it just about doing the right thing? The federation is in a unique position to ride this good wave of fortune.”
The team is expected to head out on a victory tour now that it’s back. Despite the tour, Marc Skinner hopes to see Pride players Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger, and Ashlyn Harris back next week.
E! News Loves the Love
E! News wrote about Alex Morgan and Servando Carrasco’s relationship. The pair makes long distance work for the time being, as they both take full advantage of their prime soccer playing years.
“I love her for the person she is, and what she accomplishes is almost secondary to that. Of course, I’m proud of her, there’s no doubt about it. When my nieces talk to her and they look up to her, that’s as good as it gets,” Servando told MLS Soccer. “I mean, the soccer stuff, yeah, for sure, cool. But to see her on the ‘100 Most Influential in the World’ in Time magazine? I’m like, damn. She’s making a difference.”
Morgan has been nominated for the ESPYs’ Best Female Athlete award and you’ll get to see if she wins when it airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Free Kicks
- Dom Dwyer and Sydney Leroux welcomed their baby girl to the world last week and yesterday their birthing story was shared on Bad as a Mother. I’m not crying, you’re crying!
- Zack Steffen is excited to get to work with “such a traditional club.” Use your web browser’s translation tool to read the full story.
- MLS power rankings have OCSC at 17, and the Lions’ U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal opponents at second in the league.
- The Chicago Fire and Village of Bridgeview agree to amend the stadium’s lease as a step toward the Fire playing games at Soldier Field.
- Somehow Nani falls from number 12 to 16 in week 18’s MLS Player Rankings.
That’ll do it for me today, Mane Landers. Be sure to check back in right here for all the latest as OCB takes on Chattanooga and OCSC takes on NYCFC!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/2/25
Lions fall to Chicago Fire, Pride players in action during international break, OCB beats Chattanooga FC, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work and will cover high school lacrosse and softball this week. Our beloved Lions lost, but OCB picked up a big win, while the Pride were off over the weekend. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Falls to Chicago Fire at Home
Orlando City fell 3-1 to the Chicago Fire Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions trailed 3-0 in the first half before Alex Freeman pulled one back for Orlando just before halftime. It was not enough to spark a late comeback, as the Lions have now lost back-to-back matches within the past week. The Lions played the match without Head Coach Oscar Pareja, who was serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card in the match against Atlanta United on Wednesday. Orlando City Assistant Coach Diego Torres was on the sidelines for this match. The Lions are off this weekend, with their next match on the road on June 14 against the Colorado Rapids.
Pride Players on International Duty
Multiple Orlando Pride players were in action over the weekend, representing their countries while away on international duty. Angelina captained the Brazil Women’s National Team, while Marta started on the bench and played in the second half as Brazil defeated Japan 3-1 in a friendly.
Barbra Banda scored for Zambia in a 1-1 friendly draw against Botswana. Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya also started in the match.
Pride defender Zara Chavoshi was on the bench for the Canadian Women’s National Team but did not play as Canada beat Haiti 4-1 in a friendly.
Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was on the bench as England defeated Portugal 6-0 in a UEFA Women’s Nations League matchup.
OCB Defeats Eastern Conference Leader Chattanooga FC
Orlando City B defeated Chattanooga FC 2-1 Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. Shak Mohammed scored the opening goal early in the first half for the Young Lions. Chattanooga FC found an equalizer just before halftime. In the second half, we had to wait all the way until stoppage time for another goal as Noah Levis scored the winner for OCB. The Young Lions are ninth in the Eastern Conference with 14 points. OCB will be on the road to take on Huntsville City FC Friday.
USWNT Beats China in Friendly
The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated China 3-0 Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in a friendly. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams came off the bench in the second half and played 21 minutes. Fellow Pride defender Kerry Abello was on the bench but did not play. Defender Naomi Girma made her first appearance for the USWNT this year after dealing with injuries. The USWNT dominated from the start as Catarina Macario scored the opening goal in the match. Sam Coffey made it 2-0 lead just before halftime. In the second half, Lindsey Heaps scored the final goal of the match. The USWNT will be back in action Tuesday night against Jamaica at Energizer Park in St. Louis.
LAFC Defeats Club America to Qualify for FIFA Club World Cup
LAFC overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Club America 2-1 in extra time in a play-in game Saturday at BMO Stadium and booked its spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. LAFC trailed 1-0 through much of the match, but late in the second half, Igor Jesus scored the equalizer just before stoppage time. In extra time, Denis Bouanga scored the winning goal. LAFC will join fellow MLS sides Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders in the FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament begins on June 14, and LAFC will face Chelsea, Flamengo, and ES Tunis in the group stage.
Paris Saint-Germain and Cruz Azul Win Continental Titles
Paris Saint-Germain finally won its first UEFA Champions League trophy, beating Inter Milan 5-0 Saturday in Munich. Desire Doue scored twice and added an assist. Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu also contributed goals. Paris Saint-Germain completed the treble, winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the Champions League this season. Luis Enrique became the second manager to win a treble with two different clubs, joining Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. Paris Saint-Germain also became only the second French club to win the Champions League title, with Marseille lifting the trophy back in 1993. For Inter Milan, it was the second time in three years the club lost the final, falling to Manchester City two years ago. Inter suffered the biggest defeat in UEFA Champions League final history.
Sunday in Mexico, Cruz Azul routed the Vancouver Whitecaps 5-0 Sunday at Estadio Olimpico Universitario to win the Concacaf Champions Cup. Angel Sepulveda scored two goals as Cruz Azul dominated the matchup. The Whitecaps were unable to record a shot on target. It’s the third straight final that an MLS side has lost to a Liga MX side since 2022, when the Seattle Sounders lifted the trophy. With the win, Cruz Azul has qualified for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Free Kicks
- Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport.com shared his insight on which MLS players to watch during the summer transfer window for potential moves. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was mentioned, as well as Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang and the Chicago Fire’s Brian Gutierrez.
- Former Orlando Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni reflected on his time with the club. He provided insight into his journey from coaching the Pride as an expansion team, including the early challenges, Orlando’s first NWSL playoff appearance, mentoring young coaches such as Khano Smith and Seb Hines, and more.
- Washington Spirit Head Coach Jonatan Giraldez is reportedly set to become the next manager at OL Lyonnes and will join the club in June. Assistant Coach Adrian Gonzalez will be promoted to head coach for the Spirit.
- U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has added Walker Zimmerman, Nathan Harriel, and Paxten Aaronson to the roster to replace DeJuan Jones, Sean Zawadzki, and Folarin Balogun, who are all out due to injuries. The USMNT will play friendlies against Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10.
- The LA Galaxy finally snapped their record 16-match winless streak on Saturday, defeating Real Salt Lake 2-0.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/30/25
Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.
Lions Called Up For International Duty
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.
Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.
A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.
Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson
The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.
USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China
The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.
Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager
Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.
Free Kicks
- Racing Louisville forward Kayla Fischer was suspended for an additional two games for pulling Madison Hammond down to the ground by her hair. As a result, she’ll miss Louisville’s game against the Pride on June 20.
- Washington Spirit Head Coach Jonatan Giraldez is reportedly in talks to manage OL Lyonnes.
- The Independent Review Panel rescinded the second yellow card Chicago Fire midfielder Dje D’Avilla received on May 25, meaning he’ll be available for the Fire’s game against Orlando on Saturday.
- AC Milan fired Sergio Conceicao after finishing eighth in the Serie A standings and losing in the Italian Cup final. The club has reportedly reached an agreement with Massimiliano Allegri for him to take over as manager.
- Angel Di Maria will return to his boyhood club of Rosario Central in Argentina’s top flight. The 37-year-old started his career at Rosario in 2005. He’ll still play for Benfica in the Club World Cup this summer.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/29/25
Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Falls in Atlanta
The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.
MLS All-Star Voting Begins
The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.
Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery
Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.
Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League
Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.
Free Kicks
- Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
- Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.
- Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal is reportedly interested in signing Victor Osimhen from Napoli ahead of the Club World Cup.
- Lamine Yamal signed a contract extension with Barcelona through 2031. The 17-year-old has already made 106 appearances for the club and led La Liga with 13 assists this season.
That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!
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