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Lion Links: 1/23/19

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Happy Hump Day, everyone. It’s a short work week for me but it already feels long. Hopefully we’ll scoot through this week quickly and get to the weekend.

I’ve been in my new house just over a week but there’s still plenty to do. Most of the boxes are unpacked but there’s some painting and shelf hanging in my future that I’m not too psyched about. Also I need to see about getting some custom shelves hung in the man cave for my books and CDs because I’m an old and I like to have those things around even though we live in the digital age. Oh, and I still have no internet.

But enough about my trials and travails. Let’s get to the news of the day.

Something Something Nondescript Big-Name Transfer Rumor

This is an…interesting…way to do a transfer rumor. Steven Goff threw this out yesterday afternoon:

I suppose most MLS teams would have some level of interest in a player with the pedigree of Dani Alves. I think the Lions would have a great deal of interest if Alves would come play for the league minimum. However, it’s an odd way to put a rumor out there. At least Goff contacted the club to see if an offer had been made.

Alves is not a player who fits the current Orlando City profile and it would be interesting to see how they’d use him after signing the speedy Ruan. However, we reached out to our sources to gauge the accuracy of the rumor and got a response of, and I’m paraphrasing here: “Um…no.”

Can we get some attacking bite in the midfield, please?

Benji Michel Happy to be Home

Jordan Culver of ProSoccerUSA.com caught up with Orlando City Homegrown Benji Michel and the new Lion is happy to be coming home to play his professional soccer. Michel said at first he didn’t know he qualified as a Homegrown Player but signing as an HGP allowed him to have a say in his professional destination.

“I grew up watching Orlando City. I was there [when they were] in USL. My friends are here. My family is here. I have all the support that I need to begin my first professional season. I feel like me signing as a Homegrown player for my city, it wouldn’t be as difficult for me because I live here and I have all the support that I need.” 

Pinho Signs with Thailand Team

Former Orlando City striker Stefano Pinho has landed in Thailand of all places, signing with PT Prachuap FC. The club plays in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, and is nicknamed the Killer Wasp. Pinho announced the move via his social media channels, which later prompted Orlando City to release the news that the club has waived him, despite the news breaking a week ago via Jordan Culver (and Pinho’s social media). Pinho told The Mane Land that the decision was mutual for his departure. We wish him luck with his new club. #ForeverALion

USWNT Bounces Back with 1-0 Win in Spain

Christen Press scored the game’s only goal as the USWNT bounced back from a loss in France and won the team’s first ever meeting against Spain, 1-0. The United States welcomed back several missing players from Saturday’s match, including Tobin Heath, Julie Ertz, and Megan Rapinoe. Pride striker Alex Morgan started up top for the U.S. but could not inch closer to 100 career international goals. Morgs remains stuck on 98 for now. The USWNT will be back in action in late February and early March in the 2019 SheBelieves Cup.

Diego Officially Back with Flamengo

As we’ve been saying for a while, midfielder Diego Ribas made it official by returning to Flamengo with a contract renewal. The Brazilian No. 10 would have been a great addition to Orlando City but his heart was with his current club and from what we’re hearing, he’s not getting the big raise he wanted. In the end, it’s about being where you want to be and we can’t fault the player for that. We think he’d have loved celebrating goals in front of The Wall, but alas, it wasn’t to be.

Skinner Says Pride Compares to Birmingham

New Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner spoke to The Guardian and talked about how his new organization is a lot like Birmingham City. Both, says the skipper, are family-oriented clubs that place a high value on doing things the right way. He also said the Pride organization fits his personality and he’s eager to get the “project” started.

It’s really important for me that we connect with the fans in the stands, give them an identity, I tried to do that at Birmingham, so they feel a part of what we’re doing. This without the Orlando Pride fans is nothing for me.”

Free Kicks

  • Those born on this date include supersized signature writer John Hancock (1737), actor Randolph Scott (1898), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century actor Gil Gerard (1943), Rutger Hauer (1944), Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander (1953), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress Mariska Hargitay (1964), Saved by the Bell’s Tiffani Amber Thiessen (1974), NFL kicker Phil Dawson (1975), and Dutch / Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben (1984).

That’s all my time for today. Enjoy your Wednesday and the rest of your work week.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/19/25

Orlando City’s international call-ups, Pride still on top, USMNT prepares for Panama, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! I hope you’re having a good week so far. Just a reminder that we’re only a day away from the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League match, followed by regular-season matches for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Personally, I love knowing I’ll have matches to watch on three of the next four days. Let’s get to the links.

International Lions

I always have mixed feelings about international call-ups. On one hand, I’m happy for the players to be able to represent their individual countries. On the other hand, I don’t want to lose them for whatever matches they may miss due to being gone. This particular instance sees Pedro Gallese, David Brekalo, and Colin Guske on international duty with Peru, Slovenia, and the USYNT U18s, respectively. OCB’s Justin Ellis also received a call up from the USYNT.

Having Gallese and Brekalo gone when Christian Benteke is coming to town with D.C. United is not ideal. Regardless, I wish them all the best in the upcoming matches and I hope for an injury-free return.

Orlando Pride are a Hit

Following an NWSL opening match record 6-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC, it should be little surprise that three Orlando Pride players made the CBS NWSL Team of the Week — Anna Moorhouse, thanks to the clean sheet; Angelina for midfield excellence; and Barbra Banda for her goal contributions. One of those goals also rightly won the NWSL Goal of the Week.

It’s also entirely unsurprising that the Pride are in the top spot in Sports Illustrated’s NWSL Power Rankings. I know that power rankings are dumb, but I’m not ashamed to admit I like them a bit better when my team is the best.

USMNT Prepares for Panama

The USMNT will play Panama in a Concacaf Nations League semifinal match Thursday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. There have been some roster changes due to injuries. Mauricio Pochettino is replacing Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty with Max Arfsten, Brian Gutiérrez, and, Jack McGlynn. Aside from those changes, the U.S. is bringing the big guns to the match. It’s an opportunity for Pochettino to show what this team can be, especially since he said the U.S. could compete to become the best in the world in as little as five to 10 years.

The Good and Bad of the NWSL

The NWSL is a league that is growing in a sustainable fashion. That is good for teams like the Orlando Pride and for women’s soccer in general. Another example of this growth is the plan for a soccer-specific stadium for the Denver NWSL expansion team. The 14,500-seat stadium will include a public park, surrounding shops, and restaurants.

Of course, there are often growing pains associated with expansion. Pride fans are all too aware of such pains. During the off-season, there were reports of abuse involving Bay FC Head Coach Albertin Montoya. As the NWSL matures as a league, how such matters are addressed will determine the success of the league as a whole.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City jumped up one spot in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings to No. 16. You should all know how serious I take power rankings by now.
  • Remember when Mason Stajduhar collided with a New York City FC player and broke his leg? That player was Malachi Jones, who will undergo another procedure to repair the right tibia fracture he sustained in the collision. I hope for the best for Jones since it’s PRO referees I blame for not raising the offside flag.
  • Canada Head Coach Jesse Marsch replaced former Lion Richie Laryea with Zorhan Bassong for the Concacaf Nations League match Thursday.
  • Despite the growth of the women’s game, there is still a vast disparity between revenue and spending across the board. Hopefully, this gets better with further investment in the various leagues.
  • I know of an MLS club that could use an experienced backup center back.

Matt Hedges isn't retired yet and would like to keep playing, I'm told.The veteran MLS center back would ideally want to return to FC Dallas, his long-time club. No talks have happened yet.Hedges is playing in the U.S. Open Cup with Des Moines Menace tomorrow night.

Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-03-18T17:00:58.231Z

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/18/25

Eduard Atuesta earns recognition, Barbra Banda up for weekly award, NWSL storylines from Week 1, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, and happy Tuesday to you all. I hope you’ve sufficiently recovered if you took part in any St. Patrick’s Day festivities yesterday, and if not, you have my deepest sympathies. It was a good weekend for Orlando’s three soccer teams as they combined to go undefeated. If the Orlando Pride could have lent some of the six goals the team scored to Orlando City and Orlando City B, we’d probably be toasting a nine-point weekend, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing a happy birthday to Orlando Pride vice-captain Kylie Nadaner! We’ve got a lot to talk about today, so let’s get into it.

Lion Earns Weekly Recognition

Eduard Atuesta played an important role in Orlando City’s 2-2 road draw with the New York Red Bulls, and that performance was rewarded with a starting place in the MLS Team of the Matchday. Not only did he have the primary assist on Marco Pasalic’s goal, but he also had the secondary assist on Martin Ojeda’s opener. Nic Josey awarded him a 7 out of 10 in his Player Grades piece, and it’s nice to see him getting some of that love on the larger stage as well. Here’s hoping for more of the same!

Barbra Banda Up for Weekly Honors

Continuing the trend of Orlando players earning recognition for the efforts over the weekend, Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week. The Zambian finds herself nominated for her second and the Pride’s sixth goal of the day. After picking up the ball about 30 yards from goal, Banda took a couple touches before firing the ball into the top corner to round off an absolute beatdown. It was a difficult piece of finishing that she made look like the simplest thing in the world, and its a deserving nominee.

NWSL Week 1 Storylines

The first week of the 2025 NWSL season is in the books and there’s a lot we need to catch up on. For one thing, the Pride are still pretty damn good. It’s anyone’s guess how good the Chicago Stars will be this year, but a 6-0 score is nothing to turn your nose up at, regardless of who it comes against. Not only did the NWSL have its 1,000th player make her debut, but that player also scored, as rookie Maggie Graham got a goal for the Houston Dash in the team’s 2-1 loss to the Washington Spirit. Finally, international players ran riot, with Banda scoring a brace and adding an assist, Temwa Chawinga netting for the Kansas City Current, and Gia Corley getting things going for the San Diego Wave after just five minutes.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

While most transfer windows aren’t open right now, there are still plenty of stories that we need to keep an eye on. First, Christian Pulisic’s value is said to have ballooned to around $71 million since joining AC Milan, with the Italian team eager to sign him to a new contract. Liverpool is said to be regularly speaking with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, as the Dutch fullback is reportedly looking to move away from the club in the summer. Finally, Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.

Free Kicks


That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/17/25

Lions draw on the road, Pride win NWSL season opener, OCB claims two points against Atlanta, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers, and happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been catching up with friends over the weekend in Chicago. Our Lions and OCB picked up draws, but the Young Lions claimed an extra point in penalties, while the Pride dominated the Stars to start their 2025 NWSL season with a win. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links. 

Lions Draw New York Red Bulls on the Road

Orlando City and the New York Red Bulls split the points in a 2-2 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium Saturday. The Lions struck first with a goal from Martin Ojeda to take the lead. However, a controversial penalty kick was awarded to the Red Bulls, and Eric Choupo-Boting buried the equalizer to tie the match at one. Marco Pasalic’s goal put Orlando back in front just before halftime. However, just minutes into the second half, the Red Bulls tied the match at 2-2. The Lions had chances to score late in the match, but Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel stopped everything in his path to preserve a point. Orlando City returns home to Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday to take on D.C. United.

Orlando City Signs Gustavo Caraballo as Homegrown Player

After being signed to short-term contracts in previous weeks, Orlando City announced Friday that the club signed midfielder Gustavo Caraballo to a Homegrown Player contract. Caraballo is signed through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028. The 16-year-old midfielder has made two appearances for Orlando this season. Caraballo went through the academy, playing at OCB, and now becomes the youngest player to sign a first-team pro contract. He made his MLS debut earlier this month in the Lions’ 4-2 win over Toronto FC, becoming the youngest player ever to get MLS minutes with Orlando.

Orlando Pride Defeat Chicago Stars in Season Opener

The Orlando Pride began their 2025 NWSL season Friday, beating the Chicago Stars 6-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. Haley McCutcheon, Ally Watt, and Julie Doyle added their names to the scoresheet, while Barbra Banda scored twice. The Pride also got an own goal from Stars defender Hannah Anderson just after halftime. Orlando is unbeaten in its last four matches against Chicago. With six goals, Orlando tied the club record for the most goals scored in a match. It was also the Pride’s first-ever season-opening win. The Pride will be on the road this weekend to face NJ/NY Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.

OCB Wins Penalty Shootout vs. Atlanta United 2 after 2-2 Draw

Orlando City B drew 2-2 against Atlanta United 2 Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions trailed 1-0 in the first half, but Justin Ellis tied the match just before halftime. Shak Mohammed gave OCB a 2-1 lead in the second half, but Atlanta scored a late equalizer. After 90 minutes, MLS NEXT Pro draws go to penalties, and OCB won the extra point with a 4-1 shootout win. OCB will be back in action on Wednesday, March 26 on the road against Crown Legacy FC.

NWSL Opening Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s opening weekend matches are in the books. The Washington Spirit edged the Houston Dash 2-1 Friday night. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Portland Thorns 3-1 as Temwa Chawinga and Debinha scored. The Utah Royals and Bay FC, Racing Louisville and the North Carolina Courage, and the Seattle Reign vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC matches all ended in 1-1 draws. On Sunday, Angel City FC and the San Diego Wave match also ended in a 1-1 draw.

Americans Abroad

We had another busy weekend featuring several Americans in action in Europe just ahead of the international break. Christian Pulisic scored for AC Milan in its Serie A clash against Como. AC Milan held on to win 2-1. Weston Mckennie’s Juventus side fell 3-0 to Fiorentina on the road, suffering a second straight heavy defeat in league play. Tyler Adams played 79 minutes for AFC Bournemouth, but his side lost 2-1 at home to Brentford, while Antonee Robinson played 90 minutes for Fulham, helping his team defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. Tanner Tessmann came off the bench for Lyon in the second half as his side defeated Le Havre 4-2 in Ligue 1. Haji Wright scored a hat trick over the weekend for EFL Championship side Coventry City in a 3-0 victory over Sunderland. Catarina Macario and Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 to win the Women’s League Cup.

Free Kicks

  • Angel City FC and Former Orlando Pride forward Sydney Leroux announced on her Instagram page that she will take a break from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.
  • Boston’s NWSL expansion team will not play under its current name, BOS Nation FC. The club announced over the weekend that it will rebrand and expects to unveil its new name in the next few weeks.
  • Newcastle United defeated Liverpool 2-1 Sunday to win the Carabao Cup, snapping a 70-year domestic trophy drought.
  • In case you missed it, you have to see this late second-half equalizer by Mohamed Traore of Phoenix Rising in a USL Championship match over the weekend against El Paso Locomotive.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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