Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/27/19

Howdy Mane Landers, and happy Sunday! With the USL and MLS playoffs in full swing, it sure does hurt to be an Orlando soccer fan, huh? The “what ifs” have really set in for me, but I suggest you don’t fall down that rabbit hole because it sucks having to climb back out of it. Trust me. Regardless, there’s still some quality soccer being played around the States that warrants coverage, alongside some noteworthy news, so let’s dive right in.
You know the deal. Here’s your Sunday serving. Bon appétit.
Vlatko Andonovski Wins NWSL Coach of the Year
The Macedonian-born Andonovski is the first coach to take home the National Women’s Soccer League accolade with two different clubs — first bringing home the honor during his time steering FC Kansas City in 2013, and now this year with Reign FC. Andonovski won with about 53% of the vote, while the North Carolina Courage’s Paul Riley snagged around 27%, and the Washington Spirit’s Richie Burke received about 20% of the vote.
“It was an emotional and challenging year for our team,” said Andonovski. “But also a very satisfying year in that we dealt with a lot of adversity and many of our players performed at their best and gave their best efforts, which is all we can ask as coaches. Success is a team effort and individual awards are of course a reflection of the players and theentire organization, so I thank them, as well as our assistant coaches, our ownership and all the staff.”
An additional interesting tidbit to this award is that Andonovski is set to become Jill Ellis’s successor at the helm of one of the greatest national teams, men or women, of all time: the U.S. Women’s National Team. It appears that the program will be in good hands. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table for our defending World Cup champions.
Also be sure to catch the NWSL final today between the North Carolina Courage and the Chicago Red Stars at 3:30 p.m. ET. Will Chicago’s Sam Kerr capture her first NWSL crown? I think not. My money’s on the Courage (as per usual).
Heroes will emerge. Legends will be made. And one team will be crowned champion. #NWSLPlayoffs | #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/249nZS0GnJ
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 13, 2019
Christian Pulisic Shines in London
Things started shaky, and I fully anticipate there to be ups, downs, and bumps in the road, but it appears that American phenom and Chelsea starlet Christian Pulisic has finally begun to settle in to his new home in London. Facing off against a stout Burnley side that’s just outside of the top 10 in the Premier League, Chelsea ran rampant thanks to Pulisic’s perfect hat trick (left foot, right foot, header). He’s the second American to ever notch three goals in a single Premier League match. Clint Dempsey holds the honors as the first. The feat had him so excited that he almost forgot to bring the match ball home with him. Something tells me he’ll remember next time.
The USL Championship Playoff Update
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few weeks (or you just don’t care, which is fair I suppose), the 2019 USL Championship season has ended and we’re now in the midst of the playoffs. Yesterday was chock full of USL action, with a total of eight matches being played to narrow the field down to four teams. Here’s what the slate looked like, and how those matches turned out.
The Eastern Conference
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Birmingham Legion FC: (7-0 Riverhounds)
- Louisville City FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies: (2-1 Louisville)
- Indy Eleven vs. New York Red Bulls II: (1-0 Indy)
- Nashville SC vs. Charleston Battery: (3-1 Nashville)
The Western Conference
- Real Monarchs SLC vs. Orange County SC: (6-2 Real)
- Reno 1868 FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC: (3-1 Sacramento)
- Phoenix Rising FC vs. Austin Bold FC: (0 (8)-0 (7) Phoenix on penalties)
- Fresno FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC: (3-2 El Paso)
Next up, the USL conference finals and then the big dance. Who do you see taking home silverware?
What’s Happened to Miguel Almiron?
Okay, so I stole Kristen Henage’s headline, but I mean, is there a more accurate headline? What’s happened to Almiron since his move from that team in Georgia to Newcastle United, and how has it gone so wrong? MLS received approximately $27 million from Newcastle to secure the midfielder’s services, which is quite the pretty penny for anyone, let alone a young and inexperienced midfielder coming from MLS. The once-highly touted Almiron has seen his share of successes and setbacks so far in England. Notably, injuries hampered his debut season and then the man who brought him over to Newcastle, former manager Rafa Benitiz, left the club following an impasse with the controversial owner. These two factors are the most likely culprits in Almiron’s decline in form, exposure, and overall public perception.
The man who replaced Benitez hasn’t done Almiron any favors, either, deploying him as a striker or a winger, instead of his preferred position in the middle of the park. I’ll be honest. I’ve always liked Almiron, even when he wore red and black. When you compare his behavior and professionalism with that of players like Ezequiel Barco (See: courting your teammate’s girlfriend), he’s pure class. Couple that with his deft touch and skill on the ball – the dude’s likable. I hope he finds a home that suits him well, or finds a way to succeed with Newcastle.
Free Kicks
- Here’s your official MLS guide to the potential MLS Cup finals. Spoiler: The Lions aren’t tipped to make it very far. You couldn’t hear it, but I groaned out loud as I typed that.
- Will Zlatan stay in Los Angeles? I don’t know, you probably don’t know, and I bet these guys don’t either.
- Stay up to date on the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup and the current standings! The young Americans will be seeing Japan, Senegal, and the Netherlands in the group stage — quite a difficult group to emerge from. Also, here’s the schedule (because that’s also important).
- It appears the Galaxy’s Uriel Antuna is generating interest overseas, with Benfica reportedly tracking the 22-year-old’s progress. Keep an eye on the Galaxy this off-season. There’s bound to be a lot of change.
- Check out this absolute gem of a golden goal, scored by Providence University’s Paulo Lima in the 98th minute of extra time.
NOW THAT'S A GOLDEN GOAL. 🌟#NCAASoccer | @PCFriarsMSoccer pic.twitter.com/awSm6a35TZ
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 27, 2019
All right folks, I’m out. Have a great week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/2/25
Big names leave Toronto FC, hot conditions in Club World Cup match, FIFPRO makes ACL recommendations, and more.

Happy Wednesday, everyone. It already feels like it’s been a long week, as I just got home from being out of town traveling up and down the East Coast for the last few days. The soccer world hasn’t stopped in my absence though, and as usual we have a lot to cover today. Let’s wish a happy birthday to OCB defender Tahir Reid-Brown, and jump into today’s links!
Italians Leave Toronto FC
It’s the end of an era at Toronto FC, as the club has parted ways with both Federico Bernardeschi, and Lorenzo Insigne. The Reds used both of their two buyouts of guaranteed contracts this season in order to get the transactions done, so the club was pretty keen to get them out the door. It’s hard to blame the Reds, as Insigne was the second-highest paid player in the league while Bernardeschi was the fifth highest. They didn’t have much to show for it though, as Bernardeschi had 26 goals and 22 assists in 99 games across all competitions, while Insigne had 19 goals and 17 assists in 76 matches. TFC never made the playoffs while the duo was on the team, and the decision to turn the page is an understandable one.
Difficult Conditions in Juventus vs. Real Madrid
The Club World Cup Round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, with Real Madrid knocking off Juventus 1-0 in afternoon match. Kylian Mbappe made his tournament debut for Madrid as a substitute, but it was Gonzalo Garcia’s 54th-minute goal that made the difference in the game. Juve boss Igor Tudor highlighted the difficult conditions in Miami, saying in his postgame press conference that 10 different players asked to come off the field during the game. Tudor didn’t outright blame the loss on the high heat and humidity during the 3 p.m. kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium, but noted that they were among several factors that made the game a very difficult one for his side.
FIFPRO Makes Recommendations to Curb ACL Tears
Amid a rash of ACL injuries to women’s soccer players, FIFPRO has made some recommendations to cut down on the rate at which they occur. Rather than focusing on things that can’t be controlled, the federation has suggested modifying the calendar, number of games, and the playing surfaces. FIFPRO member Alex Culvin is calling for minimum standards in the women’s game relating to pitch conditions and access to physiotherapists. More research around risk factors is also necessary, as is implementing preventative exercises at the youth levels of the game.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
Summer transfer business is in full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the hot rumors currently flying around. First up, Arsenal is said to be in the final stages of signing Viktor Gyokeres to a five-year deal. Staying in the Premier League, Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Paris Saint-Germain. Juventus reportedly is close to signing Jonathan David after his contract with Lille expired. Finally, Bayern Munich is reportedly preparing a formal offer for Liverpool for Colombian winger Luis Diaz.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City is down a spot to no. 9 in the MLS.com power rankings.
- Landon Donovan says he has insider information that there are building tensions between Jesse Marsch and both players and officials within the Canadian Soccer Federation.
- The New York Cosmos will reportedly be back as a USL League One team that is set to begin play in the 2026 season.
- Haslam Sports Group has sold a 10% stake in the Columbus Crew.
- A drone not belonging to the United States Men’s National Team was spotted filming training on Tuesday.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/1/25
Pride signings, OCB draws, both U.S. national teams in action Wednesday, and more.

Welcome to July, Mane Landers. If you’re like me, you balanced the excitement and dread of the USMNT advancing on penalty kicks the other night. It was one thing watching Guatemala take out Canada but a whole other level of heart palpitating stress while watching the U.S. avoid a similar fate. There’s no time to relax with plenty of soccer to watch as we head towards Independence Day. Before we get to the links, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride/USWNT defender Emily Sams and OCB defender Clovis Archange each a happy birthday.
Orlando Pride Signings
The Orlando Pride announced a pair of transactions Monday. Midfielder Viviana Villacorta and the club have agreed to exercise the midfielder’s mutual option for the 2026 season. Villacorta was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. The Pride also signed midfielder Ally Lemos to a new contract through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028. The Pride selected Lemos with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2024 NWSL Draft. Orlando continues to lock down current players ahead of time. Now, we wait to see if any new players will be added.
OCB Earns a Point on the Road
Orlando City B played Philadelphia Union II to a 1-1 draw in a Monday afternoon match. Unfortunately, the Young Lions lost the end-of-regulation shootout 4-2 and did not get the additional point. Gustavo Caraballo assisted Jackson Platts on the early goal for OCB. Philadelphia equalized early in the second half. Carlos Mercado was the difference maker in the match, recording a career-high 12 saves.
USMNT’s Gold Cup Run Continues vs. Guatemala
The USMNT will face Guatemala Wednesday night in a 2025 Gold Cup semifinal match. The U.S. advanced past Costa Rica on penalties thanks to a stellar performance from goalkeeper Matt Freese. Guatemala stunned Canada with a second-half equalizer and advanced on penalty kicks. Guatemala has been the overachieving underdog of the competition so far. This will be the USMNT’s 17th Gold Cup semifinal appearance.
USWNT Hosts Canada
The USWNT will host Canada in a third friendly of this international window Wednesday at Washington, D.C.’s Audi Field. The U.S. is coming off two 4-0 victories over the Republic of Ireland. Canada should prove a tougher opponent for Emma Hayes’ squad. There is a possibility that the match will feature two Orlando Pride players — Emily Sams for the U.S. and Zara Chavoshi for Canada. Kerry Abello has returned to her club team after picking up a knock.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse is one of many NWSL players that may feature in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro competition.
- Kristie Mewis is leaving West Ham United after only four appearances in 18 months. He time was limited due to injuries and then pregnancy.
- Global players’ union FIFPRO has concerns about the potential intense heat at the FIFA Club World Cup next year.
- Botafogo fired coach Renato Paiva after Brazilian rival Pal defeated Botafogo in the Club World Cup. Paiva was only in the job for four months.
- USMNT midfielder Malik Tillman may be headed to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
- Former Orlando Pride midfielder Erika Tymrak has retired from professional soccer.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match against Charlotte FC this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/30/25
Lions fall to FC Cincinnati, USWNT beats Ireland, USMNT defeats Costa Rica in penalties, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work but got to catch up with friends at a Chicago White Sox game. Let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City midfielder Joran Gerbet, who turns 25 today. Our Lions were the only team in action over the weekend while the Pride and OCB were off. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Fall at Home to FC Cincinnati
Orlando City fell 2-1 to FC Cincinnati Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium, seeing its two-match winning streak end. The Lions trailed 2-0, with Evander scoring both goals for FC Cincinnati. Marco Pasalic pulled one back for Orlando, but it was not enough as FC Cincinnati claimed the three points and remain second in the Eastern Conference standings with 39 points. Orlando City is fifth with 33 points. The Lions will travel to face Charlotte FC Saturday at Bank of America Stadium.
Pride and Grace Chanda Exercise Mutual Option for 2026 Season
On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced the club and Grace Chanda reached an agreement to exercise their mutual option for the 2026 season. Chanda joined Orlando last summer but was placed on the Season-Ending Injury list after sustaining an injury while playing for Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chanda made her debut earlier this season for the Pride on March 19 and came off the bench against the Washington Spirit in the second half. Chanda has made three appearances for the Pride during the 2025 season.
Pride Sign Zara Chavoshi to New Contract
The Orlando Pride also announced Friday the club has reached an agreement with defender Zara Chavoshi on a new contract. The deal is through the 2027 season, with a mutual option for 2028. Chavoshi joined the club ahead of the 2025 season and became the first player Orlando signed directly out of college, following the NWSL’s abolition of the draft as a mechanism for player acquisition last year. Chavoshi made her debut for the Pride on March 23 against NJ/NY Gotham FC and came off the bench. She made her first professional start on May 3 on the road against the Portland Thorns and played 90 minutes. Chavoshi has made four appearances for the Pride during the 2025 season. Also over the weekend, Chavoshi scored her first goal for the Canadian Women’s National Team in a 4-1 win over Costa Rica in an international friendly.
USWNT Defeats Ireland Again in Friendly
The U.S. Women’s National Team beat Ireland 4-0 Sunday at TQL Stadium in an international friendly. It was the second win in a week over Ireland for the USWNT. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams started the match and played 90 minutes. Lynn Biyendolo scored the opener, while Izzy Rodriguez scored her first goal for the USWNT to extend the lead to 2-0 going into halftime. In the second half, Yazmeen Ryan and Alyssa Thompson each added a goal to seal another win for the USWNT. The USWNT has won four in a row, and the team’s next match will be against Canada Wednesday at Audi Field. Meanwhile, Gisele Thompson and Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello have left the U.S. women’s national team training camp due to hamstring injuries. Abello last played for the USWNT on June 3 against Jamaica in a friendly.
USMNT Defeats Costa Rica in Penalties in the Gold Cup
The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Costa Rica 4-3 in penalties after a 2-2 draw in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman started the match and played 90 minutes. The USMNT trailed 1-0 early in the first half, and Malik Tillman missed a penalty that would have tied the match. However, Diego Luna scored the equalizer just before halftime. In the second half, the USMNT struck quickly with a goal from Max Arfsten to take a 2-1 lead. Costa Rica equalized late in the second half, and after 90 minutes, the game went to penalties. After three rounds, Orlando City fullback Alex Freeman buried his penalty past goalkeeper Keylor Navas to tie it 3-3. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made three saves, and in the sixth round, Damion Downs scored the winning goal to secure a spot for the USMNT in the semifinals. The USMNT will face Guatemala Wednesday at Energizer Park.
FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 Weekend Recap
The Round of 16 kicked off in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup over the weekend. On Saturday, Palmeiras beat Botafogo 1-0 after extra time, with Paulinho scoring the winning goal. Former Lion Facundo Torres came off the bench late in the second half and played 35 minutes. In another match that needed extra time, Chelsea beat 10-man Benfica 4-1 to advance. On Sunday, Joao Neves scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain crushed Inter Miami 4-0. Miami was the last MLS team remaining in the tournament and saw its run come to an end in the Round of 16. Bayern Munich defeated Flamengo 4-2 to advance, joining Palmeiras, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals. We have two more matches today, as Inter Milan faces Fluminense, while Manchester City takes on Al-Hilal in Orlando at Camping World Stadium.
Free Kicks
- Over the weekend, the Houston Dynamo defeated St. Louis City 1-0. The club announced before the match that it was former Lion Nico Lodeiro’s final match with the Dynamo as he came off the bench late in the second half and played the final five minutes.
- MLS NEXT Pro announced the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational over the weekend. The matchup will feature MLS NEXT Pro champions North Texas SC taking on Liga Expansion MX champions Club Deportivo Tapatio on July 26 at Toyota Stadium.
- LAFC and forward Olivier Giroud have reached an agreement to terminate his contract, and he will reportedly sign a contract to return home and join Lille in Ligue 1.
- The U-17 U.S. Women’s National Team lost 3-0 to Japan in a friendly Saturday at CPKC Stadium. The two sides will meet again in a closed-door match July 1, with the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place this fall in Morocco.
- Forbes.com featured an article that provides insight into the cost of extreme weather delays at the FIFA Club World Cup, how climate change has impacted the global sport, and the economic ramifications for the tournament.
- Guatemala eliminated Canada 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to advance to the semifinals in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup or the first time since 1996.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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