Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/1/19
Welcome to November, Mane Landers. Another month is in the books and only two more remain before we get to the end of the year. I hope Halloween was fun, even if it’s a little awkward when it lands in the middle of the week. In some non-soccer news, today is also the start of National Novel Writing Month when writers challenge themselves to write 50,000 words. So if you’re a participant like myself, I wish you the best of luck. Now, let’s get to the links!
Leading Candidate Emerges for OCSC Coaching Job
According to The Mane Land’s sources, Orlando City reportedly has its eyes set on Oscar Pareja to be the club’s new head coach after James O’Connor was fired roughly a month ago. Pareja is the current head coach for Club Tijuana in Liga MX and has the team in a position to make the postseason with the season winding down.
The 51-year-old coach has experience not only in Major League Soccer but with working alongside OCSC Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi and Tesho Akindele during a stint with FC Dallas that saw the team win the Supporters’ Shield in 2016. While that would be a lofty goal for Orlando if the trio were to reunite, Pareja’s hiring would guarantee that Muzzi brings on a coach he is well established with.
Carlos Ascues Called Up
Orlando City midfielder Carlos Ascues is one of five MLS players called up to the Peruvian National Team for a pair of friendlies against Chile and Colombia this month. The defensive midfielder started in 14 games for the Lions in 2019 and has been called up in recent months by Peru Head Coach Ricardo Gareca. Ascues joins Seattle Sounders playoff hero Raul Ruidiaz and former Lion Yoshimar Yotún, and will hopefully get some playing time during the MLS off-season.
USWNT Names November Camp Roster
New United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski called up 24 players for his first training camp before the team’s last two matches this year against Sweden and Costa Rica. The Orlando Pride’s Ashlyn Harris was called up along with three other goalkeepers. Pride defender Ali Krieger won’t be participating in the camp due to an injury, but will still be making the trip to meet and greet the new coach before heading back off for more rehabilitation.
Orlando SeaWolves Create Florida Indoor Soccer League
In partnership with R9 Academy, the Orlando SeaWolves announced the Florida Sunshine League for amateur indoor soccer teams in the state to come strut their stuff. The 6v6 league will have its first season this December and another season in February with a $1,000 championship prize. Games will be played at Silver Spurs Arena and R9 Academy and teams can register starting today. Even if you don’t plan on joining, it’s great to see the SeaWolves get involved with the community and give indoor players a chance to shine.
“Our mission has always been to give players a platform to develop in indoor soccer,” General Manager Chris Kokalis said, “This aligns with the MASL’s vision of growing the indoor game throughout the United States as we do our part here in the state of Florida.”
Free Kicks
- If you’re trying to get ahead of your holiday shopping before the madness later this month, you may want to check out Alanna Kennedy’s designed timepiece.
So cool to be able to collaborate with Two Kings and design my own watch. Only 150 World Wide. Available now at https://t.co/iCm7KRCVDz 🤩😘 pic.twitter.com/pR51Ucenki
— Alanna Kennedy (@AlannaKennedy) October 30, 2019
- United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter called up 20 domestic players as the Yanks prepare for a showdown with Canada right here in Orlando on Nov. 15.
- In case you missed it, the U.S U-17 squad played Japan to a draw earlier this week for an important point in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
- Former Orlando City Pro Academy Director Darren Powell parted ways with San Antonio FC. Powell was both head coach and technical director for the USL Championship club for the past four seasons.
- The Leroux-Dwyer family really knows how to dress their best for Halloween.
Happy Halloween from Fred, Wilma, Pebbles and Bam Bam. #yabadabadoooo pic.twitter.com/04LLdmgLgj
— Sydney Leroux Dwyer (@sydneyleroux) October 31, 2019
- We end our links with a fun story out of Israel. Former Lion Kaká played on a Brazil legends match for a charity event where he scored a goal and took a selfie with the referee after being booked by her.
The ref booked Kaká just to get a selfie 😂 pic.twitter.com/u6cFec2G4S
— Oh My Goal (@OhMyGoalUS) October 31, 2019
That will be it from me, folks. Make sure to check back with use for more Orlando soccer coverage and I hope you all have a great Friday!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/27/25
Orlando CIty wins first preseason match, Naomi Girma completes move to Chelsea, MLS transfer news, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy working and covering high school sports. Besides that, I was able to watch a few Premier League matches over the weekend. Let’s all wish a happy belated birthday to Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina, who turned 25 on Sunday. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Defeats Atletico Mineiro in Penalties After Scoreless Draw
In its first preseason match of 2025, Orlando City edged past Atletico Mineiro 6-5 on penalties after a scoreless draw at Inter&Co Stadium in the FC Series. The Lions had to go through seven rounds of penalties to defeat Atletico Mineiro and clinch the Inter&Co Trophy. Both teams had chances throughout the match, but after 90 minutes of play, the game went to penalties. After being tied 5-5 after six rounds, Joran Gerbet scored in the seventh round andPedro Gallese saved Bruno Fuchs’s shot to win the shootout for the Lions. Orlando City will be in Mexico for camp for the next week and will face Forge FC. The Lions will take on Inter Miami in Tampa on Feb. 14 at Raymond James Stadium.
Lions Reportedly Shift Focus Away From Marco Pasalic
According to Tom Bogert, Orlando City is reportedly shifting their focus from Croatian winger Marco Pasalic to other transfer targets, as the 24-year-old is undecided about his future.
The Lions were reportedly in talks to sign Pasalic from HNK Rijeka last week, as they look to fill their open Designated Player spot following the record-breaking transfer of forward Facundo Torres to Palmeiras last month. The clock is ticking for the Lions to sign a new Designated Player, with Orlando’s season opener set for Feb. 22.
Naomi Girma Completes Record Transfer Move to Chelsea
United States Women’s National Team and former San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma has completed her transfer to Chelsea in a record-breaking deal. The transfer fee is reportedly agreed at $1.1 million, making her the first player to break the $1 million mark in women’s soccer. Girma signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Chelsea after three seasons with the Wave. She has 44 caps for the USWNT and was an integral part of the squad that won a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
MLS Transfer Roundup
Major League Soccer had another busy weekend with some notable transfer moves. The Chicago Fire signed midfielder Rominigue Kouame on loan from La Liga 2 side Cadiz CF for the 2025 MLS season, with an option to purchase. The Fire also transferred midfielder Federico Navarro to Argentine first division side Club Atletico Rosario Central for an undisclosed transfer fee. FC Cincinnati is reportedly in negotiations to sign center back Gilberto Flores.
LAFC has agreed to transfer midfielder Mateusz Bogusz to Cruz Azul for a fee reportedly over $10 million. The New York Red Bulls have transferred forward Dante Vanzeir to KAA Gent in Belgium. The Red Bulls have also reportedly expressed interest in signing Tottenham Hotspur forward Timo Werner, who is on loan from Red Bull Leipzig.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Daryl Dike is close to full fitness and is back training as he looks set to return to action for West Brom. Dike has been recovering from a ruptured Achilles injury from last season that has kept him sidelined for almost a year.
- Christian Pulisic scored a penalty kick, while Yunus Musah added an assist for AC Milan in a 3-2 victory over Parma on Sunday.
- Josh Sargent scored twice in his first start for Norwich City in nearly three months as his side defeated Swansea City 5-1 on Saturday.
- Wolverhampton has reportedly expressed interest in signing Real Betis and USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/24/25
Cesar Araujo will reportedly stay in Orlando, USMNT takeaways, MLS transfer news, and much more.
Happy Friday! It should be a pretty decent weekend with plenty of soccer to enjoy both in Orlando and abroad. Orlando City’s first preseason game is Saturday against Atletico Mineiro at Inter&Co Stadium. While I won’t be in attendance, I’m looking forward to learning how they do. But for now, let’s jump into today’s links!
Cesar Araujo Will Reportedly Stay in Orlando
There have been rumors and reports swirling around regarding midfielder Cesar Araujo leaving Orlando City this off-season. However, the 23-year-old will reportedly stay in Orlando for the 2025 season according to Tom Bogert. Uruguayan club Nacional has reportedly been trying to sign Araujo while he has a year left on his contract.
It makes all the sense in the world for Orlando to want to keep Araujo in the center of its midfield for 2025. He’s been incredible since joining Orlando back in 2022 and has been integral to the club’s success in recent years. Clubs were always going to come knocking for Araujo’s talents, but I expect it would take a hefty offer for the Lions to let him go before his contract is up.
Takeaways From USMNT January Camp
While the United States Men’s National Team’s January camp usually isn’t too impactful, this year’s edition had some extra intrigue due to some standout performances across the two friendly wins. Zack Steffen had a statement game against Costa Rica, making a few sensational saves to secure a clean sheet. He needed a game like that to stay in the mix for the starting job after a rough season with the Colorado Rapids. Striker Patrick Agyemang played his first two USMNT games this month and scored in both, making the most of his opportunity. Diego Luna taking an elbow to the face and coming back out to assist on the team’s first goal against Costa Rica is also the kind of moment that could earn him more looks in the future.
MLS Transfer News Roundup
MLS teams other than Orlando City continue to make moves ahead of the 2025 season. The exodus from FC Dallas rolls on, as Alan Velasco was officially transferred to Boca Juniors in Argentina for a reported $12 million transfer fee. Dallas also traded center back Nkosi Tafari to LAFC in exchange for $300,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money and an international roster slot.
The Karol Swiderski era in Charlotte is over, as the club transferred him to Panathinaikos for a reported transfer fee of $2 million. Real Salt Lake added a young striker, signing 20-year-old Ariath Piol from MacArthur FC in Australia. Nashville SC signed American goalkeeper Brian Schwake from CD Castellon in Spain’s second division to provide more depth behind Joe Willis. Austin FC’s busy off-season continued by signing Zan Kolmanic to a new contract through 2026. The club is also reportedly closer to signing forward Myrto Uzuni for a club-record fee.
Europa League First Phase Nears Conclusion
Lazio is the only team to guarantee a spot in the Europa League’s round of 16 so far, doing so after a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. English clubs Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur edged closer to securing a spot. A late winner from Bruno Fernandes gave United a 2-1 victory against Rangers, while Tottenham beat Hoffenheim 3-2 thanks to a brace from Heung-Min Son. The upset of the round belonged to Latvian club FK RFS, which took down Ajax in a 1-0 win at home. Eintracht Frankfurt, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Midtjylland also picked up wins this week. This phase of the tournament will wrap up with 18 games on Thursday.
Free Kicks
- Bay FC bought out Deyna Castellanos’ contract, with the midfielder joining the Portland Thorns as a free agent soon after.
- After a vote approving funds to repair Al Lang Stadium, the Tampa Bay Rowdies announced that they will play there for their upcoming USL Championship season.
- Manchester City defender Kyle Walker will reportedly join AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option for the Italian club to buy him after the loan.
- Barcelona extended defender Ronald Araujo’s contract to keep him at the club through 2031.
- Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke will be out for around six weeks due to a knee injury according to Ange Postecoglou.
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: 1/23/25
Orlando City signs Thomas Williams to new contract, Orlando Pride schedule revealed, USMNT wins against Costa Rica, and more.
I hope you all are staying warm as we deal with cold weather across Florida. It’s at least been nice to break out some of my heavier blankets and forgotten hot cocoa packets I’ve had stored away. My cat has also been curling up next to me more, which is always a plus. Still, not shivering while waiting for my car to warm up would be great. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Thomas Williams Signs New Orlando City Contract
Orlando City center back Thomas Williams signed a new contract with the club that lasts through 2026, with an option for 2027 as well. Williams joined the club’s academy back in 2015 and became the youngest Homegrown Player in club history when he signed a first-team contract at 16 years old in 2021. The 20-year-old hasn’t featured much for the first team, and he’ll likely spend most of this year with Orlando City B for consistent playing time. Hopefully Williams can take a step forward in his development and provide the Lions some helpful depth at center back in the event of injuries.
Orlando Pride 2025 Season Schedule Unveiled
The NWSL announced its 2025 season schedule Wednesday, and the Orlando Pride will start their title defense season at home against the Chicago Red Stars on March 14. Their first road game will be the following weekend on March 23 against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Decision Day returns to the schedule this year, with all 14 clubs in action on Nov. 2. The Pride will close out their regular season at home that day against the Seattle Reign, with the postseason set to begin on Nov. 7. There’s also a break in the schedule in July, with no regular-season games scheduled due to international tournaments like the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and Copa America Femenina.
USMNT Shuts Out Costa Rica in Orlando
The United States Men’s National Team beat Costa Rica 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando Wednesday night to stay perfect at the home of the Lions and Pride at 7-0-0. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen truly earned his clean sheet, coming up with some great saves to deny Costa Rica. It was also a solid attacking performance from the Yanks, and Patrick Agyemang put a bow on what’s been a great month for him with his second goal in as many games. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has some time to assess things before the USMNT plays Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on March 20
Keeping Up With MLS Transfer News
San Diego FC added another Designated Player ahead of its inaugural season, signing Danish winger Anders Dreyer from Anderlecht for a transfer fee reportedly near $5 million. He recorded 31 goals and 23 assists in 87 appearances across all competitions for Anderlecht and joins San Diego on a three-year deal. Charlotte FC officially added Wilfried Zaha on loan from Galatasaray. He’ll occupy a DP spot and the loan lasts through Jan. 16, 2026, with an option to extend it through June of that year as well.
LAFC made a trade with its rival to strengthen its midfield, acquiring Mark Delgado from the LA Galaxy in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money. The Portland Timbers signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from Shakhtar Donetsk as an MLS U22 Initiative player, with FC Cincinnati receiving GAM for his discovery rights. Real Salt Lake, which signed Mason Stajduhar from Orlando City earlier this month, continued to make changes to its goalkeeping group. The club signed veteran goalkeeper Rafael Cabral as a free agent and transferred 19-year-old American Gavin Beavers to Brondby IF in Denmark.
UEFA Champions League Roundup
The penultimate round of the UEFA Champions League’s league phase wrapped up this week. Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester City 4-2 in the heavyweight matchup of the round, with all six goals coming in the second half. Joao Neves gave PSG the lead in the 78th minute before Goncalo Ramos put the game on ice in stoppage time. City now needs to win its final game against Club Brugge on Wednesday in order to advance.
Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 win against RB Salzburg to advance, with both Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. scoring braces. Celtic also booked its spot in the next round after a 1-0 win against Young Boys. Feyenoord pulled off an upset by winning 3-0 against Bayern Munich as well. Elsewhere in the tournament, AC Milan won 1-0 at home against Girona, Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0, and RB Leipzig did well in a 2-1 victory over Sporting CP.
Free Kicks
- American goalkeeper Michelle Betos announced her retirement from professional soccer after a career that included winning the 2016 NWSL Shield with the Portland Thorns and the 2023 NWSL Championship with Gotham. Betos was also named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year with the Thorns in 2015.
- Arsenal and Chelsea are among the multiple clubs reportedly keeping an eye on American forward Trinity Rodman, whose contract with the Washington Spirit ends after this year.
- Borussia Dortmund fired Nuri Sahin following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Bologna in the Champions League. Dortmund has lost all four of its matches so far in 2025 and is 10th in the Bundesliga standings.
- Some of the notable matches in today’s Europa League action include Manchester United hosting Rangers, Tottenham taking on Hoffenheim, and AS Roma traveling to face AZ Alkmaar.
- Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas has joined Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina. The 38-year-old hasn’t been with a club since departing PSG in May of 2024.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week!
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