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Lion Links: 12/29/19

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6 years ago

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“Happy” likely-end-to-your-vacation day, folks (and apologies to the rest of you who already went made their way back to work). I for one, am not prepared to return to work yet. Will I ever be? As the old Tootsie Pop adage went, “The world may never know.” (Those things were disgusting.)

Let’s procrastinate thinking about tomorrow by distracting ourselves with some Links, shall we?

SeaWolves Deal Schmermund

The Orlando SeaWolves have traded Richard Schmermund to the Baltimore Blast for financial considerations. You may have noticed that a lot of players have departed recently. Well, SeaWolves GM and Head Coach Chris Kokalis left the team earlier this month and the team has been struggling along under the control of the MASL. The SeaWolves, already a struggling team on the field and at the box office, have lost several of their more important players since that happened — usually for financial considerations. The team was already missing some key pieces due to immigration issues that plague the MASL but hit Orlando particularly hard. A spokesman for the MASL reached out to The Mane Land last night to explain that the league is seeking local owners to take over the SeaWolves and we expect to know more by next week. In the meantime, it sucks to lose a useful player like Schmermund, who was a vital set piece player.

MLS Top 10 Trades of 2019

Trades can be absolute disasters. Remember Justin Meram? Yet, trades can also be a catalyst for a club, proving that one or two players can truly come in and make a difference in a squad. In 2019, Orlando City SC made waves, but not necessarily via trade — hence not making this list. I can’t say there’s too much I disagree with here, either. I think it’s a solid representation of what went well for MLS clubs following trades in 2019. Some of my favorite inclusions are Darlington Nagbe to Atlanta (I know, but boy was he important for our “rivals,” Darwin Quintero to Minnesota, and Zac MacMath to Real Salt Lake. Any thoughts of who could be on this list come 2020? I sure hope Orlando lands someone.

Kevin Durant meets with the Union

The NBA phenom is reportedly interested in becoming an owner of the Philadelphia Union, and met with top executives on Dec. 20. Durant’s investment company, Thirty Five Ventures, wouldn’t be the first iconic player and company to take part in MLS. Former superstar Magic Johnson is a co-owner of Los Angeles FC and Durant’s former teammate, James Harden, bought an ownership stake in the Houston Dynamo earlier this year.

Jill Ellis: A Decade of Success

With glory in her hands and wins in her wake, Jill Ellis, FIFA World Coach of the Year, came from quite humble beginnings — at least when it comes to soccer — as she had no organized game available to her. No matter. She still made a lasting impact on the world’s most dominant soccer program, arguably serving as one of the best coaches that the U.S. Women’s National team has ever had. Ellis sat down with Glenn Crooks and got into the details (well, to an extent) of what it was like being the coach of the powerhouse program.

MLS Rumor Mill

Ah yes, the MLS and rumors. What’s new? While there’s some indication that these moves should occur, nothing is written in stone. Minnesota United is reportedly interested in Christian Rivera of Deportivo Cali, while Facundo Pellistri could be headed to Toronto. Meanwhile, further south, FC Dallas is likely to sign Pablo Aranguiz on loan. All the while, a bevy of French clubs are fighting for the signature of Houston’s Mauro Manotas, so they’ll likely be in the market for a marquee players should Manotas move.

Free Kicks

  • If you had sharp eyes, you might have seen some pics from the Orlando Pride’s “royal wedding.” Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris’ big event happened in Miami. Alex Morgan’s pregnancy is moving along and she’s glowing in this Instagram post from USWNT teammate, Allie Long.

  • U.S. Men’s National Team vet (and once viewed as a potential wonder kid) Juan Agudelo will be an Inter Miami player come 2020 after his rights were traded by Toronto FC, which could not come to terms with the former New England Rev. It cost Miami but a third-round draft pick.
  • As a good friend put it (I don’t think there’s a cooler way to say it): The Kerr has landed. Sam Kerr is ready to take on a new challenge with Chelsea FC Women, which welcomed her Saturday.

  • West Ham has sacked Manuel Pellegrini. Do I need to add more? He’ll be fine, probably landing a job elsewhere with a stronger club. West Ham? I don’t know about you guys. It looks bleak. Just being honest.
  • Let’s end with some fun. This one is easy for me: Andres Iniesta. It isn’t close. At all.

All right folks, that’s it for the day. Do your best to enjoy the day, get outside and get some fresh air, and get ready for 2020! I’m looking at you…ah shit, I’m looking in a mirror. I’ve got some cleaning to do. Ciao!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/22/26

Orlando City prepares for FC Cincinnati, Angelina receives an additional suspension, Orlando City B signs Albright Chikamso, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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Image of Angelina launching a long pass.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! There’s a smorgasbord of Orlando soccer waiting for us this weekend and I’m looking forward to it. Along with enjoying the games, I plan on spending the weekend tearing my way through the rest of Kristen Perrin’s murder mystery series after devouring “How to Solve Your Own Murder.” I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of whodunits. Now, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for FC Cincinnati

The Lions are back in action on Saturday with a road match against FC Cincinnati in the last match for both clubs before the World Cup break. Orlando enters this match with plenty of momentum after beating Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, but the team has struggled playing away this year and Cincinnati is a tough opponent. Both offenses are flying high as of late, and the only team in the league that has conceded more goals this season than Cincinnati is Orlando, so a high-scoring affair might be in the cards for us before the break.

Angelina Suspended for an Additional Game

The NWSL Disciplinary Committee handed Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina an additional one-game suspension for a violation of “Major Game Misconduct.” Angelina received a red card following video review in Orlando’s 3-1 loss to the Denver Summit after she pulled Delanie Sheehan’s hair. The Pride will now be without her for both Sunday’s game against the San Diego Wave and the game on May 29 against Bay FC, meaning she won’t be available for selection until after the summer break.

Orlando City B Signs Albright Chikamso

Defender Albright Chikamso has signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B that will last through 2028. The academy product has made four appearances with OCB already and scored in his first start with the team on Oct. 10 of last year. It’s nice to see the club’s youth program continue to develop players so that they can move up the pipeline. Hopefully Chikamso can continue to impress with the Young Lions this season.

Chris Richards Injury Update Before World Cup

American defender Chris Richards tore ligaments in his ankle according to Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who confirmed that he won’t be available for the team’s season finale on Sunday. There’s notably still a chance that he plays in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday. However, the World Cup is only a few weeks away and United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce the team’s roster on Monday. Richards has been a critical part of the U.S. defense under Pochettino and we wish him a speedy and smooth recovery.

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  • MLS players will wear personalized jerseys this weekend in recognition of the upcoming World Cup, with an auction to follow.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/21/26

Orlando City will face the Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup semis, USMNT roster predictions, Casemiro linked with Inter Miami, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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May 21, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’m still riding high from Orlando City’s big win over Atlanta United and am hoping to keep carrying that momentum through these next couple of days before a busy weekend. It will be the last time all three of Orlando’s soccer teams are in action during the same weekend for a while due to the World Cup, so savor every minute of it. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Will Face Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup

We now know Orlando City’s opponent for the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, with the Columbus Crew advancing after a 1-0 win over New York City FC. After a scoreless first half, Max Arfsten scored the game’s only goal and the Crew held on for a big win at home just a few days after Henrik Rydstrom was fired as head coach. The Lions will be on the road for the semifinal against the Crew in September. Should Orlando win, it will host the final no matter which team from the other side of the bracket advances.

Predicting the USMNT World Cup Roster

We’re less than a week away from United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino announcing the 26-player roster for this year’s World Cup. Most of the team seems fairly locked in, but midfielders Giovanni Reyna, Aidan Morris, and Diego Luna are all on the bubble, with Tanner Tessmann possibly still in the mix despite an injury. SBI Soccer projects Aidan Morris making the cut, while former USMNT player Alejandro Bedoya has Luna and Jack McGlynn on his projected roster. As for the defense, we’ll see if the center back group is too crowded for Miles Robinson or Noahkai Banks to be included. I don’t expect any big surprises from Pochettino on May 26, but forwards Zavier Gozo and Julian Hall are young players who could bring a spark off the bench in a tournament setting.

Casemiro Linked With Inter Miami

Inter Miami is reportedly close to signing Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who announced he is leaving Manchester United once his contract expires this summer. One of the interesting wrinkles in this reported move is that the LA Galaxy hold Casemiro’s discovery rights and that issue is not yet resolved. Miami also does not have an open Designated Player slot, so I expect some more “creative” roster structuring to take place in order to fit him in if this comes to pass. The 34-year-old has scored nine goals for United this season and was named to Brazil’s World Cup roster.

Aston Villa Wins UEFA Europa League

Aston Villa beat SC Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final to win silverware for the first time since 1996. Emiliano Buendia had a goal and an assist in the match, with Villa scoring twice late in the first half and the defense doing its part for a shutout victory. This was Unai Emery’s fifth time winning the Europa League as a manager, lifting the trophy three years in a row with Sevilla and once with Villarreal before doing it again now with Villa. It’s wild that all three clubs have “villa” as part of their names.

Free Kicks

  • ESPN ranked the top 50 American men’s soccer players and former Orlando City defender Alex Freeman placed 15th on the list.
  • After playing in the USL Super League for two seasons, Spokane Zephyr FC announced that it will not be continuing operations.
  • MLS has spoken with the International Football Association Board to trial stopping the clock during matches for injuries, substitutions, and set pieces. I already get annoyed when the broadcast shrinks the game on the screen to try selling me cars and beer, so I don’t know if I could handle an actual commercial break.
  • Sporting Kansas City’s Stephen Afrifa won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his curling winner to lift his team to a 2-1 win over Austin FC.
  • Wyland, the artist whose mural was painted over for a World Cup display in Dallas, is taking legal action over the act.

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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 5/20/26

Orlando City defeats Atlanta United, Anna Moorhouse called up, Arsenal wins EPL championship, and more.

Published

4 days ago

on

May 20, 2026

By

Image of Griffin Dorsey preparing to shoot on a breakaway against Atlanta.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Justin Glatt

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I love the U.S. Open Cup. I love the history, the cupsets, and the magical moments. I especially love it when my team wins and wins big like Orlando City did Tuesday night. It was unexpected result but a very welcome one. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Advances to USOC Semifinals

Orlando City defeated rival Atlanta United 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. The Lions unleashed an offensive firestorm in the first half against Atlanta United, scoring four goals before halftime. Frankly, it could have been more. The Lions were unable to add to the lead in the second half and conceded one goal to Atlanta, but it was more than enough to secure the victory.

Moorhouse Called Up

Anna Moorhouse has once again been called up by England for Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. It is always an honor for a player to represent their country. We are happy that Moorhouse will have the opportunity.

World Cup News

We are only weeks away from the start of the World Cup and we know who most of the players representing their countries will be. For example, Granit Xhaka will captain Switzerland in the tournament. Most of us are primarily concerned with the USMNT and which players are in form for club and, hopefully, country.

Premier League News

The 23-year wait is over as Arsenal won the English Premier League championship following a 1-1 draw between Bournemouth and Manchester City on Tuesday. It is all but certain that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer. It’s not the ending that Guardiola wanted for his time at Manchester City, but he leaves the club in a good position. While the Gunners celebrate, Tottenham Hostpur is fighting relegation.

Free Kicks

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

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