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Lion Links: 1/7/20

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7 years ago

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Happy Tuesday, Mane Landers. With school back in session today is my first day back at work after several much needed weeks off and, to be perfectly honest with you, I’m not ready in the slightest. Luckily there’s a wealth of news today to distract us from any Tuesday blues, including some Orlando City personnel news! Let’s get into it.

Corinthians Announces Sale of Junior Urso to Orlando City

As originally reported in Brazil by GloboSporte, and confirmed by The Mane Land several weeks ago, midfielder Junior Urso will be a Lion. Brazilian Serie A giants Corinthians officially announced the news on Monday, meaning that things have pretty much gone final, although Orlando City has not yet made an official announcement of its own. A 30-year-old midfielder, Urso is of the box-to-box variety and will add a considerable amount of experience to the Lions’ midfield. His best qualities seem to be covering a lot of ground, distributing the ball from the center of midfield, and taking a crack at goal from range every now and then. Welcome to Orlando!

Former NWSL Commissioner Duffy to the Orlando Pride

An Orlando Pride bombshell dropped last night, as Steven Goff of the Washington Post broke the news that Amanda Duffy had stepped down as NWSL commissioner to take a position with the Orlando Pride.

Only days ago Duffy was the favorite to be named the league’s commissioner. However, Caitlin Murray reported on Twitter that Duffy did not have the support of the majority of the league’s owners needed to take that position. Duffy stepped down Monday from her role as NWSL president and will apparently be joining the Pride in some capacity. As Erik Ustruck was named the team’s GM in January, it could be that Duffy could hold a title of president or CEO of the Pride. We’ll have to wait for more information on this one.

Pride Shopping No. 1 Pick to Portland?

Yesterday was a big day in the NWSL. It may have ended with the Duffy news above but it started with a report that the Pride were discussing trading the No. 1 pick in next week’s NWSL College Draft to Portland.

It didn’t take long for some pretty interesting names to come up, with Emily Sonnett and Midge Purce both being mentioned as potential trade pieces.

In the end, nothing happened, but that doesn’t mean a deal won’t be struck. Some underclassmen have apparently indicated they may be willing to enter the NWSL draft but are more keen on joining the Thorns than the Pride. If Portland wants that pick, however, it will need to make it worth Orlando’s while. Sonnett and Purce would be a good price for that pick, although it would give the Pride an additional national team player in an Olympic year.

Other NWSL Happenings

Several pieces of news dropped regarding personnel moves and decisions in the NWSL. First and foremost was a trade involving the Chicago Red Stars and Houston Dash. Chicago sent defender Katie Naughton and the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft to Houston in exchange for forward Kealia Ohai. Naughton was a stalwart on the Red Stars’ back line during their run to the NWSL final last season, appearing in 22 of the team’s 24 games. She will also bring international experience to the Dash, having represented the United States at various youth levels. Ohai meanwhile leaves Houston with the club record for goals scored, and has also notched 16 career assists. In other news, Utah Royals midfielder Erika Tymrak has announced her retirement from professional soccer. Tymrak was one of the players selected in the inaugural NWSL College Draft and retires as the 2013 NWSL Rookie of the Year and a two-time NWSL champion.

NYCFC Names New Head Coach

New York City FC has named Ronny Deila as its new head coach. He most recently spent the last three years with Vålerenga in his native Norway. Before that he was with two other Norwegian clubs, Brodd and Strømsgodset, as well as Celtic FC in Scotland. Deila has a lot to live up to, as NYCFC’s previous manager, Dome Torrent, led the club to both the best Eastern Conference record in 2019, and a berth in the Concacaf Champions League for the very first time. Deila is currently waiting on his U.S. work permit, and will officially join the club once his paperwork is approved.

No Virtual Offside for MLS

For the time being Major League Soccer will not be using the virtual offside line technology that has proved so controversial in the English Premier League. Professional Referees Association General Manager Howard Webb confirmed the decision and also stated that while the technology was unofficially tested during the 2019 MLS season, it didn’t work as desired due to games not having enough television cameras. The news is likely to go over well for fans of soccer in America given the frequent controversial decisions that have been made in the Premier League thanks to the virtual line. However, Webb did say that the number and position of television cameras were, “not yet as extensive in some MLS games as it is in some other leagues,” leaving the door open for the introduction of the technology in the future.

USMNT Friendly News

The United States Men’s National Team will reportedly take on Wales in a friendly on March 30 in Cardiff. If true, it would make the Welsh the second European team for the Yanks to face in Europe during the month of March, with the team already scheduled to play the Netherlands on March 26 in Eindhoven. This confirms initial reports back in December that the USSF was looking to set up a friendly with Wales. The two teams will represent a very tough March window for the U.S., with Wales advancing to the semifinals of the 2016 European Championships and the Netherlands finishing runners-up in the inaugural UEFA Nations League.

Free Kicks

  • Is the SheBelieves Cup returning to Exploria Stadium this spring?

  • Orlando City did some good work at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Christmas.

  • Check out a vlog from Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris’ wedding.
  • A new episode of The Tea from The Player’s Tribune digs into a number of current issues in women’s sports including the USWNT lawsuit.
  • Laura Harvey has been hired as the new head coach of the Under-20 United States Women’s National Team.
  • Daniele de Rossi has retired.

That’ll do it for me today, y’all stay safe out there.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 8/21/26

Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, MLS playoff changes reportedly coming, Hall of Fame finalists unveiled, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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August 21, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a bit of a rough month for all three of Orlando’s soccer teams, but hopefully they can turn things around this weekend. Things haven’t been great, but surely that just means things can only go up from here, right? Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are on the road this weekend for a match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. It’s been a cruel summer for the Pride, as they’ve lost four of their past five games and are currently 13th in the league standings. Despite being on a three-game winless streak, the Spirit are second in the standings and will be a tough opponent for the Pride to face on the road. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on where the team needs to improve in order to get a result away from home against one of the league’s top teams.

Changes Reportedly Coming to MLS Playoff Format

For the umpteenth time, MLS is reportedly planning on overhauling its playoff format. The changes would go into effect when the league changes its calendar and they include allowing 20 teams to qualify for the playoffs, with the overall league standings being used to determine those top 20 teams. After a play-in round, the remaining 16 teams will play in a double elimination format that also features reseeding between rounds. If these changes do come to pass, hopefully the league decides to stick with it rather than constantly fiddling it with it.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The finalists for the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2027 were announced, with nine candidates making the list in their first year of eligibility. Former Orlando Pride player Ali Krieger is one of those nine, along with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. Central Florida native Graham Zusi was also named as a finalist. The two players who receive the most votes and are on at least half the ballots will make the Hall of Fame, with a third player able to make it if they’re on 75% of ballots.

Storylines Ahead of English Premier League Season

The English Premier League season begins today with Arsenal starting its title defense at home against Coventry City. Arsenal has a talented team once again, but it will be interesting to see how much of a challenge Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City can pose with new managers at the helm. Managers seem to be a focal point this season, as other storylines include whether or not Michael Carrick and Unai Emery can keep succeeding at Manchester United and Aston Villa, respectively. I’m just hoping we have an exciting title race by the time spring rolls around.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City’s Antoine Griezmann tied with Robert Lewandowski for the second-highest rating of all MLS players in EA Sports FC 27.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links: 8/20/26

Orlando City defeated at home, Simone Jackson loaned to FC Rosengard, U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup roster unveiled, and more.

Published

4 days ago

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August 20, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

I think we can confidently say Orlando City’s Wednesday night excellence has come to an end after last night’s loss. I’m not going to claim the new kits are cursed after just two games, but I’ve bought some sage just in case. Before we get to that match and more in today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Orlando City Falls at Home

The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire and got burned in a 2-1 loss that included a lengthy weather delay that paused things right before halftime. The Fire struck first with an early goal, but Orlando leveled things after the lightning storm passed. However, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty kick from a needless foul in the box for the winner, with the Lions failing to claw their way back a second time. It’s a disappointing result at home and Orlando will need to figure things out before hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Simone Jackson Heads to Sweden on Loan

The Orlando Pride loaned forward Simone Jackson to FC Rosengard in Sweden through June of 2027. Jackson was signed by the Pride in 2025 after four years playing collegiately at the University of Southern California and she has since made 20 appearances for the club. Hopefully this move gives her some more minutes to develop her game abroad so that she can make an impact with the Pride when she returns next summer.

U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster Announced

United States U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Vicky Jepson called up 21 players for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, including eight from NWSL clubs. Goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Nyanya Touray, and forward Emeri Adames are a few of the U.S. players to keep an eye out for this tournament.

The team will be without notable eligible players like Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg though, as youth tournaments take place outside of official FIFA windows when teams are required to release players. United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes also spoke on the importance of tournaments like this one to develop talent while uncertainty looms over the event due to UEFA’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The U.S. is set to start its campaign on Sept. 6 against Italy.

Americans to Watch in the English Premier League

The English Premier League season kicks off this weekend and there are a number of Americans to root for across the league. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are all still in the league but have new managers at the helm of their respective teams. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United avoided relegation last season and will look to build on that, while Haji Wright and Coventry City will fight to stay after earning promotion last season. Unfortunately, Wright will miss multiple weeks at the start of the season due to a quad injury.

Free Kicks

  • Alhassan Yusuf scored a hat trick in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over D.C. United, with Jack Harrison recording three assists.
  • Americans Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both played every minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of its matchup against the Austrian club in UEFA Champions League qualifying
  • Bay FC announced that the club and midfielder Tess Boade mutually agreed to terminate her contract, which was set to end after this season. Boade had been with the club since being selected in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft and was the captain last season.
  • Aston Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a reported $40 million transfer fee. Suzuki played for Japan at the recent World Cup and it will be interesting to see what this move means for Emiliano Martinez’s future at the club.
  • Brighton is covering the cost of tickets for its fans who will be making the trip to the Arctic Circle for its UEFA Conference League playoff match against Tromso in Norway.

That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 8/19/26

Orlando City match day, Colin Guske reportedly being loaned to RSL, Banda is an MVP candidate, and more.

Published

5 days ago

on

August 19, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City plays in a midweek match that thankfully isn’t a Leagues Cup match. There are those who will say they’re sad the Lions are out of Don Garber’s cash grab competition, but I’m not one of them. The U.S. Open Cup and the MLS regular season provide plenty of fixtures for now. The schedule congestion is real, as we can see this week. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Match Day

Orlando City hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire tonight in an Eastern Conference clash. Defending against Lewandowski and Philip Zinckernagel will be a tough task for the Lions’ defense. Orlando City will need its offense to keep pace with the Fire if the Lions are going to take any points from the match. It will be interesting to see both Antoine Griezmann and Lewandowski on the pitch at the same time. Here is your official match guide from the club. Our match preview will drop later this morning at 11 a.m. You can also listen to our thoughts on the match on The Mane Land PawedCast.

Go West, Young Guske

It appears that Orlando City is loaning midfielder/defender Colin Guske to Real Salt Lake, according to Tom Bogert. This is not entirely surprising given how crowded Orlando City’s defensive midfield is with Joran Gerbet and Wilder Cartagena healthy and Luis Otavio rounding into form, not to mention Eduard Atuesta and Braian Ojeda once they return. It’s a good opportunity for Guske to get some minutes, given he’s a bit down on the depth chart with the senior team — far enough down to see more minutes recently at center back with the first team than in the midfield.

MVP Candidate Banda

Despite being away for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and not scoring in her first game back, Barbra Banda maintains her slim lead in the Golden Boot competition and is still a League MVP candidate. If she hopes to win either of those accolades, she will need to resume scoring. The upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to extend that lead.

U.S. National Team News

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie is reportedly returning to the Philadelphia Union and will occupy a Designated Player spot. Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo has been signed by Premier League club Crystal Palace. Of course, there are other USMNT players already playing in Europe, and some are making a quick return to form following the World Cup. USWNT players are also experiencing ups and downs in the NWSL.

Free Kicks

  • Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini is headed to CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda División in Spain.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates and we will also have a recap of the match. Vamos Orlando!

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