Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/7/20

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.
NWSL President Amanda Duffy to step down after one year in the position (three years overall in league administration) to join Orlando Pride front office. She informed NWSL board of directors today.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 7, 2020
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.
Can confirm what Dan is saying here. Multiple sources have indicated to me that Portland and Orlando are working on a trade for the No. 1 pick and that *multiple* national team players may be on the move. https://t.co/Yc3j9CzMmE
— John D. Halloran (@JohnDHalloran) January 6, 2020
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.
Hearing Emily Sonnett and/or Midge Purce are on the move. Also hearing UCLA's Ashley Sanchez and Stanford's Sophia Smith are leaning toward signing with #NWSL early. https://t.co/D97XNOe1Vf
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 6, 2020
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?
Just stumbled on this… #shebelieves #home #showup pic.twitter.com/cSkCY09He6
— BlackSwans (@BlackSwansDC) January 7, 2020
- Orlando City did some good work at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Christmas.
Santa had a little extra help from City this year at @APHospital. @orlandohealth 🎁🎄 pic.twitter.com/6eA1GefynN
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 6, 2020
- 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.
Official: World Cup winner Daniele De Rossi has retired from football at the age of 36. pic.twitter.com/Bgm7mDgn7j
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 6, 2020
That’ll do it for me today, y’all stay safe out there.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/22/25
Orlando City ousted from U.S. Open Cup, OCB’s Justin Ellis named Player of the Matchweek, Tottenham wins Europa League, and more.

Well, that could have gone better. It’s understandable to feel a bit deflated after Wednesday night’s game, especially after so many positive Orlando City results as of late. The good news though is that we’re another day closer to a holiday weekend that should include some good times or at least rest and relaxation. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando City Eliminated from U.S. Open Cup
The Lions lost 3-2 at home to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16, ending the team’s run in the tournament. Orlando struck first in a rollercoaster of a match, and Ramiro Enrique pulled the Lions level after they fell behind, but rookie Wyatt Meyer scored the winner for the visitors. The loss snapped Orlando’s 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Orlando looked like a team that played five other matches already this month. Orlando will need to shake off this loss as it prepares to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday.
Justin Ellis Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek
Orlando City B midfielder Justin Ellis was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II. Ellis, who turned 18 years old last week, assisted on both of OCB’s first two goals before scoring from the penalty spot himself. It’s been quite the year so far for Ellis, as he also scored six goals in the Generation Adidas Cup to help Orlando win the U-18 title in April. The Young Lions are back in action Friday with a road match against rival Atlanta United 2.
U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Results
Comebacks were a theme throughout the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Minnesota United took the lead, gave it up, and ultimately advanced thanks to defender Anthony Markanich scoring two late goals to beat St. Louis City 3-2 at Allianz Arena. Markanich was traded from St. Louis to Minnesota last year, adding a little salt in the wound for the visitors. D.C. United and Charlotte FC battled in a back-and-forth match that ended up with D.C. winning the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas also went the distance, with the Red Bulls winning the shootout. The Philadelphia Union won 4-1 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to eliminate the last team from outside MLS. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place this morning.
Tottenham Hotspur Wins Europa League Final
Tottenham prevailed in this year’s Europa league final, winning 1-0 against Manchester United in Spain. Brennan Johnson’s goal was enough for Tottenham to end its 17-year wait for a major trophy. It was a bit of an underwhelming finish to what was a fairly exciting knockout stage, and this was United’s only loss in this year’s tournament. Tottenham has now qualified for next season’s Champions League despite currently being 17th in the English Premier League standings.
Free Kicks
- Christian Pulisic reportedly won’t play in the Concacaf Gold Cup so that he can recover from a lengthy season with AC Milan.
- Boston’s NWSL team will play its home games next year at Gillette Stadium due to delays with construction for its eventual home, White Stadium.
- NWSL Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Julie Haddon will leave the league this summer as part of the league’s restructuring. Chief Sporting Director Tatjana Haenni will exit in October as well.
- After winning the domestic treble in his first season in charge, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has extended his contract until 2027.
- Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will undergo shoulder surgery once the Club World Cup is over.
- London City Lionesses were fined for messaging a Southampton player through social media without Southampton’s permission back in August. London City earned promotion this past season and will be the first fully independent women’s team in the Women’s Super League.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/21/25
The U.S. Open Cup journey resumes tonight, Javier Otero signs a new contract, Pride’s Sams and Abello called up, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day with Orlando City hosting Nashville SC tonight in Inter&Co Stadium. I hope you are able to make it out to support the club, since I will have to watch it on television. If you listen to The Mane Land PawedCast you know how much I want Orlando City to focus on the U.S. Open Cup — even at the expense of the Leagues Cup. For now, let’s get to the links.
Nashville is Next
As I mentioned above, the Lions take on Nashville SC in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match tonight. Orlando City is riding a 12-match unbeaten streak through all competitions and has scored 14 goals in the past four games going back to its 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will look to continue their goal scoring ways to advance to the quarterfinals.
Javier Otero Has a New Contract
Orlando City signed goalkeeper Javier Otero to a new contract through the 2026 season with options for 2027 and 2028. Otero joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, moving his way up to Orlando City B and, eventually, the first team. The signing secures Orlando City’s backup keeper for the immediate future.
Pride USWNT Call-Ups
Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to the USWNT training camp. This is Abello’s first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sams and Abello make up two of Emma Hayes’ 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica. Other notable players include Naomi Girma, Lynn Biyendolo, and Lo’eau LaBonta.
USMNT Gold Cup News
Mauricio Pochettino has yet to name the final 26-player list for the Gold Cup. He has even put out there that he may give playing time to a goalkeeper other than Matt Turner. Pochettino sees the Gold Cup as a great opportunity for the team to bond during the last competition before the World Cup. Prior to the Gold Cup, the team has friendlies with Türkiye and Switzerland.
Free Kicks
- The Kansas City Current may have defeated the Pride last match, but they paid dearly for it.
- In sad news, former Sporting Kansas City player Gadi Kinda passed away. Kinda had been dealing with “a complex medical battle.”
- In the “I’m not at all surprised” category, Lionel Messi was not fined by the league for any of his antics during or after the loss to Orlando City, including his criticism of officials, which is usually an automatic fine.
- Congratulations to former USWNT player Becky Sauerbrunn who announced she is expecting a baby in October.
That will do it for today. Check back for our pre-match and post-match coverage tonight. You can also follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for match updates. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/20/25
Lions earn weekly recognition, preliminary Gold Cup rosters released, Americans in midweek action, and more.

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Life always feels a little brighter after your team wins a soccer game, even more so when it’s against a hated rival, so I hope you’ve had as good a start to your week as I have. We have no time to rest on our laurels though, because Orlando City is straight back into action tomorrow with a U.S. Open Cup match at home against Nashville SC. Let’s get into today’s links.
Lions Earn Weekly Recognition
Several Orlando City players are getting some deserved plaudits following the team’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami on Sunday. Pedro Gallese has been named to the starting XI of the MLS Team of the Matchday, while Joran Gerbet is on the bench and Oscar Pareja is the coach of the side. Gallese made four saves while keeping a clean sheet and also assisted Luis Muriel on the first goal of the game. Gerbet did an excellent job of helping to minimize the impact of Lionel Messi, while Oscar Pareja was the man who who masterminded it all. Alex Freeman got some love as one of the standout young players of the matchday, and also had a nice piece written about him in The Athletic (paywall). All the Lions are deserving of their praise, and here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we see them getting some love.
Freeman Named to USMNT Preliminary Gold Cup Roster
The preliminary rosters have been announced for the 16 teams set to participate in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Most of the usual suspects are present for the United States Men’s National Team, with the exceptions of Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna, whose teams are participating in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Of note for Orlando City fans is Alex Freeman’s inclusion on the preliminary roster. That being said, this early list contains 60 names and will need to be cut down to 26 by June 4. With Sergino Dest and Joe Scally both on the 60-man list, Freeman is probably an outside shot to be included, but you never know.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans playing matches during the working week, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar. Chris Richards, Matt Turner, and Crystal Palace host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their penultimate Premier League game later today, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth do the same against Manchester City. Wednesday has Jordan Pefok and Reims visiting Metz in a playoff to decide which team will play in Ligue 1 next season. Alex Zendejas and Club America take on Toluca in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura final on Thursday, and Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis host Valencia in La Liga play on Friday.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
The summer transfer window will be upon us before we know it, so let’s take a look at what the transfer rumor mill is saying these days. Manchester United is said to be on the verge of signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has reportedly agreed to terms on a deal. Man City has reportedly ended its interest in signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, and has instead turned the club’s attention to Barcelona’s Dani Olmo. Finally, Rodrygo is reportedly considering leaving Real Madrid in the summer, with some outlets saying that he “has one foot out of Real Madrid”.
Free Kicks
- Some of the takeaways from the recent round of MLS matches include Orlando City’s continued good play, Marco Reus stepping up, and the trio of strong teams atop the Eastern Conference.
- Kaká has said he is ready to join Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil staff if he’s asked to do so.
- Orlando City rose six spots to no.8 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- The Orlando Pride held fast at no. 2 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Enough said.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
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