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Lion Links: 7/24/20

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5 years ago

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope your work week is going well as we shift gears into the weekend and more Orlando City soccer. Actually, there is a lot of soccer across the board these next few days, with plenty to watch both in the U.S. and in Europe. Now, let’s get down to business with these links from around the soccer world.

Lions Facing New-Look Impact

Tomorrow, Orlando City will start the MLS is Back Tournament’s knockout round with a match against the Montreal Impact. It will be the first meeting between the two teams since over a year ago when the Lions won 3-0 in Canada. Plenty has changed for both teams since then, with Thierry Henry taking over as head coach for the Impact and injecting European talent across the roster. The biggest difference though may be the absence of striker Ignacio Piatti, who left the Impact after last season and was notorious for scoring against the Lions.

As for Orlando, the team should be near its full strength despite forward Dom Dwyer sitting out Monday with quad tightness and midfielder Junior Urso exiting early in Orlando’s last game. The Lions are keeping a close eye on their fitness levels, but aren’t afraid to take risks and press high tomorrow night.

Orlando enters the match with no losses in the group stage while Montreal only won once to secure third place. However, Montreal defender Rod Fanni likes the position his team is in with the pressure on the Lions.

Luiz Muzzi Pleased With Orlando’s Performance

Hired by OCSC near the end of 2018, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi is watching his vision for the club become a reality during this tournament as fans start to see the fruits of his labor. After having Oscar Pareja take over as head coach and adding talented players such as midfielder Mauricio Pereyra and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, Muzzi has built a system that allows its players to play with confidence.

Orlando forward Chris Mueller has shined under Muzzi and Pareja’s system so far. With clear vision in place and a driving motivation for the team to make the playoffs, Mueller noticed a change in mentality for the Lions this year.

“This year’s different because the team has confidence in the other players who are playing,” attacker Chris Mueller said Thursday during a conference call. ”I think that we have an identity as to how we’re going to play on the field. And also the coach is good and has good ideas for the entire team. And for this reason I think the team is different and we have a different way of thinking on the pitch.”

Round of 16 Field Finalized

Only 16 teams remain in the MLS is Back Tournament with the group stage finished and the knockout stage starts tomorrow. The Vancouver Whitecaps booked their spot after a 2-0 win over the Chicago Fire. The morning game featured a weather delay in the second half with both teams level and Vancouver Head Coach Marc dos Santos gave a pep talk to help his team score twice and advance.

Darwin Quintero gave the Houston Dynamo an early lead that they would hold onto all the way until stoppage time. The Dynamo gave up a late penalty that the LA Galaxy’s Cristian Pavon converted to end the game in a 1-1 draw. The result sunk both teams’ chances at claiming a third-place spot, with New York City FC advancing from Group A. Meanwhile, the Portland Timbers took on LAFC and drew 2-2 with a late header to win the group and secure a match with FC Cincinnati in the next round.

The entire bracket is now filled in, with each team learning its path forward. If Orlando beats Montreal then it will face the victor between the Seattle Sounders and LAFC. The other names on the Lions’ side of the bracket include the San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake, Columbus Crew, and Minnesota United.

National Women’s Soccer League Players Eye Europe

Sam Mewis reportedly signed with Manchester City in the Women’s Soccer League. The North Carolina Courage midfielder’s season is over after the club’s early exit in the NWSL Challenge Cup and Washington Spirit star Rose Lavelle could be headed to Manchester City as well.

The contract offer for both Americans is only for one year and I believe they won’t be the only ones making a move to Europe in the coming months. The NWSL Challenge Cup final between the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars is Sunday, but the rest of the season is uncertain. Pride defender Ali Riley was loaned to FC Rosengård earlier this summer and NWSL players could follow suit with their seasons possibly over.

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  • Relive the Lions’ successful journey in the bubble and through the group stage.

  • You may not be able to head into Exploria Stadium for a game right now, but the club has a gift bundle that is a pretty good deal considering it includes a $20 gift card to Publix.

  • The Orlando Pride are bringing back the Golden Swans, so be ready to vote.

  • United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter is eager to bring 17-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder Giovanni Reyna into the fold when able to do so.
  • A day after Charlotte FC’s reveal, the NFL’s Washington Football Team was announced as the temporary name for the team while the organization works on a more permanent brand. However, the team’s jersey reveal took a little more inspiration from soccer than just a generic name.

  • The one team that absolutely nailed its logo and name was the NHL’s expansion team from Seattle, which even made a cinematic intro video.

  • Arrests were made after fans gathered a little too closely together to celebrate Liverpool’s English Premier League title and Leeds United’s promotion.
  • Before the two square off Sunday with a spot in the Champions League on the line, Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel defended Manchester United’s David de Gea against criticism over errors in the FA Cup.

That’s going to be it for today, Mane Landers. Have a great Friday and an even greater weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/25/25

Orlando City gets ready for Atlanta United, Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira promoted, NWSL MVP candidates, and more.

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1 day ago

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April 25, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! Today starts three straight days of Orlando soccer to enjoy, so make sure to plan your weekend accordingly. It was a fairly fast week for me, and I was able to read three books somehow. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a very happy 21st birthday to Orlando City winger Nicolas Rodriguez!

Orlando City Gets Ready for Rivalry Match

The Lions are back in action Saturday night against rival Atlanta United in what should be one of the more interesting matchups of the weekend. Both teams are looking for answers on offense heading into this match, as Orlando is coming off of three straight scoreless draws and Atlanta hasn’t won since March. Taking on a rival at home could be just what’s needed for the Lions to jumpstart their attack and return to the form they had earlier this season. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how it’s an important game to win for Orlando, as well as how the offense needs to exercise some calmness to finish its chances.

Orlando City Promotes Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira

Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira were both promoted by Orlando City, with Moreira taking over as the club’s general manager and sporting director and Muzzi becoming senior advisor to ownership, global soccer ventures. It’s a natural step up for Moreira, who joined the club in 2018 and has helped build a competitive roster that’s made the playoffs for the past five seasons. Muzzi’s new role is a bit of a mouthful, but he’ll be taking on an advisory role focused on the growth of the club while working closely with ownership.

“I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Orlando City Soccer Club’s EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager for seven seasons, and I am excited to continue my journey with the club in this new role,” said Luiz Muzzi. “I look forward to working alongside the Wilf family and the leadership team to help shape the future of the club and its continued success, both on and off the field, and I know Orlando City’s Soccer Operations will be in great hands under Ricardo’s leadership.”

Orlando Pride Players in the NWSL MVP Hunt

Now that we’re over a month into the NWSL season, ESPN‘s Jeff Kassouf highlighted the league’s early MVP candidates, and there are a couple of familiar faces in his rankings. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda is predictably in the mix in sixth on the list, as she has three goals and an assist to her name so far. But a surprise inclusion is midfielder Haley McCutcheon, who has impressed on both sides of the ball to earn ninth place in the rankings. While I think the MVP race will ultimately be between scorers like Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Ashley Hatch, and Debinha, it’s pretty great to see McCutcheon receive deserved praise for her performance this year.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The transfer deadline may be over for MLS clubs, but deals that crossed the finish line are still coming in. The Columbus Crew added yet another forward by sending up to $1.2 million to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for Aliyu Ibrahim. The 23-year-old will maintain his U22 Initiative Player status in Columbus and recorded 12 goals and nine assists across 90 appearances for Houston. LAFC signed 26-year-old midfielder Ryan Raposo, who spent the past five seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps and was a free agent this year. St. Louis City also made things official with Simon Becher by making his loan move a permanent one so that he stays with the club.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. Mother’s Day is less than a month away, just as a warning. If the mothers in your life like romance books and you’re looking for a gift, I can’t recommend The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center enough. Have a great Friday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/24/25

Orlando Pride prepare for Angel City FC, MLS deadline day deals, OCB slips in power rankings, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a few days since a rough weekend for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. Time heals all wounds, but let’s also hope it heals offenses considering both teams were shut out. Let’s go ahead and manifest some good officiating this weekend as well while we’re at it. That might be a tall order, but I’m feeling optimistic. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for Angel City FC

The Orlando Pride will look to bounce back when they welcome Angel City FC to the City Beautiful for a home game Friday night. Orlando lost its first game of the year and first home game since 2023 last week against the Washington Spirit, falling 1-0. Angel City is also coming off of its first loss of the season, falling 4-0 at home to NJ/NY Gotham FC at home. Pride defender Kerry Abello spoke on how the Pride will need to create better chances compared to last week as they prepare to right the ship with a home victory.

Orlando City B Drops a Spot in Power Rankings

Although OCB fell from third to fourth in the latest MLS NEXT Pro power rankings, the Young Lions are solidly in the top five teams in the league. OCB was on a bye last weekend, so not moving too much in the rankings can be expected. While the Young Lions fell 3-2 in their last league game against Inter Miami II, spirits are likely high with the team due to the Orlando City U-18 team’s success in the Generation Adidas Cup. Let’s hope the Young Lions can ride that momentum into Sunday night’s match with New York Red Bulls II.

MLS Deadline Day Transfer News

The MLS transfer deadline day has come and gone and there were some notable moves to catch up on. Real Salt Lake’s deal with Boavista for forward Robert Bozenik reportedly collapsed, but the club still added striker William Agada from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for $500,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money and another $350,000 in GAM if he re-signs. Inter Miami traded winger Robert Taylor to Austin FC in exchange for up to $750,000 in GAM, with only $50,000 of that being conditional. Atlanta United traded winger Xande Silva to St. Louis City SC for up to $250,000 in GAM as well.

The Houston Dynamo also have a new forward, signing Toyosi Olusanya from Scottish club St. Mirren. The New England Revolution traded Noel Buck to the San Jose Earthquakes for up to $650,000 in cold, hard cash, reuniting the 20-year-old with Bruce Arena. Frankie Amaya is back in MLS, joining LAFC on loan from Toluca. As of this writing, Minnesota United are reportedly in hot pursuit of Miami’s Julian Gressel.

Sources: Minnesota United in advanced talks to acquire Julian Gressel from Inter Miami.Nothing done yet. Still details to figure out. Optimism something gets done, but not there yet.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-04-24T00:25:26.971Z

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

The race for a place in the English Premier League is heating up in the EFL Championship and Americans are right in the thick of it. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United have already secured promotion, along with Burnley. Forward Haji Wright has scored 12 goals for Coventry City this season, and his club currently holds the final playoff spot. Midfielder Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough are three points behind, while former Lion Daryl Dike and West Brom will need to win their remaining two matches for a shot at sneaking in.

In Italy, Christian Pulisic started in AC Milan’s 3-0 victory over rival Inter to book a spot in the Italian Cup final on May 14. Fellow American Yunus Musah was an unused substitute. Catarina Macario scored twice and Mia Fishel added a goal as well in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Crystal Palace, helping their team get ever closer to winning its sixth straight Women’s Super League title.

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That’s it for today’s links! Make sure to stay hydrated out there as we get closer and closer to summer. Have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/23/25

The Orlando Pride drop, OCSC Academy awards, USMNT characters, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. This weekend we have the most convenient schedule, with the Orlando Pride playing Friday night, Orlando City on Saturday night, and Orlando City B on Sunday night. It’s nice knowing what I’ll be doing each night. Now, I just need all three teams to get back on the winning side of things. Until then, let’s get to the links.

Bad Pride, Good Pride

It might have been the dumbest way to lose a match against the Washington Spirit, but — actually nevermind, there is no “but” about it. We can, however, decide to move forward rather than dwell on it after today. Unsurprisingly, the Pride dropped in the all-knowing power rankings. All for XI only dropped the Pride one spot to No. 2 since everyone has a bad day now and again. The CBS power ranking dropped the team to No. 3. That was the “bad.” The “good” is that we can revisit the puppies that showed up at Inter&Co Stadium. The loss still hurts, but it’s hard to stay mad after looking at the puppies.

The (OCSC) Academy Awards

Assuming you read Lion Links on Monday morning (or listened to The Mane Land PawedCast this week) you know that the Orlando City SC Academy U-18 team won the Generation Adidas Cup. Now we know that three of the very young Lions — Gustavo Caraballo, Jackson Platts, and Justin Ellis — were named to the U18 Best XI. Additionally, Caraballo and Ellis earned MVP and Top Scorer awards, respectively. It was truly the bright spot of an otherwise forgettable weekend.

Pochettino Prepares

The USMNT did not do well in the Concacaf Nations League, falling to Panama and then Canada in the third place match. Now, U.S. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has to prepare the team for the Gold Cup. Pochettino said that he needs the “right characters” on the squad, whether they are the most talented or not. He also spoke of the need for the players to fight for the badge and the flag. Former USMNT coach Bruce Arena said Pochettino may not be the right man for the job because he’s not an American. The USMNT’s next matches are friendlies against Turkiye and Switzerland on June 7 and June 10, respectively.

MLS Transfer News

The Columbus Crew are making moves. The club received $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for a 2025 international roster slot. The club then sent DeJuan Jones to the San Jose Earthquakes for $425,000 in GAM and a 2025 international roster slot. Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City acquired forward Santiago Muñoz on loan from Liga MX side Santos Laguna.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the full slate of matches coming up.

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