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Lion Links: 9/7/20

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4 years ago

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Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Is it just me or is it weird being in September? I know that each month feels like a year, and that this year has already felt like a decade, but I’m still astounded each time we hit a new month. I’m also slightly annoyed we’re seeing pumpkin spice stuff and winter clothes in stores when it’s still topping 90 degrees each day. But I might be even more annoyed at the memes that point out that it’s too early for pumpkin spice stuff in Florida. I have complex feelings about it all, though I am happy that Oktoberfest beers (known as Märzen beers) are coming into season. I think that’s enough personal sharing for today, so let’s get to the links. 

The Impact of Orlando’s Draw

Evidently, giving up the goal to Atlanta United FC was deflating for the Orlando City faithful, and a wonderful result for Atlanta supporters. I would agree it’s disappointing, but given how the Lions were the better team on the pitch most of the night, I wouldn’t describe myself as “deflated.” How about you? One of the reasons why I’m doing as well as I am after dropping points at home is how much it meant for Atlanta to get that point. It’s quite the change from the past, and the MLS is a league with plenty of parity. While it wasn’t the preferred result, a point is a point and isn’t it telling that it doesn’t seem good enough now?

Daryl Dike is Getting Noticed

With three goals and three assists in five matches, Dike is making noise in his rookie season with Orlando City. Dike is one of those rare finds from the MLS SuperDraft that the Lions seem to be able to find every few years. Just like Cyle Larin and Chris Mueller, Dike is well worth the draft pick. Dike’s holdup play, decision making, and ability to play with his back to goal have been much better than one would have expected. His play has been a bright spot among bright spots since the MLS restart. His attitude is also exactly what one would hope for from a promising, young talent.

Excitement Building for NWSL Fall Series

Despite the fact that numerous players from the Orlando Pride and many other NWSL teams have been loaned out, there is still plenty to get excited about for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Fall Series. With the Pride’s first match being against the North Carolina Courage, one might not think it’s a big match, but given that the Pride haven’t played yet in 2020, it does hold some appeal. Add in whether the Pride’s stan account will make a reappearance, and there’s at least some interesting stories to be told. Of course, that’s just the Orlando stuff, and each club will be dealing with its own issues as the NWSL tries to put some sort of soccer on display. 

Orlando City B Loses on the Road

In the first of a three-game road trip, Orlando City B fell 1-0 to Union Omaha. Mason Stajduhar, Joey DeZart, and Jordan Bender all started in the away game, but Omaha scored in the 43rd minute to sink the Young Lions early on. It was only the second time OCB was shut out this season and hopefully the offense can make some noise in the next road game against Fort Lauderdale CF.

MLS Routs and Rivalry Games

There was a heavy slate of MLS action last night. In the Eastern Conference, D.C. United drew 0-0 with New York City FC despite not having a shot on goal. The Philadelphia Union leapfrogged back into second place with a 3-0 win over the New York Red Bulls. The New England Revolution won their first match against the Chicago Fire in the Windy City since 2013 by a score of 2-1. The Columbus Crew maintained their stranglehold on first place with a 3-0 win over FC Cincinnati in the Hell is Real Derby, and Inter Miami CF played Nashville FC to a scoreless draw.

In the Western Conference, Minnesota United dominated in a 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake, the LA Galaxy took down LAFC in a 3-0 home victory in El Trafico, and the Seattle Sounders fell 2-1 against the rival Portland Timbers.  

Free Kicks

  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized Sweden boss Janne Andersson for not starting midfielder Dejan Kulusevski in the 1-0 loss to France in the Nations League on Saturday. It’s odd since Zlatan is known for being so soft spoken. 
  • Just because Lionel Messi is staying put, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other transfer rumors in Europe, including what might become of Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann.
  • Speaking of rumors, should Bayern Munich take a look at American right back Sergino Dest? He’s one of five players the German giant could target.
  • With the match reaching its end, every outfield player did their part in Miami FC’s equalizer against the Charleston Battery on Saturday. 

That will do it for today. There’s actually the better part of a week until the Lions play Inter Miami, so enjoy the breather, and keep checking back for more news as it drops.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/17/25

Orlando Pride loan out Mariana Larroquette, USMNT gets ready for Venezuela, MLS transfer news, and much more.

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22 hours ago

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January 17, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Happy Friday! Maybe it’s just because I’m a San Jose Sharks fan when it comes to hockey, but I sure do miss being able to watch Orlando City and the Orlando Pride win games. Thankfully it won’t be much longer until Orlando’s soccer teams are back in action, although I wish the Lions would make some moves to get us excited for 2025. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Mariana Larroquette Heads to Argentina on Loan

The Pride have loaned forward Mariana Larroquette to Newell’s Old Boys Women in Argentina. The loan lasts through July 1, so Larroquette may still provide some attacking depth for the Pride later in the season. This should be a good opportunity for her to get some minutes in her home country after only making four appearances for the Pride last season. Larroquette joined the Pride back in July of 2023 on a contract through 2025, so this is a solid chance for her to get some consistent playing time to showcase her talent before her current contract ends.

USMNT Prepares for Friendly Against Venezuela

The United States Men’s National Team will play its first game of 2025 when it takes on Venezuela Saturday at 3 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale. This is just the seventh meeting between the two nations, with Venezuela winning the most recent match 3-0 back in 2019. Goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez started for Venezuela in that shutout and is expected to get the nod in goal again, with Orlando City’s Javier Otero backing him up. The Yanks will be without multiple players who were called up, as Jesus Ferreira, John Tolkin, Jalen Neal, and Drake Callender will no longer be available. The USMNT will be back in action on Tuesday for a friendly against Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium.

Catching Up On MLS Transfer News

Every MLS team apart from Orlando City seems to be making major moves in preparation for the 2025 season. Austin FC is reportedly signing Albanian forward Myrto Uzuni as a Designated Player, which would trigger a $12.3 million release clause in his contract with Granada. Uzuni has scored 14 goals in 18 appearances for the Spanish club this season. Austin also added midfielder Nicolas Dubersarsky from Instituto in Argentina’s top flight. He will be a U22 Initiative Player and signed a five-year contract with the club.

New York Red Bulls left back John Tolkin was officially transferred to Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga for a reported $3 million transfer fee. The New England Revolution continued to strengthen their attack, signing veteran forward Maxi Urruti to a one-year deal with an option for 2026. Atlanta United and Middlesbrough have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a deal for forward Emmanuel Latte Lath, although Atlanta still has to finalize personal terms with him.

Chelsea Reportedly Leads Race for Naomi Girma

One of the biggest questions this NWSL off-season is whether or not San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma will remain with the club. The 24-year-old is under contract through 2026, but European teams are reportedly willing to pay up to secure her talents. Chelsea is the reported frontrunner, with Arsenal and Lyon also in the mix to sign her. Girma is one of the best defenders in the world and was a major reason behind the United States Women’s National Team winning Olympic gold last year. Speaking of Girma, she will not be in attendance for the USWNT training camp in Florida due to a minor injury.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter followed through on her promise to dye her hair after a historic season.
  • In news that impacts Orlando City duo Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena, Jorge Fossati is no longer Peru’s head coach. Peru only won one of its six CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with Fossati at the helm and is last in the standings.
  • Former Lion Chris Mueller spoke on the importance of mental health and the resources available to help.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/16/25

Mason Stajduhar traded to Real Salt Lake, Orlando City reportedly interested in Evander, MLS transfer news, and more.

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2 days ago

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January 16, 2025

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? We’re halfway through the first month of the year and I’ve been able to knock out three books on my reading list. The Wedding People by Alison Espach was my favorite of the bunch, and I’m going to take a crack at a fantasy book or two to close out the month. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Mason Stajduhar Traded to Real Salt Lake

Orlando City made a surprising move by trading goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar to Real Salt Lake in exchange for $50,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) and a second-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. The Lions could also receive up to an additional $150,000 in GAM if Stajduhar reaches performance-based metrics with Real Salt Lake. Stajduhar was signed as a Homegrown Player by Orlando back in November of 2015 after developing with the club’s academy, so it’s a bit melancholy seeing him moved to another club after all this time. Unless a new goalkeeper walks through the door, Javier Otero would replace Stajduhar as Pedro Gallese’s backup this season.

Orlando City Reportedly Interested in Evander

On the Soccerwise podcast, Tom Bogert stated that Orlando City has serious interest in Portland Timbers midfielder Evander. Discussion of this begins around the 29-minute mark in the video.

An official offer reportedly hasn’t been made and Orlando may have to meet a hefty asking price in order to sign the 26-year-old. Evander would be a fantastic addition to an Orlando attack that could use a bona fide No. 10. He recorded 15 goals and 19 assists last season for the Timbers. Bogert also spoke on how fluid the transfer market is, and a potential offer by Orlando for Evander may depend on how other dominos fall this window.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The Eastern Conference is in an arms race of sorts as teams prepare for the 2025 season by eyeing star attackers. Charlotte FC is also reportedly close to adding winger Wilfried Zaha on loan, with the 32-year-old set to be a Designated Player. A reunion may be coming in Atlanta as well, with Atlanta United and Newcastle United reportedly in talks for Miguel Almiron to return to MLS. The Chicago Fire are reportedly one of three MLS clubs in talks with Brazilian forward Neymar for him to join the league, with Inter Miami not among those three teams.

Charlotte sent $100,000 in 2025 GAM to the Portland Timbers in exchange for Eryk Williamson. The Timbers could receive another $250,000 in GAM if metrics are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage as well. They helped fill the void left by Williamson’s departure by signing Joao Ortiz from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle. FC Cincinnati re-signed defender Nick Haggland to a new deal through 2027, D.C. United added Kye Rowles from Heart of Midlothian in Scotland, and the LA Galaxy added a new center back by signing Mathias Jorgensen from Anderlecht.

Vancouver Whitecaps Name New Head Coach

Jesper Sorensen is the new head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps, joining the Canadian club on a two-year contract. It will be the 51-year-old’s first job in MLS and he’s coming off a two-year stint with Brondby IF in Denmark’s top flight. Sorensen becomes the sixth coach in Vancouver’s MLS history and he replaces Vanni Sartini. We’ll see how he adapts to the league in a trial by fire of sorts, as the Whitecaps have a tough season opener against the rival Timbers and a pair of Concacaf Champions Cup games against Deportivo Saprissa.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando Pride defender Carson Pickett was honored by Clay County for her work in the community.
  • Sao Paulo and Cruzeiro battled to a 1-1 draw at Inter&Co Stadium in the FC Series.
  • The North Carolina Courage announced that Kerolin won’t return to the team for the 2025 season and will instead explore free agency. Maybe the Pride can work their magic and have the 2023 NWSL MVP join the team’s Brazilian contingent in Orlando.

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: 1/15/25

Javier Otero called up, Sofia Manner moves on, MLS roster and transfer news, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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January 15, 2025

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It may not feel like it yet, but the new season is just around the corner. The Lions have started preseason training, the Orlando Pride are making roster moves, and you can just about see the possibilities. There’s still a chill in the air, but my heart warms in anticipation. Let’s get to the links.

Otero Called Up

Orlando City SC backup goalkeeper Javier Otero was called up by Venezuela for the upcoming friendly against the USMNT at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale. The match will take place Saturday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. Representing your country is always a privilege, and fortunately for Otero, this call-up won’t necessitate a long trip. We wish Otero good luck and hope for an injury-free trip.

Pride Transfer Goalkeeper Sofia Manner

Sofia Manner’s time in Orlando is done. The goalkeeper is headed to AFC Toronto of Canada’s top flight, the Northern Super League for an undisclosed transfer fee. When Manner was brought in she was expected to compete for the starting role. Given that Anna Moorhouse is not going anywhere, it is not unexpected for Manner to want to go someplace where she can get more playing time. The Pride still have McKinley Crone and Kat Asman behind Moorhouse on the bench.

More on New MLS Roster Rules; Transfer News

Major League Soccer officially announced the roster rule changes for 2025. We highlighted some of those changes in Tuesday’s Lion Links. One other interesting rule makes Off-Roster Homegrown Players eligible to appear in up to six MLS league matches along with unlimited first-team appearances in Cup competitions.

We’re still waiting on some off-season signings from Orlando City, but there’s also still plenty of time. Here are the important dates to know around the MLS transfer window. Other clubs are doing some business. The New England Revolution have signed free agent defender Wyatt Omsberg, and D.C. United acquired midfielder Randall Leal off waivers. San Diego FC is reportedly close to signing USMNT midfielder Luca de la Torre on loan from La Liga side Celta de Vigo.

NASL Antitrust Trial Update

The NASL antitrust case against U.S. Soccer heads to trial this week. MLS is also a co-defendant with U.S. Soccer. The NASL claims that U.S. Soccer and MLS conspired to keep the league from competing in either the Division 1 or Division 2 level of professional soccer. The trial is expected to last a few weeks with as much as $500 million at stake.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando Pride are taking donations this Thursday and Friday for those in need in the greater Los Angeles area affected by the devastating fires.

That will do it for today, though I also encourage you to listen to the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast. We interviewed soon-to-be-former senior director of communications for both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride, Jackie Maynard. Jackie has been with the club for nine years, and she has made our job here at The Mane Land much easier with her professionalism and generosity. We will miss her as she moves on to her next adventure. Vamos Orlando!

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