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Lion Links: 3/3/21

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Hello, Mane Landers. I hope you all are having a good week as we’re halfway towards the weekend. How is everyone doing as we get closer to kickoff next month? I’ve been finishing up my final projects for my sportscasting classes this month as I get ready for graduation in April. Besides that, I’ve been busy working at Disney Springs. We have plenty of news to cover, so let’s get to the links!

Oscar Pareja is Building on Orlando City’s Success

By adding both Alexandre Pato and Silvester van der Water during the off-season, Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja is focused on improving the team’s scoring ability after 2020. The Lions created many chances throughout last season, but struggled putting them away and both players should help address that while Daryl Dike is on loan with Barnsley FC. Pareja also stated that the team will first look internally to fill the void at left back left by Jonathan Suarez’ dismissal while João Moutinho recovers.

“The first is just to see our academy, and that’s what we’re doing right now,” Pareja said. “Secondly, we will see if there is another option. We don’t want to rush. I really have faith on having the recovery in full with João, but at the same time we’re taking the natural steps to just get somebody else.”

Orlando City midfielder Uri Rosell also spoke about how his first day of training went. The 28-year-old made it clear that expectations are high for the team to win every trophy in sight this season.

Orlando Pride Sign Abi Kim and Update Preseason Roster

The Orlando Pride signed forward Abi Kim, who was selected in the third round of the 2020 NWSL College Draft. Kim is the sixth Pride player signed from the 2020 draft class and brings speed to the Pride’s offense. The 21-year-old is coming off of a season with Fiorentina of Italy’s Serie A, where she scored two goals in seven appearances across all competitions.

The Pride also announced updates to their 2021 roster after one month into the preseason. Along with Kim, former Washington Spirit forward Crystal Thomas was added to the roster after being signed on Feb. 23. Goalkeeper Gabby English and defender Lauren Silver are also listed as non-roster invitees. The only player not with the team since the original preseason roster was announced is Carson Pickett, who was traded away to the North Carolina Courage last month.

The Pride’s first preseason game is today when they host Kansas City today. The match should be good practice before the NWSL Challenge Cup kicks off on April 9.

Alex Morgan Launches Media Company With Sports Stars

The Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan has teamed up with four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird and Olympic gold medalists Chloe Kim and Simone Manuel to start a new media and commerce company for young women called Togethxr. Through daily content and docuseries, the platform aims to bridge the gap between women participating in sports and the media coverage devoted to them. Morgan first floated the idea after the United States Women’s National Team won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and wanted to create an outlet for girls to view content created by athletes who are women.

Toronto FC Considers Playing Games in Orlando

Due to COVID-19 restrictions in Canada, Toronto FC is considering starting the MLS season in Orlando. The Canadian club is also considering Tampa, where the NBA’s Toronto Raptors call home. Currently in Canada while preparing for the 2020 Canadian Championship final, Toronto FC is evaluating which city to choose. Both options will have good weather and fellow Eastern Conference opponents aren’t too far away if the league opts for a regional schedule to start the season. The club will also find ways for families to safely stay and travel, as well as plan an exit agreement with hotels when it’s safe to return to Canada. Orlando has many hotel options and training facilities that Toronto is accustomed to, which may give it an edge over Tampa.

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  • With the Lions back at training, Nani is motivated and bringing good vibes to the squad.

  • Former Orlando City B player Luc Granitur will play college soccer at the University of North Carolina.


That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, stay safe, and I’ll see you next time.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/18/25

Justin Ellis named U-19 MLS NEXT MVP, Orlando Pride announce historic apparel collection, landing spots for USMNT players, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Happy Friday! It’s been a long week, but the weekend is nearly upon us. My parents are in town on vacation, so I’m looking forward to having an excuse to go out to brunch. It should be a nice few days with plenty of soccer to keep us all entertained. Let’s get to the links!

Justin Ellis Named U-19 MLS NEXT MVP

Orlando City B forward Justin Ellis was named MLS NEXT MVP for the U-19 age group after a stellar season that included 18 goals for the Lions. The 18-year-old was the top scorer of this year’s Generation Adidas Cup to help his team lift the trophy and helped the team reach the semifinals of the MLS NEXT Cup. In MLS NEXT Pro action, Ellis has recorded seven goals and three assists in 11 appearances for OCB. It’s quite the accolade for the forward and hopefully he can continue to make strides in his development to make an impact with the first team.

Orlando Pride Announce Full-Team Apparel Collection

The Orlando Pride became the first NWSL club to offer a merchandise line featuring every player on the roster after announcing a new apparel collection. The Pride, in collaboration with apparel brand 500 Level, will offer over 500 player-specific items to form the largest player collection across the major U.S. sports leagues. As someone who is usually a fan of the unsung heroes when it comes to sports, I think it’s pretty great that fans are now able to get apparel representing their favorite Pride player no matter who that is.

Ideal Transfer Landing Spots for USMNT Players

ESPN took a stab at identifying the best fits for United States Men’s National Team players with transfer buzz following the Concacaf Gold Cup. Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was listed but could need a bit more time solidifying his game with the Lions before big clubs come knocking. Midfielder Diego Luna had a strong tournament with the U.S. this summer and could fit in well with Celta Vigo’s rebuilding plans. As for other intriguing things to keep an eye on, a move to MLS could give Giovanni Reyna the playing time he desperately needs; Ricardo Pepi may be best off staying at PSV Eindhoven; and Marseille may be just what the doctor ordered for Tim Weah.

England Comes Back to Reach Euro Semifinals

England secured its spot in the Women’s European Championship semifinals in dramatic fashion, advancing on penalties against Sweden after a 2-2 draw. A pair of goals in the first half by Sweden had the Scandinavian nation on top for most of the match, but Lucy Bronze scored in the 79th minute, before 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang scored the equalizer in the 81st. The penalty shootout included nine misses, but the defending champs prevailed in the end. It’s a brutal way for Peter Gerhardsson’s tenure as Sweden’s head coach to come to a close. England will face Italy in the semifinals on Tuesday.

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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: 7/17/25

Orlando City falls apart at home, Orlando Pride players in action abroad, Charlotte will host 2026 MLS All-Star Game, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Sometimes the Cardiac Cats are fun to watch, and other times they really do just stomp your heart into pieces. We’re unfortunately in the aftermath of the latter after Orlando City’s rough defeat last night. The good news is that the Lions can’t lose today as well. Let’s jump right into today’s links.

Orlando City Beaten by New York City FC

The Lions’ summer struggles continued with a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to New York City FC. Robin Jansson scored his first goal of the season, but Orlando collapsed late at home yet again, suffering from an own goal and a winner from Alonso Martinez in stoppage time. Orlando City is now winless in its past four games and has not won at home since May 24. There’s not much time to shake off this loss, as the Lions are back in action on Saturday for a tough road match against the New England Revolution.

Keeping Up With the Pride Players Abroad

Marta came off the bench and provided a pair of assists in Brazil’s dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia in the Copa America Femenina’s group stage. Kerolin had a hat trick and the result keeps Brazil at the top of its group for the time being. The Brazilians will be back in action on Tuesday to face Paraguay.

The CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals kick off on Friday with a great matchup between Zambia and Nigeria. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji have each scored three goals this tournament and both were named to the Best XI of the group stage. Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse likely won’t play, but England takes on Sweden today in the Women’s European Championship quarterfinals.

Charlotte Will Host 2026 MLS All-Star Game

MLS announced that Charlotte will serve as the host of the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, the 30th in the league’s history. Charlotte FC joined the league in 2022 and this will be the first time the event is held in Charlotte. It’s always nice to see a smaller market receive its day in the sun, and Charlotte has really embraced soccer over the years. But if Sir Minty doesn’t take part in the skills challenge next year, then what are we even doing?

D.C. United Hires Rene Weiler

Rene Weiler is officially the next head coach of D.C. United and will take over once he receives a U.S. work permit. The 51-year-old brings plenty of European experience to the nation’s capital and won the Swiss Cup with Servette FC last year. He replaces Troy Lesesne, who was fired by the club after its exit from the U.S. Open Cup earlier this month. It’s a new era for one of the league’s older clubs, and it will be interesting to see how aggressive D.C. will be to bring in talent during the upcoming transfer window.

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  • Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has reportedly agreed to terms with Inter Miami and could be with the club in time for the Leagues Cup. He also reportedly won’t need to take up a Designated Player spot this year, because of course.

That’s all I have for you this time around, Mane Landers. Stay hydrated and have a great Thursday!

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Lion Links: 7/16/25

Orlando City faces NYCFC, Marco Pasalic is an All-Star, OCB’s Jhon Solis transfers out, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s matchday in the City Beautiful as Orlando City hosts New York City FC in a crucial Eastern Conference bout. I know I’m in the minority, but I love Wednesday matches since I’m off work on Thursdays. That being said, if you have the opportunity, you should definitely head down to the match tonight. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions Host the Pigeons

Orlando City welcomes New York City FC to Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The midweek match comes after a short turnaround following Saturday’s draw against CF Montreal. The Lions will need to get the offense back in gear to take all three points from NYCFC. Our own Ben Miller joined Hudson River Blue to answer questions for the opposition. Check back later today for our detailed preview of the match.

Pasalic is an All-Star

Marco Pasalic was named to the MLS All-Star squad by coach Nico Estévez. Pasalic joins Alex Freeman as the second Lion to represent Orlando City in the match. The MLS All-Stars will play a team of All-Stars from Liga MX. Pasalic is tied with Martin Ojeda for the team’s goal-scoring lead with 10. He also has four assists for the Lions. Pasalic is a worthy addition to the MLS All-Star Team, but it does beg the question why Ojeda didn’t also get an invitation.

So Long, Solis

Orlando City B has transferred midfielder Jhon Solis to Fortaleza C.E.I.F. of Liga BetPlay Dimayor — Colombia’s top tier. Solis made 70 appearances for the Young Lions since joining prior to the 2023 season. As a native of Medellín, Colombia, the 26-year-old is returning to his home country to continue his career. Solis wasn’t able to make the jump to Orlando City’s first team, but he was a consistent starter for OCB.

U.S. National Team News

Fresh off his appearances in the Concacaf Gold Cup, Patrick Agyemang has been transferred from Charlotte FC to Derby County in the English Championship. In sadder news, Aaron Long is out for the season after having surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles.

On the women’s side, USWNT coach Emma Hayes has great praise for Sam Coffey and her presence in the U.S. midfield.

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That will do it for today. Check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match, and don’t forget to follow The Mane Land on Bluesky to get match updates. Vamos Orlando!

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