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Lion Links: 3/10/21

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Hello, Mane Landers. I hope everyone’s week is off to a good start. I’ve been busy putting a sportscast project together for my portfolio class. Before we get to today’s links, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City midfielder Junior Urso as he turns 32 years old today.

Orlando Pride’s NWSL Challenge Cup Schedule Revealed

The Orlando Pride will begin the NWSL Challenge Cup on the road on April 10 against expansion team Racing Louisville FC. The Pride will then play at home on April 14 against Sky Blue FC and again on April 21 against the Washington Spirit. Their last match will be on the road against the North Carolina Courage on May 1. The top team from each four-team division will move on to take part in the tournament final on May 8. The Pride’s home match against Sky Blue and road game in North Carolina will both be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network while the other two games can be streamed on Paramount+.

For the pair of home games at Exploria Stadium, fans are permitted to attend at reduced capacity under the same club policies that have been in place since Major League Soccer returned to play in 2020. Season ticket members have an exclusive window to purchase tickets starting today at 2 p.m. and the tickets open up to the general public tomorrow at 2 p.m. Fans will also be able to attend the Pride’s home games during the regular season, which begins on May 15.

Pride Defenders Bonding Off the Field

Due to the Pride not getting much playing time together in 2020, defenders Ali Riley and Toni Pressley have strengthened their friendship outside of soccer. The duo bonded over a love for vegan cooking and are working on a cookbook as just one of many projects. Between learning about tarot cards and improving their video editing skills for social media content, the pair are working on ways to become better teammates. This also allows them to engage with fans more after a year that limited interactions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We haven’t been able to engage and interact with fans in person for a year,” Riley said. “I haven’t been able to meet any fans yet in person. So for me to kind of be able to show my personality a little bit and my teammates as well, it’s just so fun for me…Of course we want to do well on the field and we want to make our community, the club [and] Orlando proud, but I think it’s also cool to allow people to get to know us.”

MLS News From Around the League

BetMGM released the odds each MLS team has to win the MLS Cup in 2021 and LAFC is the early favorite at +500 odds. The Seattle Sounders are second at +800 odds while the current MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew are at +900 odds. Orlando City was given the eighth-best chance to win the MLS Cup at +1800 odds.

We may also find out Orlando’s first opponent of the season if the league’s slate of opening matches is announced today. Since joining MLS, the Lions have started each season at home so it will be interesting to see if the trend continues.

In other news, LAFC signed University of Central Florida alumnus Cal Jennings. The forward led Memphis 901 FC with nine goals last year in the USL Championship and joins a strong LAFC offense. The Vancouver Whitecaps acquired right back Bruno Gaspar on loan, the LA Galaxy agreed to a deal for AS Monaco winger Samuel Grandsir, and D.C. United added 19-year-old forward Jovanny Bolivar on loan from Deportivo La Guaira in Venezuela.

USWNT Will Head to Europe Next Month

The United States Women’s National Team will travel to Europe next month for a pair of friendlies. The first match is on April 10 against Sweden while the second match will be on April 13 against an opponent yet to be announced. This news means that the Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan, and possibly Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger, would miss the start of the NWSL Challenge Cup if called up. Morgan isn’t a fan of the Challenge Cup taking place during an international break as it would further delay her return to playing with Pride.

“I’m super bummed that the Challenge Cup is falling within a FIFA window,” Morgan said. “I think that NWSL could’ve had the opportunity to start the Challenge Cup outside of the FIFA window in order for each team to have their entire roster…But having to adjust is something that I think is gonna be a theme for this year if the Olympics are gonna happen, and you have to count on those happening.”

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  • Our condolences go out to Orlando right back Ruan and his family after his mother passed away Tuesday.

  • Have you ever wondered what Exploria Stadium would look like in Minecraft? Well, check it out.

  • After 15 years in charge, German national team head coach Joachim Low will step down from his managerial role after the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament this summer.
  • Despite a red card, FC Porto knocked out Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate result in the UEFA Champions League. Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland became the youngest player to reach 20 goals in the Champions League as Dortmund advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Sevilla 5-4 on aggregate.
  • Former Philadelphia Union midfielder Warren Creavalle shared why he decided to put his soccer career on hold and to develop his clothing line.

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: 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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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.

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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.

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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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