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Lion Links: 4/29/21

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Greetings, Mane Landers. I hope you are all having a good week. There has been an abundance of news happening recently, so let’s get right into the links.

Orlando City Negotiating Daryl Dike Playoff Loan with Barnsley 

Orlando City is currently negotiating with Barnsley over extending Daryl Dike’s loan through the promotion playoffs. With the Reds clinching a spot in the playoffs, the side will be hoping to keep the American youngster around for its crucial postseason fixtures, but that won’t happen unless a deal is struck to extend Dike’s stay.

“Dike went to Barnsley on a free loan on Feb. 1. The 20-year-old has since scored nine goals in 18 games for the Reds. Under the original conditions of the agreement, Dike’s loan terminates on May 31, but the Lions will gain the right to recall the striker after May 3.”

The Lions are in a good position to land some sort of fee for Dike to take part in the playoffs. Oscar Pareja’s men have only scored one goal in the first two matches of the season, so demanding a sum of money is more than justified. 

“Leitão said the team isn’t set on recalling Dike, but the club feels the Lions can’t allow their top striker to play for free for a different team for another month of the MLS regular season. The CEO said the Lions could decide to recall if Barnsley doesn’t reach an agreement as early as Thursday.”

Orlando City Signs SuperDraft Selection Derek Dodson 

Orlando City announced the signing of Derek Dodson on Wednesday to a one-year contract for 2021. The deal sees the forward added to the supplemental roster, and the club will also have options for 2022, 2023, and 2024. 

“Dodson, 22, was Orlando City’s first selection (No. 8 overall) in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. The Georgetown product left college just a couple of weeks after Hoyas (and now Lions) teammate Rio Hope-Gund departed and signed an MLS deal. Orlando City secured the No. 8 pick by trading $75,000 in 2021 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $25,000 in 2022 GAM to the Portland Timbers.”

With Georgetown, Dodson was prolific in front of goal, managing 32 goals and 14 assists in 72 matches (54 starts). If he can continue in his potent ways, City may have a future gem on its hands. If Dodson can lead from the front like he did in college, it could help the void left by Dom Dwyer, fill a hole at striker left by Alexandre Pato’s injury, and soften the blow of potentially losing Daryl Dike. 

Dike Voted Barnsley Player of the Month Again 

Speaking of Dike, the Orlando City loanee has been awarded the Barnsley Player of the Month accolade once again. After receiving 54% of the votes, Dike snapped up his second successive award. The 20-year-old was appreciative of winning the personal hardware. 

“Honored to be voted again as Player of the Month! Hoping to continue the momentum the team has had into the end of the season and then the playoffs,” said Dike. “Thank you all for your support, and I hope to see everyone soon!”

Dike could be pivotal for Barnsley heading into the playoffs. Prior to then, however, his side takes on Preston North End on Saturday and Norwich one week later to finish the regular season.

American Jesse Marsch looks set to Join RB Leipzig 

RB Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch looks set to take over at RB Leipzig. The American has been under the Red Bull umbrella since 2015, and now appears set for a new challenge.  

“Jesse Marsch, the first American to coach in the UEFA Champions League, is looking likely to be back in the competition for the foreseeable future as he’s set to become the next head coach at RB Leipzig, per Kicker. The German publication is reporting that the RB Salzburg boss, who last season became the first American to win a top-tier European trophy by claiming the Austrian Cup, is moving within the massive Red Bull umbrella once again, following his move from New York Red Bulls to Salzburg with a move to the German Bundesliga to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who is leaving for Bayern Munich.”

Taking over from such a highly rated manager in Nagelsmann may be no easy feat. It will be interesting to see how the Wisconsin-born, 47-year-old does with the side currently placed second in the Bundesliga. 

Free Kicks

  • Charlie Davies says the USMNT striker depth chart has a new name at number one. The name is Daryl Dike. 
  • Pedro Gallese showed off a sumptuous back heel in training. Nani would be proud.

  • Marsch reportedly had interest from other suitors as well as Leipzig. 


That will do for this Thursday’s set of links. As always, thanks for reading. I’ll catch you next week.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/9/25

Orlando City B signs Tristan Himes, young trialist linked with Orlando City, 2025 Futures Camp roster announced, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Hopefully this cold weather hasn’t made it too difficult to enjoy the new year. I’ve at least been able to get some use out of a new jacket I was gifted over the holidays. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Kyle Smith!

Goalkeeper Tristan Himes Joins Orlando City B

Orlando City signed goalkeeper Tristan Himes to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for him to play with Orlando City B. Himes came up through Orlando’s academy before playing collegiate soccer for the University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University. He was eligible for selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft but wasn’t selected. He’ll help fill the void left by Carlos Mercado, whose contract option was declined by the club following the 2024 season. How much time he spends in the net may depend on how much Javier Otero is needed with the first team while Mason Stajduhar recovers from injury.

Trialist Aboubou Haimakoye Linked With Orlando City

You’ll need a translation tool for the details, but 17-year-old attacking midfielder Aboubou Haimakoye will reportedly join Orlando City as a trialist over the next few weeks. Haimakoye is a fast attacker with good ball control according to Africa Foot, so it makes sense why the Lions would be interested in seeing what he can do in the City Beautiful. Should he become a Lion in an official capacity, he would join a growing list of young players from Mali to play for an MLS club.

Emma Hayes Names Roster for 2025 Futures Camp

As part of her efforts to develop the next generation of players for the United States Women’s National Team, Head Coach Emma Hayes named the 24 players who will take part in the 2025 Futures Camp. The training camp will take place alongside the USWNT’s camp in California and includes 14 professional players. A few of the interesting players called up are 17-year-old midfielder Ainsley McCammon, 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner Kate Faasse, and Brooklyn FC goalkeeper Neeku Purcell. I’m a bit surprised not to see Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos called up for this camp, as she’s just 20 years old, earned a solid amount of playing time in her rookie season, and represented the United States at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

While we wait for Orlando City to make some moves this off-season, the rest of the league is wasting no time getting ready for the 2025 season. The Seattle Sounders officially acquired American forward Jesus Ferreira in a trade with FC Dallas, sending $2.3 million in general allocation money, an international roster spot, and winger Leo Chu in exchange. That’s reportedly not the only deal brewing between the two clubs, as Paul Arriola is set to join Seattle as well in a deal that is reportedly done but not yet official.

Atlanta United added some firepower to its attack by signing Japanese forward Cayman Togashi to a contract through 2025. Lassi Lappalainen is now with the Columbus Crew after six years with CF Montreal, reuniting with Wilfried Nancy after signing a contract through 2025. The New England Revolution signed 17-year-old midfielder Allan Oyirwoth. Nashville SC signed midfielder Bryan Acosta and is also reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Andy Najar from Honduran club CD Olimpia.

As for outgoing players, Alan Pulido is no longer with Sporting Kansas City after being transferred to Chivas Guadalajara in Mexico. The move notably opens up a Designated Player spot for Kansas City. A club in Liga MX is also reportedly negotiating with the Houston Dynamo for midfielder Coco Carrasquilla.

Free Kicks

  • It looks like we’ll be getting an update today on whether or not Marta will be with the Orlando Pride for the 2025 NWSL season.
  • The Dynamo announced Pat Onstad as its president of soccer and Asher Mendelsohn as its technical director, extending the contracts of both for turning the club around after joining in 2022.
  • The Portland Thorns have signed forward Pietra Tordin, who had four goals for the U.S. in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last year. She was also named 2024 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year after a great season playing for Princeton.
  • Midfielder Hannah Bebar has joined the USWNT’s training camp to replace Lynn Williams. The 23-year-old may be uncapped with the senior team, but she has plenty of experience playing at the youth levels for the U.S.
  • Didier Deschamps announced that he will step down as France’s head coach following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • West Ham United fired Julen Lopetegui as its manager, with Graham Potter reportedly set to replace him. The club is 14th in the English Premier League standings, with just 23 points from 20 matches.

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: 1/8/25

Orlando City primed for moves, Emily Sams’ USWNT call-up, MLS transfer news, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Was it cold enough for you this morning? I know in Tallahassee it was quite chilly, but I’m not complaining. Remember to bring in your plants unless you want to replace a bunch after they freeze. Despite the chill, there are still things going on in the Orlando soccer-sphere. Let’s get to the links.

Lions on the Hunt

I know everyone is wondering why news around potential Orlando City signings is so lacking, but that’s par for the course with this club. That being said, the nice sum of cash from the Facundo Torres deal means that the Lions have the resources to find the right high quality player (or players) to improve the squad. I know it’s frustrating that nothing has happened yet, but there’s still plenty of time for Luiz Muzzi and company to get some business done.

Pride Defender Emily Sams Called Up to USWNT Camp

The 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year has received another call-up by Emma Hayes to the USWNT’s January training camp in Los Angeles. Sams will be one of 26 players on the camp roster. Of note, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Rose Lavelle will not be in attendance as each is recovering from injuries or surgery. The list of defenders besides Sams includes Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnet, and Jenna Nighswonger among others. We wish Sams good luck and a safe, healthy return.

Berman Wins Innovator of the Year

If you’re not familiar with Jessica Berman, you should take the time to do some research. Since taking over as NWSL Commissioner in the spring of 2022, the league has improved its visibility and made some sweeping changes — like eliminating the draft. As a result, Berman was named SI’s 2024 Innovator of the Year. Berman’s impact as commissioner mirrors Haley Carter’s impact with the Orlando Pride. The league was dealing with scandals, brought in Berman, and now things have improved. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

MLS Signings and Transfers

Orlando City might not be making much news, but other MLS clubs are making moves. CF Montreal has acquired Giacomo Vrioni from the New England Revolution.

The Colorado Rapids have signed homegrown midfielder Sam Bassett through 2025 with options for 2026-2028. San Diego SC signed 29-year-old Argentinian defender Franco Negri after adding him during Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. The San Jose Earthquakes sent goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa to Liga MX side Cruz Azul. The New York Red Bulls will be adding Poland youth international Wiktor Bogacz from Polish second division 1 Liga club Miedz Legnica

Finally, Boca Juniors made a bid to sign Alan Velasco from FC Dallas.

Free Kicks

  • Several NWSL team stadiums are going green with sustainable initiatives and features. However, I’m a little skeptical of Shell Energy Stadium if I’m being honest.
  • I am not a violent person by my nature, but I don’t know what I’ll do if this happens. Ugh. Musk is the opposite of the values of the city and people of Liverpool. We couldn’t publish my actual reaction.

That will do it for today. Stay warm out there.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/7/25

MLS transfer happenings, USMNT January camp roster announced, Christian Pulisic stars for AC Milan, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I returned to work after a nice little break for the holidays and frankly, I’m struggling. I don’t mind being back, it’s just difficult getting back into a routine after being away for so long. Alas, I’ll survive somehow. We have plenty to discuss in today’s American-heavy edition of Lion Links, so let’s get into the news.

MLS Transfer Happenings

There are a lot of MLS moves we need to get caught up on, starting with Austin FC’s signing of Brandon Vazquez as a Designated Player from CF Monterrey. Vazquez joins on a four-year deal after Austin sent $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to the San Diego Earthquakes to jump to the top of the league’s waiver order. We then move to the New England Revolution, which sent midfielder Emmanuel Boateng to San Diego FC in exchange for $200,000 in 2025 GAM. The Revs have also recalled midfielder Noel Buck from his loan with Southampton. The Chicago Fire have signed Danish winger Phillip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge, with his contract running through the end of the 2028 season. Finally, CF Montreal has reportedly traded $650,000 in GAM and an international roster spot to the LA Galaxy in exchange for center back Jalen Neal.

January Camp Roster Announced

The United States Men’s National Team has announced the 24-man roster for its annual January camp. The team will convene today in Ft. Lauderdale with a squad primarily made up of MLS players, as is usually the case. Zack Steffen is easily the most experienced of the four goalkeepers, with Patrick Schulte the only other one to be capped. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman make up the veteran core of defenders, while none of the four midfielders have more than one cap to their name. Jesus Ferreira is the most seasoned of the seven forwards, with Brian White the only other one to have earned a cap.

Christian Pulisic Stars in Supercoppa Final

AC Milan erased a 2-0 second half deficit in the Italian Supercoppa final on Monday, roaring back to win the trophy with Christian Pulisic taking on a starring role. The American winger snuck into the box in the 80th minute and executed a great turn and finish to level the game at 2-2 in the 80th minute.

He then helped create Tammy Abraham’s game-winner, playing an outstanding ball to release Rafael Leao down the right wing, who squared it for Abraham to tap home and win new boss Sergio Conceicao his first trophy with the club after just two games.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are several other American players who will take part in games this week, so get them all marked down on your calendar so you don’t miss anything. We start on Wednesday, when Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic will play host to Dundee United in Scottish Premier League action. Thursday sees Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Watford in the third round of the FA Cup, and things wrap up on Friday with Cole Campbell, Giovanni Reyna, and Borussia Dortmund facing off against Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga action.

Free Kicks


That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday and rest of your week!

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