Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/28/21

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! We are almost halfway through the calendar year, and what a season it’s been for both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. If you had told me before the seasons started that both teams would be sitting where they are in the standings, I’d have bet against it, but here we are. I hope your weekend was as enjoyable as mine. Let’s get to the links!
Nani Nominated for Player of the Week After Win
If you’re like me, you’re still pumped from Orlando City’s comeback victory against Inter Miami. The Lions are currently riding a three-match winning streak, and there are plenty of reasons behind their success against Miami on the road. Nani made the biggest impact in that match, assisting on Chris Mueller’s first goal of the season to equalize and then scoring the game-winning goal himself. For the second straight time, Nani is nominated for MLS Player of the Week.
Who is your pick? 👀
⬇️ Cast your vote! ⬇️
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 28, 2021
Did I mention Orlando’s three wins all happened within seven days? One player who gave his all in those three matches was midfielder Junior Urso. The Brazilian is embracing his time in Orlando and gave some insight on the people who inspire him, his tattoos, and why he is known as the Bear. Urso and the Lions have certainly earned a break before hosting the New York Red Bulls this Saturday. Until then, enjoy this highlight reel of the many goals scored by the Lions since the international break.
3 matches. 10 goals.
All in just under 7 days 📅 pic.twitter.com/4foFKiEXVJ
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 27, 2021
No Panic for the Pride
The Orlando Pride also had three matches in seven days. Unfortunately, the Pride weren’t able to get the win on the road against the Houston Dash. The defense was justifiably tired, and Houston jumped out to a quick two-goal lead. Given that this is the Pride’s first loss of the season, there’s no reason to panic. They are still at the top of the NWSL standings after the Portland Thorns fell 2-0 to the North Carolina Courage. Although Alex Morgan, Marta, Ali Riley, and Erin McLeod are all headed to Tokyo, this squad has better depth than in previous seasons to help weather the storm. Plus, in case you missed it, the Pride brought in English defender Amy Turner to boost the back line.
Young Lions Advance on Penalty Kicks
Orlando City’s U-17 squad advanced to the quarterfinals of the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs. In a match against Shattuck-St. Mary’s, neither side managed to break through and the game went to penalty kicks. The Lions were perfect from the spot and Orlando goalkeeper Isaac Delgado had a great save to book Orlando’s ticket in the next round. The Young Lions will now face the LA Galaxy in the quarterfinals tomorrow morning at 9:05 a.m. Congratulations to the Young Lions and good luck in the quarterfinals.
MLS Weekend Roundup
With Orlando winning on Friday and the Philadelphia Union only earning one point in a 3-3 draw against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, the Lions are alone in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Orlando is only two points behind the New England Revolution, which lost 2-1 against FC Dallas after a brace from Ricardo Pepi. The Lions have a game in hand over New England, though the two don’t play each other until Sept. 25. New England finally gave Orlando City an opening to make up ground in the standings.
As for how other Eastern Conference teams did this weekend, the Columbus Crew fought Austin FC to a scoreless draw, Atlanta United and the Red Bulls also had a 0-0 draw, Nashville SC scored in stoppage to salvage a point in a 1-1 result with CF Montreal, and New York City FC won 2-1 due to a late goal by Thiago Andrade against D.C. United.
The other big news was a racist comment allegedly made by an undisclosed Minnesota United player to Diego Chara of the Portland Timbers in their match on Saturday. According to the Professional Referee Organization, none of the match officials heard the comment. The head referee did include the alleged incident in his official match report and an investigation by MLS will be done. The Loons won the match 1-0.
Free Kicks
- Orlando midfielder Sebas Mendez started for Ecuador in a 1-1 draw with Brazil to advance to the Copa America quarterfinals. Pedro Gallese earned his first clean sheet of the tournament in Peru’s 1-0 win over Venezuela to advance as well. While Ecuador will likely play Argentina in the quarterfinals, the bracket won’t be set in stone until after today’s matches.
- Are you wondering how to watch your favorite Pride players in the Olympics? Here’s a primer, but know that you’re either going to be getting up pretty early or setting up your DVR.
- Former Pride attacker Chioma Ubogagu was dismissed from Real Madrid for “indiscipline” after a culmination of behavior such as unauthorized absences.
- There’s a lot of grousing about VAR, but here’s a reminder of what it was like before goal line technology and video review were prevalent. Ghost goals, like the one England was denied in its match against Germany in the 2010 World Cup, seem to be a thing of the past.
That will do it to start the week. Have a great day and vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/12/25
Leagues Cup Schedule released, Sams and Moorhouse called up, Champions League results, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! It’s new home kit reveal day, so get ready to potentially spend some money. I may end up getting one regardless of how it looks. I’ve lost some weight, and while that is good, none of my jerseys fit anymore. I hope it’s a good one.
We want to wish a very happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Jhon Solis. Additionally, I want to wish my son Chris a very happy birthday. Now, let’s get to the links.
Orlando City’s Leagues Cup Fixtures Revealed
The official Leagues Cup 2025 Phase One schedule dropped Tuesday, meaning we now know Orlando City’s first three matches of the competition. All three matches will be played at Inter&Co Stadium against Liga MX squads. The Lions will face Pumas UNAM in the first match on July 30, followed by Atlas FC on Aug. 2, and then Necaxa on Aug. 6. Phase One of the competition is effectively a group stage. If Orlando City can advance out of Phase One, the Lions will head to the knockout rounds.
Pride International Call Ups
The Orlando Pride’s Emily Sams and Anna Moorhouse received call-ups for the USWNT and the England Women’s National Team, respectively. USWNT Coach Emma Hayes included Sams on her 23-player roster for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup later this month. The U.S. will play matches against Japan, Australia, and Colombia.
Moorhouse was selected by Lioness coach Sarina Wiegman for the UEFA Women’s Nations League. England’s first two matches are against Portugal on Feb. 21 and against Spain on Feb. 26. After that, the competition continues in April.
MLS Transfer Round Up
With Orlando City finally signing some new players, other MLS clubs continue to make moves in the off-season. Former Orlando City midfielder Junior Urso signed with the Houston Dynamo through 2025 with an option for 2026. Houston is the Bear’s third MLS club.
French second-division side Amiens SC is in a selling mood. The club sent defender Osaze Urhoghide to FC Dallas. Minnesota United FC signed midfielder Owen Gene from Amiens SC to an MLS U22 Initiative contract.
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Union signed Homegrown forward Eddy Davis III, and D.C. United signed midfielder Brandon Servania. Out west, the San Jose Earthquakes have signed goalkeeper Daniel to a contract extension, and Nashville SC signed midfielder Matthew Corcoran from USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC.
Champions League Results
UEFA Champions League continued Tuesday, with Paris Saint-Germain getting things going with a 3-0 win over Brest. Ousmane Dembélé scored a brace in the match to cement the victory. Borussia Dortmund also managed a 3-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon. All three goals came in the second half, including Serhou Guirassy’s 10th in the competition to equal Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski.
Real Madrid scored two goals to come from behind and defeat Manchester City 3-2. Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal in second-half stoppage time. Weston McKennie got things going for Juventus in its 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven. Samuel Mbangula scored the winning goal.
Free Kicks
- Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment in an incident with a Metropolitan Police officer in London on Jan. 30, 2023.
- Lucho Acosta is reportedly headed to FC Dallas. Would have been cooler if he went to Orlando City, but whatever.
- It seems that Lionel Messi will stop ducking Orlando City — at least in the preseason.
That will do it for today. Check back later today for our coverage of the new kit. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/11/25
Orlando City signs Eduard Atuesta, MLS news roundup, Americans in midweek action, and more.

Happy Tuesday, gang! It was a long weekend for me but an interesting one, as I attended an event at St. Louis City’s Energizer Stadium on Saturday night. It was a fun time, but personally I prefer Orlando City’s home digs. We have plenty of things to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando City Signs Eduard Atuesta
Orlando City has found its replacement for the injured Wilder Cartagena, as the club announced the signing of Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras on Monday. Atuesta’s deal runs through the end of the 2025 season and also contains a club option for 2026. While the Lions still have some depth issues that need to be addressed at various positions, Atuesta will pair alongside Cesar Araujo in midfield, and if his previous numbers in Major League Soccer are any indication, he may even provide more goal scoring and creation from the position than Cartagena usually did.
MLS News Roundup
With the start of the MLS season under two weeks away, the off-season news is still flying thick and fast. First up, the Colorado Rapids have signed midfielder Ted Ku-DiPietro from D.C. United in exchange for up to $1.4 million in cash, with United also maintaining a sell-on percentage in the player. The trade was executed using the league’s cash-based trade system, with Colorado becoming the latest team to make use of the new mechanism. Up next, San Diego FC has signed defender Willy Kumado from Lyngby Boldklub in the Danish Superliga. The right back joins on a two-year deal that also contains option years for 2027 and 2028. Finally, Tom Bogert is reporting that Joseph Paintsil is expected to be out of action for over a month after sustaining an injury to his quadriceps.
Americans in Midweek Action
As always, there are a number of Americans taking part in games during the working week, and there’s a heavy emphasis on UEFA Champions League play. Things get started later today, as Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, and Juventus face a PSV Eindhoven side that has all four of Ricardo Pepi, Richy Ledezma, Sergino Dest, and Malik Tillman injured. Meanwhile, Gio Reyna, Cole Campbell, and Borussia Dortmund will travel to face Sporting CP. Wednesday has Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah traveling with AC Milan to take on Feyenoord, while Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic will be sorely tested at home against Bayern Munich. Thursday will wrap up European play with Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis squaring off against Gent in the Conference League.
Josh Sargent’s Opportunity
Josh Sargent had a difficult end to 2024, as he spent several months on the sideline while recovering from a groin injury that eventually required surgery. There were some natural moments of wondering what he’d be like when he made his return, but he’s hit the ground running since his first game back on Jan. 25, as he has four goals in three games for Norwich City. Not only is he getting his chance at the club level, but with Pepi and Folarin Balogun both currently injured, Sargent looks almost certain to lead the line for the United States Men’s National Team for March’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal matches. Sometimes timing is everything, and right now Sargent’s timing is pretty damn good.
Free Kicks
- Daryl Dike ticked off another box on his road to making his return from injury, as he played for West Bromwich Albion’s under-21 team on Monday.
- The Houston Dash have signed former Orlando Pride midfielder Evelina Duljan.
- USL Championship side Miami FC has signed former USMNT and D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid.
- Plymouth Argyle’s reward for beating Liverpool in the FA Cup is a trip to face Manchester City.
- Barcelona defender Mapi Leon has been accused of “violating the privacy” of Espanyol’s Daniela Caracas during Sunday’s game between the two teams.
- Finally, the U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team destroyed the Virgin Islands in group play, 22-0, as part of U-17 World Cup qualifying Monday night. The 22-goal win was the largest margin of victory ever by a U.S. team (men’s or women’s) in a qualifier. Chase Adams of Columbus Crew 2 scored 10 goals in the match. The United States will face St. Kitts & Nevis Wednesday before wrapping up Group F play Saturday against Cuba.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/10/25
Orlando City falls to CF Montreal in preseason scrimmage, latest OCSC transfer rumblings, MLS transfer roundup, and more.

Hello Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. Under Armour has been keeping me busy, and I’ve been covering some high school basketball. We are less than two weeks away from the 2025 MLS season kicking off, with the Lions’ home opener on Feb. 22 against the Philadelphia Union. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links. Before we do, we want to thank subscriber Dave Shine for upgrading to a Designated Player support level. We appreciate all of our supporters, and to see if one of our three levels of support is right for you, please visit our Buy Me a Coffee page.
Orlando City Falls to CF Montreal in Preseason Scrimmage
Orlando City suffered a preseason loss on Saturday, falling 2-1 to CF Montreal in a 120-minute friendly scrimmage at Inter&Co Stadium. The match remained scoreless after 90 minutes of play, and the two clubs played an extra 30-minute session. CF Montreal took a 2-0 lead before Nico Lodeiro scored a late free-kick goal for the Lions to make it 2-1. The Lions’ next preseason match will be Tuesday against USL Championship side Rhode Island FC in a closed-door scrimmage. Orlando will conclude its preseason friendly schedule on Friday in Tampa against Inter Miami at Raymond James Stadium.
Latest Orlando City Transfer Reports
The Lions have been busy as we get close to their home opener in 12 days. Midfielder Eduard Atuesta reportedly had his medical exam with Orlando City on Friday, but nothing is official until it’s official. Atuesta reportedly terminated his contract with Palmeiras two years before it expired, and the Brazilian club will keep 20% of any future sale as Orlando works towards finalizing the deal.
Meanwhile, the Lions have also reportedly submitted a transfer bid to Bolivian club Always Ready midfielder Moises Paniagua. Per the source post from Twitter, the bid was lower than the club is expecting for Paniagua.
Lastly, defender Noham Abdellaoui of Serie A side Genoa has reportedly signed a one-year contract to join Orlando City. This seems like more of a move the club would make to stock OCB than the first team, but we’ll wait to see if it becomes official.
MLS Transfer Roundup
Major League Soccer had another busy weekend with some notable transfer moves. CF Montreal added a pair of defenders, signing former Lion Luca Petrasso through the 2025 season with options for 2026 and 2027. He played against Orlando City on Saturday. Montreal also signed defender Brandan Craig through the 2025 season with options for 2026, 2027, and 2028. New York Red Bulls forward Lewis Morgan has reached an agreement on a new contract, extending his deal through 2026 with options for 2027 and 2028. The Chicago Fire have signed defender Omar Gonzalez on a contract for the 2025 season with a club option for 2026.
Keeping Up With Americans Abroad
We had another busy weekend featuring Americans in action in Europe. Norwich City forward Josh Sargent continues his stellar form as he scored in his third consecutive match in a 1-1 draw against Derby County on Saturday. Sargent has scored four goals in his last three appearances for the EFL Championship side. Christian Pulisic came off the bench for AC Milan in the second half and notched two assists as AC Milan defeated Empoli 2-0 and moved to seventh in the Serie A table. Cardiff City goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made three clutch saves in an FA Cup match against Stoke City. One was in the penalty shootout as Cardiff City defeated Stoke City 4-2 on penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw and move on to the Round of 16.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City midfielder Wilder Cartagena tweeted that he recently had surgery at the end of January. We here at The Mane Land wish Wilder a speedy recovery.
- Former Lion Alexandre Pato visited his former teammates during preseason training last week.
- Orlando City announced its theme night calendar for the 2025 season, featuring wrestling night, pride in our city night, and a video game night.
- Plymouth Argyle defeated Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday to knock out the Reds in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
- After multiple delays, the popular mobile game Football Manager 25 has been canceled just weeks before its March release. Sports Interactive issued the following statement on social media.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
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