Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/1/21

It’s July! It’s crazy to me that we’re over halfway done with 2021, but alas here we are and we’ve got things on the docket. Orlando City and the Orlando Pride have games this weekend, all the while the European transfer window opens today and the Olympics are around the corner. Lots to get into, so let’s discuss.
Nani Fifth in MVP Ladder per MLSSoccer.com
It’s hard not to feel like there’s an anti-Orlando bias in Major League Soccer circles sometimes. In MLSSoccer.com’s MVP power rankings, Orlando City talisman and captain Nani ranked fifth, just past the honorable mentions. Antonio Carlos actually received votes — the only defender featured — so Orlando got some love, but the Nani disrespect is infuriating. The folks ranked ahead of him were, in order, Sporting Kansas City’s Dániel Sallói, Seattle’s Raul Ruidiaz, the Galaxy’s Chicharito, and New England’s Carles Gil.
Since this award is entirely stat driven, that’s a sound top five, but to have Nani fifth within that group is just wrong. Only Chicharito and Sallói have more goal contributions (goals plus assists), while Nani’s per-90 goal contributions are noticeably the best in the league. Nani is on the same or better level in terms of production, while playing for a top three team in the league, all the with 300 fewer minutes played than his contemporaries. There’s no rational reason Nani shouldn’t be top three in this ranking, and the “wearing down over the course of a season” shouldn’t apply to a here-and-now ranking. Let’s see how he does when it’s not a pandemic-condensed season trying to make up for lost months or when he’s in the second season played back-to-back consecutively.
MLS Transfer Needs
The content team at MLSSoccer.com kept busy Wednesday. Aside from the suspect MVP power rankings, Tom Bogert listed transfer needs for each MLS team. For Orlando City, he noted a need at striker, assuming a potentially imminent sale of Daryl Dike. While that’s an easy narrative around Orlando, is it the most warranted? Even without Dike, Pato is set to return from injury soon while Tesho Akindele is having an excellent season thus far. Add in SuperDraft pick Derek Dodson and Orlando City has options at center forward, especially when you consider that a lot of Orlando’s offensive production comes from the wingers, not necessarily the strikers.
Morgan Criticizes IOC For Lack of Clarity Around Bringing Children to Olympics
Orlando Pride and U.S. Women’s National Team star Alex Morgan shared her frustrations around the IOC’s lack of clarity around bringing children to the Olympic Games.
Still not sure what "when necessary" even means. Is that determined by the mother or the IOC? We are Olympic mothers telling you, it is NECESSARY. I have not been contacted about being able to bring my daughter with me to Japan and we leave in 7 days. #Tokyo2020 #USWNT #TeamUSA https://t.co/cNGMt8w0Ss
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) June 30, 2021
While the IOC announced that nursing mothers will be able to bring their children, the specific guidelines are still hazy. Morgan is one of many Olympic stars in this state of limbo, with the potential of missing out on Olympic dreams a harsh reality for some.
European Transfer Shenanigans
The summer transfer window is nothing but chaos in the soccer world. Yesterday was particularly eventful, with a potentially massive transfer coming to fruition. Borussia Dortmund and England star Jadon Sancho is set to join Manchester United, per Fabrizio Romano.
Jadon Sancho to Manchester United… HERE WE GO! 🚨🏴 #MUFC #Sancho
Done deal confirmed. Agreement reached between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
€90m with add ons. Agents fee and personal terms agreed, contract until 2026.
Medicals pending – then it’ll be official. pic.twitter.com/VBto2JqbtK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2021
The move has been in the works for weeks but should now be set, pending medicals. In other transfer news, Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain is now all but announced while Leicester City announced the signing of striker Patson Daka from Red Bull Salzburg.
It's time to #WelcomePatson! 🔵📝 pic.twitter.com/1XxLxCFAul
— Leicester City (@LCFC) June 30, 2021
On the managerial end, two big Premier League openings were filled, with Everton hiring former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, and Tottenham Hotspur turning to former Wolverhampton manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City’s clash with the New York Red Bulls on Saturday will feature post-game fireworks.
Stick around after our game on Saturday for some post-match fireworks 🎆 @Rasmussen | #ORLvRBNY pic.twitter.com/6NkIXILK6w
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 30, 2021
- The Orlando Pride will be down several players Sunday night, with Marisa Viggiano and Phoebe McClernon both seen nursing injuries in training, while Alex Morgan and Erin McLeod are off with their national teams. Good news though: Marta and Ali Riley will be available as they haven’t yet left for their national teams.
- DAZN announced a huge four-year deal to broadcast the UEFA Women’s Champions League worldwide.
- The Euros were linked to a COVID outbreak in Scotland, with almost 2,000 cases linked to fans who traveled to London for the England vs. Scotland match.
- The U.S. Men’s National Team Gold Cup roster announcement was delayed to today. Orlando’s Daryl Dike, Chris Mueller, and Andres Perea were all on the preliminary roster.
Inquiring minds wanted to know, so here it is:
The #USMNT @GoldCup roster will be announced TOMORROW at 10am ET. 🇺🇸👀
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) June 30, 2021
- NWSL expansion side Angel City FC revealed its first club logo.
⚡️ “'Every bit of it has to mean something': The story behind Angel City FC's crest” by @latimessports https://t.co/7sxsslEO6j
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) June 30, 2021
- Austin FC announced the signing of striker Moussa Djitté from French side Grenoble Foot 38. He was brought in under the U-22 initiative and isn’t a Designated Player.
That’s all I have for today Thank you all for reading. Have a great day!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/4/25
Orlando City gets ready for the Philadelphia Union, OCSC partners with Footy Access, USWNT prepares for Brazil, and more.

Happy Friday! It may feel a bit like the calm before the storm today, as Orlando City, Orlando City B, and the United States Women’s National Team are all in action on Saturday. It all makes for a fun next few days and I’m looking forward to it and also watching some kart racing on Sunday. Let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Gets Ready For the Philadelphia Union
The Lions are back in action Saturday with an away game against the Philadelphia Union at 7:30 p.m. Orlando has won its past two games and leads the league with 15 goals this season. The Union remain near the top of the Eastern Conference, but have lost two of their past three games. Duncan McGuire detailed how healthy competition and a willingness to defend has the offense firing on all cylinders heading into this match.
This will also be a rematch of the season opener on Feb. 22 when the Union won 4-2 at Inter&Co Stadium. Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell spoke on how Orlando is a different team compared to that match due to changes on offense and center back Robin Jansson’s recovery from a knock.
Orlando City Partners With Footy Access
With the Generation Adidas Cup set to take place later this month, Orlando City has partnered with Footy Access, which is a media company focused on youth soccer. This collaboration means fans will be able to enjoy highlights and interviews from Orlando’s academy as it progresses through the tournament. I’m pretty excited about being able to see how well Orlando’s academy is doing.
MLS NEXT also announced that new rankings focused on development rather than results will be used for its U-13 and U-14 age groups. These rankings will use an analytical formula that measures game play and the caliber of offensive and defensive actions. There will also be encouragement for teams to have their own identities on how they want to play.
USWNT Prepares to Face Brazil in Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team will take on Brazil on Saturday in the first of two friendlies this international break, with the second match set for Tuesday. These friendlies will be rematches of last year’s Olympic gold medal match, which the U.S. won 1-0. Marta has retired from international soccer, but Pride midfielder Angelina was called up for these friendlies, along with former Pride forward Adriana. Lorena, who has only conceded one goal in three games for the Kansas City Current this season, will likely get the start in goal for Brazil behind a talented back line anchored by Tarciane. The USWNT will need to find ways to limit attacking threats like Kerolin and Gabi Portilho as well. These should be matches, with familiar faces on both sides for Orlando fans.
U.S. Set to Host 2031 Women’s World Cup
It looks like the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be held in the U.S., as FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the only bid came from the U.S. and potentially other Concacaf nations. The U.S., which withdrew from hosting the 2027 World Cup, would be the first country to host the tournament three times and last hosted it in 2007. The United Kingdom was also revealed as the lone valid bid to host the 2035 World Cup and it would be the first time the tournament is hosted there.
Free Kicks
- Shout out to Orlando City’s U-19 team for its title win and securing a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC and Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós have reached an agreement for a contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2029.
- The schedule for the third round of the U.S. Open Cup is out, with more USL Championship teams joining the fray. Only two MLS NEXT Pro teams remain, while El Farolito is the lone team from an open division still standing.
- Philadelphia Union forward Tai Baribo was named MLS Player of the Month for his performance in March and February. The 27-year-old scored six goals in five games, with five of those goals coming in the Union’s first two games of the season.
- As for the NWSL’s monthly awards, Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga won Player of the Month after scoring in all three of her games so far this season. Houston Dash midfielder Maggie Graham claimed Rookie of the Month for scoring in her first two appearances.
- Goalkeeper Tim Melia has announced his retirement from professional soccer after a 17-year career that included 10 years with Sporting Kansas City.
- Toronto FC added midfielder Maxime Dominguez on loan from Vasco da Gama in Brazil’s top flight.
- Arsenal’s injury woes this season continue, with defender Gabriel Magalhaes set to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
- We’ll end our links with the Lions celebrating Rodrigo Schlegel’s birthday in style.
That’s all for this fine Friday, I hope you all have a fantastic day and a relaxing weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/3/25
Martin Ojeda in the MLS MVP mix early, Orlando Pride players won’t play for Zambia this window, Tierna Davidson out for the NWSL season, and more.

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been going well for you as we gear up for a busy Saturday filled to the brim with soccer to enjoy. Despite my blender’s protests, I’ve finally figured out how to make frozen coconut mojitos and plan on having those get me through the rest of the week. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 28th birthday to Orlando City legend Rodrigo Schlegel!
Martin Ojeda’s MVP Credentials
Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda placed second in Sacha Kljestan’s MLS MVP power rankings this week. With four goals and three assists so far this season, Ojeda leads the league in goal contributions and is a major reason why the Lions have scored a league-high 15 goals. It’s great to see the 26-year-old take the reins of the offense after Facundo Torres’ departure. Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez tops Kljestan’s rankings, despite only having a goal in five games this season. Tai Baribo, Evander, and Lionel Messi round out the top five in what could be an interesting MVP race this year.
Pride Players Won’t Join Zambia For International Duty
Zambia will be without four NWSL players when it takes part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. Along with Bay FC forward Rachael Kundananji, Orlando Pride trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were withdrawn from international duty, with the Football Association of Zambia stating it was due to additional travel measures by the current U.S. administration. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expects the quartet to be available for future matches and both Banda and Kundananji played in friendlies in Zambia in February. Restrictions like this may limit the appeal of the NWSL to foreign players in the future.
Fan Banned For Hateful Language Towards Banda
NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that the fan who directed hateful language towards Banda has been banned following an investigation that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage. The incident took place at the Pride’s match against Gotham on March 23 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The fan was found to be in violation of the NWSL Code of Conduct and their season ticket was revoked as well. Gotham also encouraged fans to report inappropriate behavior through the team’s encrypted text message service to inform the stadium’s incident management team.
USWNT Defender Tierna Davidson Out for the NWSL Season
American center back Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the 2025 NWSL season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the club’s draw against the Houston Dash. It’s tough news for her, Gotham, and the United States Women’s National Team, as she captains the NWSL club and featured heavily in the Olympics last year. Davidson sustained an ACL injury in her right knee back in 2022, which contributed to her missing out on the 2023 World Cup. Gisele Thompson replaced Davidson for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies with Brazil, and Pride defender Emily Sams will likely receive more playing time as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City received $100,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for former academy goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo’s Homegrown Player rights. The Lions will receive another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met, and they retain a sell-on percentage if Campagnolo is transferred.
- San Diego FC added Milan Iloski on loan from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark through July of this year. Iloski is a San Diego native and won the USL Golden Boot for Orange County SC in 2022.
- New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his free kick against the New York Red Bulls.
- El Farolito SC, which is named after a burrito chain and bar local to San Francisco, has reached the third round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year. The National Premier Soccer League side took down Monterey Bay FC to reach this point of the tournament.
- Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book its ticket to the Copa del Rey final, where it will face rival Real Madrid on April 26.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/2/25
Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.
International Duty, Pride Edition
Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.
Pride Still on Top
It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.
Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties
You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.
On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.
USWNT Youth Movement
Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.
Free Kicks
- The NWSL is looking to expand its media rights deals to include Sunday nights beginning next year. It’s a growth league and a growth market, and I’m all for Sunday night matches.
- Power rankings have now made their way down to MLS NEXT Pro. Spoiler alert, Orlando City B comes in at fifth. Still, it’s nice to see a little love given to the development league. Maybe I should write a power rankings for the various power rankings.
- I’m always for more soccer, and we now know the USL Women’s Super League eight-team playoff dates and format.
- I know it can be hard to feel bad for people who make quite a bit money playing soccer, but I still side with them over the billionaire owners that pay them. Or don’t pay them in the case of Sheffield Wednesday’s owner, Dejphon Chansiri.
- Barcelona is trying to bring the NFL to Spain. If successful, it might be the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes who make an appearance at Camp Nou. This will allow a bunch of Barcelona supporters the opportunity to ask if Taylor Swift will make an appearance.
- If you’re not watching the German Cup — and to be fair, I haven’t been either — you are missing some massive cupsets, including third-tier Arminia Bielefeld taking down Bundesliga champs Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 to advance to the German Cup final.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!
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