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Lion Links: 10/1/21

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4 years ago

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Welcome to October, Mane Landers. September certainly had its ups and downs in terms of Orlando soccer, but hopefully the month itself wasn’t too hard on you. October is filled with plenty of soccer to look forward to and both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are in action tomorrow. For now, let’s get this month started with links from around the soccer world.

Lions Find Their Footing in Draw

Orlando City showed plenty of fight in a 2-2 draw on the road against Nashville SC. There were plenty of encouraging signs from the match as the Lions snapped a four-game losing streak. Orlando Head Coach Oscar Pareja made adjustments in the second half to get Daryl Dike more involved, which led to the forward drawing a penalty and converting it himself.

“I tried to use Daryl more in his battling one-on-one,” Pareja said. “He’s so strong. In the second half, the plan was trying to get him close to their center backs and using the power that he has. I think he did a great job.”

On Orlando’s equalizing goal in stoppage time, Nani delivered a corner kick that ended up as an own goal thanks to hard work from Benji Michel in the box. It was a great game from Dike and Nani and similar performances will be needed from the two for the Lions to claw their way back up the standings. However, Orlando’s defense allowed multiple goals for the sixth consecutive game. There is good news on the horizon though as all four starting members of Orlando’s back line should be available in tomorrow’s match against D.C. United at 7:30 p.m. in Exploria Stadium. (Although key backup Rodrigo Schlegel won’t be.) D.C. United is coming off an impressive win over Minnesota United, but has struggled on the road this season, with eight losses, while Orlando has only lost twice at home.

Orlando Pride Regroup Ahead of Important Match

With only four games left in their season, the Orlando Pride will travel to take on the Chicago Red Stars tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. It is the second meeting between the two sides this season as the Pride won 2-0 in Chicago on Aug. 8. Interim head coach Becky Burleigh is keeping a close eye on the fitness levels of each player to make sure they’re both rested and ready after a trip across the country last weekend that resulted in a 3-0 loss to OL Reign. It was a tough loss, but Burleigh is focused on having the team finish the season strongly.

“You can’t really change what you did yesterday and you can’t really affect tomorrow, but you can work on what you have right in front of you,” Burleigh said. “Right in front of us is a good day to get some training in. We’re trying to balance that with some recovery because it’s a really short turnaround.”

Courage Fire Paul Riley Amid Sexual Coercion Allegations

The North Carolina Courage have fired Paul Riley as their head coach and the United States Soccer Federation suspended his coaching license after The Athletic reported on accusations of sexual coercion over the span of the last decade. You will need a subscription to get past the paywall to view the full details of The Athletic’s investigation into Riley. Former National Women’s Soccer League players Sinead Farrelly and Meleana “Mana” Shim both went on the record to describe how Riley used his positions of power across multiple leagues and teams to coerce players into sex and also belittle them with inappropriate comments about their body and their sexual orientation.

Farrelly and Shim also detailed their efforts to report this behavior at the time, including confiding in former Portland Thorns teammate Alex Morgan for assistance. Morgan helped Shim report the misconduct in 2015 to the Portland Thorns and also helped organize a policy earlier this year to ensure a safe workplace for players in the league. NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird released a statement regarding the allegations, stating she was “shocked and disgusted” to read them and that a new anonymous reporting process will be implemented for players. Morgan responded to Baird’s statement and included emails between Farrelly and Baird about Riley’s behavior this past spring.

The NWSL Players Association is demanding disclosure from the league on how Riley was re-hired following his departure from the Thorns and for an independent investigation to be initiated. The Orlando Pride released a statement regarding the allegations as well and Pride General Manager Ian Fleming discussed the importance for those in positions of power in women’s soccer to protect players and staff.

Raphael Wicky Out as Chicago Fire Head Coach

The Chicago Fire officially parted ways with Raphael Wicky as head coach of the club, with assistant coach Frank Klopas stepping in as interim head coach. Wicky ends his tenure as head coach with a 12-25-14 record as the Fire missed the playoffs by one point last season and are well out of the playoff race this year. Reports of Wicky’s dismissal surfaced late Wednesday night following the Fire’s 2-0 win at home over New York City FC.

Chicago Fire Sporting Director Georg Heitz discussed the decision to part ways with Wicky at this time, with Wicky’s family’s medical situation taken into account. Both Heitz and Wicky joined the club after its 2019 campaign and the team’s three Designated Players have been underwhelming over the past two seasons as well. Wicky’s departure marks the seventh coaching change in MLS this season and the Fire will begin their search for his replacement.

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  • Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris claimed another NWSL Save of the Week for her diving save to deny Rose Lavelle.

  • In Europa League action, West Ham United, Olympique Lyonnais, and Lazio all won while Napoli and Leicester City both lost. Marseille and Galatasaray battled to a scoreless draw in France but it was far from a quiet match as opposing fans fired flares at one another in the crowd.

  • The Europa Conference League also continued this week as AS Roma went on the road and won 3-0 over Zorya Luhansk and Harry Kane had a hat trick in Tottenham Hotspur’s 5-1 win against NŠ Mura.
  • FC Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman’s fate is all but sealed as Barcelona reportedly sorts out the financial side of sacking him while finding a replacement. Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is a candidate for the job alongside Andrea Pirlo, Xavi Hernandez, and River Plate’s Marcelo Gallardo.

That’s going to be it from me today. Have a great Friday and rest of your weekend!

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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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1 day ago

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April 25, 2025

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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: 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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2 days ago

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April 24, 2025

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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: 4/23/25

The Orlando Pride drop, OCSC Academy awards, USMNT characters, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 23, 2025

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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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