Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/18/22

There is nothing quite like waking up on a Saturday and knowing you get to head to Exploria Stadium. It truly is one of the best parts of being an Orlando City fan, and now that the international window is over — the tradition is back!
The Lions host Houston Dynamo at 7:30 p.m. tonight, so grab your tickets if you haven’t already. And when you wake up tomorrow after a long night of shouting for the Lions, grab the remote and turn on Paramount+, because the Pride are traveling to Portland for a Sunday afternoon kickoff.
Regardless of the outcomes, I’m personally really looking forward to this soccer-filled weekend. But now, what you all have come here for — the links!
Orlando City Returns Home
The Lions return home following the long international break and a trip to New England to host the Dynamo tonight. This will be the only match between the two clubs this season, and they have not played each other since the 2019 regular season, when City traveled to Houston. Orlando lost that 2019 match, 2-1. Tonight is also the first time the Dynamo have visited Exploria Stadium since September 2018, when the two teams played to a scoreless draw.
Orlando enters the match after picking up a point in a 1-1 draw Wednesday at Gillette Stadium against the New England Revolution. Robin Jansson scored his fifth goal as a lion and first goal of the year in the 35th minute while nutmegging the goalkeeper in the process. Meanwhile, Houston is coming off of the international break following a 3-0 loss to Real Salt Lake on the road. This game will conclude a stretch of four straight road games for the Dynamo dating back to a trip to the LA Galaxy on May 22.
We’ll have coverage throughout the evening.
Amy Turner Exits Orlando
The Orlando Pride have bought out the contract of defender Amy Turner. Turner joined the Pride in June of 2021 and went on to make 19 appearances for the Pride across all competitions, scoring one goal in that time. At this point, we can only speculate why Turner has decided to leave.
After a year in the @NWSL with @ORLPride, I have decided to move on and explore a new challenge in my career. Thank you to everyone at Orlando who supported me during my time there. Wishing the club good luck in the future! pic.twitter.com/tqXX3Qjgn2
— Amy Turner (@amy_turner4) June 17, 2022
While the NWSL had previously imposed a roster freeze, Equalizer Soccer’s Jeff Kassouf reported that the freeze is over, although the investigation into Amanda Cromwell and Sam Greene is still going.
Simultaneous to the end of that roster freeze, the Orlando Pride bought out the contract of defender Amy Turner. Turner is not discovery eligible in the #NWSL this calendar year, meaning she can't play in the league until 2023.
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) June 17, 2022
Orlando Pride Travel to Portland
The Orlando Pride are heading to Portland tomorrow night to take on the Thorns. Portland enters the match holding down third place in the NWSL with 13 points on the season. Notably, the team is on a four-game unbeaten streak and also leads the league in goals scored, with 15, and goal differential (+8). Thorns forward Sophia Smith is currently second in the Golden Boot race with six goals during the regular season. She has scored from the penalty spot in back-to-back games, so the Pride should know her spot-kick tendencies if there happens to be a foul in the box.
This is the first match between the teams in the 2022 season. Last season, the teams shared the spoils, with both teams going 1-1-1. The Pride won the first meeting at home while the Thorns won the second at Providence Park. The third match ended with a 1-1 draw at Exploria Stadium. The Pride have not won on the road at Providence Park since May of 2018.
MLS NEXT Pro Provides Stepping Stone for International Soccer
Most soccer fans would agree that a lack of match fitness and minutes can hold players back from peak performance when stepping on the field for a tournament of any level. However, MLS continues to evolve and offer ways for players to find competition. This year was the inaugural launch of the MLS NEXT Pro competition. For players that qualify to represent the United States Under-20 team, these minutes could prove crucial as they gear up to begin the Concacaf Championship on Saturday, which could ultimately lead to a 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2024 Olympics berth.
“I think the direction our country is going in terms of the competition platform that allows for the development of top talent is improving year in and year out,” U-20 head coach Mikey Varas told reporters in a conference call. “And whether it’s USL Championship, USL [League] One, or MLS [NEXT Pro], it’s helping tremendously, because it’s not easy to break into a first-team at the age that these guys are.”
Seventeen of the 20 players summoned by Varas to Honduras are currently on MLS rosters, and eight of those have earned significant minutes in MLS NEXT Pro. Only time will tell how clubs choose to use MLS NEXT Pro with their youth and reserve programs in the future. But for now, it seems to be a step in the right direction as eyes focus on the upcoming U-20 World Cup and Olympics.
Free Kicks
- Former Orlando City Lion Donny Toia signed with FC Tucson to help bring a USL League One championship to his hometown.
- Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer confirmed that Raul Ruidiaz will miss at least two games with a hamstring injury.
- Sadio Mane will leave Liverpool for Bayern Munich after six years at Anfield for $43 million.
- Paris Saint-Germain has announced the signing of Netherlands forward Lieke Martens on a three-year deal from Barcelona.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent is now searching for potential offers around Europe, as he fears Ronaldo is not part of Erik ten Hag’s plans going forward. Reportedly, two clubs have expressed interest at this time.
- USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter took the mound at Wrigley Field.
We aren’t gonna take credit, but the @Cubs went ahead and won 1-0 after this.
And despite Twitter’s requests, he didn’t go behind-the-back for the first pitch.
Opted for the heat instead. 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/ABhSCKzYX5 pic.twitter.com/ArTBiG5sOl
— USMNT (@USMNT) June 17, 2022
- New England Revolution and USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner reflected on his journey to Arsenal.
- USMNT right back Bryan Reynolds is set to join Belgian club Westerlo on loan from AS Roma.
- The MLS Disciplinary Committee has suspended and fined New York Red Bulls forward Patryk Klimala for one match for serious foul play during the team’s match against Charlotte FC on June 11.
- Brentford is likely to lose midfielder Christian Eriksen to another club, notably Tottenham or Manchester United.
Hopefully, that was plenty of links for your daily scroll. This time of year it seems the transfer rumors are plentiful. MLS matches come faster and faster. And, a World Cup is upon us. There always seems to be a plethora of hot soccer gossip out there nowadays. No matter what your favorite kind is, be sure to check back here daily as we gather up the breaking news around the soccer world for you all. Now, pull on your purple jersey and head to the stadium. Vamos Orlando!
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.

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.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy this intriguing article that shines a light on how MLS team administrators manage the chaos of the transfer window. I would devour a television series following these kinds of crises throughout the season.
- St. Petersburg is exploring demolishing Al Lang Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, to make room for an amphitheater. The proposed demolition would take place after 2028, so we’ll see if this comes to pass.
- Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester City, ending a 13-year tenure there that will be remembered for winning the English Premier League title in 2016.
- Here’s everything you need to know before the second legs of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals on Sunday. Chelsea will take on Barcelona before Lyon and Arsenal square off, with both English clubs trailing after the first legs.
- Real Sociedad announced that Head Coach Imanol Alguacil will step down following this season. Alguacil was hired in December of 2018 and led the team to victory in the 2020 Copa del Rey.
- Manchester United will take part in the inaugural women’s seven-a-side tournament next month, joining Bayern Munich, Ajax, Benfica, and four other teams yet to be determined.
- NBA Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd has joined Everton’s ownership group. I too would be looking for anything to take my mind off of the Dallas Mavericks’ season.
- Former Pride players Sydney Leroux and Ali Riley announced a weekly podcast, with the first episode set for Monday.
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!
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.

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.
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.
Free Kicks
- German legend Thomas Muller, who is set to leave Bayern Munich this summer, reportedly rejected an offer from FC Cincinnati and Fiorentina.
- Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his volleyed strike against Atlanta. Seeing Atlanta get scored on really makes the goal that much sweeter to watch.
- Marcus Rashford is reportedly aiming to join a Champions League team after this season. The 27-year-old is on loan with Aston Villa from Manchester United and should be an interesting name to keep an eye on this summer.
- Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace kept a few champagne bottles corked, as Liverpool would have won the league title if Arsenal lost. Liverpool now just needs a point when it faces Tottenham at home on Sunday.
- Real Madrid beat Getafe 1-0, but it came at the cost of injuries to both David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. The Spanish club may now have a crisis at left back ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
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.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/23/25
The Orlando Pride drop, OCSC Academy awards, USMNT characters, and more.

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.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City dropped a spot to No. 12 in MLSsoccer.com’s power rankings. Three 0-0 draws in a row will do that.
- Michael Buxbaum is suing the U.S. Soccer Federation for $100 million because the USWNT didn’t try to win the SheBelieves Cup. I wasn’t happy with the result either, but this is the definition of frivolous.
- Nani and Ali Krieger are both participating in The Soccer Tournament on seven-on-seven soccer teams. The matchups for the $1 million tournament have been set.
- Speaking of Krieger, she is settling in at her new gig at ESPN as an analyst for NWSL matches and co-host of “FutbolW.”
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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