Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/13/22

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’m sure you’re fired up for tonight’s match-up against the Colorado Rapids, and hopefully, the Lions can get another win before they face Atlanta United later this weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
The Lions Take on the Colorado Rapids
Orlando City SC will hit the road tonight for a midweek match-up as they face the Colorado Rapids at 9 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The last time these two sides faced each other was on March 7, 2020, when the Rapids defeated the Lions 2-1. Orlando City comes into the match after a 1-0 win against rival Inter Miami CF, while the Rapids overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw on the road against Real Salt Lake. Lions goalkeeper Pedro Gallese has seven clean sheets this season and is one away from breaking his own single-season club record for shutouts. Gallese also holds the franchise career record for clean sheets, with 18 across all competitions. Another potential milestone to watch for is that Mauricio Pereyra will be the first player in club history to post multiple double-digit assist seasons in MLS if he gets another one. Sebas Méndez could also make his 60th appearance for the club tonight, and Ercan Kara is three goals away from hitting double digits for the season.
USWNT Prepares for Costa Rica
The United States Women’s National Team will face Costa Rica tomorrow night in the 2022 Concacaf W Championship semifinals. The USWNT defeated Mexico 1-0 on Monday to win Group A. Costa Rica lost 2-0 to Canada in its final match in Group B but finished as runner-up in its group to qualify for the semifinals. Costa Rica thrives on converting crosses, staying composed, and having excellent placement on finishes. Goalkeeper Daniela Solera can cover the width of the net and isn’t afraid to sacrifice her body when charging a crowd. Fullback Daniela Cruz has a high level of technical ability on the wings and can pick out any of her teammates on the field. Portland Thorns midfielder Raquel “Rocky” Rodríguez plays behind the striker and likes to push deep into the final third and serve as a target in the box for crosses. This will be the 17th meeting between these two sides, with the USWNT winning all the previous 16 match-ups against Costa Rica. The match kicks off tomorrow at 7 p.m., and you can watch it on CBS Sports Network or stream it on Paramount+.
2022 MLS All-Star Roster Announced
While no Orlando City SC players were selected for this year's 2022 MLS All-Star team, you’ll still see a couple of familiar faces when it takes on the Liga MX All-Stars on Aug. 10 at Allianz Field. Former Orlando City defender Kamal Miller was one of Don Garber’s commissioner’s picks and former Orlando head coach Adrian Heath will coach the team. FC Dallas forward Jesús Ferreira, Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman, New York City FC’s Valentin Castellanos, and the New England Revolution's Carles Gil are some of the players that were voted in for this year’s 26-man roster. You’ll also have big stars such as the LA Galaxy’s Chicharito, LAFC’s Carlos Vela, Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar, and Dallas’s Paul Arriola in action. The goalkeepers who were selected are the Philadelphia Union’s Andre Blake, NYCFC’s Sean Johnson, and Minnesota United’s Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United.
D.C. United Announces Wayne Rooney as Head Coach
After reports earlier this week indicated that Wayne Rooney agreed to be the new head coach for D.C. United, the club made the official announcement on Tuesday. Rooney had played for D.C. United back in 2018 and 2019, serving as the club’s captain. He had a very successful spell in the nation's capital after a stellar career with Manchester United and Everton, recording 23 goals and 15 assists in 48 matches for the Black and Red. The 36-year-old was previously the manager at Derby County for two years in the EFL Championship before being relegated. Interim head coach Chad Ashton will remain in charge of the club until Wayne Rooney has received his work visa.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Action
There were two match-ups in Group B in the UEFA Women’s Euro as the tournament continues. After dropping its opener 4-0 to Germany, Denmark bounced back with a strong performance in the second half as Pernille Harder scored the lone goal to defeat Finland 1-0 and keep its hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive. The other match saw eight-time champion Germany shut down Spain 2-0, with first-half goals from Klara Buhl and Alexandra Popp. With those results, Germany has clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, while Finland is eliminated. The second spot in the group is up for grabs with a battle at Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday between Denmark and Spain. Today’s action features Group C, with Sweden facing Switzerland at noon while Portugal takes on the Netherlands at 2 p.m.
Free Kicks
- The latest MLS power rankings have been released. Orlando City remains in 15th after its 1-0 win against Miami this past Saturday.
- Atlanta United signed Colombian winger Edwin Mosquera from Deportivo Independiente Medellín to a four-year deal.
- Toronto FC and Mexican international defender Carlos Salcedo have mutually agreed to terminate his MLS contract as he returns to Mexico.
- MLS announced new changes to the league's diversity hiring policy. The policy will require more robust consideration of minority candidates for open club positions, and the league will administer specific sanctions against clubs that fail to abide by the new rules.
- Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly rejected the possibility of signing Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Nashville announced that the club plans to launch an MLS NEXT Pro team in Huntsville, AL, in 2023 and will play its home matches at Joe Davis Stadium.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.
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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