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Lion Links: 11/8/22

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Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a busy Monday in the soccer world with the MLS Trade Window opening, three different continental competitions holding their drawings, and former Lion Daryl Dike returning from injury in a rare Premier League 2 appearance.

Let’s get to the news of the day.

Orlando City Gets Concacaf’d in Champions League Draw

The Concacaf Champions League draw took place Monday night, meaning that Orlando City knows its opponent for its first ever time in the competition. The draw was not kind to the Lions, as they will face Tigres UANL of Liga MX in their round of 16 match-up. Tigres was originally drawn against fellow Liga MX side Pachuca — a match-up that wasn’t allowed in the first round. That meant a new team had to be selected to face Tigres after it had been drawn and that’s when Orlando’s name came up. It’s undoubtedly the toughest draw of any of the Major League Soccer sides, as Tigres won the CCL two years ago, and is a constant presence near the top of the Liga MX table.

Former Pride Player Morgan Reid Allen Shares Why She Left NWSL

Some of you might remember Morgan Reid Allen (then just known as Morgan Reid), who made several appearances for the Orlando Pride during the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League season. You might remember that she missed most of that season through injury, and was waived at the end of the year. She’s now spoken about her experience, and how a hip labrum tear that went undiagnosed for two years derailed her soccer career and affected her life. Fortunately, she recently had surgery to repair the injury, and she’s on the mend. Her story is absolutely incredible, and I encourage you to take the time to read about her long road to finding her medical answers.

MLS Transfer News

There were multiple moves made in Major League Soccer in conjunction with Monday’s opening of the trade window. FC Cincinnati signed 15-year-old Stiven Jimenez to a Homegrown Player deal, making him the youngest-ever signing in the club’s history. Minnesota United acquired Homegrown forward Cameron Dunbar from the LA Galaxy in exchange for a 2023 third-round pick and $75,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) if performance-based incentives are met.

In expansion team news, St. Louis City SC made a pair of signings, the first of which saw Aziel Jackson join the newbies from Minnesota United in exchange for $150,000 in 2023 GAM and up to $75,000 in conditional GAM. St. Louis also sent $100,000 in GAM to Austin FC in exchange for midfielder Jared Stroud.

In non-trade news in the West, FC Dallas signed Sebastian Lletget to a three-year deal that includes an option year for 2026, cementing his stay in Texas for the foreseeable future.

MLS Roster Updates

Three teams announced their end-of-season roster updates Monday, and there are a few noteworthy things to cover. Inter Miami did not renew the contract of former Lion Brek Shea, and while Alejandro Pozuelo is out of contract, talks are reportedly being held about a new deal. On the staffing side of things, Miami also signed Head Coach Phil Neville to a contract extension.

The Houston Dynamo picked up the options for Corey Baird and Ethan Bartlow, and other players, but another former Lion, Darwin Ceren, is out of contract. The Dynamo are seemingly waiting on rumored new coach Ben Olsen’s arrival to make decisions about the futures of Darwin Quintero and Fafa Picault, among others.

Finally, Austin FC declined options on Danny Hoesen, Felipe Martins, and several other players, and while the team said discussions are ongoing with a number of players about returning, the Western Conference finalists currently only have 20 players under contract for next season.

UEFA Champions/Europa League Draws

The draws were also held Monday for both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League playoff round, and there are some tasty match-ups to look forward to. In the Champions League, the pick of the bunch sees Liverpool taking on Real Madrid and Bayern Munich squaring off against Paris Saint-Germain. United States Men’s National Team fans will get to see Christian Pulisic’s Chelsea face Gio Reyna and Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, in the Europa League playoffs, Manchester United will face Barcelona after the latter’s elimination from the Champions League. Roma vs. Red Bull Salzburg also has the makings of a sneakily good match, as Salzburg has proved to be a tricky out in European competition.

Liverpool May Go Up for Sale

Fenway Sports Group is reportedly ready to sell its controlling stake in Liverpool FC. Just 12 years after purchasing the team, FSG has hired Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to help solicit potential buyers for the team. While FSG bought the team for £300 million, the club’s current valuation may now be upwards of £4 billion. If completed, Liverpool’s sale would be yet another high profile Premier League team changing hands recently, after Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought Chelsea in the summer, and Newcastle United was sold to Saudia Arabian-based Public Investment Fund around this time last year.

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  • Former Lion Daryl Dike scored a penalty kick for West Brom’s Premier League 2 side in a 5-1 loss to Nottingham Forest in his return from injury.


That does it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.

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.

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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

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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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

Lion Links: 4/23/25

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

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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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